As the shout faded, Mu Qingyao’s figure appeared at the entrance of the side hall, gracefully lifting her skirt and ascending the steps.
A magnetic voice, cold and restrained, echoed from within the side hall: “Enter.”
It was Emperor Murong Liuzun. Mu Qingyao didn't stand on ceremony and led a retinue inside.
The side hall was far simpler than the main hall, exuding understated luxury. High-quality jadeware, antiques, and art objects were tastefully arranged, creating an atmosphere of natural harmony. Mu Qingyao glanced around briefly before finally focusing her gaze on the center of the side hall.
The Emperor had already prepared a feast. He was seated at the head of the table. Having shed his imperial yellow robes for a robe of autumn-yellow embroidered with a coiled dragon, he was devoid of his usual commanding and stern demeanor, instead radiating a gentle, flowing fragrance, like that of warm water. His refined features were creased with a warm smile, and his dark eyes, like pools of spring water, exuded warmth within a three-foot radius. It was indeed a rare sight to see Emperor Xian in such a state, suggesting he was in a good mood this evening.
Beside the Emperor sat Prince Nan’an, Murong Liuzhao, who had just been cleared of his charges. He wore a robe of dark purple sprinkled with floral patterns, his presence as cold and sculpted as ice. His chiseled features remained as frigid as ever; even though Mu Qingyao had helped him, he showed no change in his expression. However, the ferocity in his eyes had subsided, replaced by a subtle hint of admiration.
“Yao’er, come sit quickly. The three of us will have a few drinks today.” xxs壹贰
Mu Qingyao raised an eyebrow and walked over with neither subservience nor arrogance. Since she was here to eat, she saw no need to be formal with the Emperor and took her seat without hesitation.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Once the three were seated, Murong Liuzun turned to the palace attendants on the side of the hall and commanded in a deep voice, “Ah Jiu, stay to serve the wine. Everyone else, withdraw.”
His demeanor was entirely different from before, exhibiting a stark contrast between his treatment of the palace staff and Mu Qingyao. It seemed that only when facing the Empress did he display a gentle and refined side.
In front of others, he remained the noble, cold, and ruthless Emperor.
The maids and eunuchs bowed in acknowledgment: “Your slave (this one) obeys.”
Mu Qingyao’s personal maids, Meixin, Mochou, and Bingxiao, also took their leave. Only three people remained in the side hall, with Ah Jiu standing by to serve the wine.
The table was laden with a complete array of dishes, appealing in color, aroma, and taste. The chalices were filled with nectar, and the flickering lamplight created an alluring atmosphere.
The three sat around the table, their presence charged with an unspoken tension.
Ah Jiu stood attentively to the side.
Mu Qingyao’s gaze remained fixed on the dishes in the center of the table, which emitted a warm glow. She completely ignored the two handsome men before her, her attention solely captured by the food. Her cheerful mood radiated from her.
The cool, aloof aura dissipated, replaced by a gentle, warm radiance.
This radiance enveloped the hall, drawing the attention of both the Emperor and Prince Nan’an. The former’s eyes involuntarily overflowed with indulgence, while the latter’s gaze was a mixture of icy coldness, faint admiration, and something else.
“Yao’er, eat if you’re hungry.”
Murong Liuzun’s voice was pleasant and captivating, like a clear, sweet stream flowing through a mountain forest.
Watching Mu Qingyao’s movements, he knew her eyes were solely focused on the food.
Although he hadn’t spent much time with her, he had discovered her fondness for exquisite cuisine. When she saw delicious-looking food, she couldn’t tear her gaze away, whereas people and other matters held no appeal for her.
A peculiar sense of discomfort flowed through Murong Liuzun’s heart. He had half a mind to have the dishes removed.
However, he feared that if he did so now, this woman might fight him. Yet, seeing her happily eating brought him a sense of warmth.
“Is it tasty?”
“Yes, things in the Imperial Palace are indeed delicious,” Mu Qingyao replied, raising her eyebrows and, uncharacteristically, responding to the Emperor with a pleasant expression.
She glanced up at the two men opposite her. Why were they both looking at her? She asked curiously, “Are you two eating too?”
Prince Nan’an’s icy eyes softened considerably. This woman was completely different from the women he had known before – vain, hypocritical, and affected. This woman was so natural and candid. It was a shame he had bothered her before.
But he had interacted with her before; she was clearly a flirtatious girl. Well, what was the point of dwelling on the past at a time like this?
His successful exoneration this time was largely thanks to this woman, wasn’t it?
Murong Liuzhao suddenly stood up, picked up his golden goblet, and said earnestly and respectfully, “This subject’s brother respectfully offers this cup to Imperial Sister-in-law. I was too reckless before. Please forgive me, Imperial Sister-in-law.”
With that, he drained the cup and gazed directly at Mu Qingyao with his dark eyes. Mu Qingyao nonchalantly raised her wine cup and heartily reciprocated: “I forgive you.”
This time, Prince Nan’an, Murong Liuzhao, was utterly stunned.
He had expected her to at least make things difficult for him, or perhaps utter some harsh words or lecture him. But she said nothing, showing no pride in her achievements and no boastfulness.
For the first time, Prince Nan’an, Murong Liuzhao, felt a ripple in his heart, one that lingered and refused to subside.
“Thank you, Imperial Sister-in-law.”
“Mmm, sit down and eat. The imperial dishes are truly delicious, aren’t they?”
Mu Qingyao cheerfully beckoned the others. Her expression was natural and playful, a stark contrast to her usual indifferent and cold demeanor.
Emperor Murong Liuzun’s eyes were deep and unfathomable, sparks dancing within them. He reached for his wine goblet and raised it to Mu Qingyao: “Yao’er, regarding Prince Nan’an’s matter this time, I offer you this cup in token of my respect.”
“Did Your Majesty not grant Qingyao a promise? If one takes money, one must avert disaster. This is something Qingyao ought to do.”
Mu Qingyao, having drunk her wine, replied as a matter of course. Prince Nan’an and Ah Jiu immediately looked at the Emperor with curiosity, wondering what the Emperor had promised her that made her willing to help. Murong Liuzun’s lips curved into a devilishly charming smile. This woman was truly something, not hiding anything at all.
“Imperial Brother?”
Murong Liuzhao called out, beckoning Ah Jiu to pour the wine. He solemnly raised his cup to his Imperial Brother: “Thank you, Imperial Brother, for your concern.”
“Imperial Brother and I are on the same side, so there is no distinction between us. Only through unity can we truly triumph.”
Murong Liuzun’s steady and reserved words resonated. His eyes were sharp, and his aura was commanding. Mu Qingyao, standing beside him, agreed with his statement. Her hand, poised to take food, paused. Her bright eyes, clear and piercing, quietly observed Prince Nan’an.
“We are allies on the same front. Don’t come looking for trouble with me so casually in the future. I haven’t provoked you, nor have I offended you. If you have that much energy, why not deal with those people inside and outside? How many forces are lurking in the shadows, watching you?”
Mu Qingyao’s words, as cold as water, flowed through the hall. Prince Nan’an’s heart trembled, and he felt a deep pang of regret. He, a grown man, was inferior to a woman.
At this moment, he should be working in unison with his Imperial Brother to deal with internal strife and external enemies. How could he be preoccupied with dealing with a woman? What his Imperial Sister-in-law said was not wrong; she was, after all, the Empress.
Regardless, she naturally wished for the Emperor to fare well. If the Emperor did not fare well, what benefit would she gain? He had truly been foolish.
“Imperial Sister-in-law’s admonishment is correct. This subject will bear it in mind.”