Unknowingly, it was already May. As the weather grew hotter, everyone was reluctant to go out during noon. After a stroll, apart from the palace maids and eunuchs, no one else was seen, which delighted Mu Yueqing and Consort Xi.
Since the Emperor began to favor the harem, the real struggle among women had truly begun. Although everyone pretended to get along harmoniously on the surface, it was evident that their hearts were not in agreement. Each person was scheming in various ways, all for the sake of winning the Emperor's affection.
After wandering around, Mo Xiao Li went directly into Wangyue Pavilion. As soon as she sat down, Mu Yueqing immediately instructed a nearby palace maid to fetch some snacks and tea. Then she turned to Mo Xiao Li and gently said, "Your Majesty, it's really hot lately. Let me wipe your sweat," and she raised her arm to slowly wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Although Mo Xiao Li felt somewhat disgusted inside, she did not show it on her face. She appeared lazy and indifferent. Perhaps it was their illusion, but they felt that the current Emperor was particularly difficult to read; one wrong move could lead to mistakes. Thus, being near him often made them feel anxious, fearing they might become the unfortunate one.
After wiping his sweat, Mu Yueqing looked at Consort Xi beside her and shyly said, "Sister Consort Xi, you are becoming more and more beautiful lately. Don't you think so, Your Majesty—" and glanced at him.
Mo Xiao Li listened but did not respond; she merely hummed in acknowledgment and shifted her gaze elsewhere. Mu Yueqing immediately fell silent and sat quietly beside her. After spending some time together, she had learned that if the Emperor had such an expression, she needed to be cautious because he was most unpredictable at that moment.
For a while, the garden was quiet except for the sound of the wind. Soon after, the palace maids brought over some snacks, fruits, and tea, respectfully placing them on the table before stepping aside.
At that moment, suddenly someone spoke up. In an instant, Qian Zhao Yi entered with Peach. Upon seeing them there, her expression changed slightly but quickly returned to normal. She wore a peach-pink dress and walked over seductively. Ever since Prime Minister Kang was imprisoned, Qian Zhao Yi had not been seen outside; even the Emperor had not favored her anymore, making her just another discarded consort in the harem.
Thus, her attire lacked the grandeur it once had. Taking advantage of everyone's distraction, Mu Yueqing covered her mouth and chuckled softly before looking at Mo Xiao Li beside her, hoping to glean something from his expression. However, she was disappointed; she had thought that upon seeing Qian Zhao Yi, the Emperor would surely be furious but instead he merely glanced at her without saying anything.
When Qian Zhao Yi approached and respectfully bowed to greet him, saying, "Long live Your Majesty! Greetings to my sisters—"
Mo Xiao Li remained silent; naturally, no one else dared to speak either. Therefore, Qian Zhao Yi maintained that posture for a long time until she could no longer bear it and knelt on the ground. Only then did Mo Xiao Li turn his gaze towards her with calmness in his eyes devoid of any ripples.
"Since you're here, just sit down," Mo Xiao Li said emotionlessly.
Qian Zhao Yi immediately replied excitedly, "Thank you, Your Majesty--" After saying this, she was helped to her feet by Peach and walked to the lowest seat on the side.
Once everyone was seated, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward because Mo Xiao Li remained silent, leaving others unsure of what to say.
However, some people would not miss such a good opportunity. Mu Yueqing stood up, picked up a teacup from a nearby tray, swayed her waist as she walked in front of Mo Xiao Li, and softly said, "Your Majesty, this weather is perfect for this kind of tea. Please give it a try--" as she extended her hand to offer it.
Mo Xiao Li, who had been leaning back in his chair, straightened up upon hearing her words and looked at her with his deep black eyes revealing nothing. After a moment, he said, "Put it down; I will drink it later," and then closed his eyes.
Mu Yueqing glanced at Consort Xi beside her, her eyes filled with a plea for help. However, Consort Xi remained motionless as if she were merely enjoying the spectacle. It was Qian Zhao Yi who stood up and walked in front of Mu Yueqing, bowing slightly before saying, "Your Majesty is tired; sister should not disturb him."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yueqing felt a surge of anger. Not only was her rank lower than hers, but the fact that the Emperor had never favored Qian Zhao Yi made her look down on her even more.
Just when Mu Yueqing thought Mo Xiao Li would be angry, he suddenly stood up and walked in front of Qian Zhao Yi, pulling her into his embrace and teasingly said, "My beloved understands me so well?" He even kissed her cheek.
Everyone was momentarily stunned by this scene, standing there in shock until Mo Xiao Li burst into laughter. Only then did they react and join in his laughter. Meanwhile, Qian Zhao Yi was already at a loss for how to respond, her cheeks flushed as she shyly lowered her head.
Then Mo Xiao Li continued, "No wonder you are the woman who has been with me the longest; you understand me best," while playfully brushing his fingers against her nose.
The crowd was taken aback by such behavior from the Emperor. He had previously been stern and rarely spoke like this. It seemed he had changed since about a month ago. What could have happened to make him act this way? This question lingered in everyone's mind within the palace, yet no one dared to ask openly. Over time, it became an unspoken topic.
At that moment, Li Fusheng stepped forward with some difficulty and looked at them. Only then did Mo Xiao Li stop his playful banter with everyone and turn to him, asking, "What is it?"
"In response to Your Majesty's inquiry, an envoy from Western Yan has arrived--"
Before Li Fusheng's words had even finished, Mo Xiao Li's expression darkened a few shades. The grip on Qian Zhao Yi's hand tightened, filled with anger, radiating an imposing aura that made everyone around too afraid to speak. They lowered their heads and stood silently by, even though Qian Zhao Yi felt as if his hand might break, he dared not make a sound and could only endure.
Then Li Fusheng continued, "Your Majesty, although the person has not yet arrived, General Mu has already sent the notice. It is said that he has come to express his gratitude to you—" He lowered his head as he spoke.
Upon hearing this, Mo Xiao Li's anger was even harder to contain. He swept everything off the table in one motion, causing a loud crash. Everyone in Wangyue Pavilion immediately knelt down and shouted, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger—"
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