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墨書 Inktalez
Sometimes, when one is too fixated on the past, they forget to appreciate the scenery before them. In the end, what is lost is not just the past, but also the present. Since that day, Mo Xiao Li has wished to be by her side at all times.
After Consort Qian was demoted to the Cold Palace, there was a stir both inside and outside the Political Circle. Everyone believed this was the result of the Empress's actions, as her reputation had always been quite poor.
On this day, the weather was clear. Mu Junqi was originally napping in Jingxian Palace but was summoned by Mo Xiao Li to Yunyin Pavilion. Although she felt somewhat puzzled, ever since Consort Qian's departure, everyone in the harem had been catering to her.
While riding in the Phoenix Palanquin on her way to Yunyin Pavilion, she encountered Consort Xi. Originally, she had also been involved in that incident, but considering that Consort Xi had been coerced and there was a plea from the Empress Dowager, it had ended without consequence. Since that day, she hadn't seen Consort Xi for a long time; even when visiting Jinghe Palace to pay respects, she hadn't encountered her. Therefore, it was unexpected to meet her here.
Mu Junqi did not have a good impression of her to begin with, and given her involvement in that incident, she was even less inclined to engage with her. Huixin and Ziyue shared similar sentiments; upon seeing her, they merely exchanged simple greetings and continued on their way.
However, unexpectedly, Consort Xi hurried after them and stopped helplessly. With a cold glance at Mu Junqi, she said, "What? Do you still think it's a pity that this palace isn't dead?"
To everyone's surprise, Consort Xi suddenly knelt on the ground, tears welling up in her eyes as she appeared like a rain-soaked pear blossom, evoking sympathy from those around.
Mu Junqi watched this scene from the Phoenix Palanquin. Initially indifferent, she noticed more and more palace maids and eunuchs standing nearby watching and whispering among themselves. Unable to ignore it any longer, she said lightly, "Ziyue, help Consort Xi up. Otherwise, those who don't know might think this palace is bullying her."
Ziyue stepped forward to assist her, but Consort Xi continued to cry uncontrollably. Mu Junqi said irritably, "If you have something to say, hurry up. The Emperor has summoned this palace to Yunyin Pavilion; if I am delayed, I cannot bear the consequences."
"Empress," Consort Xi said tearfully, "I have always felt sorry for you. For so long I have dared not see you; today I just wanted to apologize for what happened last time."
Mu Junqi smiled mockingly. "What does this palace have to do with it? It’s not your fault at all; there’s no need for an apology."
After saying this, she turned to Huixin. Huixin stepped forward and respectfully said to Consort Xi, "Consort Xi, now that the Empress is pregnant and kind-hearted, she hasn’t taken this small matter to heart at all. If you have no other business, we shall take our leave; the Emperor is still waiting for you." After saying this, she slightly bowed and returned to Mu Junqi's side while the carrying eunuchs continued on their way.
Consort Xi hadn’t finished speaking when everyone around her vanished from sight. Ultimately, she could only helplessly return with her maidservant to Yunxi Palace.
Before long, they arrived at Yunyin Pavilion. Seeing the layers of guards ahead made her somewhat puzzled; however, she suppressed her doubts and walked inside.
Just as she reached the entrance, a eunuch called out loudly, "The Empress has arrived."
Once again raising her gaze, she saw the civil and military officials of the court kneeling on the ground, with the Wise King of Nanyang and his subordinates standing in the center, all bowing to her.
"Please rise," she said in a tone that was neither too high nor too low, then smiled as she walked to the center of the hall and greeted Mo Xiao Li, "Consort pays respects to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed."
"No need for formalities, come to my side."
Mu Junqi nodded obediently and stepped forward. As she passed by the Wise King, she heard him softly say, "I will take you away." The voice was already quiet, and with others blocking her view from behind, no one noticed this moment. However, Mu Junqi's expression changed drastically, and she looked at the Wise King with some fear.
Ziyue gently tugged at her sleeve from behind, which helped her suppress her fear as she stepped onto the platform and sat beside Mo Xiao Li.
Recently, Mo Xiao Li truly felt an unprecedented happiness. After waiting for so many years, he finally saw a reward for his patience. However, he was unaware that a major event was about to unfold.
Sitting in the foremost position, Mu Junqi's mind was in disarray; she had no idea what she was thinking and felt unable to think clearly at that moment.
The Wise King stepped forward and clasped his hands together, saying, "Yan Emperor, we have been here for too long. The emperor of our dynasty hopes we can return soon, but you have yet to find a suitable woman."
Mo Xiao Li's expression darkened, but he still laughed heartily and said, "I didn't expect the Wise King to be so anxious. In fact, I have already found that woman; I just hoped you would enjoy your time in Western Yan a bit longer and forgot that you have other matters to attend to." With that, he lightly clapped his hands.
Immediately after, a woman dressed in white brocade gracefully walked in with a smile. Upon reaching the hall, she knelt down to pay her respects.
The Wise King watched this scene with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes before it quickly vanished. He then clasped his hands together and asked, "Is this lady the one that the Yan Emperor has found?"
"Of course. I promised you I would do so; I just didn't know if the Wise King would be satisfied?" Mo Xiao Li introduced her cheerfully without suspicion.
However, Mu Junqi did not miss the fleeting smile in his eyes. If she guessed correctly, everything was part of his plan. At that moment, she felt a chill run through her body and still could not believe that the person who had tormented her sleepless nights was this elegant gentleman before her.
At that moment, a scholar brought by the Wise King stepped forward respectfully and said, "Yan Emperor, I have a few questions for this young lady; may I?"
Mo Xiao Li smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Of course, that is possible."
As he spoke, the civil official continued respectfully, "May I ask when this young lady spoke and what her family does?"
"The young lady's name is Chen Aihua. My father is a merchant, and I spoke at the hour of Chen on the seventh day of the seventh month," Chen Aihua slightly lowered her head and said softly, her voice as enchanting as a yellow oriole singing.
At that moment, Wise King stepped forward to Chen Aihua's face and smiled, saying, "I never expected to see such a stunning beauty."
Chen Aihua's face instantly flushed red; she shyly lowered her head and softly replied, "Your Highness flatters me."
Wise King laughed loudly, and everyone looked at him in confusion. Unexpectedly, he said, "Yan Emperor, although this young lady is indeed a beauty, I find it hard to bear. I will graciously accept this goodwill but we shall return to Nanyang tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback and looked at him in confusion. Mo Xiao Li was even somewhat angry; after expending so much effort to find this young lady, he now dismissed everything with just one glance. He said in a deep voice, "Wise King, what do you mean by this? Do you think I am deceiving you?"
"That is not the case. Originally, the Nanyang Kingdom speculated that I must marry a girl born at that hour. However, upon seeing her today, she is not my type. If I have disturbed Yan Emperor during this time, please forgive me," Wise King said humbly with cupped hands.
Only then did Mo Xiao Li's expression improve. Hearing that they were leaving, he said, "Since that is the case, I will not keep you any longer. Let today be a farewell banquet."
"Thank you, Yan Emperor," everyone from Nanyang said as they cupped their hands in gratitude.
What followed was a series of performances, but Mu Junqi had no mind for it; he was lost in his thoughts.
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