It is often said that a married daughter is like water that has been poured out, and perhaps General Mu never imagined that one day his daughter would return in such a manner. Even if the common people do not recognize Mu Junqi as Empress, they all look on with envy now.
A grand procession carrying a long line of wedding gifts stopped outside the Shogunate. At the same time, two luxurious palanquins came to a halt on the official road leading to the Shogunate. The palanquin carried by sixteen bearers was particularly eye-catching, and even the one carried by eight bearers behind it was not lacking in grandeur. Rows of soldiers stood guard on either side, armed and imposing, creating an impressive atmosphere.
As soon as they got off the carriage, General Mu stood waiting with a group of servants, along with various ladies and young misses. At the forefront was Madam, followed by others arranged according to their ranks.
When Mu Junqi and Mo Xiao Li descended, everyone knelt down in unison. Mu Junqi immediately spotted the Concubine standing behind Madam, who was bowing her head. It seemed that due to her status, the Concubine's rank had risen considerably, likely only one rank below Madam.
Seeing Mo Xiao Li approach, General Mu quickly led his wives and children over and bowed to the two of them, saying, "Your Majesty, may the Empress be blessed."
Mu Junqi looked at the family members kneeling before her and couldn't help but smile coldly inside. She had never imagined such a scene would occur today. For everyone in the Mu Family, she had always been an inconsequential person; even her father might not have known her name before that incident. As for Madam, she was even more acerbic and always bullied both mother and daughter openly and covertly.
Today, Mo Xiao Li wore a bright yellow outfit. Her dark hair was elegantly tied up with a white jade hairpin. Her smooth, fair face exuded sharp features; her deep black eyes sparkled with charm. With thick eyebrows, a high nose, and beautifully shaped lips, everything about her radiated nobility and elegance, causing all the ladies present to blush and steal glances at her.
For some reason, Mu Junqi felt particularly satisfied and moved a little closer to Mo Xiao Li. Then she looked at him with gentle eyes and said, "Your Majesty, let’s go inside; there are too many people here." After speaking, she gave him a bright smile.
Mo Xiao Li was surprised by Mu Junqi's sudden change but still smiled back at her affectionately as he took her arm and led the way into the residence. As they passed by Mu Yueqing, he even smiled triumphantly at her, which made Mu Yueqing feel frustrated but unable to express it; she could only frown without glaring at her.
Only then did everyone begin to move the wedding gifts into the residence in an orderly fashion. The streets were lined with common people eager to catch a glimpse of their faces, but layers of soldiers blocked their view. Finally, when everyone entered the residence, they gradually dispersed.
Once inside the residence, General Mu led Mo Xiao Li and Mu Junqi into the main hall. As soon as they entered, maids began bringing in tea and snacks one after another. Mu Junqi looked around and softly remarked, "Having lived in the Shogunate for so long, today I finally realize how beautiful the main hall is."
On the surface, this statement seemed like praise; however, it actually conveyed to everyone that although she was the daughter of a general, she did not even have the qualification to enter the main hall. General Mu awkwardly smiled and said, "The Empress flatters me; it is merely a place for entertaining distinguished guests and cannot be considered anything grand."
Mu Junqi smiled lightly and looked at Mo Xiao Li, saying, "Your Majesty, if it weren't for you today, Consort wouldn't have the qualification to step in here. Speaking of which, Consort should thank you properly."
General Mu's expression grew even darker as he stood awkwardly to the side, while Madam took the opportunity to glare at her fiercely when no one was paying attention. Mu Junqi smiled nonchalantly, but Mo Xiao Li seemed oblivious to the surroundings, gazing at Mu Junqi with eyes full of affection and pity.
Mu Junqi did not notice Mo Xiao Li's change; instead, she quietly said to Mur, "Go check if Apricot Blossom Pavilion is ready. I'm a bit tired and want to rest for a while." Mur left upon receiving the order.
Only then did Mo Xiao Li speak up, "It seems that my beloved has grown a bit weary. We can continue with the remaining matters later; I will accompany Empress to rest." Saying this, he disregarded everyone's astonishment and wrapped his arm around her waist as they left.
Seeing Mu Junqi and the Emperor leave, General Mu and Madam finally sat down on the nearby chairs. Madam immediately changed her expression, angrily whispering, "Hmph, I never expected that just after flying up to become a phoenix, she would be so eager to get rid of us. She should take a good look at herself in the mirror; she will fall sooner or later."
General Mu irritably said, "Alright, just say less. No matter what, it was my Shogunate that went out today. The Emperor isn't pursuing this matter; otherwise, we would all be in trouble."
Madam was still filled with anger, unable to believe that someone who rarely spoke could be named Empress. The thought of her daughter only fueled her rage further.
At this moment, Mu Yueqing remained silent. In contrast to her mother's fury, she clearly saw the indulgence in Mo Xiao Li's eyes and understood that Mu Junqi held significant weight in his heart. She clenched her fists tightly, feeling her nails dig into her flesh without noticing.
Silently vowing that one day she would ruin everything that Mu Junqi possessed and make her experience what it meant to suffer endlessly.
...
The two exited the main hall and walked along the cobblestone path ahead. Mu Junqi twisted her body in an attempt to break free from Mo Xiao Li's hold but was interrupted when he said, "I don't care how you feel right now, but if you break free and those with ulterior motives see you, they will definitely say you are not favored in the palace."
Mu Junqi stopped struggling but coldly laughed, saying, "Does Your Majesty think that Consort is favored in this harem?"
Mo Xiao Li did not respond to her but continued walking forward. Mu Junqi, feeling bored, could only remain silent. Suddenly, Mo Xiao Li spoke up, "Did you have a hard time at the residence back then?"
"What's wrong? Are you trying to mock the Consort? But you're mistaken; I was not favored in the Shogunate, yet I was not deprived of my freedom. Now, being within the Red Roof Tiles, although everyone fears me, I have lost my original freedom," Mu Junqi said sarcastically, finishing with a self-deprecating smile.
How could Mo Xiao Li not understand her implication? She continued to walk forward without saying a word. For him, simply having her now was already a form of happiness.
Perhaps no one in this world knew or could understand why he chose an Illegitimate Daughter who had lost her virtue and reputation; after all, that memory belonged solely to him.
Before long, they arrived at the Apricot Blossom Pavilion. Upon reaching the entrance, they saw that the entire courtyard had been cleaned exceptionally well, and there were even quite a few more maids and servants. Mu Junqi understood that these were all temporary staff brought in and chose not to reveal it as they walked in together with Mo Xiao Li.
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