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The afternoon sun is always so intoxicating, and the warm air makes one feel drowsy. However, Jingxian Palace is livelier than usual, bustling with activity as the laughter of maidens occasionally rings out. The palace maids and eunuchs are busy preparing the ingredients for the evening meal.
The weather is warm, so everyone sits in the courtyard to enjoy the cool breeze. The courtyard of Jingxian Palace is filled with clusters of peonies and hibiscus flowers, and a gentle breeze carries a faint fragrance through the air.
"Empress, the weather today is really nice. I hope we can gather more often in the future. It has been so long since we sisters have had a chance to get to know each other properly," Consort Qian said, dressed in a deep red palace gown and sporting a Lingyun hairstyle. Her face, untouched by makeup, still appeared as smooth as jade, seemingly capable of being squeezed for moisture. She looked at Mu Junqi with a charming smile.
As soon as she finished speaking, it drew agreement from the other concubines. Mu Junqi had been talking to Consort Xi when she heard this and turned to everyone, saying, "Sister Consort Qian is right. It was my oversight before; I hope all of you do not mind. From now on, let us get along well."
"Yes, yes," everyone below quickly echoed.
At that moment, Li Fusheng entered with a group of young eunuchs, each carrying a tray covered with red silk cloths. They knelt in the center of the courtyard and greeted, "Empress, may you be blessed; greetings to all the ladies."
"Mm, Eunuch Li is too polite; please rise," Mu Junqi said softly.
As everyone wondered what this was about, Li Fusheng respectfully announced, "By the Emperor's command, I bring gifts of jewelry for all the ladies."
Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and bowed in unison, saying, "Thank you for the Emperor's great kindness."
"I shall take my leave now and not disturb you any further," Li Fusheng continued respectfully before retreating and leaving.
After Li Fusheng and his companions departed, Mu Junqi instructed the maids behind her to present the trays. When they lifted the cloths, they revealed indeed some precious jewelry, prompting immediate gasps of astonishment.
Although the concubines of the harem had seen their fair share of treasures, none had ever encountered such an abundance of jewelry. Only Consort Xi and Consort Qian glanced up briefly before looking down at everyone with a mocking expression.
Mu Junqi smiled lightly upon seeing this, "It seems that all of you sisters really like it. Then come over and choose what you like, but don't forget that this is all a gift from the Emperor."
Hearing this, the concubines were delighted, but the selection had to be done according to rank. Therefore, the first to step forward was Consort Qian. She walked over seductively and casually picked up a phoenix tail gold hairpin. After taking it, she bowed to Mu Junqi and said, "Consort thanks Empress," before returning to her seat.
Consort Xi also stood up, first bowing to Mu Junqi, then walking over to take a white jade bracelet. The others followed suit, each finding something they liked, all with smiles on their faces.
Mu Junqi looked at everyone, a hint of cold laughter flashing in her eyes. Before anyone could notice, she returned to her originally gentle smile, but this did not escape the watchful eyes of Consort Qian and Consort Xi.
"Now that everyone has chosen what they like, we should continue to live in harmony and friendship just like now. Since we all serve the Emperor, This Palace hopes that in the future everyone can serve him well," Mu Junqi suddenly stood up and said calmly while looking at everyone.
This version of Mu Junqi exuded a noble aura that made everyone feel compelled to submit before her. Thus, they all stood up; although Consort Qian was unwilling, she still obediently stood up and said in unison, "Consort respectfully follows Empress's teachings."
"No need to be so polite; we are all sisters. Please sit down quickly," Mu Junqi said after everyone had finished their bows.
Once everyone was seated, Mu Junqi continued, "If anyone is lacking anything or needs something, feel free to come and tell This Palace. If any Servant is disobedient, just bring them here; This Palace will definitely help you with that."
"Thank you, Empress."
After casually chatting for a while longer, Ziyue took the opportunity while everyone was engaged in lively conversation to come over and whisper a few words in Mu Junqi's ear. Mu Junqi then looked at everyone and said, "The banquet is ready; please follow This Palace." With that, she stood up.
Only then did everyone rise and follow behind Mu Junqi, assisted by their respective maids. They stopped at the dining hall where an additional table had been set up due to the presence of more than ten concubines today.
As soon as they stepped inside, they were greeted by the scent of incense in the air. The fragrance was light enough not to be overwhelming. Ru Zhao Yi happily said, "Empress, what kind of incense is this? It smells quite unique and really pleasant."
Others looked at her with disdain, as if she had asked a foolish question, but Mu Junqi only smiled lightly. "This incense comes from the Western Regions and is blended with White Lotus and Red Lotus, so it has a rather unique scent. It's quite rare, but if you like it, I can have Ziyue bring some to you later."
"Really? Thank you, Empress!" Ru Zhao Yi said excitedly. Seeing her smile, Mu Junqi couldn't help but feel a bit envious, as it was clear that she was still innocent.
After inviting everyone to sit down, Mu Junqi spoke first, "Sisters, are you hungry? Please don't hold back." As she spoke, Ziyue and Huixin began to serve dishes for Mu Junqi first. Once she was nearly done, the other concubines' maids started serving their respective mistresses.
For a moment, the only sounds were the clinking of dishes and occasional murmurs. Mu Junqi casually ate a little and watched everyone. Perhaps because such banquets always made people feel uneasy, everyone only nibbled a bit before putting down their chopsticks.
"Is the food not to everyone's taste?" Mu Junqi took the silk handkerchief that Ziyue handed her to wipe her mouth and asked.
"How could anything prepared by the Empress be unsuitable? It's just that the sisters aren't feeling very well," Consort Qian replied with a smile.
Looking at Consort Qian's hypocritical face, Mu Junqi merely smiled in response. Just then, Consort Xi suddenly changed color and cried out in pain, clutching her abdomen. If it weren't for the palace maid beside her supporting her, she would have likely fallen to the ground.
Everyone stood up in panic, and Mu Junqi looked over and asked, "What happened?" She then turned to the palace maid and said, "Quickly go summon the imperial physician." After that, she walked over to Consort Xi.
Consort Xi held her abdomen and looked at them, saying, "I don't know what's wrong... my stomach hurts so much."
As soon as she finished speaking, Consort Qian said quietly, "Could there be something wrong with the food?" Everyone's expressions changed as they looked at Mu Junqi...
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