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Upon hearing the words of the Empress Dowager, Consort Xi's face immediately flushed with a hint of red as she lowered her head and smiled gently. "Xi Er, from now on, you will assist the Empress," she said, revealing a kind smile.
Mu Junqi observed this and instantly understood the situation. Her expression remained unchanged, but she stood up and looked at Consort Xi, saying, "I didn't get a chance to greet you properly last time. Now that I've had a good look, you truly are beautiful."
Consort Xi stood up abruptly, bowed slightly to Mu Junqi, and then whispered, "Your Majesty is too kind."
"From now on, we are sisters, so there's no need to be so formal. It's just..." Mu Junqi hesitated for a moment and then looked at the Empress Dowager. "It's just that the Empress Dowager might not think it appropriate for such a young and beautiful sister to be burdened with the trivial matters of the harem. I believe the Emperor would be heartbroken if that were to happen. Don't you agree, Empress Dowager?"
The Empress Dowager looked at Mu Junqi's half-smiling face and felt that the person standing before her was no longer the silent woman from before. Moreover, to say such things in front of so many people made it difficult for her to maintain her composure. With some irritation, she looked at Mu Junqi and said, "If this is what the Empress wishes, then Xi Er should reside in Yunxi Palace; it will be closer to the Emperor."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall looked at the Empress Dowager in disbelief. Yunxi Palace was not far from Tianming Palace and was originally intended as the Empress's residence. However, after the Empress Dowager moved there to assist the Former Emperor, Jingxian Palace was designated as the Empress's quarters. Yunxi Palace had been vacant for a long time, and no one expected it to be granted to such a woman.
At this moment, Mu Junqi also understood; this truly put the Empress Dowager in a difficult position. It seemed she had calculated everything from the start. If Mu Junqi agreed to her request, it would render the position of Empress almost meaningless. But if she refused, it would bestow great honor upon Consort Xi.
This was indeed a challenging decision. However, since this had already been decided by the Empress Dowager, it would be best to go along with it and present everything as a gift to Consort Xi.
Consort Xi appeared stunned; everyone present knew the significance of Yunxi Palace. She immediately knelt down and softly said, "Empress Dowager, your kindness is overwhelming. I cannot accept such an honor."
Seeing her delicate face, Mu Junqi smiled gently and spoke before the Empress Dowager could respond: "Sister Consort Xi should not refuse any longer. Since the Empress Dowager has made this decision, just accept it." She walked over and helped her up.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened considerably as she nodded in satisfaction. "The Empress is right; you should move over today. If you need anything, just let me know."
Consort Xi nodded lightly and then nodded at Mu Junqi before sitting down again. The Empress Dowager then said, "Seeing you both so harmonious puts my mind at ease. You may all leave now."
The crowd then stood up to pay their respects and, under the leadership of Mu Junqi, left Jinghe Palace. Throughout the entire process, Consort Qian remained silent, feeling puzzled, but the pressing question was what exactly the background of Consort Xi was.
Standing at the palace gate, Mu Junqi looked at the other consorts and said, "I wonder if my sisters have any plans for today? This Palace has set up a banquet at Jingxian Palace. If everyone has no other matters, come over and join in the festivities."
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback. This was the first time she had invited all the consorts to Jingxian Palace since entering the palace. After a moment of stunned silence, they quickly reacted, knowing that regardless of how much they disliked the Empress, it would be unreasonable not to attend after such an invitation.
Thus, everyone slightly bowed and said, "Thank you, Empress."
Hearing their response, Mu Junqi smiled with satisfaction and then turned to the quietly standing Consort Qian and said, "Consort Qian, if you have nothing else to do, you should come as well. After all, this Palace is quite lonely by herself. What do you think?"
Consort Qian did not respond but instead looked at Consort Xi beside her. Mu Junqi understood her intention; she merely hoped that Consort Xi would also come.
"Consort Xi has nothing to do either. If Sister doesn’t mind, I would like to join in for some fun," Consort Xi suddenly spoke up.
"Of course! You all should come over today," Mu Junqi said softly as she looked around. Then she took her seat on the Phoenix Palanquin, a symbol of her high status, and departed.
Watching Mu Junqi leave, everyone dispersed, unaware that this banquet would change many destinies.
As soon as she returned to Jingxian Palace, she saw Mo Xiao Li sitting in a pavilion outside. From a distance, he exuded an aura of authority without anger. It must be said that this man was truly impeccable; however, fate had played with all of them.
Mo Xiao Li sensed her probing gaze and turned around to see Mu Junqi. He immediately smiled; his clear and distant gaze shifted from afar to her. His slender eyes sparkled with clarity as he slightly raised the corners of his eyes as if smiling.
She obediently walked forward, slightly bowed her body, and said, "Your Majesty, what brings you here at this hour?"
"I just finished the court session and wanted to come and have a meal with you. You haven't eaten yet, right?" Mo Xiao Li stood up and walked to Mu Junqi, pulling her into his embrace and speaking in a low voice.
Mu Junqi subtly stepped back and then softly said, "Then Consort should go give the orders." As she spoke, she broke free from his hold and turned to leave. Watching Mu Junqi walk away, he reined in his smile.
In the dining room, Ziyue respectfully arranged the dishes nearby. For a moment, the only sounds were their breathing and the clinking of bowls and plates. At that moment, Mo Xiao Li put down his chopsticks and looked at Mu Junqi, saying, "My beloved, I heard that you invited the consorts from various palaces today. How about I send over the chefs from the Imperial Kitchen?"
Mu Junqi wiped her mouth with the handkerchief Huixin had handed her and replied softly, "That would be perfect. Consort thanks Your Majesty." She then pretended to rise to bow.
Mo Xiao Li first pressed her back down and then said loudly, "Why be so formal? If you are willing to join the other consorts, I would be more than happy."
"Your Majesty, Consort has something to ask you," Mu Junqi suddenly said as she looked at Mo Xiao Li.
"Just speak your mind."
"A few days ago, Consort Xi entered the palace. I wonder what her background is? The Empress Dowager granted her Yunxi Palace to reside in."
"What? How could the Empress Dowager do that?" Mo Xiao Li stood up in surprise and then looked at Mu Junqi, letting out a long sigh before saying, "This Consort Xi is the granddaughter of Sun Shangshu. She has been serving the Empress Dowager in the Palace Exterior for some time, which is why she is favored by the Empress Dowager. I just didn't expect that she would be granted Yunxi Palace."
Mu Junqi chuckled lightly and said, "What does it matter? Since she is a favored woman of the Empress Dowager, we should follow her wishes, shouldn't we?"
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