Since that day, Mu Junqi had stayed in Jingxian Palace all day without going out. During this time, several concubines came to pay their respects, but she rejected them for various reasons. After all, it was better to avoid unnecessary interactions in the harem, as no one knew when they might become a target.
That day, the weather was gloomy, as if it might collapse at any moment. The oppressive air made it hard to breathe, and the people in the palace had been busy these days because the Empress Dowager was about to return to the palace.
The Empress Dowager was the Emperor's biological mother. Previously just a noble consort, she was elevated to Empress Dowager after Mo Xiao Li ascended the throne. However, she was naturally indifferent to fame and fortune, always living outside the palace and praying for Western Yan. She had returned once during the grand wedding and then left immediately after. It was said that this time she would stay for a longer period.
With nothing to do, Mu Junqi had not seen Xia Ziqian since her health improved. She kept recalling his appearance, and she seemed to still catch a whiff of his unique scent.
She knew that having such thoughts now was highly disrespectful, but it felt as if she had been enchanted, unable to forget everything about him.
At that moment, Mur walked in and approached Mu Junqi, whispering, "Your Highness, I just heard those people say that the Empress Dowager's purpose for returning this time is you."
Mu Junqi looked at her in surprise and asked in confusion, "For me? What does that mean?"
"I don't know either," Mur replied. "I only heard that the Empress Dowager wants to see you pregnant with Dragon Seed before she can feel at ease."
Upon hearing this, Mu Junqi fell into deep thought. She never expected such a reason and fell silent, not even noticing when Mur left her side.
After an unknown amount of time passed, Mu Junqi felt her mind was in chaos and decided to stand up and call Mur back in.
"Help me go out for a walk."
After saying this, Mur went to the wardrobe and found a dark green cloak. While assisting Mu Junqi with her clothing change, she said, "Your Highness, looking at the weather, it seems there will be heavy snow soon."
"It's fine; let's go," Mu Junqi replied after everything was ready and stepped out first.
She slowly walked out, the cold wind outside brushing against her cheeks, seemingly waking her up quite a bit and instantly making her understand what to do next.
Following the small path, she walked straight ahead. The palace was now decorated with lights and festivities, bustling with activity, but to Mu Junqi's eyes, it felt overwhelmingly annoying.
As she reached a corner, she suddenly heard the laughter of women ahead. Turning around, she saw several concubines standing together chatting.
Mur was about to speak when Mu Junqi interrupted her. The two stood there quietly listening to their conversation.
One of the shorter women sarcastically said, "Look at the Empress; I really don't know what she's so proud of. Who in Xuanjian City doesn't know about the scandalous things she's done? Yet she still puts on airs in front of us." After finishing, she snorted.
A slightly plump woman chimed in, "Exactly! She doesn't even look at her disgusting appearance. I really can't understand why the Emperor would do this, letting someone like her be Empress."
"Exactly... exactly," the others echoed in agreement.
The short woman was about to say something else when one beside her quickly tugged at her sleeve and then smiled broadly as they walked toward Mu Junqi. Only then did everyone see her; their expressions changed drastically as they slowly approached and knelt before her respectfully, saying, "Long live the Empress."
It was only then that Mu Junqi walked over with Mur's support, glanced at the kneeling women, and gently parted her lips, "What has This Palace done to offend you sisters that you feel the need to gossip behind my back?"
At this moment, the short woman was already trembling all over, her teeth chattering as she whispered, "Your Highness, spare me! The Consort didn't mean it; it was just a slip of the tongue. I beg Your Highness to spare this lowly life." Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.
Seeing this, the others also hurriedly cried out for mercy. However, Mu Junqi merely smiled lightly at them and said, "You haven't said anything wrong; This Palace is indeed like that. But..." She paused as several people looked up at her, hoping she would forgive them. Instead, she continued, "But This Palace accidentally overheard you. If I don't do something about it, it seems a bit unfair to you."
After saying this, she coldly instructed the palace maids and eunuchs behind her, "Take them to Jingxian Palace." With that, she turned and left first. All that could be heard were their pleas for mercy behind her, but she remained unmoved, a cold smile lingering on her lips as she continued walking forward.
Mur asked in confusion, "Your Highness, didn't you say you didn't want to have too much involvement with this harem? Why are you acting this way today?"
“Mur, how many years have you been with This Palace?”
Mu Junqi's sudden question left Mur momentarily speechless, unable to understand why she was being asked this. Nevertheless, she replied honestly, “I entered the General's residence at the age of seven and have been following you ever since. It has been thirteen years now.”
“It’s been so long; don’t you understand why This Palace is doing this today?”
Mur was still confused and said doubtfully, “I really can’t understand what good this will do.”
“The Emperor wants This Palace to obediently stay in the palace, but if this palace becomes chaotic because of me, even for the sake of the world, he will still let This Palace leave,” Mu Junqi said with a faint smile.
At that moment, Mur widened her eyes in surprise, clearly not expecting such a reason. She wanted to say something but then saw Consort Qian approaching.
Consort Qian had come out for a walk but did not expect to encounter Mu Junqi. With a cold smile, she stepped forward and greeted Mu Junqi, saying, “Empress, good fortune to you.” Without waiting for Mu Junqi to respond, she stood up and continued, “I really didn’t expect to see you here, what a narrow path for enemies.”
Mu Junqi smiled instead of getting angry. “Sister, are you still holding a grudge against This Palace? If that’s the case, then This Palace has matters to attend to.” After saying that, she tried to walk around her and leave.
However, Consort Qian wouldn’t give her that opportunity and mockingly said, “What’s wrong? Are you scared?”
Mu Junqi, who was originally prepared to leave, stopped again. Looking at Consort Qian with a charming smile, she said, “Just in time; This Palace needs to return to Jingxian Palace to deal with those who have committed offenses. If sister has nothing else to do, you can come and see; it’s a good opportunity to learn what obedience means.” After saying that, she smiled and walked away.
Consort Qian stood there watching Mu Junqi leave, glaring fiercely at her. With a sinister smile, she said to Pear beside her, “About that matter you mentioned a few days ago, go ahead and make arrangements. I want her to experience what it means to suffer worse than death...”
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