The air became completely still for a moment...

Five seconds after her outburst, Zhong Muyu suddenly felt a sense of unease. Had she been too volatile?

Just then, Zaochun, Chengfeng, and the others rushed to the door.

However, before they could plead for mercy, Lu Ziyuan raised his hand to stop them: "Get out and close the door."

Zao Chun looked at Zhong Muyu again, as if asking her what had happened, but Zhong Muyu just stood there silently.

The door closed again, and Lu Ziyuan took a step closer to Zhong Muyu, only to see Zhong Muyu step back with some lingering fear, saying, "I was just emotional and I'm sorry for scolding you! But please be careful, this is the Royal Villa, it wouldn't be good if a murder happened here!"

She could sense that Lu Ziyuan's anger had not subsided, and she did not want to be choked or have her chin pinched again.

"Weren't you quite talkative just now? Why are you scared now?"

"That was just now, this is now!"

Zhong Muyu retreated to the corner, almost opening the cabinet and hiding inside, but Lu Ziyuan pressed closer and closer.

Looking back, what he just said was indeed excessive. Zhong Muyu hadn't done anything outrageous; it was all just his malicious speculation fueled by anger.

However, Zhong Muyu's insults were extremely harsh, and he was very angry!

Seeing Zhong Muyu's swift admission of defeat, his anger subsided considerably.

Lu Ziyuan pondered Zhong Muyu's words and suddenly had a strange thought: "You... are you jealous of Su Zhirou?"

Huh?

Zhong Muyu looked at him in disbelief. What kind of thought process could lead someone to think of this?

Zhong Muyu looked at him like he was an idiot: "Are you hoping for a drama of two women fighting over one man? I'm sorry, I have no interest in stealing other people's men, nor do I enjoy breaking up couples."

I felt slighted!

Lu Ziyuan stopped her: "But you are the Princess Consort of Ling. You know this cannot be changed. If you give up all of this, do you think you can survive?"

In this day and age, how easy is it for a lone woman to survive!

Zhong Muyu looked at him with amusement: "Your Highness actually cares about my life or death? I know what you're thinking. You just want me to be your queen, and you and your Su Zhirou to enjoy your love life. That way, I can live a peaceful life, and you can pursue your love."

That's enough!

"Even if I die, I'd rather die as a resentful housewife!"

Having his thoughts exposed, Lu Ziyuan wasn't angry. On the contrary, he felt that something about Zhong Muyu was different.

Lu Ziyuan asked tentatively, "Is it because of Shi Xi? Are you still thinking about him?"

After all, Lu Ziyuan attributed all of her reactions after marrying into the royal family to Zhong Muyu's deceased lover, Shi Xi.

However, Zhong Muyu's face showed no disappointment or sadness; her eyes were clear and bright.

"Once a person dies, everything is over. From now on, nothing is related to him, and I will not make a fuss about dying for a deceased person."

Zhong Muyu gently pushed him away and went to fetch a quilt and spread it on the couch, as if Lu Ziyuan did not exist.

"In short, think it over carefully. I'll cooperate with you for the next few days to play the part of a harmonious couple. But once we get back, I don't care what methods you use, I don't want to be with you anymore. I want my freedom."

After saying that, Zhong Muyu wrapped herself in the blanket and ignored him.

...

The next day.

Early in the morning, the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven proceeded in an orderly manner. After it ended, the married female members of the royal family were led into the palace to visit the Empress.

Returning to the palace, Zhong Muyu felt as if she had been transported to another world. Perhaps it stirred up the emotions that the original owner of the body still retained, but she felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

Led by a young eunuch, the two arrived at the Empress's Phoenix Palace. Upon entering, they saw that both sides were filled with people, including the Empress, several favored concubines, and the wives and concubines of several princes.

They're all women!

As the saying goes, three women make a drama, so how many dramas would so many women put on!

Zhong Muyu gave a polite smile and bowed to everyone: "This humble woman greets Her Majesty the Empress, Consort Li, Consort Hui, and all the imperial sisters-in-law..."

I had to bow to everyone I met; it was exhausting.

Who told her to be the youngest among them?

The Empress nodded and smiled as she asked her to rise: "The Empress Dowager was talking about you yesterday, and you've come today. Please take a seat."

After Zhong Muyu and Su Zhirou took their seats, they heard the Empress addressing everyone. The Crown Princess and several princesses responded with a few words, but nothing of interest Zhong Muyu came up with.

She didn't want to participate in their conversation, so she sat in the last row like a ghost. Since she didn't speak, Su Zhirou couldn't overstep her bounds, so Zhong Muyu could always feel Su Zhirou's resentful gaze.

This is a great opportunity to get closer to the Empress and the princesses, how could I let it slip by?

Zhong Muyu pretended not to see it.

After finally getting through the ordeal and leaving Fengyi Palace, an old nanny stopped Zhong Muyu: "Princess Consort of Ling, the Empress Dowager has been waiting for you for a long time."

This was an old palace maid who served the Empress Dowager. Zhong Muyu naturally recognized her, and her expression brightened considerably: "Aunt Xunfang, Your Majesty, thank you for your concern. Please take me there."

Just then, Su Zhirou suddenly caught up with her: "Your Highness, I would also like to visit the Empress Dowager with you. Would you be so kind as to grant me permission?"

Looking at her pitiful appearance, Zhong Muyu felt that it wouldn't be good to refuse her, but if she didn't, Su Zhirou would clearly want to get closer to the Empress Dowager.

"Of course, my sister can come with me."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Su Zhirou seemed very grateful, and every word and action she took showed her respect and caution.

Inside Renshou Palace, incense wafted through the air, and an elderly woman with gray hair sat in the main seat.

The old woman was dressed simply and elegantly, with no excessive jewelry on her head. Although her face showed signs of age, her eyes were bright and piercing, radiating an imposing aura.

"Granddaughter-in-law pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

Zhong Muyu bowed obediently. When the Empress Dowager saw her arrive, she quickly stretched out her hand: "Yu'er, come here quickly, let me see you!"

Zhong Muyu walked over, and the Empress Dowager looked her over carefully, then felt a little relieved: "You look well, so I'm at ease."

At this moment, the Empress Dowager suddenly noticed Su Zhirou following behind and her expression changed: "Why is she here too?"

"My sister-in-law also wanted to come and pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, so my granddaughter-in-law brought her along."

Su Zhirou knew that the Empress Dowager disliked her, so she stood there obediently with her head down.

"So you are Su Zhirou? Raise your head and let me see you."

"yes."

Su Zhirou gently raised her head, only to see the displeasure on the Empress Dowager's face.

"She's not bad looking, hopefully she's not a vixen."

Hearing the Empress Dowager say this, Zhong Muyu couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of the previous generation's master of palace intrigue, her insight is truly sharp!"

After offering Su Zhirou a seat, the Empress Dowager took Zhong Muyu's hand and said, "Yu'er, the weather is nice today, why don't you accompany me for a walk?"

Su Zhirou was taken aback, looking as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. Was he completely ignoring her?