Qingyao casually pulled a piece of thin gauze to cover her face. Although she could face this situation with composure, the pointing and staring from others along the way truly tested one's resilience, especially the scornful gazes that might affect her mood.
"Let's go."
With the gauze covering her face, her features were indistinguishable. She was dressed in plain clothes, exuding an ethereal and gentle aura. The thin veil fluttered lightly, and her dark hair was elegantly and loosely pinned up, creating a naturally stylish and graceful look that was even more dazzling.
A carriage waited outside the inn, and the group boarded it, heading in grand procession towards Lin'an City.
As the sun began to set, two carriages indeed arrived in Lin'an City as planned.
Lin'an City, the bustling capital under the Emperor's rule, was vibrant and filled with people. Inside the carriage, Xiaoyuer excitedly lifted the curtain to look outside.
She had always stayed in Wuxing Valley. It was only after venturing out this time that she realized how lively the outside world was. Seeing the constant stream of fine horses and carriages on the streets and alleys, she couldn't help but exclaim in wonder. From the carriage behind, similar exclamations arose, creating a chorus of amazement, much like Liu Grandma visiting the Grand View Garden for the first time.
"Mother, it's so lively! Will we live here from now on?"
Xiaoyuer asked Qingyao excitedly, who had remained silent. Thinking of the red patches on her mother's face, she lost some of her enthusiasm. Qingyao reached out and gently stroked the little girl's head.
"I'm fine, don't worry. Just remember to be polite when you meet the adults later."
Qingyao recalled Xiaoyuer's astonishingly unconventional behavior and feared it might startle the Prime Minister's household. That was why she had specifically instructed her, hoping she wouldn't act too out of line.
In Wuxing Valley, everyone had grown accustomed to her behavior since birth and found nothing strange about it. However, outside that environment, most people would be taken aback by her words and actions.
"Okay, I understand," Xiaoyuer nodded. Her mother was already troubled, and she didn't want to add to her worries, so she readily agreed, hoping to lessen her mother's burdens.
The carriage slowed down, merging seamlessly into the crowd, heading towards the Prime Minister's mansion.
Murong Liuzun had already sent a message to the Prime Minister's mansion, so Prime Minister Mu Hen, along with his entire family, stood waiting at the gate. Thinking of his daughter, whom he hadn't seen for over a year, he wondered how she was doing.
A flicker of tears appeared in Mu Hen's eyes. Over the past year, thankfully, the Emperor had assigned him many tasks, leaving him with little free time to miss his daughter. Upon hearing of her return, his heart was filled with excitement, and he eagerly awaited her arrival.
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang stood beside their father at the gate, gazing into the distance.
Soon, a grand procession approached—two carriages and several magnificent horses, with stern and composed individuals seated on horseback.
Mu Hen did not recognize the two men at the forefront. Changting and Duanhun, as imperial guards, were usually unseen by ordinary people. However, the two individuals behind them were skilled experts from the imperial palace, whom Mu Hen recognized. Without any hesitation, he respectfully led his entire family to kneel and welcome them.
"Your subjects respectfully welcome the Empress back to the mansion."
The entire family bowed in unison. Mochou dismounted first, followed closely by Xiaoyuer, and then Qingyao. The three descended from the carriage. Emperor Xian remained seated, his magnetic voice echoing, "I'll come find you again later."
"Alright, you may go."
If her Prime Minister father saw them arriving together like this, he might be shocked, as Emperor Xian was not in his imperial guise but as Yin Xuan. Although Yin Xuan was the Emperor, her father was unaware of this.
Emperor Xian's deep and alluring voice spoke, "Let's go."
The driver immediately turned the carriage around and departed, along with the other guards. Outside the Mu mansion’s gate, only one carriage and a few people remained. Qingyao walked over and helped Prime Minister Mu to his feet, sighing softly.
"Father, please rise. I am no longer the Empress, so you do not need to pay such grand respects from now on."
"Yao'er."
Mu Hen said nothing more. His daughter had returned after a long absence, and he did not wish to upset her. Thus, he responded, "Yes."
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang, standing nearby, came forward and bowed, "Yao'er, you've finally returned. Everyone has been very worried about you during this time."
"Thank you for your concern," Qingyao replied softly, feeling a sense of peace.
She had finally returned. Turning, she surveyed the familiar mansion. She glanced at the servants kneeling on the ground. Although there had been talk of her divorcing the Emperor, he had not deposed the Empress. Therefore, in the eyes of the Mu family, Qingyao was still the Empress, and they dared not neglect their courtesies.
"Everyone, please rise."
She spoke softly, a sigh escaping her. Xiaoyuer nudged Qingyao's arm, reminding her that she hadn't introduced them yet and asking how to address these people.
Qingyao snapped back to attention, looking at the little girl with a smile. She pulled her closer and slowly began.
"Father, this is Xiaoyuer. Xiaoyuer, this is your maternal grandfather. Pay your respects to your maternal grandfather."
Xiaoyuer immediately stood straight and bowed to Mu Hen, "Greetings, Maternal Grandfather."
Mu Hen was startled. He looked up and saw that Xiaoyuer's features bore a striking resemblance to the Emperor. Seeing Xiaoyuer pay her respects, he was so shocked that he knelt with a thud, "Your subject greets the little princess."
The Mu family had been loyal subjects for generations, adhering strictly to rules and protocols. According to etiquette, Xiaoyuer was a princess by status, and Mu Hen, as her maternal grandfather, was obligated to pay her respects. It was unheard of for a princess to bow to a subject.
As Mu Hen knelt, the other members of the Mu family also knelt. Qingyao's expression faltered. She reached out again, pulling Prime Minister Mu up, and said in a low voice.
"Father, she is younger than you, so it is natural for her to pay her respects. This is not the imperial palace, and she is not a princess. As the Emperor has not yet conferred the title of princess upon her, please do not bow to her at every turn. She is not accustomed to it."
Xiaoyuer was indeed not used to it. It had startled her immensely, having such an elder bow to her. She almost called out "Mom."
All members of the Mu mansion rose again. Qingyao then pointed to Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang, speaking calmly.
"This is your eldest aunt, and this is your second aunt."
"Greetings to my two aunts," Xiaoyuer bowed with poise. At such a young age, she already possessed an imperial demeanor. Mu Hen nodded in satisfaction, realizing that his granddaughter's etiquette had not been neglected. His daughter had raised her well in this regard. Mu Hen then introduced the First Madam and Second Madam to Xiaoyuer, and she paid her respects to each of them.
Thus, they were formally introduced.
With the addition of a child, the conversation became more abundant, and the atmosphere livened considerably. Mu Hen personally escorted Qingyao and Xiaoyuer to Qingyuan, Qingyao's former residence within the Prime Minister's mansion.
The maids, Xiaolian and Lü'er, were overjoyed to see their young lady return and respectfully greeted her. They then peered behind Qingyao, their eyes searching. Qingyao understood their unspoken question and a wave of sadness washed over her as she said softly, "Meixin, she is dead."
"Ah."
The two young maids cried out in shock. Seeing that their young lady was heartbroken, they said no more and respectfully added, "Miss, please don't be sad. You still have us now that you are home."
Qingyao nodded and led Xiaoyuer inside. In the room, Xiaoyuer ran around exploring every nook and cranny, exclaiming with a giggle, "So this is where Mother used to live?"