After returning to Jingxian Palace, she summoned the old maids in the palace. The concubines were already terrified and sweating profusely. Moreover, the current Empress did not even regard Consort Qian, let alone them. Upon seeing the old maids, they were scared and began to cry again.
Mu Junqi, supported by Mur, sat in the main hall and coldly looked at everyone. The few concubines immediately knelt on the ground, crying, "Your Highness, please spare us. We will never dare again."
She merely smiled faintly and said, "You are not wrong; how could this Palace spare you? I have brought you here today to teach you something, to help you understand how to survive in this harem."
After saying this, she spoke to the old maids in an emotionless voice, "Educate these sisters well for this Palace. Let them understand what should be said and what should not be said."
The old maids, being experienced in the palace, naturally understood her meaning. They respectfully acknowledged her and disregarded the cries of the concubines as they dragged them to a side hall. Before long, heart-wrenching cries and slapping sounds could be heard.
Everyone in the hall was frightened and lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. However, Mu Junqi remained unfazed, still wearing a faint smile as she looked at everyone.
After a long while, the old maids dragged the concubines out. Their faces were already swollen and red. Upon seeing Mu Junqi, they immediately knelt on the ground respectfully and said, "Your Highness, everything has been done according to your orders."
"Mm, thank you for your hard work. Here is your reward," Mu Junqi said lightly.
Then she gently asked the crying concubines, "Sisters, have you learned your lesson this time? This Palace really does not want to teach you a second time."
"Thank you, Your Highness. We understand," they hurriedly nodded in response.
"Very well, you may all return now. If this Palace hears anything inappropriate next time, I will not be so gentle with you," she warned.
With that said, they hurriedly left. Mu Junqi then stood up and addressed everyone: "Dinner will be sent to this Palace's bedroom. No one is allowed to enter without this Palace's command. Do you understand?"
After saying that, she turned and walked into the bedroom. The others lowered their heads and slowly retreated. As soon as they entered, Mur eagerly said, "Your Highness, won't what you did today bring unnecessary trouble?"
"Don't worry. If This Palace is not mistaken, he will come tonight," Mu Junqi replied while picking up the Heater.
At that moment, Mur didn't know what else to say and could only pray in her heart that nothing would happen to the young lady. Seeing her lie down on the bed, she quietly exited the room.
Since that day, rumors had spread throughout the palace that the Empress intended to reorganize the harem. Anyone discovered by her would face dire consequences. It was unclear who spread such news, but Mu Junqi did not wish to explain anything. Although Mo Xiao Li appeared that night, he said nothing and only informed her that regardless of what happened, she was the head of the harem and could make her own decisions.
Not achieving her intended goal, she had been pondering this matter for several days. Just as she was lost in thought, Mur hurriedly walked in and saw Mu Junqi still dressed in plain clothes. Anxiously, she said, "Your Highness, why haven't you changed into your ceremonial dress? The Empress Dowager is about to return and is almost at the palace gate! All the concubines and the Emperor have gone to welcome her."
After saying this, Mur took out a bright red palace gown from the wardrobe, embroidered with flying phoenixes and clusters of peonies, symbolizing grandeur and elegance. The waist was adorned with a matching belt edged with gold thread, complemented by a deep red cloak.
Mu Junqi wanted to say something else when Ziyue rushed in as well. Seeing this, Mur quickly said, "Sister Ziyue, come help!"
Without hesitation, Ziyue came over to assist with changing clothes. In no time at all, it was done. She styled Mu Junqi's hair into a Lingyun bun and applied a light layer of powder, making her skin appear flawless and delicate. The two helped her out of Jingxian Palace.
On the way, Mu Junqi chuckled and said, "Do you both need to be this anxious?"
"Of course we do! If we upset the Empress Dowager, it will be difficult for you in the future," Mur whispered in Mu Junqi's ear.
Ziyue quickly added, "Your Highness, let's hurry! The Empress Dowager must be at the gate by now." With that, they all unconsciously quickened their pace.
At this time, at the palace gate stood rows of palace maids and eunuchs led by the Emperor and Empress. The concubines stood in order according to their ranks. Although they appeared to be welcoming the Empress Dowager on the surface, each one was dressed extravagantly to win her favor. Standing on the right were ministers from the court.
As Mu Junqi just arrived and stood still, he caught a glimpse of Mo Xiao Li casting an unhappy glance at him. Before the two could speak, they saw the Empress Dowager's procession entering. Mo Xiao Li waved his hand, and the palace immediately ignited firecrackers, accompanied by the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments.
Soon after, the Empress Dowager's Phoenix Palanquin appeared before everyone, and everyone immediately knelt down. Only Mo Xiao Li and Mu Junqi bent slightly at the waist to pay their respects, saying, "We, Consort, respectfully welcome the Empress Dowager back to the Palace," their voices booming like thunder.
As soon as he finished speaking, a kind voice came from ahead, "Everyone, please rise."
Mu Junqi then raised his eyes to look. The Empress Dowager was a fifty-year-old woman, dressed in a bright red palace robe with a Xianghong design. Her dark hair was styled into a flowing cloud bun, and her fingers were adorned with bright-colored armor. Due to her proper maintenance, she still looked beautiful and charming.
While she was lost in thought, Mo Xiao Li reached out and took her hand. The sensation that traveled from his fingertips was so clear that it made her want to shake him off in fear. However, his grip was too strong for her to escape. Then she heard him say softly, "Empress, you better behave today." After saying this, he smiled widely and pulled her along to greet the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was supported by two maidservants as she stepped forward, smiling brightly as she said, "Did I not say there was no need for such a grand welcome? Why are you still so disobedient?"
After saying this, she turned to Mu Junqi and nodded in satisfaction. Seeing this, Mu Junqi hurriedly bowed again and said, "Long live the Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager reached out to pull her closer and smiled as she said, "You have become even more handsome now." Then she looked at Mo Xiao Li and added, "Don't let down the Empress."
Mu Junqi watched the two with some confusion but could only stand by with a smile. Mo Xiao Li merely responded with a light "mm."
At that moment, a delicate voice came from behind them; without turning around, they knew it was Consort Qian. She walked over gracefully and softly said, "Empress Dowager, how could you forget Qian Er?" After saying this, she moved to support one of the Empress Dowager's arms while proudly glancing at Mu Junqi.
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