Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Back at Qinxiang Garden, Mu Junqi always felt that something was about to happen, yet she didn't know that some events had already begun that no one could stop.
Not long after returning, Mo Xiao Li arrived. Ignoring everyone's gaze, he directly pulled Mu Junqi into his arms, inhaling her scent before saying, "I heard you went to see Yueqing today. How was it?"
Mu Junqi's expression darkened as she met his gaze and replied, "Perhaps this is all her retribution, but seeing her like this doesn't make me feel any better. I can only hope that she will understand everything in the future."
"Yes, regarding her punishment, you can handle it yourself; I won't interfere with this matter."
Before he finished speaking, they heard hurried footsteps outside. The two looked out in confusion and saw a trembling palace maid kneeling there. Mu Junqi walked out and asked, "What happened?"
"Replying to the Empress, Consort Guifei has committed suicide—" the palace maid said, shaking.
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone present was stunned; no one expected such a result. Especially Mu Junqi, who couldn't help but take a step back, fortunately caught by Mo Xiao Li to prevent her from falling.
"What exactly is going on?" Mo Xiao Li asked in a deep voice.
"Replying to the Emperor, I went to the Autumn Fragrance Palace to deliver lunch as usual, but when I entered, no matter how I called out, there was no response. Consort Guifei was ill and didn't even cough. I found it strange and went inside, only to see her hanging herself," the palace maid recounted with her head lowered.
After hearing this, Mo Xiao Li's brows furrowed tightly. Seeing this, Mu Junqi said, "It's all my fault; if it weren't for me, perhaps this wouldn't have happened." With that, she walked outside.
Mo Xiao Li hurriedly followed her. By the time they arrived at the scene, there were already many onlookers gathered. Upon seeing the state of the Autumn Moon Palace, everyone looked disdainfully. When they appeared, Consort Xi and Consort Qian were already there.
Seeing them approach, they hurriedly paid their respects. Mo Xiao Li glanced at them and asked, "What's going on now?"
"Your Majesty, Mu Yueqing has hanged herself; what a timely moment," Consort Qian stepped forward to say.
Everyone knew this remark was clearly directed at Mu Junqi. Mo Xiao Li understood this too and angrily said, "You have no right to speak if you don't know the truth." He then took Mu Junqi inside.
Upon entering, they saw that Mu Yueqing had already been taken down; her body still had warmth but her face was devoid of any color. On a nearby table lay a piece of paper with the words: To the Emperor.
Mo Xiao Li reached out to take the letter and opened it. After reading it, his expression turned grim. Mu Junqi didn't understand what could cause him to react this way and took it from his hands.
The letter read: Your Majesty, perhaps you have never truly cared for me, but I have always been sincere towards you. When my father was imprisoned, I initially didn't want to reveal the truth. However, looking at your expression made me realize that if I didn't speak up, I would surely regret it later; thus I told you everything.
In fact, I fell for you from our first meeting. I originally thought that with my talents I could obtain anything I desired—including you—but later realized that it was nothing but self-deception; I could never have you.
During this time I've thought a lot and feel that all I can say to Mu Junqi is sorry. In the residence, I couldn't give her a good life and even helped others bully her here. So please tell her of my heartfelt apology.
I previously mentioned that there is a cruel woman hidden in this harem whom I didn't recognize until now; that person is Consort Xi. Perhaps everyone thinks she is gentle and would never do such things; initially, I thought so too. But later I discovered that there are things in her eyes that are impossible to comprehend. Of course, maybe it's just my illusion; still, it's good to have a warning.
Mu Yueqing's final words.
Upon reading this part, Mu Junqi felt very distressed. She never expected her sister would end her life in such a manner and was even more surprised that she had so much to say until the very end. Unable to bear it any longer, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Mo Xiao Li looked at Mu Junqi in pity and stepped forward to embrace her gently while comforting her: "Perhaps for her this is a kind of relief; I just hope she can live well in the future."
Hearing this, Mu Junqi could only nod. Just then, Consort Xi and others walked in. Mu Junqi did not want anyone to see the letter, so she directly tucked it into her bosom and then looked at her and said, "Sister Consort Xi, are you also here to see off your sister?"
"Yes, we have been calling each other sisters during this time," she replied.
Mo Xiao Li stood aside, watching this scene closely and observing every word from Consort Xi, her brows furrowed tightly.
At that moment, Consort Qian spoke up, "Your Majesty, I never expected that the Noble Consort would leave us in such a manner. Please do not be too saddened."
"Mm, I understand," the Emperor replied.
Consort Xi stepped forward and said, "Empress, Consort knows that the Noble Consort is your sister, so I hope you will not be too heartbroken. Also, there is something I find puzzling; I wonder if the Empress could explain it."
Mu Junqi exchanged glances with Mo Xiao Li before saying, "I wonder what doubts Sister Consort Xi has."
"Consort," she said, "I heard that you visited the Noble Consort this morning, but less than an hour later, she committed suicide. Don't you find that puzzling? Or is there something wrong with this situation?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Junqi knew this would definitely raise suspicions among everyone. She stood there for a moment and then said, "Sister Consort Xi thinks this way; I find it quite puzzling as well. It was merely a visit between sisters; how could there be so many issues?"
"But you should at least explain how everything could be so coincidental," Consort Qian quickly asked.
At this point, Mo Xiao Li cleared her throat and said, "This matter has nothing to do with the Empress. The reason the Empress came here is entirely because of me; I asked her to come and talk more with Yueqing. After all, the previous incident happened because of her. If you are unaware of the situation, please refrain from making such remarks. If I hear such words again, I will not let it go lightly. Understood?"
Consort Xi and Consort Qian hurriedly knelt down and respectfully said, "Consort, we are terrified. We will never speak such words again. We hope Your Majesty will forgive us."
"Enough, you may all rise," the Emperor said.
After saying this, he turned to Li Fusheng and said, "Convey my decree to reinstate Mu Yueqing as a Consort and to bury her outside the city with the status of a Consort."
"Yes."
Comment 0 Comment Count