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墨書 Inktalez
Although summer is just around the corner, in Mu Junqi's eyes, on such a night, there is still a chilling sensation that seeps into the bones. She can't help but curl up tightly, her mind a chaotic mess of thoughts.
Through the window bars, she can see the blurred image of the moon, just like countless nights before. No matter where she is, she feels the solitude and loneliness all by herself. Whether in the General's residence or the palace, it seems nothing has changed.
For so long, she has dared not think about Mur's whereabouts. It's not that she doesn't want to know; it's that she is afraid to know. She tries hard to appear strong, not wanting anyone to see her inner vulnerability. Only on nights like this can she lower her guard and confront her true feelings.
Since entering the palace, she has never dared to relax even for a moment. It's not for any other reason but because in this ruthless place where people kill without blinking, even a slight misstep can lead to death—how ridiculous.
And so, lost in her thoughts, she fell asleep and had a very long dream...
The next morning, warm sunlight streamed through the window bars and directly onto Mu Junqi's bed, casting a golden halo around her body, creating an unreal beauty.
"Your Highness, it's time to get up. The Empress Dowager has sent someone to summon you," Ziyue said softly from outside the hall.
Mu Junqi was a light sleeper; just that low voice was enough to wake her up. She opened her eyes and took a moment to realize where she was before slowly sitting up. "You may come in."
As soon as she finished speaking, Ziyue and Huixin entered with a basin and toiletries. They bowed respectfully and said, "May Your Highness have peace and longevity." Afterward, they placed their items nearby and approached her.
Mu Junqi looked at them both and asked, "Do you know what this is about?"
"I’m not sure what it is exactly," Ziyue replied while helping her change clothes. "I only heard it seems to be related to Consort Xi who was recently brought into the palace."
"Consort Xi? Who brought her into the palace? I haven't heard anything about her before," Mu Junqi asked with a slight frown, puzzled.
"This servant is not sure, but the Emperor has not favored her since she entered the palace," Ziyue said. Huixin immediately followed up, "This Consort Xi must have some connection with the Empress Dowager; otherwise, how could she become a Noble Consort right after entering the palace? That has never happened before."
Huixin's words stirred some doubts in the hearts of a few people. Mu Junqi recalled the gentle woman she had seen last time at the Empress Dowager's place; it must be said that such a gentle woman was indeed rare in this harem.
Her curiosity was instantly piqued, and at that moment, she had already finished her makeup. Standing in front of the mirror, she looked at the woman with a flowing hairstyle, dressed in a pink floral palace outfit, draped with a layer of pink gauze. The wide hem of her dress shimmered with golden threads, and she wore a red jade coral hairpin on her head. Her lotus-like steps swayed slightly, adding to her unique charm and beauty.
With a satisfied smile, she said, "Since the Empress Dowager has already sent someone over, let's set off." After saying that, she walked out first, with Ziyue and Huixin closely following behind.
As soon as they stepped outside, An Gonggong approached them, lowering his body and respectfully saying, "The Phoenix Palanquin is ready; please come this way, Your Highness." He gestured for her to proceed. Mu Junqi smiled in satisfaction and followed his lead.
Before long, they arrived at Jinghe Palace. A few palanquins were parked outside. With a mocking smile, she thought perhaps these people were here to watch her make a fool of herself again. She then stepped inside.
However, just as they reached the gate of Jinghe Palace, a eunuch stopped them. "Empress, auspiciousness! You just need to have a servant go inside to announce your arrival."
Mu Junqi coldly smiled and stood still. Ziyue stepped forward and said, "Have you lost your eyesight? Don't you know who is standing before you? If this gets pursued, you should know what kind of result awaits you!"
Since Mu Junqi decided to establish herself well in this harem, Ziyue and Huixin dared to scold these rude servants like this.
The eunuch was indeed frightened and immediately knelt down on the ground, banging his head repeatedly while tremblingly saying, "Empress, spare me! This servant is just carrying out orders; please forgive me!"
Just as Mu Junqi was about to speak, a woman's voice came from inside. "What happened?" Looking up, she saw it was Jingxi, a maid beside the Empress Dowager.
At that moment, Jingxi also spotted Mu Junqi and quickly ran over to greet her. "Empress, auspiciousness! I didn't know what you were doing at the palace gate."
Looking at Jingxi's inquisitive gaze, Mu Junqi merely smiled lightly, stepping forward to bypass the eunuch and stand in front of Jingxi, saying, "Aunt Jingxi still loves to joke so much. Does This Palace not know why I am here?"
Jingxi was somewhat puzzled by Mu Junqi's sudden change. The momentary confusion that flashed in her eyes did not escape Mu Junqi's notice, but after all, she was an old hand in the palace and quickly regained her composure. Glancing at the eunuch on the ground, she said, "You really have some guts! You dare to stop anyone; go and accept your punishment."
After saying that, she turned to Mu Junqi with a beaming smile and said, "Your Highness, please come this way. The Empress Dowager is already waiting."
As Mu Junqi stepped inside, all the concubines in the room stood up and bowed to her. She simply smiled gently in response and then walked up to the Empress Dowager, bending slightly to greet her, "Consort has arrived late; may the Empress Dowager be blessed."
The Empress Dowager was already displeased with her, and having heard everything from outside clearly, she assumed that Mu Junqi had come to take revenge for the previous incident. Thus, her expression was rather cold as she said, "Sit down. As an Empress, you always arrive late, making us all wait for you."
After sitting down, Mu Junqi only smiled apologetically and then looked around before saying, "Recently it has been my oversight. However, I hope that in the days to come, we sisters can work together for Western Yan."
No sooner had she finished speaking than Consort Qian looked at her and said, "The Empress is indeed gentle. However, today is not a time for us sisters to bond; today’s main character is Sister Xi," as she glanced at the woman in pink palace attire beside her.
Today, Consort Qian was not as arrogant as usual; instead, she carried a hint of charm and satisfaction.
Before Mu Junqi could think further, the Empress Dowager spoke up: "The Empress has worked hard for the harem; thus, this old lady thinks we need someone to assist," as she looked toward Consort Xi standing nearby.
Today’s Consort Xi wore palace attire of the same color as Mu Junqi’s. This was considered somewhat taboo in the harem; however, everyone seemed oblivious to this detail and watched the scene unfold with great interest.
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