Chapter 8, The Attitude of Consort Zhao

In an instant, the atmosphere in the main hall became tense.

Whether it is the noble Consort Zhao or Cai Yue, the hint of suspicion in their eyes has fallen upon Shen Ao. At this moment, he can only regret his previous poor performance, which has led to such distrust from others. However, since he has arrived, everything will change from now on. The goat milk soap is merely the beginning; there will be more novel things to come in the future. For now, the task at hand is to persuade the other party to believe in him. However, since he has arrived, everything will change from now on. The goat milk soap is merely the beginning; there will be more novel things to come in the future. For now, the task at hand is to persuade the other party to believe in him

Shen Ao's smile made the amusement in Empress Zhao's eyes even more pronounced, prompting her to teasingly ask, "Ao'er, have you already thought of a solution?"

The change in the gaze of Empress Zhao fell into Shen Ao's eyes, and he also smiled. He understood that the Empress had grasped the meaning behind his words, and thus he chuckled as well

Shen Ao's explanation fell on the ears of Empress Zhao, and this time she could not help but believe it. Although she knew Shen Ao's nature, that he liked to cause trouble and was often quite reckless, he had always been very honest in front of her, never speaking falsehoods. Now, with Zhao Yuanji as a witness, it seemed that the matter could not be false.

Shen Ao wore a look of great happiness. In fact, given his status, it would not be impossible for him to force his way into the matter. However, after much consideration, he decided to go through Princess Zhao, which also served as a way for him to inform her that the matter of the goat milk soap could not be handled solely by the Zhao Workshop, rather than indicating that he was unwilling to collaborate with the Zhao family. After all, the Zhao family was also his mother's maternal family, and if he were to distance himself from them, it would inevitably lead to gossip behind his back. Nevertheless, after much thought, he still chose to go through Princess Zhao, which also served as a way for him to inform her that the matter of the goat milk soap could not be handled solely by the Zhao Workshop, rather than indicating that he was unwilling to collaborate with the Zhao family. After all, the Zhao family was also his mother's maternal family, and if he were to distance himself from them, it would inevitably lead to gossip behind his back.

The Empress Zhao is crying again

Aunt, the goat milk soap is truly a product of pride, or is it made by the Zhao family workshop in the city? Cousin Yuanji is also aware of this matter; it can be confirmed by simply asking. These goat milk soaps are merely the first batch of finished products, primarily intended for sharing with you, and there will be more goat milk soaps released in the future, which will benefit even more people.

The performance of Caiyue beside her was even worse, as a soft exclamation of "Ah!" escaped her lips. Realizing that she had lost her composure, she hurriedly covered her mouth with her delicate hand, and then her large eyes, filled with little stars, turned towards Shen Ao. While she felt a bit of joy, there was still more suspicion in her heart. Could such a wonderfully effective goat milk soap truly have been made by the young lord of a small country?

Shen Ao chuckled softly, fully aware that as soon as he mentioned his deceased mother, Empress Zhao would inevitably cry for a while. He did not rush to dissuade her; instead, he waited until after a while, when the Empress's tears were about to cease, and then he spoke, "Aunt, what do you think of the effect of this goat milk soap?"

Aunt, your discerning eyes are like torches. First, a flattery was thrown over, and then Shen Ao spoke up: "If I am not mistaken, in three days it will be the Zhengyang Festival. Every year at this time, the eldest princess holds a boat outing and composes poetry by the banks of the Luoshui Lake. I, Shen Ao, am not talented, but I would also like to join in the festivities. However, I am troubled by not having received an invitation. Aunt, what do you think..."

Having chosen to trust Shen Ao, Empress Zhao felt a surge of joy. First, there was a splendid rendition of "Little Pond," followed by the delightful scent of goat milk soap. Today, Shen Ao brought her an abundance of pleasant surprises. Fortunately, all of this was good news. Reflecting on this, Empress Zhao smiled, but soon tears began to flow uncontrollably. "Indeed, Ao'er has finally grown up, and he is so clever. I am sure that if my late sister were to know of these things, she would surely smile in her grave"

Empress Zhao is not merely a woman; she is also the favored consort of the current emperor and has given birth to a son and a daughter, both of whom are royal descendants. Raising them to adulthood is certainly no easy task

In the main hall, which had originally felt somewhat hot due to the blazing sun outside, the temperature seemed to drop by several degrees at this moment, imparting a slightly gloomy sensation to those present

This is not the first time Shen Ao has encountered such a situation. In the past, whenever he engaged in some disgraceful acts, he would always be summoned by the Empress for a face-to-face admonition, often in a similar manner. However, this time is different from before; it is a moment of joy that brings him to tears

Cough. Shen Ao cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly, knowing that this was a misunderstanding by Empress Zhao. For the sake of the greater plan, it was necessary for him to explain, so he said: "Aunt, to speak candidly, this item was made by me, Ao'er."

Thank you very much, Auntie.

Having experienced the benefits of goat milk soap, I am more aware of the kind of competitive storm it may provoke. If this leads to a coalition among the other concubines, it is likely that the Zhao family will be unable to withstand it. Therefore, a strong partner is needed; only by finding a more formidable backing can one hope to stand firm at the center of the storm without faltering

In just a few moments, Empress Zhao had identified the most suitable candidate in her heart. When she looked at Shen Ao, her eyes were filled with a sense of satisfaction. She was pleased that Shen Ao could think of these things, as it proved that the child she had watched grow up was maturing.

Hmm? What? The noble and elegant Consort Zhao, who has always faced many matters with composure, was momentarily taken aback. She had considered many possible explanations, such as Shen Ao expending great effort to purchase it from foreign merchants, but she could never have imagined that this was actually made by Shen Ao himself

"Aunt, may I ask, if such a wonderful thing were to be revealed, would it not attract competition and perhaps even envy from certain individuals?" Shen Ao skillfully guided the conversation, completely seizing the initiative in his hands

In contrast, the schemes of the women in the palace are the most malicious. Often, in order to achieve their goals, they resort to all means possible, and throughout history, countless concubines have lost their lives or been relegated to the cold palace as a result. Surviving in such a complex environment is not easy, let alone thriving in it. How could Consort Zhao be someone to be easily deceived? Would she truly be as kind and amiable as she usually appears?

In an instant, many thoughts flashed through the mind of Empress Zhao at the mention of Shen Ao, wondering whether it would provoke competition and jealousy. If this matter were not handled properly, it could lead to disastrous consequences for both Shen Ao and herself, resulting in the destruction of their families.

"It is very useful, and the aunt is very fond of it," said Empress Zhao, speaking candidly.

Hahaha. The Empress Zhao, shedding her previous shyness, laughed more freely. It was likely because the princess mentioned by Shen Ao was precisely the person she had just been thinking about. The fact that both of them could arrive at the same thought was enough to prove that Shen Ao had put considerable thought into this matter and had taken it seriously. This further delighted Empress Zhao, who, in a joyful mood, said, "This matter is of no concern; every year, the young talents among the Zhao family will also be invited. I will bring you an invitation."

There is a saying that the most venomous heart is that of a woman