Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The Empress Dowager smiled gently as she patted Consort Qian's hand and said softly, "How could I possibly forget you? It's only been half a month since we last met, and you have become even more charming."
Upon hearing this, Consort Qian immediately felt shy and uneasy, her pretty face flushed. She lowered her head and softly replied, "The Empress Dowager knows how to flatter Qian Er. I have been unable to eat or sleep well these past two weeks. Fortunately, with your blessings, I am able to see you now; otherwise, I might not have had the chance to meet Qian Er." After saying this, she even took out a silk handkerchief to wipe the corner of her eyes.
The Empress Dowager immediately felt a pang of sympathy and asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing," Consort Qian said, but she raised her eyes to look at Mu Junqi. Anyone could tell what the reason was. The Empress Dowager had spent a long time in the palace and naturally understood this implication, but she did not confront it directly. Instead, she smiled and said, "In that case, let the palace staff take good care of you."
Mo Xiao Li then stepped forward, took Mu Junqi's hand, and said loudly, "Empress Dowager, it must have been tiring for you on your way here. Let's all go inside."
Just as everyone turned to enter the palace, Mu Junqi caught a glimpse of Xia Ziqian standing in the crowd. He was dressed in blue robes and stood respectfully among the people, slightly bowing his head.
Although she knew he wasn't looking at her, she still struggled to break free from Mo Xiao Li's grasp. However, his grip was too strong; she felt as if her wrist might break. In frustration, she shot him an angry glance before following everyone inside while keeping her wide sleeves covering their clasped hands.
As soon as they entered the palace, the Empress Dowager claimed she was feeling unwell and allowed Consort Qian to escort her back to Jinghe Palace. Mu Junqi intended to go as well, but Mo Xiao Li refused on the grounds of her poor health.
Although Mu Junqi didn't want to go to Jinghe Palace either, if it meant being with Mo Xiao Li, she would rather accompany Consort Qian back to the Empress Dowager's quarters.
However, feeling powerless in the situation, she could only follow Mo Xiao Li to Tianming Palace. Once there, Mo Xiao Li dismissed everyone else and held her tightly in his embrace. Then she heard his enchanting voice whispering in her ear, "My beloved really is captivating today."
Even though Mu Junqi wanted to break free, she remained quietly nestled in his arms. After a long silence between them, Mu Junqi finally spoke up and asked, "Your Majesty, what is true love?"
Mo Xiao Li was taken aback by her question; he released Mu Junqi and fixed his gaze on her eyes before asking, "Why do you ask that?"
"Nothing, just a sudden feeling. If the Emperor..." Before the words were finished, he interrupted, "I believe that even if we cannot be together, as long as we see each other happy, then everything is worth it." After saying this, he looked at her with a smile.
Mu Junqi chuckled lightly and said, "Do you love me?" After a pause, without waiting for a response, he continued, "But do you understand me? Do you know what I really think? Do you know how I live in this palace every day? Do you know..."
"Enough! Empress, it seems you want me to give you some explanation today. You are not me; how could you possibly know what I think! If you think that my embracing you means I love you, then you are overthinking it. I treat every woman in the harem this way. I don't care how you feel; as long as you obediently stay in the palace, everything will be fine. Otherwise, bear the consequences!" Mo Xiao Li suddenly erupted in anger, glaring at Mu Junqi and after finishing, he waved his sleeve and walked into the side hall.
Mu Junqi still wore a faint smile as she watched Mo Xiao Li leave, feeling a blur before her eyes. She turned to leave when Li Fusheng awkwardly approached her. "Empress, you must attend tonight's banquet on time."
Mu Junqi simply nodded and then turned to walk outside the palace. Once she exited the palace gates, she felt even colder and huddled closer as Ziyue and Mur supported her towards the nearby Phoenix Palanquin.
As night fell, the palace was brightly lit with decorations; songs and dances filled the air. The sound of silk and bamboo instruments was pleasing to the ears as dancers in revealing outfits twisted their seductive bodies in the center. The Harem Consorts were all dressed extravagantly sitting beside the Emperor while officials in court attire sat on either side.
Just as everyone was admiring the dancers' figures, Mo Xiao Li and Mu Junqi helped the Empress Dowager appear before everyone. In an instant, everyone stopped and knelt down in unison, calling out, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress Dowager! Long live the Empress!"
Mo Xiao Li stood at the forefront, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe that exuded an air of authority. "You may rise," he said, and only then did everyone sit back down but remained silent, all gazing at Mo Xiao Li.
Mu Junqi merely smiled faintly at everyone while searching among the officials for that one person. Unfortunately, the night obscured everything; feeling disappointed, she lowered her head when suddenly she sensed a strong feeling of being watched. Looking up, she saw Consort Qian glaring angrily in her direction. She smiled lightly at her, which Consort Qian interpreted as mockery. Clenching her fists tightly, she glared back resentfully.
At that moment, Mo Xiao Li suddenly spoke up: "The Empress Dowager has long resided in the temple praying for our Western Yan. Today’s return calls for us to raise our glasses." After saying this, he picked up his cup and drank deeply. The crowd followed suit and drank from their cups.
Once they finished drinking, Li Fusheng raised his voice sharply and announced, "The banquet begins!" With that statement, the atmosphere became lively. Just then, Consort Qian walked over seductively. Tonight she wore a red outfit that accentuated her figure; her long neck displayed a delicate bosom like creamy white jade partially concealed yet enticingly visible. Her slender waist was cinched tightly; it seemed barely graspable. Her long legs were exposed elegantly along with her beautiful lotus feet silently inviting attention.
Her attire was undoubtedly extremely alluring; her large eyes sparkled with mischief and charm wrapped in misty allure. A hint of flirtation danced in her expression as her small mouth curled slightly upward with red lips slightly parted as if inviting someone to kiss them—a woman who exuded seduction from her very core seemed to be perpetually enticing men and tugging at their desires.
"Empress Dowager, during the time you were away, Qian Er has been thinking of you, so Qian Er has prepared a dance to present to you," she said with a shy smile.
The Empress Dowager smiled gently and said, "Qian Er is truly thoughtful. Let me see it after such a long time."
After saying this, Consort Qian walked onto the stage. Everyone turned to look at her. Mu Junqi was still searching for that person in the crowd, while Mo Xiao Li occasionally glanced at her. Seeing her sitting there with an anxious expression made his heart ache intensely, forcing himself to look at Consort Qian dancing on the stage.
As the dance concluded, thunderous applause erupted. Seductive approached and bowed to the Empress Dowager, saying, "Qian Er has embarrassed herself." Then she looked at Mu Junqi with a half-smile and said, "Empress, why not take this opportunity to show everyone your grace?"
At that moment, everyone turned to look at Mu Junqi, who was happily searching for Xia Ziqian's figure and had not heard her words at all. It wasn't until Mur lightly tugged at her clothing from behind that she came back to her senses...
Comment 0 Comment Count