Everything developed according to General Mu's suggestions. Since Mo Xiao Li agreed, General Mu sent the chosen woman on her way early the next morning. He then submitted a memorial hoping that the Emperor would soon marry his daughter, so everyone in the court knew that the Emperor would be marrying the legitimate daughter of the General's household, Mu Yueqing.
That day, after a long period of gloomy weather, the sun finally came out, warming everything and making people feel drowsy and unable to resist sleep. However, Mu Junqi had been like a soulless person since that incident, sitting by the window holding Little Prince's clothes and crying. Although Mo Xiao Li was very worried, there was nothing she could do, believing that things would improve after some time.
A few days ago, Consort Qian had been sent back to Guang'an Palace due to health reasons. The obvious intention behind this was clear to everyone; no matter what, a concubine who had fallen into the Cold Palace had a chance to return to her original quarters, and the implications were evident.
Mu Junqi had no thoughts about this at all; nothing could shake her now. Huixin and Ziyue had been carefully attending to her during this time, but there was still no sign of improvement.
Qinxiang Garden was also quiet without a sound. Since these events occurred, Mo Xiao Li had only come a few times, and each time she hurried in and out. Thus, everyone in the harem speculated that the Empress had lost favor.
Consort Qian naturally knew this news as well. After some time of recuperation, her health had improved significantly. Additionally, she had been discreetly inquiring and was aware of everything that had happened during this period.
That day, Consort Qian wore a light pink palace outfit as she walked along the path. The palace maids and eunuchs she encountered dared not be negligent; they all lowered their heads to bow. Consort Qian enjoyed this feeling and walked proudly down the path.
Before long, she arrived at Jinghe Palace where the Empress Dowager resided. Just as she approached, a eunuch came over, first bowing respectfully before speaking in a sharp voice, "May I ask what brings Consort Qian here?"
Peach, standing behind Consort Qian, smiled and secretly handed some silver coins to the eunuch while saying cheerfully, "Our lady just wishes to come and pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. We kindly ask you to announce her arrival."
The eunuch naturally did not dare to be negligent; not only was she a concubine in the harem, but with her backing from the Chancellor's Residence, he felt he had no right to oppose her. He could only smile and rush inside to announce her presence. Shortly after, he came out respectfully saying, "Consort Qian, the Empress Dowager requests your presence."
Taking small steps slowly inside, as soon as she entered, she saw the Empress Dowager being supported by Jinghe from within. She immediately went over to support the Empress Dowager's other arm. Once the Empress Dowager was seated comfortably, Consort Qian stood opposite her and respectfully bowed, saying, "Consort pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager looked up and down at Consort Qian with a smile still on her face. Slowly nodding her head, she said, "Be seated."
"Empress Dowager, please forgive Consort for coming to greet you so late. I have been unwell these past few days, which caused the delay," Consort Qian said softly as she took her seat.
The Empress Dowager naturally understood and instructed Jinghe behind her a few words before continuing, "How are you feeling now? If you are still not well, you should go back and rest. If you catch a chill, I will not feel good about it either."
Seeing the loving expression on the Empress Dowager's face, Consort Qian couldn't help but sneer inwardly, but she maintained a gentle and obedient demeanor. She took out a silk handkerchief and slowly wiped the corner of her eyes before saying, "Consort knows that I have made many mistakes in the past due to my ignorance. Fortunately, my sister was fine that day; otherwise, Consort would be feeling guilty now. I had originally prepared to stay in the Cold Palace for my Empress sister's well-being for the rest of my life, but plans can never keep up with changes." As she spoke, she wiped her eyes again.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager also understood but was unwilling to voice it. She smiled and said, "As long as you are fine, that matter is in the past. I believe you are still a good child and will get along well with the Empress in the future."
"Of course, I just hope my sister does not hate Consort too much."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager sighed softly. Consort Qian quickly asked, "Empress Dowager, do you have something on your mind? If you don't mind sharing it with Consort, I would like to listen."
The Empress Dowager looked at Consort Qian and began to speak: "You must have heard about this matter. In truth, how could I not feel sad? This child is the Emperor's eldest son; it is only right that he should not meet such an unfortunate end. I had high hopes for this child, but who would have thought... sigh... this child is truly unfortunate." As she spoke, tears began to fall uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Consort Qian hurriedly comforted her: "This matter cannot be blamed on you; it is only because this child lacks fortune. However, the Emperor is still young, and there will naturally be more children soon."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager calmed down. At that moment, Jinghe approached with a brocade box in hand. The Empress Dowager took it and smiled: "This is a tribute sent by a foreign country last time; it is said to be a thousand-year-old ginseng. I do not need it, so I will give it to you. Take good care of your health; I hope you can soon bear us more offspring."
Consort Qian stood up in surprise and accepted the brocade box with both hands, momentarily forgetting to express her gratitude until Jinghe beside her remarked, "It seems that Consort Qian is truly very happy."
Consort Qian immediately came back to her senses and knelt down on the ground, deeply bowing her head to the Empress Dowager. "Consort thanks the Empress Dowager for the gift."
"Alright, you are still unwell; go back now," the Empress Dowager said with a smile. After hearing this, Consort Qian performed another bow before retreating.
Seeing Consort Qian leave, Jinghe quietly said, "Empress Dowager, is what we are doing right?"
"No matter what, we can only do this now. Consort Xi's child is relatively obedient and won't amount to much, while the Empress will definitely have ulterior motives against me because I killed her child. Only Consort Qian is different."
"Empress Dowager is indeed wise. You secretly let her out of the Cold Palace and have made peace with her today. If I am not mistaken, this Consort Qian will definitely not be a good opponent. At that time, we can control the entire harem," Jinghe analyzed.
The Empress Dowager listened but did not speak; instead, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she looked into the distance and chuckled softly.
Consort Qian, leaving the Quiet Palace, smiled mockingly and said to Peach beside her, "What do you think about this matter?"
"In response to your Highness, if I am not mistaken, the Empress Dowager intends to win you over. However, I am unsure what her true intentions are at present. We must be cautious moving forward."
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