While Ying Feng, though not directly punished, felt as though she were treading on thin ice, trembling and not daring to move.
Changsun Zhu, reining in his bloodlust slightly, slowly spoke:
“Go to the backyard and tell those women to behave. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Then, take a few people and go to Mingyue Wan to look after her. If she suffers even the slightest accident, you needn’t bother seeing me again.”
“Yes, Master,” Ying Feng replied, quivering slightly, not daring to utter another word.
She had long known that in Master’s heart, that woman was incomparably precious, far more so than women like them. She could only hope that the side consorts and wives in the backyard understood this and didn’t stir up trouble. If they angered Master, his wrath was not something ordinary people could endure.
Mingyue Wan, indeed, was a fine place. The main residence was adorned with carved beams and painted pillars. In front of the main house was a large garden, where the flowers and plants bloomed brilliantly. Although the cold winter had passed and spring had arrived, it seemed as if spring had already filled the grounds here. The entire Mingyue Wan was like a jade-green world, filled with verdant beauty.
“Miss, I didn’t expect the imperial capital of Qingluo Kingdom to be so prosperous. It doesn’t seem much different from our Xuanyue.”
Mei Xin exclaimed, setting down her fur ball as she spoke, turning to survey the grand residence.
It was, after all, the Crown Prince’s manor, not much inferior to the imperial palace. Yet, a place for a mere guest was already so luxurious. Little did they know, this was still the most magnificent residence within the entire Crown Prince’s manor.
The Eastern Palace’s Crown Prince, Changsun Zhu, was not someone who was all show and no substance. As the Crown Prince, he naturally had to set an example. How could he be excessively extravagant? But this was still the dwelling place of the future Crown Princess, so naturally, it was decorated with more elegance and refinement than other places.
In the main hall, several young maids stood by the entrance, their postures respectful, as if they dared not even glance around. Mu Qingyao sipped her tea, her bright eyes scanning them, subtly guessing whether the strict rules of the Crown Prince’s manor were the reason, or if it was due to something else.
Lost in thought, she heard the voices of young maids outside the door: “Your servant greets Elder Sister Ying Feng.”
“Rise,” a clear, melodious voice sounded, and then several people entered from outside. Leading them was Ying Feng, followed by three pretty maids with delicate features. The four of them curtsied simultaneously and said respectfully, “Your servants greet Miss Mu.”
“Rise,” Qingyao waved her hand, setting down the white jade teacup. A cold light enveloped Ying Feng, and a faint smile played on her lips. “Why aren’t you attending your Master?”
“Reporting to Miss Mu, Master sent us over to attend Miss Mu from now on. He feared Miss Mu might find the maids of Mingyue Wan unsatisfactory, so he instructed us to come. If Miss Mu needs anything in the future, please do not hesitate to command us.”
Ying Feng finished speaking respectfully and stepped back. The maids beside her stepped forward, introducing themselves smartly.
“Your servant is Qiaoxin.”
“Your servant is Ting’an.”
“Your servant is Pinghui.”
After the three maids introduced themselves, Mu Qingyao’s expression turned displeased. With a cold demeanor and frosty glint in her starlike eyes, she spoke softly:
“What does your Master mean by sending all of you? I already have my own maids. What do you mean by unsatisfactory? Is this an insult? I have my own maids, you can all go back.”
As soon as Mu Qingyao finished speaking, Ying Feng and the other three maids’ faces changed drastically. They immediately knelt down with a thud and pleaded repeatedly.
“Miss Mu, please allow your servants to stay. If we are sent back, Master will not spare us.”
As their pleas echoed, Mu Qingyao recalled Ying Feng’s attempt to take her own life previously.
She had not expected the Eastern Palace’s Crown Prince, Changsun Zhu, to be so strict with his subordinates. Seeing these young maids’ faces change at the mere mention of being sent back, it was evident that the man must be ruthless. These maids had reached the point of reacting with alarm at the mere suggestion of his displeasure.
However, Mu Qingyao did not wish to keep these people in her sight. Especially Ying Feng. After spending time together, she knew that Ying Feng was not only reserved and composed but also skilled in martial arts and served as Changsun Zhu’s personal guard.
Her presence among them was clearly a form of surveillance. If they wished to escape in the future, it would likely not be easy.
Fearing that Mu Qingyao would not keep them, Ying Feng quickly spoke.
“Miss Mu, if you find us bothersome, we will not appear unless necessary. You can rest assured. Call us if you need anything, and we will appear then.”
Mu Qingyao looked at them. Their faces were filled with palpable fear, not feigned. She could not bear to turn them away, lest it cost them their lives. She had only just arrived and already caused such a situation. How could she bear it? Finally, she waved her hand.
“All of you, rise.”
“Thank you, Miss Mu,” Ying Feng and the other three said in unison, then retreated to the side.
Anle Courtyard.
A small flower hall was filled with people. Over a dozen women gathered there, each with grim and unpleasant expressions. Seated at the head was Shen Xuxue, adorned in resplendent robes, her face contorted with anger. A ferocious, sinister glint flickered in her dark pupils as she spoke chillingly:
“Who would have thought that after waiting for three to four months, Master would finally return, bringing us such a great surprise?”
“Yes, every time I think of that woman, my heart feels uneasy.”
“Master seems to dote on her. Did you see how tender his gaze was when he looked at her?”
“Yes, I’ve never seen him look at anyone like that before.”
Amidst the babble of voices, Shen Xuxue’s expression on her raised seat grew increasingly displeased.
She had always believed that in Changsun Zhu’s heart, she was special. Now, it seemed he was merely courteous to her on the surface, all because she was backed by the foremost noble family, the Shen family.
And she had always thought she would eventually ascend to the position of Crown Princess, becoming an empress who ruled the world. Who would have imagined that a woman would suddenly appear and take her place? She was unwilling.
Who was she, Shen Xuxue? With the foremost noble family backing her, who should she fear?
“Enough, stop your chatter,” Shen Xuxue commanded coldly. The noisy voices immediately ceased, and everyone looked up at the woman on the raised seat, awaiting her next words.
“The priority now is to figure out this woman’s background, and then we can tailor our approach. If we don’t even know who she is, how can we make a move?”
Shen Xuxue spoke menacingly. The other women remained silent. Truthfully, none of them dared to defy Master. He was not a benevolent person. If they angered him, let alone them, their own families would likely be implicated.
Only Shen Xuxue had stronger backing here. Even if Master was displeased with her, he likely wouldn’t act against the foremost noble family. So, why should they get involved?
Shen Xuxue glanced at the women below, knowing their thoughts, her gaze growing colder.