"Indeed it is pleasant to hear. Xin Yue is General Ximen's beloved daughter, raised as a boy since childhood. Not only in calligraphy, chess, poetry, and painting, but even in martial arts and strategy, she is likely beyond the ordinary."
Chu Yuyan, whether intentionally or not, while praising, always managed to convey something more.
A sharp glint flashed in Xi Men Xin Yue's soft eyes. What did this imperial concubine mean? Was she hinting to the Empress, perhaps, to use her to suppress the Empress?
It seemed this woman was not as simple as the Empress Dowager described, not devoid of schemes.
"Xin Yue is humbled. These are merely trivial skills, hardly worthy of appreciation. My father, out of affection, taught me many things, but they are not as magical as the outside world proclaims."
Xi Men Xin Yue's words were sincere and soft, making it hard to imagine such a woman possessing extraordinary martial arts. She looked more like a refined lady of a noble household, hidden from the world.
"Miss Xin Yue, please be seated."
Mu Qingyao spoke with a calm expression, her gaze casually sweeping over Chu Yuyan and Xi Men Xin Yue.
These two women seemed to both favor the Emperor. Their rivalry was inevitable, yet they could still coexist peacefully in Weiyang Palace. It appeared the Empress Dowager had issued strict warnings.
However, where there are women, there is war, wasn't it? Fortunately, she wouldn't remain in this imperial court. She would leave sooner or later. As long as the Empress Dowager was removed, the Emperor likely wouldn't mind her departure. Then, she wouldn't implicate the Mu family and could leave with her reputation intact.
"Thank you, Empress."
Xi Men Xin Yue sat down with a gentle smile, her demeanor respectful and cautious, as if afraid to overstep.
A light breeze swept through the flower pavilion, the chime of copper bells creating a pleasant melody. Outside, the flowers and plants bloomed in vibrant colors, exceptionally enchanting, much like the women within the pavilion, displaying various postures that were dazzling to behold.
This imperial harem was never short of women. Beauty fades, and new faces appear. This is the sorrow of every woman who enters the harem, yet why are they still so eager? Mu Qingyao found it utterly perplexing. She longed to leave the palace as soon as possible.
"Where are you residing now, Miss Xin Yue?"
Mu Qingyao held a tea pot, taking a light sip, and asked casually.
Although Xi Men Xin Yue disdained the woman before her, her current status was not ordinary. She had heard that even the Empress Dowager had suffered a severe blow, indicating she was an extraordinary person.
Just by appearance, she was not only beautiful, but Mu Qingyao doubted she could surpass her. Her air of detached indifference and her inadvertent words always put one under pressure.
"Replying to the Empress, Xin Yue is currently residing in Weiyang Palace, keeping the Imperial Concubine company."
"Hmm, that is good. The Empress Dowager has put in a great deal of thought," Mu Qingyao nodded, setting down the tea pot.
The Empress Dowager's arrangement for Xi Men Xin Yue was undoubtedly due to General Ximen's influence. She had gained favor in this matter.
If Xi Men Xin Yue gained favor, this favor would fall into her hands. If Xi Men Xin Yue was not favored, she would still earn a reputation for protecting her, and the blame would fall upon the Emperor. Such a clever plan.
"Xin Yue is humbled. I have been favored by the Empress Dowager. In truth, Xin Yue had no intention of entering the palace. It was my father's wish for Xin Yue to serve His Majesty, to repay His Majesty's grace towards the Ximen household."
These words were skillfully crafted. No one in the flower pavilion was foolish enough not to understand the meaning behind her words. Firstly, she elevated her own thoughts, stating she did not intend to enter the palace; it was her father's wish.
As ancient teachings dictated, a daughter follows her father. Thus, she entered the palace. Secondly, His Majesty had always bestowed grace upon the Ximen family, and her entering the palace was solely to repay that imperial favor, not for any other reason.
Mu Qingyao's lips curved, her smile carrying a hint of coldness.
She detested scheming women. She had initially hoped this was an accident, but she hadn't expected Xi Men Xin Yue to be more cunning than other women. Such a woman was truly terrifying.
"So, Miss Xin Yue is a filial daughter. This is truly a model for the world."
Mu Qingyao spoke indifferently, no longer wishing to engage with these women. She now only wished for all three Mu sisters to retreat safely.
As for the affairs of the palace, they were that man's problems. What did they have to do with her? After speaking, Mu Qingyao stood up, preparing to leave the flower pavilion.
Xi Men Xin Yue trembled, suppressing her unwanted thoughts. This woman was more astute than the average person. She would have to be even more careful in the future, not to casually play her schemes under her watchful eyes, lest everything be seen through.
If her schemes backfired, it would be a loss outweighing any gain.
"Yuyan (Xin Yue) respectfully bids farewell to the Empress."
"Mm," Mu Qingyao nodded, leading her two sisters and her personal maids, stepping out of the flower pavilion and standing on the stone steps.
"The Emperor will not easily come to the Imperial Garden."
Within the pavilion, Xi Men Xin Yue trembled, a flush of embarrassment coloring her beautiful and delicate face. She hadn't expected her schemes to be so easily seen through. She raised her head and glanced at the Imperial Concubine, Chu Yuyan, by her side.
She had told her nothing. How dare Chu Yuyan! She had made a fool of herself. Knowing her feelings so well, she deliberately said nothing to reveal it. Just you wait, Chu Yuyan.
Chu Yuyan's eyes darkened. She hadn't expected that woman to leave them with such a parting shot. She could clearly see the resentment in Xi Men Xin Yue's eyes. However, Chu Yuyan smiled shrewdly.
"This is something we sisters were playing around with. What does it have to do with the Emperor?"
These words skillfully offered Xi Men Xin Yue a way out. The woman immediately sighed with relief, nodding her head gently in agreement, "Yes, we sisters were playing around with it. What does the Empress mean?"
Mu Qingyao had already descended the stone steps. The words from the flower pavilion reached her ears without omission. She let out a cold laugh, "Keep pretending then."
How could so few women in this imperial harem already be so scheming? If there were to be three thousand beauties in the future, who knew what chaos would ensue. A chilling aura surrounded her. The eunuchs and palace maids outside the pavilion spoke cautiously.
"Respectfully bids farewell to the Empress."
Mu Qingyao ignored them, leading her retinue away from the flower pavilion. By the pavilion, the two women gazed at her retreating figure from afar, their eyes flashing with unconcealed unwillingness.
On the way back to Fengluan Palace, the atmosphere was somewhat cold. No one spoke. Since the Empress was silent, no one dared to utter a word. Even Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang dared not speak much, stealing glances at Mu Qingyao from time to time.
Until Mu Qingyao's indifferent voice sounded.
"Sisters, what are your thoughts on what just happened?"
She wanted to hear the thoughts of Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang regarding the recent events. Those two women were each more formidable than the other. If they were to remain in the palace, could they contend with others?
Furthermore, there would be many more intelligent and wise women entering the palace in the future. Could they contend with them? Beauty fades, and by then, it would be too late to regret.
As soon as Mu Qingzhu heard Mu Qingyao's question, a look of anger flashed across her delicate, beautiful face, and she spoke fiercely.