Several eunuchs standing beside him quickly pleaded for mercy: "Eunuch Jiu, spare him this once. He won't be so reckless next time."
"Mmm," Ah Jiu nodded, raising his head to seriously warn the subordinates before him. These were all people he had promoted himself; he didn't want them to lose their heads.
"When working in this imperial palace, if you want to avoid trouble, remember one saying: do more, speak less. No one will think you're mute."
"Yes, Eunuch Jiu."
The little eunuchs responded in unison. Ah Jiu gazed into the dark night.
The Emperor and the Noble Consort were destined to have no future.
At first, the Emperor did not agree to let her enter the palace. The Empress Dowager made the decision and insisted on bringing her in. In reality, bringing her into the palace only meant suffering for her. How could the Emperor favor her?
Ah Jiu turned to go back into the main hall. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past behind him, and a shadow fell beside him.
"Guard Hua?"
It turned out the person who appeared was Hua Li Ge, the commander of the imperial guards. He clasped his fists and looked at Ah Jiu: "I need to see the Emperor. The Prince of Nan'an has sent someone with a letter to the palace."
"Alright, wait a moment. I'll go in and inform the Emperor."
"Mmm," Hua Li Ge raised his sword-like eyebrows and responded, standing outside the hall door.
His crimson brocade robes, coupled with his resolute and handsome face, made him exceptionally striking in the dark night.
Ah Jiu entered the main hall.
On the dragon couch, the Emperor had already woken up. He opened his cold black eyes, and his chilling words rang out: "Who has come?"
"The Noble Consort came, but she went back. Commander Hua is waiting outside now, saying the Prince has sent a letter to the palace."
"Mmm, let him in," Mu Rong Liu Zun stirred lazily, changing his position. He was completely unlike the gentle and refined person he was when asleep. If Ah Jiu hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have doubted if the person just now was truly the one before him.
However, he had no time to question the Emperor's matters. He received the order and went down: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Hua Li Ge soon followed Ah Jiu in and knelt respectfully to report: "Your subordinate greets Your Majesty."
"Rise. What did the Prince of Nan'an's messenger say?"
The Emperor's gaze deepened. In his tiger-like, cold eyes, there was an unfathomable dark glint. His imperial yellow robe embroidered with dragons reflected a noble aura all over his face. His every move exuded a king's dominance. This nobility and dominance merged on him so naturally, flowing seamlessly, as if he was born to be the ruler of the world.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Prince of Nan'an's man said that Miss Mu San had her people deliver the betrothal gifts to Yuan Tong Money House overnight, converting them into banknotes. The Mu Estate has nothing left now. Your Majesty, what do you think?"
As Hua Li Ge finished speaking, Ah Jiu beside him widened his eyes, seeming somewhat incredulous. This Miss Mu San was too bold, daring to touch the imperial betrothal gifts. What immense courage!
Mu Rong Liu Zun, lying on the dragon couch, did not get angry but laughed instead. A bewitching smile curved his lips, and the radiant light of the night-blooming pearls made his eyes flicker.
Miss Mu San was indeed different, daring to touch the imperial betrothal gifts, which showed she was no ordinary person. Therefore, letting her enter the palace was the right move.
Extraordinary intelligence, a quick mind, how could she not handle others?
However, it would be best to control her. Those with rebellious bones could easily turn against themselves, and hurting him would not do. His slender hand suddenly clenched, revealing a hint of keen interest.
"Alright, I understand. Let the Prince of Nan'an protect Miss Mu San. As for the betrothal gifts being deposited into Yuan Tong, let her decide."
"Your Majesty?"
Hua Li Ge and Ah Jiu exclaimed simultaneously, never expecting the Emperor to indulge that woman again and again.
First, that woman broke the crystal ball. Although they didn't care about the broken ball, it was still Young Master Liu's possession, yet the Emperor did not punish her and even bestowed the title of Empress upon her.
Now, she had sent the royal betrothal gifts to the money house, and the Emperor was still not angry, seeming even pleased. Could it be that that woman was truly powerful, or had the Emperor fallen for her?
Hua Li Ge and Ah Jiu exchanged glances. Saying he liked her didn't seem right, but if it was about using her, he was being too kind.
Mu Rong Liu Zun, seated high above, simply waved his hand: "Li Ge, you may go."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hua Li Ge dared not say anything further and respectfully withdrew. Ah Jiu gave an order outside, and several palace maids in splendid attire walked in to attend to the Emperor's rest…
Mu Estate.
Three days of calm passed, and besides Young Master Chu's visit that night, no one else appeared.
Mu Qing Yao ate well, drank well, slept well, and played well. During the day, she enjoyed the flowers and strolled in the gardens. At night, she read books and then slept soundly, enjoying her beauty sleep.
From her father, the Prime Minister, to the First Madam and Second Madam, and down to the stewards and servants, everyone treated her with respect and caution. No one dared to offend Miss Mu San, for she was not only exceptionally intelligent but also the future Empress. Who would dare to offend the Empress?
As for the Eldest Miss Mu and Second Miss Mu, they would come over to have afternoon tea with their sister whenever they had nothing to do, even strengthening their bond.
Everything seemed so perfect!
However, the calm before the storm made one feel even more uneasy. And Mu Qing Yao was also waiting, for those who were meant to come would eventually come, wouldn't they?
The afternoon sun shone fiercely on the glazed tiles, the light shimmering.
In the Green Courtyard, it was serene and peaceful. The maids hid in the shade, chatting.
Not far away was a large expanse of verdant green bamboo forest, with a lounge chair placed beside it.
At this moment, Mu Qing Yao was lying in the chair, napping.
A gentle breeze blew, the bamboo leaves swayed lightly, and sunlight streamed through the gaps, illuminating her.
Mei Xin stood behind her, gently fanning her with a fan. Her gaze was fixed on her lady's face. Her lady was so beautiful. She had never looked at her so carefully before. Now, she realized she possessed astonishing beauty and extraordinary wisdom; she was simply a favored daughter of heaven.
But why had she acted that way in the past?
Mei Xin thought with a bewildered look, recalling her lady's former flamboyance, dressing up like a colorful butterfly every day, and flocking around any handsome man she saw. What had gone wrong in between?
As Mei Xin was lost in thought, footsteps sounded behind her.
Mo Chou walked over silently and spoke softly: "Has Miss not woken up yet? The Master has arrived."
"Who?"
The person who had been sleeping suddenly spoke with such vigilance. Mo Chou quickly took a step forward and reported: "Miss, the Master has arrived."
Mu Qing Yao lazily stretched her body, yawned, and opened her eyes, which were as beautiful as gems. She waved her hand and instructed Mo Chou: "Go and invite the Master over."
This bamboo forest was truly nice; it was cool and comfortable to relax and nap here during the day.