Since this woman dared to provoke her, she would seduce her man. Ji Feng pursed her lips, a smile that could topple cities, charming and alluring.
Mu Rong Liu Zun gazed indifferently at those below, his eyes unfathomable and placid. He was not interested in Ji Feng's dancing skills. He was interested in whether the woman beside him could create what she had spoken of, a hand grenade.
If such a formidable weapon could truly be made, it would undoubtedly be a precursor in future wars.
Seeing Emperor Xian's unmoved expression, Ji Feng could not help but feel disappointed. However, upon seeing many ardent gazes in the hall, her mood improved considerably.
The sound of strings and flutes began.
Her agile body swayed, transforming into countless fleeting shadows, growing faster and faster until finally, everyone could only see a resplendent, colorful butterfly dancing gracefully.
Who would have thought Ji Feng's dancing skills were so astonishing, a dance that could steal souls.
Many in the hall were mesmerized, lost in the spectacle. Even Qing Yao was captivated, silently admiring, "Who would have thought this woman's dancing skills were unparalleled, a dance that could amaze the entire audience."
Everyone was drawn into her dance, lost in the moment, except for the Empress Dowager, who swept her gaze across Mu Qingyao with a sinister look. She increasingly felt this woman was terrifyingly capable, and therefore could not be allowed to live; she had to be eliminated as soon as possible.
Otherwise, with her abilities, she would quickly cultivate her own influence within the palace, and by then, it would be impossible for her to deal with her.
As the dance concluded, thunderous applause erupted.
Ji Feng stood in the center of the hall, proudly meeting Emperor Xian's gaze. She saw that the man was finally looking at her directly, a flicker of joy crossing her heart, a smile gracing her enchanting face.
"You are too kind."
After Ji Feng spoke, she returned to her original position. The applause started again. At this moment, the Empress Dowager stood up and said with a hint of weariness, "Esteemed envoys have traveled far. You must enjoy yourselves. This old one is frail and tired today, so I shall retire to rest."
"This son bids the Empress Dowager farewell."
"Farewell, Empress Dowager."
After the Empress Dowager departed, Emperor Xian waved his hand, and the palace dancers reappeared to perform.
The hall became lively once more, with feasting and the enjoyment of song and dance. However, many appeared somewhat absent-minded. Some were still pondering the matters the Empress had spoken of, while others, having witnessed the dancing prowess of the Crown Princess Ji Feng, found the dances performed by the palace dancers rather unappealing. But with the Emperor present, they dared not voice their opinions and could only endure.
It was not until midnight that the banquet concluded. The envoys from the six kingdoms all stood up, stating they were tired and wished to return to their separate palaces to rest. Emperor Xian granted their request.
Prince Bei Jin, Mu Rong Liu Mo, accompanied the envoys from the six kingdoms to their separate palaces. His responsibility was immense, as these envoys were of high status. If any mishap were to occur, it could provide an excuse for leverage, so not a single mistake could be made.
After the envoys from the six kingdoms departed, Prince Nan An, Mu Rong Liu Zhao, also took his leave. With even the princes returning, there was no reason for the other court officials to remain. They all rose to take their leave.
The vast, magnificent Glass Palace, with its scattered cups and plates, lay in disarray. Silence now reigned, with only Mu Qingyao and Mu Rong Liu Zun looking at each other. Even the little Princess Mu Rong Xing Zhu had quietly withdrawn.
Mu Qingyao calmly adjusted her clothes, stood up, and spoke slowly.
"Qing Yao will take her leave now."
"Very well," Mu Rong Liu Zun's eyes flashed with a sharp, unfathomable glint, dark and boundless, churning and surging like a tidal wave, before quickly dimming again. He was not in a hurry; there was ample time.
"Ah Jiu, escort the Empress out."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ah Jiu replied respectfully and cautiously. He had witnessed everything that transpired this evening. Now, he felt that the Empress was even more terrifying than His Majesty. That thing, capable of blowing up a hall in the blink of an eye, was truly dreadful. Ah Jiu shivered slightly and led the way.
Mu Qingyao nodded and walked towards the hall's entrance. The maids Mei Xin and Mo Chou followed her closely out of the hall.
Outside the hall, the moon had shifted westward, hanging in the sky. Its pure white radiance enveloped the entire palace, magnificent and grand.
"Your Ladyship, the night is cool. Let us return."
Mo Chou spoke as eunuchs from the Feng Luan Palace began to light lanterns and lead the way. Mu Qingyao nodded. Behind her, Ah Jiu cautiously spoke, "Farewell, Your Ladyship."
Mu Qingyao bent and got into the soft sedan chair before the palace. The procession followed the gravel path, passed through the imperial gardens, and headed towards Feng Luan Palace.
The night was late, and Mu Qingyao was somewhat tired. Sitting in the soft sedan chair, swaying gently, she felt a wave of drowsiness. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she was on the verge of falling asleep.
Fortunately, Feng Luan Palace was reached. Mei Xin lifted the curtain, and Mo Chou extended her hand to help her. "Your Ladyship, are you tired? Please go in and rest."
"Mm," Mu Qingyao responded weakly and alighted from the soft sedan chair.
In front of the palace gate, on the bluestone platform, stood a row of eunuchs and palace maids, all in waiting. Each was leaning against the railings, seemingly tired. Mo Chou let out a soft cough, startling the maids and eunuchs. They looked up and saw the Empress had returned, and they all fell to their knees with fright.
"We are guilty. We beg Your Ladyship to punish us."
Mu Qingyao sighed as she looked at their trembling appearances.
These people were too subservient. It was not a major offense; why were they so frightened? Besides, it was already midnight, and everyone was tired.
"Rise. Those who are to guard the night may stay; the rest may go and rest."
"Thank you, Your Ladyship."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and slowly rose. After the Empress entered, they finally raised their heads and gazed together at the disappearing slender figure.
They had also heard about what happened in the hall tonight. Their Lady was truly formidable, having reportedly stunned the envoys from the six kingdoms at once.
Someone as capable as her should be very strict, yet in private, she was very gentle. Though indifferent, she did not arbitrarily punish her subordinates. This was different from the concubines of the past.
As Qing Yao entered the hall, she heard a palace maid report, "Your Ladyship, someone has sent something into the palace."
"What is it?"
Mu Qingyao stood in the hall, yawning, and looked at the speaking palace maid. The maid was pretty and sweet-faced, and spoke with sincerity, earning her a few points of favor, her demeanor naturally softening.
"The Prime Minister's office sent it."
The palace maid carried a delicate woven willow basket. Lying quietly within was Mao Xueqiu, the little fox gifted to her by Aunt Su.
Qing Yao could not help but feel a surge of happiness. Mo Chou immediately walked over, picked up Mao Xueqiu, and handed it to Mu Qingyao.
The little creature had been asleep. Upon being picked up by someone, it suddenly opened its eyes. As its beautiful black eyes met Mu Qingyao's, it let out chirps, seemingly very happy, and nuzzled into her embrace.
Mu Qingyao reached out and tickled its nose, playing with it.