The imposing stone lions flanking the grand gate exuded majesty and power.
Below the stone steps leading to the gate, one side was lined with kneeling servants, while the other was a riot of color, with peach blossoms and willows, and vibrant purples and reds, dazzling the eyes. These were the women from the rear courtyards of the Crown Prince's mansion.
Upon hearing of the master's return today, these women, who hadn't seen him for many days, flocked like cats deprived of meat. Each was meticulously dressed, leading the maids from their respective courtyards, to welcome His Highness the Crown Prince.
Under the scorching sun, only the respectful voices were heard in unison.
"Your servants, respectfully welcome the Crown Prince back to the mansion."
Among those women, the most formidable was Shen Xuxue, who had been granted the title of secondary consort by Chang Sun Zhu.
Her maternal family remained the most influential and powerful aristocratic family in the Qingluo Kingdom, the Shen family.
The Shen family had served as generals for generations, loyal and patriotic, favored by the Emperor. Everyone in Qingluo, high and low, knew the Shen family. Consequently, Shen Xuxue had always held sway in the Crown Prince's mansion, with no one daring to provoke her, nor to speak ill of her before the Crown Prince.
"Xuxue leads her sisters in welcoming Your Highness back to the mansion."
A voice like chirping birds and warbling orioles resounded.
From a carriage behind them, the maids Ying Feng and Ying Qing respectfully lifted the curtain. Sunlight streamed down in a thousand rays, and a tall, upright figure slowly descended from the carriage.
His noble and magnificent aura was like dazzling, multi-colored jade, making it difficult to look directly at him. Upon seeing this man, who exuded an icy aura, everyone simultaneously called out.
"Master."
Chang Sun Zhu paid no heed to the servants. Instead, he turned, a gentle, jade-like smile on his face, a smile more captivating than ever before.
"Come, we're here."
"Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince," a cold, piercing voice replied. Qing Yao did not take Chang Sun Zhu's hand but looked behind him. Her maids, Mei Xin and Mo Chou, seeing this, immediately stepped forward and extended their hands, respectfully saying, "Mistress, please come down."
"Mhm," a soft acknowledgment, and a graceful, lithe figure slowly alighted from the carriage.
Silence descended upon the entrance of the Crown Prince's mansion, like death itself. The master had brought back a woman, and this woman seemed to show him no deference. This was truly a wonder of the world.
Gasps of surprise sounded one after another. Meanwhile, the women on the other side were gnashing their teeth, especially the leading secondary consort Shen. Her expression was a volatile mixture, looking exceedingly unpleasant.
When had the master ever smiled at them? For all along, everyone knew the master to be cold and aloof. Even when he needed women, his visits were always fleeting.
Yet now, he smiled at that woman, even showing her tenderness and consideration, and that woman still showed him no respect.
What others vied for desperately, this woman disdained.
Shen Xuxue suddenly raised her head, and along with her, over a dozen pairs of eyes, simultaneously shot towards Mu Qing Yao.
This woman must have quite a background, Shen Xuxue realized immediately. Though filled with hatred, she dared not show it, stepping forward respectfully.
"Master, who is this?"
Chang Sun Zhu's expression darkened, his gaze turning sharp and cold. He spoke in a frigid tone, "Why are you all out here? All of you, go down."
Shen Xuxue trembled. The master was angry. She dared not say more, responding respectfully, "Yes, Master."
She immediately turned and led the women from the rear courtyard in a synchronized retreat. At the gate, Chang Sun Zhu's deep voice echoed again, "Hong Wen, escort Miss Mu to Ming Yue Wan."
Upon hearing this, everyone within and outside the Crown Prince's mansion was astonished. What place was Ming Yue Wan? Mu Qing Yao did not know, but everyone in the Crown Prince's mansion knew.
That was the residence of the future Crown Princess. It did not belong to any of the rear courtyards but was a separate, independent, and exceptionally beautiful dwelling within the Crown Prince's mansion.
That location symbolized supreme honor. Originally, everyone in the Crown Prince's mansion had speculated that Shen Xuxue would eventually occupy that position.
But unexpectedly, Shen Xuxue did not. Now, a woman who had appeared out of nowhere occupied it.
Shen Xuxue, who had re-entered the mansion, had a face already darkened, exceptionally gloomy. Gritting her teeth, she flicked her hand and coldly ordered, "Immediately proceed to An Le Yuan."
An Le Yuan was Shen Xuxue's residence. She intended to convene a meeting at once to devise a plan to prevent this newcomer from residing in Ming Yue Wan. She was unwilling, and not just her; the entire group of women in the rear courtyard was unwilling.
If Shen Xuxue had obtained the position, they might have accepted it. After all, her family was the foremost aristocratic family in the Qingluo Kingdom, and Shen Xuxue was from a distinguished lineage. Occupying that position would have been undisputed.
But this woman who had suddenly appeared, with an unknown background, had now occupied the position of Crown Princess. Every one of them was the daughter of a Ministry of Rites Assistant Minister or an Imperial Censor. Each was a young lady from a noble family, yet they remained in the rear courtyard, content to be concubines. While that woman, with no known background, had moved into Ming Yue Wan. On what grounds?
Outside the Crown Prince's mansion.
Hong Wen had regained his composure. He had a refined appearance and a scholarly demeanor in his every movement. As the steward of the Crown Prince's mansion, he had now risen with a group of servants and approached Mu Qing Yao respectfully, saying, "Please follow me, Miss Mu."
"Mhm, thank you," Qing Yao replied with a calm demeanor. Her unpretentious movements drew another glance from Hong Wen, who quickly lowered his head and led the way.
Qing Yao glanced back at Chang Sun Zhu. The man's gaze, like ancient glacial ice meeting fire, melted into continuous warmth. The corners of his lips curved into a gentle, jade-like smile.
"Crown Prince Chang Sun, farewell."
"Mhm, Qing Yao, go ahead. I will visit you later," Chang Sun Zhu waved his hand.
Mu Qing Yao turned, leading her three attendants to follow the steward towards Ming Yue Wan. Mei Xin held the little fox, Mao Xue Qiu, who, upon arriving in an unfamiliar place, kept chirping, seemingly delighted.
Chang Sun Zhu's gaze, as gentle as flowing water, followed the receding figure until she disappeared from sight. Only then did he turn back, casting a glance at the servants of the Crown Prince's mansion, and spoke coldly, "All of you, disperse."
"Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Everyone dispersed, leaving only Ying Feng and Ying Qing to follow him.
His eyes burned like torches. Suddenly turning, his handsome, picturesque face was now shrouded in a bloodthirsty aura, chilling and arrogant. His pupils were like the ethereal flames of the netherworld, exuding a ghostly chill. He looked at Ying Qing.
Ying Qing felt cold sweat trickling down her back. She dared not even breathe loudly or move, trembling as she managed to speak.
"Master?"
"Your boldness seems to have grown considerably. What you were thinking along the way, do you think this Crown Prince does not know? Do not assume that by climbing into this Crown Prince's bed, you can do as you please."
His charming voice paused. Ying Qing's heart trembled. It turned out that nothing could escape the master's discerning eye. She dared not say another word, repeatedly kowtowing, "Master, spare my life, Master, spare my life."
"Go and receive twenty military strokes yourself. If there is another time," Chang Sun Zhu did not finish his sentence, but his chilling, ghost-like voice made one's hair stand on end and their body tremble. Ying Qing dared not say another word and immediately accepted the order to go and receive her punishment.