After that incident, the people in the harem gradually forgot about her, and no one came to cause trouble anymore. Now, Mu Junqi had become the laughingstock of the world, but this didn't matter much to her, as her current life was much more comfortable.
She moved her body slightly, feeling numb and devoid of sensation. Ever since she entered the Cold Palace, it seemed like everything had died; she couldn't even remember the last time she spoke.
Looking outside, she suddenly heard the sound of firecrackers. Confused, she smiled lightly. Just then, the old door was pushed open, and the Court Matron walked in slowly with a food box.
"Do you know what day it is today?"
Hearing the Matron's voice, she felt puzzled. After all, in the past, every time the Matron came, she would curse and never wanted to say a word to her. She opened her mouth but said nothing.
The Matron noticed and sneered, "Today is the day the Emperor marries General Mu's legitimate daughter. It is said that she was granted the title of Imperial Noble Consort as soon as she entered the palace."
"Imperial Noble Consort..." She softly repeated this title. The Matron thought she must be in great pain now, but unexpectedly, she laughed—laughing without any dignity—as if it were the first time anyone had seen her like this in a long time. After muttering "What a fool," the Matron left.
Watching the Matron leave, Mu Junqi's mind wandered elsewhere. She had known before entering the palace that her sister liked him; she never expected that within just a year, her sister would truly enter the harem. Now that she had the support of the General's residence behind her, it was clear that her future life would not be as miserable as hers.
Picking up her chopsticks to eat the cold food, she suddenly noticed a drop of clear liquid on her hand. In a daze, she realized that all along, she had been a pawn in someone else's game, with no thoughts of her own.
Meanwhile, Mo Xiao Li sat upright in court, receiving congratulations from civil and military officials. Her face showed no expression at all. Mu Hongfan could hardly hide his smile beside her. Seeing this, Prime Minister Kang stepped forward and said, "I didn't expect General Mu's daughter to win His Majesty's affection; they are truly exceptional among people."
"Prime Minister Kang flatters me; your daughter is also quite remarkable," he replied.
The two exchanged compliments about each other's daughters, appearing harmonious on the surface while everyone secretly knew they were at odds with each other.
Mo Xiao Li silently watched this scene, but his mind was on that person. It had been over a month since their separation, and as time passed, he found it increasingly difficult to control his longing. He only knew that she had never loved him from the beginning to the end.
Beside him, Li Fusheng felt a tightening in his heart as he looked at the emperor. During this time, the emperor had lost quite a bit of weight, but he knew all of this was because of Empress.
"Alright, my beloved ministers, today is a day worth celebrating. I have decided to hold a banquet tonight, and you may bring your families to attend." After speaking, he left without acknowledging the ministers' thanks.
General Mu looked at the departing Mo Xiao Li and sneered inwardly, "In the end, you still have to listen to me..."
As night approached, before it was completely dark, music began to play in the palace. Everyone's faces were filled with joy, and amidst the sea of red decorations, the festive atmosphere became even more pronounced.
Although everything appeared beautiful, at that moment Consort Qian and Consort Xi were preoccupied with other thoughts. Consort Qian could hardly contain her anger and furiously smashed objects in her chamber to vent her frustration. The palace maids and eunuchs dared not breathe a word.
It was not until Peach snatched a vase from her hands and knelt on the ground that Consort Qian angrily sat down on a chair. Seeing this, Peach handed the vase to a nearby maid and stepped forward to say, "Your Highness, I know you must be very angry right now, but this is not the time for anger. We should first understand what kind of person our opponent is."
Only then did Consort Qian come to her senses and looked at her, saying, "Then tell me, what good suggestions do you have?"
"In response to Your Highness," Peach said respectfully while lowering her head, "I believe that you were able to leave the Cold Palace thanks to General Mu, who must have put in considerable effort. You should get along harmoniously with the Imperial Noble Consort. If General Mu sees you like this now, it might lead to unforeseen consequences. Therefore, the most important thing right now is to go to Ruo Ning Palace and form an alliance with her. After all, we still have Consort Xi."
Consort Qian felt somewhat pleased. Although she had known from the beginning that Mu Yueqing would enter the palace, she did not expect her to arrive already holding a higher rank than herself. Naturally, she felt angered by this and lost her composure for a moment; fortunately, it was not too late.
Thinking of this, she looked at Peach and said, "Alright, let's tidy up. We will go to Ruo Ning Palace to meet this Imperial Noble Consort."
At that moment, Mu Yueqing was completely immersed in the excitement of entering the palace and had no idea that danger was approaching her.
Upon arriving at Ruo Ning Palace, she saw the entrance adorned with red drapes, and even the lanterns at the door were red. The eunuchs and palace maids were all looking refreshed, and thinking of her own chambers, she felt that the two places were vastly different.
However, regardless of her thoughts, at this moment, she wore a smile and gently looked at everyone who greeted her.
As she reached the door of her bedroom, two palace maids guarding outside immediately knelt down in fear upon seeing her and said, "This servant pays respects to Consort Qian. May Your Highness have longevity and peace."
"Alright, get up. There’s no need to be so formal. This Palace is just here to congratulate the Imperial Noble Consort," she replied.
The two palace maids exchanged glances and knelt down again, awkwardly saying, "Consort Qian, forgive us. Tonight is the Emperor's joyous occasion with the Imperial Noble Consort. No matter what happens, you cannot... cannot enter today."
Consort Qian naturally understood this rule, but at this moment, she had no intention of waiting until tomorrow. She glanced at Peach beside her. Seeing this, Peach stepped forward to help them up and said softly to them, "Sisters, my master has known the Imperial Noble Consort for a long time. If we cannot offer our blessings in person today, it will surely become a regret in the future. Please do us this favor." As she spoke, she discreetly slipped them two silver coins when no one was watching.
The two palace maids felt troubled but did not dare to offend her; they could only make a little room and whispered, "Consort Qian, this servant saw nothing."
Seeing this, Consort Qian smiled and said, "Your loyalty is noted by This Palace. After today, come to Guang'an Palace to receive your reward."
"We dare not accept it. Consort Qian, you should hurry inside; otherwise, when the banquet ends and the Emperor sees you..."
Consort Qian smiled and entered with Peach.
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