If Empress Ping saw the naughty glance Yu Mei and Ji Er made towards each other, she would flip out. They were actually having fun watching her misery.
The drumstick slowly touched Empress Ping's lips. With the most disgusted face, she took a bite. Yu Mei tried her best not to laugh as she began to speak to her mother-in-law. "Mother, do you like the food? I hope you don't mind that they are all made with the same kind of meat."
"Mm…it's very delicious," she managed to say calmly.
"I'm glad you like them. I was afraid you would be tired of eating all chicken dishes."
"Everything is tasty. I'm thankful for your concern."
"To be exact, I came across wild chickens in the backyard a few days ago. The sight was shocking. It scared me. They were being such troublemakers so I decided I would cook them all. I'm glad you don't mind all these chicken dishes." Yu Mei made sure to say the word chicken multiple times to satisfy herself.
"There were loose chickens in the palace? How come I didn't hear of it?" Consort Nuan added.
"It's true, I saw…"
*Ahem* Empress Ping quickly cut Yu Mei off. "Only a few chickens escaped. Nothing to worry about. I thoroughly enjoy these dishes. Let's continue to eat." She couldn't help but suspiciously look at Yu Mei. Whether Yu Mei knew about the incident or not, Empress Ping would never find out but she did have her suspicions. But that suspicion quickly dissolved. The only people there that morning were Tao Yu her personal maid, three other maids and herself. She had forbid anyone from saying anything. Just now, she thought she was overthinking it.
Pei Nan tried hard not to pay attention to her but it was so hard. Hearing her speak pleasantly to his mother was nice. Usually the two of them would not exchange more than two words of greetings. This sudden change made him happy. Maybe it wasn't so bad that Yu Mei lost her memories.
Not long after dinner started, a group of women performers entered the room. After greeting the emperor and empress, they began to dance in the center. The room became much quieter than before as everyone earnestly watched the performances.
Ji Er leaned over. "Sister Yu Mei, you did a really good job this time. I'm sure mother will reward you."
"You should have seen her face when Pei Nan told her I was planning her birthday. She won't reward me for sure."
"Really?"
Yu Mei imitated Empress Ping's face. "I don't trust Yu Mei." Ji Er covered her mouth with her sleeve and giggled lightly. Yu Mei also let out a small laughter. Ji Er wanted to compliment her. Her imitation was on point. "Sister Yu Mei, you are bad." she lightly hit Yu Mei on the thigh.
"If you think I am bad, wait for the play." Once again, a smug smile appeared on her face.
"Oh? Mother may flip out if she hears you planned all this." Ji Er teased her.
After dinner, Yu Mei stood up. "Mother, I have one last gift for you. I wrote out a play for you." This not only got Empress Ping's attention but Pei Nan, Gu Shao and the emperor's. "You wrote a play for me? How thoughtful." Half sincere, half pretentious.
"En. I'm sure you will like it. I worked hard these past days to get it all done. Shall we go take a look outside?"
"Mei'er (friendly way of addressing Yu Mei), I didn't know you knew how to write plays. I'm truly curious now." The emperor sincerely spoke.
"Father, I am still a newbie. I hope it doesn't disappoint you."
"Don't worry about it. It's been a long time since I've seen a play. I'm sure your play will be great." he assured her.
"Thank you father," Yu Mei has only encountered her father-in-law a few times but this was the first time she actually exchanged words with him. Surprisingly he was the opposite of Empress Ping. Emperor Huang was laid back and easy going. A complete opposite from the stern and biased Empress Ping.
Of course they weren't the only people taking about the play. Many of the guests were talking about it and looking forward to it.
"Good! Mei'er, why don't you lead us." The emperor gestured for her to go first.
Outside was a large built stage on the left side of the courtyard. To the left was a large painted city backdrop and on the right, a mountain scene backdrop. Everyone gathered around in awe. The props and stage was beautifully decorated. The scene left a deep impression on many.
Yu Mei turned to her mother-in-law. "Mother, I thought of you when I wrote it." Empress Ping didn't say anything. All she could do was fake a smile.
The crowd quieted down when the elderly male narrator came out. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Please enjoy this little play called Loving Mother."
Act 1: Ni Ni meets her mother-in-law.
Act 2: Going to the temple together. For this particular act, the female actresses for Ni Ni and the mother were acting out a scene where the two of them shared a meal on the way to the temple after Ni Ni forgot to bring her lunch.
Act 3: The ideal mother-in-law. NI Ni and her mother-in-law getting along.
Act 4: Praying. When they arrive at the temple, Ni Ni prays for her mother-in-law to finally give birth to a child.
Ac t 5: Heavens blessing her with hundreds. The heavens hear Ni NI's prayer. When the mother-in-law wakes up, she finds hundreds of grasshoppers at the foot of her bed. Instead of giving her a child, the heavens gift her with pets. The mother-in-law lives happily as she takes care of those grasshoppers.
During the whole play, Empress Ping's face became darker and darker. Why did she feel this was about her? As if Yu Mei was mocking her. All the muscles in her face twitched. It was uncomfortable to watch. Sadly she was the only thinking this. Everyone else had thought this was very touching until the unexpected ending which left people amused. It was such a random scene; no one could keep from giggling.
When it ended, Gu Shao slowly approached Yu Mei. "Eh, where did you come up with such a silly ending?" he joked with her. Yu Mei looked up at him, "Dreamed of it."
Gu Shao couldn't help but let out a silly smile. "Even your dreams are as silly as you." He teased. She looked at him as if offended. "I am not silly and this play was brilliant. Wouldn't you say so?"
"Very good indeed."
As the two of them were creating small talk, on the other side was an annoyed Pei Nan. Even when he was standing with Fei Ning by his side, once he caught Gu Shao inching closer to Yu Mei, he almost rushed over. The whole time Fei Ning was talking to him, he had been too riled up with Gu Shao and Yu Mei that he didn't hear any of her words.
After everyone applauded the play, the banquet was over. Some of the younger girls would walk pass Yu Mei and compliment her.
The only people standing outside now were Pei Nan, Yu Mei, the three consorts, Gu Shao, the empress and the emperor. "Mei'er, I'm sure if you wanted to pursue scriptwriting, you would become famous overnight." The emperor laughed and praised her. Everything about the play was going so well and then BAM! That unexpected ending.
"Yes, it was very good." The empress spoke through her teeth. She hated every minute of it. She was for sure this was a play mocking her. Yu Mei boldly walked forward and held her mother-in-law's hand. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you want, I can play it for you anytime you want."
"I'll remember that." She gently moved her hand away from Yu Mei and walked over to Pei Nan.
"Nan, I haven't seen you and your brother for a long time. Stay the night and talk with me. Okay?" she spoke as if she was wronged. Like she was being neglected. "Shao, you will stay the night, right?" she looked at him. "I planned on staying the night. Mother was thinking the same as me." Gu Shao was the first to answer. Pei Nan could only agree to her request too. Yu Mei hated this. This meant that she and the rest of his consorts would have to stay the night.