Mu Qingyao felt listless, sleeping until the afternoon, with no appetite or desire to move.
She hadn't intended to get up at all, but she couldn't refuse the persistent entreaties of Xingzhu.
The little girl was wearing a light pink padded jacket today, with plum blossoms embroidered on the chest, making it exquisite. She wore a white pleated skirt and a bright red cloak. The red brought out her rosy cheeks, making them even more delicate and lovely, as if dyed with rouge.
Mu Qingyao wore a light green cross-collared padded jacket today, and surprisingly, a pair of sprinkled flower trousers. At first glance, it looked like riding attire, lending her a unique flair. She draped a white fox fur cloak over herself, which made her appear like a dashing young gentleman, exuding an irresistible charm.
The people in the sleeping chambers were stunned, and Princess Xingzhu was the first to exclaim.
"Imperial sister-in-law, you look amazing! If the Emperor saw you, he'd be astounded. So handsome!"
"Alright, let's go admire the plum blossoms," Mu Qingyao found herself particularly annoyed by the mention of him. Since she had decided to leave, why dwell on it? What she needed to do was to let go as quickly as possible.
However, she was fortunate that she hadn't become too deeply involved, so the damage wasn't significant.
If she had truly fallen deeply in love, her actions would likely not be so composed. It was because she valued him too much, just as she had with Xiao Rui.
"Mm, let's go."
Xingzhu linked arms with Mu Qingyao, the two of them walking out together, one as graceful as the other.
The world was a vast expanse of white. On the eaves, under the pillars, and in the pavilions, everywhere was white. This white concealed all the ugliness of the world, presenting an image of pristine purity and utter clarity. The dirt and impurities would eventually vanish like a spring breeze.
"Let's go, Your Highness. There are a few plum trees blooming behind the palace. Shall we go admire them?" Mo Chou suggested.
Murong Xingzhu and Mu Qingyao both agreed. Holding their hand warmers, they walked along the long corridor towards the back. Along the way, they saw many maids playing in the snow. Upon seeing their mistresses pass by, they showed no fear, only smiling respectfully and greeting them, "Princess, Your Highness."
"Mm," Mu Qingyao nodded.
The Fengluan Palace was not what it used to be. It was now a place of harmony. As long as one did not make mistakes, cause trouble, or fail to do their duties, and the mistress was a good mistress, she would generally not punish anyone.
On the contrary, she was very kind to the palace servants, which was why everyone there liked her mistress so much.
The group followed the long corridor towards the garden in the back.
The garden was desolate. The flowers and plants were all buried under the white snow, leaving only a few plum trees quietly in bloom. Overnight, the plum blossoms had opened on the branches, displaying their full glory. Each blossom, as if dyed with ink, was incredibly beautiful and exuded a fragrant aroma.
In the center of the rear garden stood a small, misty pavilion. Inside, there was a stone table, which was covered with thick cushions, and laid with pastries and hot tea.
The stone benches were also neatly covered with soft cushions, making them look extremely comfortable. A brazier was placed inside the pavilion, keeping the entire small pavilion warm as if it were spring, with no hint of cold.
Mu Qingyao glanced around, then smiled up at Mei Xin and Mo Chou, "You've been very thoughtful."
"Your Highness, please sit down and enjoy the tea and plum blossoms. Isn't it delightful?" Mo Chou said playfully.
She wanted to cheer her mistress up. She saw her mistress's strength, but also a hint of loneliness in her eyes. As a servant, she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. She wished her mistress could leave the palace sooner and escape all of this, then she would be able to open her heart.
"Mm, Mo Chou, you're so considerate. How about coming with me tomorrow?"
As soon as Princess Xingzhu spoke, Lan Yi, standing behind her, pouted, her eyes immediately reddening. "Does the Princess think I'm not good enough?"
"Oh dear, this girl is so sensitive," Murong Xingzhu said, smiling at Mu Qingyao.
Mu Qingyao reached out and pinched her nose. It was rosy red from the cold, making it exceptionally cute. "You, stop thinking about my maid. Lan Yi is more than good enough. She goes along with everything you want. Where else would you find such a considerate maid? Be content."
Upon hearing the Empress's praise, Lan Yi immediately brightened and curtsied with a bow.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness."
This girl was not only attractive but also clever, Mu Qingyao praised, nodding.
Mei Xin immediately stepped forward to pour tea, serving the mistresses as they enjoyed tea and admired the plum blossoms.
The small pavilion was filled with warmth, and laughter echoed. Mu Qingyao seemed to have forgotten what had happened earlier. Mo Chou and Mei Xin both breathed a sigh of relief, their wish being for their mistress to be happy.
With the New Year approaching, they wondered if their mistress would leave after the New Year or within these few days, their expressions uncertain as they speculated.
Three days later, at the Wu Gate execution platform, the Chu family was to be beheaded.
Although the weather was very cold that day, the area around the Wu Gate execution platform was packed three layers deep with people. Xi Men Zheng Hao had been ordered to execute the entire Chu family, from the elders to the youngest.
Just past the noon hour, the Chu family, numbering over eighty members, were escorted by soldiers from the Ministry of War. Their feet were shackled with iron chains, and their hands were also bound.
The procession approached in tears, kneeling on the high platform. The leading figure was the Right Minister Chu Fengyu, his former glory long gone.
Now, he was not only old but also unable to lift his hands or speak, yet he understood everything, tears streaming down the corners of his eyes.
He was full of resentment. He had originally intended to hand over his military power, but who knew his unfilial son would be the one to ruin him? Now that his entire family was to be executed, he felt utterly lost.
The execution platform was surrounded by a sea of people, so densely packed that not a drop of water could pass through. Everyone stared with wide eyes at the Chu family, old and young, their constant cries filling the air.
These people, who had once commanded awe, were now less than ants. Those whom they had always looked up to now seemed so insignificant when facing death, crying out to the heavens and earth.
Many felt no sympathy. Instead, they felt a sense of relief. The Right Minister, relying on the Empress Dowager's backing, had never oppressed the common folk, but he had always looked down on these lower-class people, acting arrogant and condescending.
Just past the second quarter of noon.
With a single command from Xi Men Zheng Hao, thunderous responses echoed from all sides.
All preparations were complete. Two executioners, carrying gleaming broadswords, stepped forward. The blades were incredibly sharp, emitting a cold, piercing glint under the sunlight. The sharp glint seemed to strike one's face, causing those near the execution platform to step back slightly.
The north wind howled, and the cold permeated the entire execution platform. Some of the Chu family members were thinly clothed and shivered in the wind, like withered leaves in the breeze.
Xi Men Zheng Hao looked up at the sky, estimating the time. He reached towards the side of the desk to retrieve the token from the bamboo tube.
However, before he could throw the execution token, someone leaped into the air, shouting loudly, "Stop!"
A white robe billowed, stirring up half the sky with fierce wind. His dark hair, like clouds, cascaded over his shoulders. His jade-like face was now covered with an aura of cold, piercing killing intent. Slowly, he descended from high above. As his figure stabilized, more than a dozen figures simultaneously leaped from different directions of the execution platform and landed behind him, their attitudes cautious and respectful. "Master?"