Mingshu, declaring her intention to pray, actually knelt on the cushion earnestly, eyes closed and motionless, beyond reproach.
Not to mention Yun Zhi's numb expression, even the two palace maids guarding outside marveled at her diligence.
Initially, they assumed that the pampered Noble Consort, upon receiving her punishment, would either throw a tantrum or at least try to slack off, right?
Yet, there she was, not showing the slightest hint of deceit in her supplication, her kneeling posture looking rather practiced.
Absurd!
Gradually, the two palace maids also paid less attention to what was going on inside.
When mealtime arrived, Yun Zhi, who had endured without sitting for an hour, finally grew restless.
She moved to Mingshu's side, her tone filled with disappointment, "Noble Consort, please take a break. It's been nearly half an hour!"
Mingshu, eyes closed, did not stir, as if she heard nothing.
"Noble Consort?" Yun Zhi's face was the picture of misery, "At least have something to eat before continuing, won't you?"
"Ah? Is it mealtime already?" Mingshu suddenly woke up with a start, looking at her in confusion.
Yun Zhi's gaze fixed as she stared intently at the suspicious glint at the corner of her mouth, falling into contemplation.
How did praying lead to drooling?
Was she negotiating with Buddha what to have for dinner?
Certainly not.
So, there could only be one answer—
So, the Noble Consort had just taken a nap???
Not that… she could actually fall asleep in such an uncomfortable position?!
Of course, that wasn't the point!
The point was, with the Empress Dowager's informants standing right outside, she endured standing as still as a wooden stake for nearly half an hour to save her master from embarrassment. Meanqwhile, her Noble Consort slept soundly behind her back?
Yun Zhi: Am I the fool?
If Mingshu knew what she was thinking, she would probably laugh out loud, recalling how, back in her school days, she used to stay up late reading novels and struggled to stay awake during classes.
To avoid teacher's notice, she'd tried every difficult posture imaginable, so this was nothing.
It was just that… kneeling too long made the legs go numb.
Mingshu braced herself on the floor for a while before telling Yun Zhi to bring the meal.
After all, the act may be just an act, but meals were not to be skipped!
With a visibly baffled expression, Yun Zhi had someone outside bring in the food.
Then, mistress and servant looked at a plate of bland vegetables and a bowl of plain porridge, both sinking into deep thought.
The palace maid said with a smirk, "The Empress Dowager said, since the Noble Consort is sincere, she must demonstrate it in action, so the Noble Consort must endure a vegetarian diet for the next few days. After all, Buddha would probably think the Noble Consort insincere if he saw her eating meat."
What kind of perverse logic is this?
A corporal punishment is bad enough, but now they're cutting back on food too!
Yun Zhi's frown deepened, she rolled up her sleeves, ready to argue, but Mingshu pulled her back.
Her lips slowly curved into a smile, and her eyes gleamed with determination, "It's just eating vegetarian, this palace can handle it."
For some reason, seeing that smile made the palace maid's eyelids twitch.
The other palace maid glanced over and quietly retreated, heading in the direction of Cining Palace.
As for that utterly disappointing dinner, Yun Zhi didn't touch it, but the Noble Consort seemed to enjoy it immensely.
As impatient as Yun Zhi was, seeing that the two at the door were absent, she couldn't help speaking urgently, "Noble Consort, the Empress Dowager is clearly insulting you!"
Mingshu set down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth methodically, "This palace is aware."
"Then why are you still…"
Mingshu turned her head, noting her actions with raised brows in surprise, "What are you doing?"
With a pout, Yun Zhi gestured to the floor indignantly, "Making the bed, of course. With the dampness here, how can one sleep without a bed at night?"
Mingshu's gaze was one of utter astonishment, "You are really planning to stay the night here?"
She shook her head with a sigh, a look of admiration in her eyes, "Yun Zhi, I never realized you could be so flexible!"
Yun Zhi: ???
Wasn't it you who took on the appearance of someone prepared to settle in long-term?!