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墨書 Inktalez
Yun Jin Palace
Everyone was seated, and the envoy had arrived; they were just waiting for the Empress, but she had yet to make an appearance.
"After waiting so long, what is the Empress doing? The Illegitimate Daughter is so inconsiderate; how can she lose face in front of everyone?" The Empress Dowager sat to the left of Mo Xiao Li, and from her expression, it was clear that she was very angry. Not only her, but also the Foreign Envoy, who, despite being a distinguished guest, found it surprising that everyone had to wait for a mere woman. Even if she was the Empress, it clearly showed a lack of respect.
"The Empress has arrived," a sharp voice announced, piercing through the air.
As soon as the sharp voice fell, a flash of rose red entered through the door. Everyone was stunned at the sight, including Mo Xiao Li on stage. The Empress appeared shy yet charming under the glow of the palace lanterns. Unlike other consorts who wore heavy makeup and colorful attire, she radiated an innate nobility that commanded respect from all present.
Even the Foreign Envoy was taken aback. Was this truly the Empress whom everyone criticized? Such a beautiful person could not possibly be someone who lacked decorum. Just as everyone was lost in thought, Mu Junqi had already taken her place at the front, seated with the assistance of palace maids. Only then did everyone kneel to pay their respects. Yun Cheng had been fixated on her since she entered, feeling a stir in his heart.
Once everyone was seated, Mo Xiao Li cleared his throat and said, "Since the Empress has arrived, let us begin." With that, Li Fusheng called out loudly, "The banquet begins."
After this announcement, the officials below still dared not move, primarily because there were distinguished guests present. They all turned their gazes toward the people from Nanyang. Seeing Mu Junqi looking somewhat dispirited did not anger Mo Xiao Li; instead, he leaned closer and whispered in a tone only they could hear, "You look most beautiful tonight," followed by a foolish smile.
The warm breath brushed against her ear, causing her to blush involuntarily. She could only respond softly, "Thank you for not blaming Consort," before returning to her expressionless gaze at the exquisite dishes before her.
Mo Xiao Li was not upset; instead, he looked toward Yun Cheng not far away and said loudly, "Everyone should feel at ease; these dishes are unique to my Western Yan."
Mu Junqi also glanced over in response and saw Yun Cheng's smooth and fair face with deep black eyes that shimmered alluringly—everything about him exuded nobility and elegance. When she noticed him looking back at her, she instinctively turned away because she caught a glimpse of mischief in his eyes.
Yun Cheng stood up with his companions and clasped his hands together saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, Yan Emperor." He then raised his wine cup and continued, "I toast to Yan Emperor and Empress Yan." After finishing his words, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one go. Following suit, his subordinates raised their cups and drank as well before turning their attention toward Mo Xiao Li.
Mo Xiao Li knew she could not refuse, so she ordered two cups of wine to be poured, handing one to Mu Junqi while raising her own with a relaxed smile, saying, "I also hope that our two countries can coexist peacefully in the future." After finishing her drink in one gulp, she leaned back.
Mu Junqi held the cup of wine, hesitating for a moment. She had never dared to drink alcohol because it would lead to her getting drunk. If she were to get drunk at such a banquet, it would surely become a laughingstock for everyone. She could only look at Mo Xiao Li with difficulty.
How could Mo Xiao Li not understand her meaning? She watched her silently until Mu Junqi cast a pleading glance, then calmly said, "If the Empress cannot handle wine, then tea will suffice instead." The others could not go against her wishes and had to order a palace maid to pour a cup of tea, which was finally settled.
Meanwhile, not far away at the concubines' table, someone was whispering, "Look at her smug expression; the Emperor truly dotes on her. It seems we will have to curry favor with that wretched person from now on." Another person immediately chimed in, "Exactly! We need to be careful not to give her any leverage over us."
Consort Qian listened to their conversation and shot them an angry glance. After surveying them briefly, the two fell silent. However, their words lingered in her mind as she looked at the woman sitting beside the Emperor, smiling charmingly. She couldn't help but grip the silk handkerchief tightly, her beautiful face twisting slightly in anger.
That position had originally belonged to her, but everything had changed now. Regardless of how things were, as long as the Emperor still feared the Chancellor, she still had a chance. However, she underestimated the Emperor's affection for that wretched person. Despite all the rumors over time, that wretched person had not lost favor; instead, she received even more attention from the Emperor. Gifts continued to flow into her palace while Consort Qian had not seen the Emperor for a long time. This thought made her even more furious.
But how could she give up after being nurtured by the Chancellor for over ten years? With a cold laugh, she slowly stood up. All eyes turned toward her; this attention was what she had always desired. With a seductive sway of her figure, she walked up to Mo Xiao Li's couch and slightly bowed while softly saying, "Sister is truly stunning tonight; I feel ashamed standing here. I wonder if Sister could rise and perform a dance for everyone to welcome the esteemed envoys from Nanyang?" She looked at Mo Xiao Li expectantly.
As soon as these words were spoken, murmurs erupted among those present. No one expected Consort Qian to say something so outrageous. The Empress Dowager was particularly angered and glared at Consort Qian with a stern voice saying, "Consort Qian truly lacks decorum; quickly withdraw!" Her tone was somewhat harsh, but Consort Qian was entirely focused on embarrassing Mu Junqi and did not notice the displeased expressions around her.
Mu Junqi remained silent throughout this exchange, observing like an outsider while secretly smirking. No matter how much the Emperor and Empress Dowager favored Consort Qian, speaking such words on this day would likely lead to an unfavorable outcome for her. Thus, Mu Junqi wore a faint smile.
Consort Qian still did not understand what was happening. With a seductive smile, she pressed on aggressively: "Could it be that Sister is feeling stage fright? That would surely give Wise King and others something to laugh about; wouldn't you agree?"
Just as Mu Junqi was about to speak up, Mo Xiao Li could no longer suppress her anger and coldly said, "You should leave now!"
Consort Qian thought it was merely the Emperor protecting Mu Junqi and failed to detect the anger in those words. She continued, "I’m sure Wise King from Nanyang would also like to appreciate the charm of women from Western Yan," laughing while covering her mouth with a handkerchief.
"Step back!" Mo Xiao Li suddenly spoke up. Consort Qian then realized he was angry and, trembling with fear, looked at him and asked in confusion, "Why?"
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