The eldest young lady, after a morning of meticulous makeup, suddenly deflated like a wilted eggplant, a frost-bitten cucumber. Her expression turned bitter, and she remained silent for a long time.
Seeing her daughter’s dejected state, the First Madam felt a pang of heartache. A hint of displeasure flickered in her eyes as she looked up at Mu Qingyao.
“What are you doing here?”
Was she intentionally trying to upset her sister? The First Madam eyed Mu Qingyao with suspicion.
This woman’s recent actions were becoming increasingly unfathomable, and her cold, sharp demeanor suggested she was not to be trifled with.
“You were too noisy, disturbing my sleep. If this happens again, don’t blame me for being impolite.”
Mu Qingyao’s warning was chilling. Her gaze swept past the First Madam and the eldest young lady, surveying the opulent and exceedingly luxurious bedroom.
At the entrance stood a screen of deep purplish-red marble, carved with patterns of phoenixes in flight. A set of precious furniture was placed in a corner of the room.
A carved large bed was draped with gauze curtains adorned with a hundred butterflies playing amongst flowers. From a bronze tripod, wisps of smoke curled upwards, burning musk, filling the entire room with a fragrant aroma.
As Mu Qingyao was appraising the room, the First Madam spoke indignantly.
“What did you say? I am your paternal aunt and the manager of the Mu Estate. How dare you speak to me like this?”
Mu Qingyao withdrew her gaze and looked at the First Madam. Today, the First Madam was also dressed in vibrant, festive attire.
A crimson silk robe enveloped her slightly plump figure. She glared at Mu Qingyao with an overbearing aura, seemingly determined not to back down. Mu Qingyao calmly replied.
“If Grand Aunt is tired, she can let Second Aunt manage things.”
Though her words were soft, they sent an inexplicable shiver down their spines, leaving no doubt about her capability.
The First Madam’s face contorted, turning green, then red, then white. Finally, she gritted her teeth and endured it.
Today was a joyous occasion, and she did not wish to quarrel with this girl. If her daughter was truly favored by the Emperor, she would surely teach this girl a lesson.
At that time, not only the third young lady of the Mu Estate but also high-ranking officials in the capital would dare not disrespect her. The First Madam’s expression finally eased as she considered this.
“Qingyao, Grand Aunt understands. I will be more careful next time. You should go back now; your sister is about to enter the palace.”
“Mm.” Since they had conceded, Mu Qingyao didn’t want to press her advantage. She nodded and turned to leave. Before departing, she glanced at Mu Qingzhu.
Frankly, Mu Qingzhu was indeed beautiful today. She wore a splendid robe of emerald green silk, embroidered with large, opulent peonies, and a skirt of the same color with scattered floral patterns.
Over her shoulders, she wore a white, thinly woven gauze with gold thread embroidery. Her hair was styled in a low bun, with a gleaming golden hair ornament slanted in it.
The golden radiance enhanced her appearance, making her resemble a lotus emerging from water, or a rich peony. She was indeed a peerless beauty.
However, her uncertain gaze detracted from her beauty. True beauty lay in confidence, a principle the eldest young lady of the Mu Estate failed to grasp.
Mu Qingyao did not wish to meddle further; these matters had nothing to do with her.
Mu Qingyao led Mei Xin out of the room. The young maidservant outside respectfully bid her farewell, “Third Miss, travel safely.”
Inside the room, Mu Qingzhu’s face was exceedingly unpleasant. She looked at her mother and said, “Mother, look at how that girl bullies people!”
The First Madam immediately went to comfort her daughter.
“We won’t bother with her. We won’t contend with her today; we’ll deal with her later. You must maintain a good mood; today is a good day, Zhu’er, you must be happy.”
“Yes, Mother,” Mu Qingzhu said. Upon hearing her mother’s words, she remembered the more important matter. The thought of entering the palace soon made her nervous again. “Mother, is there anything wrong with my appearance?”
“No, my daughter is beautiful, more beautiful than anyone in this estate.”
Just as the First Madam finished speaking, her personal maid, Feng Jiao, announced from outside the door, “Madam, the imperial carriage has arrived. Master is asking for the young lady to come out. The second young lady has already gone out.”
“Understood,” the First Madam nodded immediately and reached out to take her daughter’s hand. “Let’s go. You must trust your mother; the Emperor will surely favor my Qingzhu today.”
“I will be filial to you, Mother,” Mu Qingzhu smiled sweetly. The mother and daughter left the room. The young maids outside exclaimed in unison, “Eldest Miss is so beautiful!”
“Yes, truly beautiful.”
This greatly boosted Mu Qingzhu’s spirits. She became happy instantly, and the group proceeded towards the entrance of the Mu Estate…
In front of the Mu Estate, a luxurious imperial carriage awaited, driven by a young eunuch from the palace, who stood respectfully beside the carriage.
Mu Hen turned to look, finally seeing his eldest daughter approaching. She was indeed radiant and exceptionally grand.
“Father?”
Mu Qingzhu’s heart was greatly pleased as she saw a hint of admiration in her father’s gaze. She called out softly and met the eyes of her second sister, Mu Qingxiang.
Mu Qingxiang had also dressed up for the occasion today, but compared to her, she was slightly inferior. Thinking this, her confidence increased.
How could this ugly woman possibly compete with her? Mu Qingzhu thought fiercely, dreaming.
Prime Minister Mu surveyed his two daughters. The elder possessed beauty, the younger talent; each had her own merits. Now, he considered.
The third girl was indeed blessed with both talent and emotion, but why had she behaved so outrageously before?
Prime Minister Mu could not fathom this, and time did not permit him to ponder further. He quickly led his daughters into the imperial carriage waiting outside.
“Thank you, Eunuch.”
Uncle Zhong, the steward of the Mu Estate, a person of exquisite discernment, came forward to arrange everything, meticulously instructing the two young eunuchs.
The two young eunuchs nodded with smiling faces, leaped into the carriage, and set off for the palace.
Inside the carriage, Mu Hen glanced at his daughters and carefully cautioned them both.
“When you enter the palace later, you must be cautious with your words and actions. Do not speak carelessly. The palace is not like the Mu Estate where you can act recklessly. One wrong step can incur the Emperor’s displeasure, do you understand?”
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang had never seen their father’s expression so serious. They dared not be negligent and quickly nodded, “Yes, Father.”
Mu Hen sighed. He had never expected his daughters to enter the palace as consorts. The imperial court was unlike ordinary households, but who could have predicted such a situation? Whether it was a blessing or a curse, they could only leave it to fate.
The resplendent Imperial Palace.
In the magnificent Imperial Study, on yellow pearwood bookshelves, were neatly arranged exquisite bound books. Precious antiques were placed in various corners.
Behind the imperial desk, adorned with bright yellow luxury, was a soft couch covered with brocade. On the desk sat a small and exquisite golden tripod.
Currently, the finest Dragon’s Birth Incense was burning. This vast study exuded opulence and royal nobility everywhere.
At this moment, a man dressed in purple reclined on the soft couch. His seaweed-like hair was held up by a golden crown, exuding an aura of dominance. The stark contrast between purple and gold was striking.