Before Ji Cheng could say anything to Wen Xu, Zhao Ming spoke, " Who said I didn't prepared a gift for the Empress Dowager?"

As she spoke she turned to look at Xiao Li.

Zhao Ming didn't call Wen Xu as Mother, but as Empress Dowager. She doesn't want to call someone like Wen Xu as Mother.

Xiao Li who was going to say something was cut in between and was rather stunned.

She looked at Zhao Ming with shocked expression, " Eh? Sister, I am not saying you didn't prepare anything for Mother. You did. See, his highness has presented such beautiful gifts for long life of Mother." she said while pointing towards the two gift baskets.

She continued, " I know, you didn't have the time, as you just woke up from the coma. So it's okay. His highness has prepared the gifts in your stead for mother. "

" But it would have been better if you prepared only a handkerchief for Mother. Because gift does not have to be expensive but it should have feelings," she said while trying to be thoughtful.

Everyone in the Banquet was moved by Xiao Li's words.

They were impressed by how she carried herself, and how thoughtful she is.

Zhao Ming looked at Xiao Li and felt disgusted by her words.

' This girl could win an Oscar in acting.' she felt like insects were crawling on her body, after listening to Xiao Li's words.

.....

Author: " Okay. That's too much."

XM: " Then you come, and talk with her. Then you will know."

Author: " No. You're right. If it's insects, then let it be."

XM: " - _-"

...

Hearing Xiao Li's words, Zhao Ming forced a smile and said, " When did I said that I am talking about the gifts that his highness has prepared? "

Xiao Li furrowed her eyes at her.

Ji Cheng also turned to look at Zhao Ming questionably. He was confused.

Because when he said, that he will prepare everything, she got ready in an instant.

He looked at Zhao Ming with surprise in his eyes.

Wen Xu was also looking at Zhao Ming. Zhao Ming's words surprised her a little.

Because she thought, that she didn't prepare anything.

' But what new she can prepare? It must be her same embroidered scarf or something.' Wen Xu snickered in her heart.

Earlier, Zhao Ming used to make gifts for Wen Xu herself. She believed that anything can be bought with money but feelings can be only conveyed through the heart only.

So she prepared everything herself.

...

Sensing everyone's gaze, Zhao Ming smiled devilishly.

Then she signaled Lu shi to bring something.

Lu shi nodded and went outside.

Everyone started whispering about the situation. They have seen how Xiao Li has prepared a rare jade to the Empress Dowager.

They were curious, what will the Empress will gift to the Empress Dowager.

If she couldn't bring something better than Xiao Li, then it will be humiliating for Zhao Ming.

Because everyone will think that the Consort head is better than the Empress.

And Zhao Ming's reputation will be degraded in the harem and society too, as everyone from prestigious families were present.

But despite everyone's whisper, Zhao Ming was calm and composed.

She had a slight smile on her face.

When Xiao Li saw Zhao Ming's smile, she was slightly taken back. Because at that time, Zhao Ming didn't look like Zhao Ming.

She felt unfamiliar and distant.

....

Soon Lu shi came back, with two maids following her. The two maids were the same maids appointed by Ji Cheng in her service.

Seeing those two maids with Lu shi, Ji Cheng smiled.

' At least she didn't deny this request of mine.' he felt glad that she was using the maids, that he sent for her.

He had thought that she would return them as she was very distant from him after she woke up.

She also didn't wear the dress he sent, though she had given an excuse for it, but in his heart, he felt bad because of it.

....

Slowly the trio made their way to the Royal sitting area.

The two maids were carrying two large trays, covered with a colorful cloth.

Everyone was surprised to see this. Because generally people cover their gifts a golden cloth but they had used colored simple cloth?

Xiao Li looked at those covered trays and snickered inwardly.

' It must be some cheap gift. Her gift cannot be unique and precious as mine.'

Her lips curved in a smile.

Wen Xu and Ji Cheng also looked at the trays with curiosity.

The maids carefully placed the trays on the table and stepped backward.

Then Zhao Ming cleared her throat and stepped forward.

She looked at Wen Xu and then at everyone. Ji Cheng was watching her from the back.

He was a few steps back from Zhao Ming.

" Today, Consort Xiao Li gifted Mother a very precious jade stone. It was very rare. I am thankful to Xiao Li for bringing such great treasure from L country to S country." she turned towards Xiao Li and gave her a grateful smile.

Xiao Li was slightly taken back at her words.

She continued," Mother, this gift is nothing in front of you. And it cannot be compared to the precious jade either. " she looked at Wen Xu and said.

" But I am sure, there is nothing like this gift that I brought for you. Nobody in this country can make this, other than me," she said with a smile.

Hearing her words, everyone was stunned. These were the very big words to say.

They know that Zhao Ming was the daughter of the Zhao Bai who has invented many medicine. So they expected some new medicine.

The doctors or who knows medicine was interested in Zhao Ming's gift.

Everyone looked at her curiosity.

Seeing everyone's curious gaze,? Zhao Ming smiled confidently.