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墨書 Inktalez
As the Year-End approaches, there are naturally many matters to attend to. The harem seems quiet, but everyone knows that it is now the domain of Consort Qian and the Imperial Noble Consort. Consort Xi remains as she always was, not competing for anything, spending her days at Jinghe Palace serving the Empress Dowager, which has earned her the Empress Dowager's favor.
Since Mu Yueqing entered the palace, Mo Xiao Li has not visited her chamber even once. She is either in Consort Qian's palace or in Tianming Palace, occasionally visiting Consort Xi's chamber.
Despite this, no one in the harem dares to underestimate the Imperial Noble Consort. Just her connections with the General's residence instill fear in them, making them reluctant to confront her.
However, just because they do not dare to act openly does not mean there is no animosity towards her. Consort Qian is one of those who harbors resentment. Although they appear to coexist harmoniously on the surface, behind closed doors, she constantly seeks ways to embarrass her.
On this particular day, the weather was especially nice. When Consort Xi arrived at Jinghe Palace, she saw the Empress Dowager already dressed and seated. She hurriedly approached to pay her respects, but the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "You don't need to be so formal every time you come. I have told you that you don't need to bow."
"Although I know you care for Xi Er, ancestral rules cannot be disregarded," she paused before continuing, "Empress Dowager, since today’s weather is particularly nice, should we invite some of the other sisters to accompany you for a stroll?"
Behind her, Jingxi quickly chimed in, "Yes, Empress Dowager! You haven't gone out all winter. Since today is such a beautiful day, how about letting the ladies from each palace accompany you?"
After alternating their persuasion, the Empress Dowager finally nodded and smiled, saying, "You two!" As she spoke, she stood up and looked at a palace maid not far away. "Convey my decree: all the ladies from each palace are to come to the Imperial Garden to enjoy the flowers."
"Yes."
After giving her orders, Consort Xi and Jingxi each took an arm of the Empress Dowager and began to walk. Just as they reached the door, Consort Xi seemed to remember something and turned to Jingxi, saying, "Jingxi Auntie, since the Empress Dowager's health isn't great, you should bring a cloak for her. Otherwise, if she gets cold later on, it will be too late."
Jingxi smiled at the Empress Dowager and said, "Oh dear! How could I have forgotten that? It’s still Consort Xi who is thoughtful." With that, she went off to fetch a cloak.
The Empress Dowager was even more pleased; her eyes sparkled with barely concealed joy as she patted Consort Xi's hand and said, "Xi Er is truly attentive. If you weren't here, I would probably be quite distressed."
“Do not say such things, Empress Dowager. You have the Emperor's blessings, so nothing will happen to you. This is just what Xi Er, as a junior, should do. Please do not praise me any further.”
“You little imp,” the Empress Dowager said indulgently. As soon as she finished speaking, Jingxi came out holding a dark red cloak. The two of them worked together to put on the cloak and helped the Empress Dowager walk outside.
Before they reached the Imperial Garden, they heard bursts of laughter. Jingxi looked at the Empress Dowager and smiled, “It really is good to come out for a walk; my mood has improved quite a bit.”
“Yes, I didn’t expect that after not coming out for several days, the air would smell better than before,” the Empress Dowager agreed.
After turning down a small path, they saw a group of people dressed in colorful attire chatting not far away. Upon seeing the Empress Dowager, everyone hurriedly stood up. Standing at the front was Mu Yueqing, who was wearing a light green palace outfit and was smiling brightly at the Empress Dowager.
“Consort greets the Empress Dowager.”
“Everyone, please rise.”
Once everyone was seated again, the Empress Dowager spoke up, “I called you all here today to let everyone get some fresh air. Staying cooped up in the palace all day has made me feel a bit weary.”
“Indeed, as soon as I heard of the Empress Dowager's summons, I rushed over. It has been snowing all winter; it’s finally sunny today, so of course we should come out for a stroll,” Mu Yueqing quickly chimed in.
As soon as she finished speaking, the entire Imperial Garden fell silent. The Empress Dowager looked at Mu Yueqing with some disdain but maintained her composure. “So this is the Imperial Noble Consort?”
Mu Yueqing quickly stood up, slightly bowing again before saying, “In response to the Empress Dowager, I am indeed Mu Yueqing, daughter of the Grand General. When I visited your palace previously to pay my respects, I heard that your health was not well. How are you feeling now?”
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Consort Xi noticed this and sneered inwardly; the Empress Dowager was known to be a stern woman who disliked flamboyant people like Mu Yueqing even more. However, she chose not to expose it and quietly observed the scene.
Empress Dowager cleared her throat and said, "I didn't expect that General Mu's daughter would be more charming and clever than the last."
Mu Yueqing immediately retorted, "Your Majesty, Consort is the legitimate daughter of the General's household, while the former Empress is just an Illegitimate Daughter."
"Impudent! Even so, as long as the Empress is not deposed, what right do you have to call her the Former Empress?" Empress Dowager's sudden anger left Mu Yueqing at a loss. She quickly knelt down and softly said, "Please calm your anger, Empress Dowager. Consort has just entered the palace and is still unfamiliar with many things. I hope you can forgive her." At this moment, Consort Xi stepped forward with a smile to mediate, looking at Empress Dowager and gently saying, "Your Majesty, you have always been kind. This time, even if she is unaware of the rules, please let it go."
Empress Dowager gave Consort Xi a deep look before angrily addressing Mu Yueqing, "This time I will spare you for Xi Er's sake. But if there is a next time, I will not let you off! You may leave now; I find your presence bothersome."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yueqing felt her face flush instantly. She did not expect their first meeting to turn out like this. Though she was somewhat angry inside, she still respectfully said, "Consort, I take my leave." After saying this, she left with her Personal Maid.
Watching Mu Yueqing leave, Empress Dowager disdainfully remarked, "What kind of karma did Mu Hongfan accumulate in her past life to have such a daughter in this life? The last one was sent to the Cold Palace, and now this one seems to want revenge."
Seeing this, Consort Xi smiled and said, "Your Majesty, don't let such trivial matters upset your health. This Imperial Noble Consort might be different from the Empress, so don't take it to heart. Just relax."
Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction at Consort Xi, saying, "If you were the Empress, I wouldn't have to worry so much. It's just that I wonder how long this child will keep her heart on that woman."
"Consort is doing well; the Emperor has his own thoughts. Perhaps in a few days things will change. Today is for relaxation; don't dwell on those troubling matters."
Listening to this, Empress Dowager nodded and began chatting with everyone about recent events. It was nothing more than how the Emperor was devoted to the country and often forgot to favor the harem's Consorts. It had been a long time since anyone had heard of a concubine spending the night with the Emperor.
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