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According to custom, all the Harem Consorts were to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager in her palace today. Therefore, not long after, Mu Junqi got up, attended by Mur and Ziyue who helped her wash up.
Today was a festive occasion, so Mur chose a bright red palace outfit for her, trimmed with golden threads and adorned with a few embroidered plum blossoms. The overall look gave an impression of simplicity while still exuding elegance.
As soon as she stepped down from the Phoenix Palanquin, she noticed that several consorts had already arrived and were walking in groups toward the hall. Upon seeing Mu Junqi, they all knelt down to pay their respects. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they entered together.
Upon entering, they saw the Empress Dowager dressed in a dark red palace outfit, which contrasted beautifully with her snow-like skin. They respectfully approached and performed their greetings. The Empress Dowager smiled gently at everyone and said softly, "You may rise."
After granting them seats, the Empress Dowager looked over the group and ordered Jingxi behind her to bring out several trays. She then spoke, "These items are gifts I bestow upon you this year; feel free to choose what you like."
As soon as she finished speaking, several consorts were visibly delighted but still stood up according to etiquette to bow again to the Empress Dowager. They then looked at the exquisite jewelry on the trays.
Mu Junqi watched everything with a calm smile. To her, these items had never been important; since her time in the General's residence, she felt that such material possessions held no value for her. However, since these were gifts from the Empress Dowager, she was the first to approach and chose a very unremarkable hairpin. She then bowed slightly to the Empress Dowager and said, "Consort thanks the Empress Dowager."
Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager merely smiled faintly and turned her gaze toward Consort Qian beside her. Feeling disheartened, Mu Junqi turned back to her seat and observed everyone.
Once everyone had made their selections and expressed their gratitude to the Empress Dowager, they exchanged a few more pleasantries. At that moment, the Empress Dowager looked at Mu Junqi coldly and said, "It has been many days since I returned to the palace; why have I still not heard any news of the Empress's pregnancy?"
Mu Junqi felt a sudden jolt in her heart but maintained a calm expression. Looking at the seemingly embarrassed face of the Empress Dowager, she quietly replied, "Consort does not know."
"Keep this matter in mind; there are only three princesses in the palace now, and having heirs is of utmost importance. As the National Mother of Western Yan, you must not forget your duty. Do you understand?" The Empress Dowager said sternly.
Mu Junqi simply remained silent in response, causing several consorts to stifle their laughter behind their hands. The Empress Dowager ignored this entirely. Mu Junqi understood that this was all due to recent events; if it weren't for that incident, perhaps the Empress Dowager wouldn't dislike her so much.
Suddenly, a sharp voice came from outside the hall: "The Emperor has arrived."
As soon as the words were spoken, all the concubines fell silent and looked towards the door. Then, a bright yellow figure appeared before everyone's eyes, and they all knelt down to pay their respects. However, Mo Xiao Li ignored them and bowed to the Empress Dowager before saying, "You may rise." After speaking, she sat down beside the Empress Dowager.
"Why did you arrive so late? Have all your matters been taken care of?" The Empress Dowager said lovingly as she looked at Mo Xiao Li.
From the moment she entered, Mo Xiao Li's gaze had not left Mu Junqi, but she had not once seen Mu Junqi look back at her. With a helpless smile, she replied, "Everything has been taken care of. I came here to spend the New Year with you, Empress Dowager."
After speaking, she seemingly casually glanced at Mu Junqi. "The Empress must be quite tired today. If the Empress Dowager has no other matters, I will take her away now."
Mu Junqi looked up in shock at Mo Xiao Li. Before she could speak, those behind her began to chatter among themselves. "The Emperor is truly good to the Empress."
"Indeed, we can only look on in envy," two of them said without regard for their surroundings, then turned to look at the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager frowned as she looked at Mo Xiao Li. "I originally wanted to take this opportunity to teach and rectify the improper conduct in the harem. Since the Empress is not feeling well, we can discuss it tomorrow. You all may return; I wish to rest." After saying this, she stood up with Jingxi supporting her as she left.
Everyone hurriedly called out, "We bid farewell to the Empress Dowager."
At this point, Mo Xiao Li looked at Mu Junqi. "Come back with me," she said as she took her hand and left, causing all the concubines to widen their eyes at this scene but not daring to utter a word.
Once outside Jinghe Palace, Mu Junqi forcefully shook off Mo Xiao Li's hand and coldly said, "What you did today makes it difficult for me to stand before the Empress Dowager in the future."
"I am helping you. Do you really want to stay there and endure those remarks?" Mo Xiao Li shouted angrily.
"The Consort did not ask for your help; I take my leave," Mu Junqi immediately responded and turned to leave without waiting for Mo Xiao Li's reply.
Mo Xiao Li immediately became angry and grabbed her arm, pulling her into his embrace with increased force. "Mu Junqi, I have been tolerating you all this time, yet you have never regarded me. Is it only because you have my child that you will obediently listen to me?"
After his words, Mu Junqi suddenly stopped struggling, staring blankly at Mo Xiao Li. After a long while, she softly replied, "I will absolutely not bear your child," and then surprisingly laughed.
In the end, Mo Xiao Li released her and turned to leave. Mu Junqi watched him depart and softly said, "This is all your own doing..."
Mur stood by, unsure of how to persuade her, only able to remain silent, feeling deeply troubled inside.
After returning to Jingxian Palace, Mu Junqi ordered someone to summon Zhang Taiyi from the Imperial Medical Institute. Looking at the person kneeling before her, Mu Junqi coldly said, "If a single word about why This Palace summoned you today gets out, then you will bear the consequences. Do you understand?"
"Understood, Your Highness," Zhang Taiyi replied while nodding.
At that moment, Mur walked in and saw the kneeling Zhang Taiyi. She bowed to Mu Junqi before speaking, "Your Highness, His Majesty just sent word that he will be staying overnight in Jingxian Palace tonight and asked you to prepare."
Mu Junqi felt her heart race. "Just say that This Palace is unwell," she said before turning to Zhang Taiyi. "Recently, I have been feeling extremely fatigued. What do you think is wrong?"
Zhang Taiyi looked up at Mu Junqi and respectfully replied, "It may be due to a deficiency of vital energy, but I still need to take your pulse." Upon hearing this, Mu Junqi gestured for him to proceed. "You must examine it carefully; if anything happens to me, I will hold you accountable!"
Zhang Taiyi nervously took her pulse and finally wrote something on a prescription. Mu Junqi took the prescription and handed it to Mur. "Take this prescription and go."
It was only when she was alone in her chamber that Mu Junqi softly said, "Let's see how things go from now on."
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