"Your Majesty," Mei Xin and Mo Chou called out softly.
They were truly worried for their mistress. From the moment she entered the palace, she had been clashing with the Empress Dowager. What if their mistress suffered any disadvantage?
The two young maids' expressions flickered. Mu Qingyao's gaze softened, and a faint, gentle smile touched her lips.
"Enough. If you truly care for your mistress, then be more clever from now on. Pay attention to everything, and protect your mistress. Isn't that enough?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant understands," Mei Xin and Mo Chou replied in unison.
What their mistress said was right. If they paid more attention from now on, they could truly protect her.
Mu Qingyao turned and continued on her way to Fengluan Palace.
Within her dark, beautiful eyes, a hidden sharpness resided. She was now in a situation beyond her control, and could only take things one step at a time. However, she would absolutely not allow anyone to bully her. Moreover, she would find a way to retreat safely...
Fengluan Palace.
At the base of the white jade balustrade before the palace gates, on the tiered stone steps, stood a group of people. Leading them were Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang, dressed in elegant robes. Upon seeing Mu Qingyao approaching, surrounded by her entourage, their faces lit up with joy. They rushed forward a few steps and greeted her warmly.
"Qingzhu (Qingxiang) greets the Empress, Your Majesty."
Mu Qingyao's brows furrowed slightly. She hadn't expected these two women to actually enter the palace. She suspected the Empress Dowager intended to use them as pawns, and a cold glint flashed in her deep eyes.
If it weren't for the sake of her father, the Prime Minister, she wouldn't bother with their lives. They were unlearned, only knowing how to climb the social ladder and curry favor with the powerful. This palace was already a treacherous environment, and to willingly wade into it was simply asking for trouble.
"Rise. May I ask why the two of you have come?" Mu Qingyao's expression was cold, and her words were even colder.
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang had been high-spirited, but upon hearing her chilling voice, they felt as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown over them, extinguishing their passionate eagerness. Their faces stiffened, and they didn't know what to say.
Mu Qingxiang, having some wit, quickly regained her composure and spoke in a voice as clear as flowing water.
"We sisters missed you, sister, and have come to visit."
The words were so fake they made one want to gag. All the eunuchs and maids rolled their eyes. Who didn't know what they were really after?
Guests were guests. Although Mu Qingyao was very reluctant to deal with her two sisters, their current identity was as hopeful candidates in the Imperial Harem Selection, and she was the Empress of the Xuanyue Kingdom.
If she drove them away now, rumors would likely spread, saying the Empress was jealous, the Empress was petty, and the Empress could not tolerate others.
Just thinking about it made her feel a chill. Therefore, Mu Qingyao led her personal maids into Fengluan Palace, not forgetting to give a calm instruction.
"Come in."
"Yes, Empress, Your Majesty." The maids of Fengluan Palace obeyed and respectfully invited the two candidates into the hall.
Even though these two women were amusing, they were the Empress's own sisters. This was not comparable to others, so the eunuchs and maids dared not be careless.
Although they were currently candidates, they might become consorts in the future. It was better for them to serve with caution.
In the main hall, incense curled, and curtains hung.
On the high seat, on the bright red phoenix couch, sat Mu Qingyao in a water-grass green robe. The red and green colors, which should have clashed, were surprisingly harmonious. The red was alluring, the green fresh and tender, with the red setting off the green like lotus leaves emerging from water, exuding a fragrant lotus scent.
"Be seated."
Mu Qingyao spoke faintly. Immediately, maids invited Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang to sit beside her, served them tea, and then withdrew.
"Speak. What brings you to see me?" Mu Qingyao sipped her tea lightly, gazing at her two sisters seated below with a relaxed expression.
Mu Qingzhu's face froze, and she exchanged glances with Mu Qingxiang, unsure whether to speak. Finally, the two sisters hardened their resolve, stood up from their seats in unison, and knelt on the ground, saying with sincere earnestness,
"Qingzhu (Qingxiang) implores Your Majesty to grant our wish."
Mu Qingyao's eyes darkened, and her lips twitched. These two women actually had the nerve to say that! If it weren't for past affections, would they even be sitting here?
But if she flatly refused, the Empress Dowager would surely stir up trouble. Then, the three sisters would be in direct confrontation, inevitably becoming a laughingstock to outsiders, and falling right into the old woman's scheme.
And if she agreed, this was not her own affair. Only the Emperor himself could decide on taking consorts. If the Emperor were willing to make them consorts, he would have mentioned it in the imperial edict at the time, rather than letting them enter the palace as candidates.
Moreover, if the three sisters were to become consorts simultaneously, it would not have a good impact on the Emperor. The world might consider the Emperor a decadent ruler.
Mu Qingyao frowned, a plan forming in her mind. For now, she would use a delaying tactic. Once they understood the dangers of the palace, she would find a way to send them out of the palace.
"Although sister is willing to fulfill the wishes of you two sisters, the matter of taking consorts is ultimately the Emperor's decision. If I were to rashly agree, it might incur disaster. However, to refuse my sisters leaves me with a troubled heart. How about this: I will find an opportunity to let the two of you shine before the Emperor. If the Emperor is inclined, he will surely take you as consorts."
As soon as Mu Qingyao finished speaking, Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang looked at each other in disbelief. Finally, both of them wore joyful expressions and thanked Mu Qingyao with smiles.
"Thank you, Empress, for your kindness. Qingzhu (Qingxiang) is eternally grateful."
"Alright, I am tired. You may leave now," Mu Qingyao waved her hand.
She needed to carefully consider every step she would take next. Not to mention this palace, but ever since Changsun Zhu appeared, perhaps the world had already begun to stir. The forces hidden in the shadows were about to make a grand entrance.
"Yes, Your Majesty, please rest. We shall take our leave and visit you again another day."
The two women withdrew happily, completely unaware that a true storm was about to break.
On the high seat, after Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang had left, Mu Qingyao closed her eyes and leaned back on the phoenix couch to rest, motionless.
Mei Xin quietly waved, signaling the eunuchs and maids in the palace to withdraw, allowing their mistress to rest for a while.
In reality, Mu Qingyao could not sleep. In times of changing winds and shifting clouds, she only wished to face them with a calm demeanor...
Outside the palace doors, Mei Xin's voice could be heard: "This servant greets Eunuch Ah Jiu?"
"Rise. This humble servant is here to deliver the Emperor's imperial decree. Where is Her Majesty?" Ah Jiu's pleasant voice came through.
Mu Qingyao's brow furrowed, and she opened her eyes to look towards the palace doors. She saw Mo Chou standing guard at the entrance.
Mei Xin rushed in from outside. Upon seeing her mistress awake, she quickly spoke.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has sent Eunuch Ah Jiu to deliver a decree."
"Let him in," Mu Qingyao stretched her arms lazily and gestured for Mei Xin to lead Ah Jiu in.
Mei Xin obeyed and retreated, soon leading Eunuch Ah Jiu inside.