But on that day...
The wheels rumbled and came to a stop in front of the heavy vermilion gate of the palace. The curtains were embroidered with the character "穆" (Mu) in dark gold thread, its understated elegance exuding an indescribable nobility.
When Mu Yaozhi entered the palace to listen to the high monks chanting scriptures, he had to kneel on a prayer mat to listen to the meditation. The hall was solemn and quiet, with nothing but the majestic sound of the high monks reciting the scriptures.
Consort Lin, who was heavily pregnant, could not bear the exertion. After kneeling for a short while, she tried to move to the inner palace to rest under the pretext of taking medicine to prevent miscarriage.
Mu Yaozhi's true intentions were not what they seemed. She dared not speak out because of the solemn atmosphere, but when she saw Consort Lin leave her seat, she pretended to support her and quickly followed.
He then casually mentioned to Consort Lin that His Highness had once asked Shangguan Siye about Shangguan Tianyun.
What happened that day left her with a lump in her throat, like a sharp thorn stuck in her heart, something she couldn't bear to leave unsaid!
His Highness had been bewitched by Yu Shanlai and had become increasingly cold towards her lately. Now, regarding the matter of Shangguan Tianyun, she no longer dared to throw a tantrum at His Highness. Fortunately, her future mother-in-law was on her side and loved her.
Mu Yaozhi said listlessly, "Brother Ziyan's heart is set on Shangguan Tianyun, and there is no place for me in his heart anymore. Your Highness, you may not know, but Brother Ziyan has never been so cold to me before."
She poured out all the pent-up grievances she had been holding back to her mother-in-law, and felt much better afterward.
Pregnant women often feel sleepy, so Consort Lin forced herself to stay awake and patted her hand to comfort her, saying, "Silly child, what are you thinking! Yan'er is my son, how could I not know him? You hold the most important place in his heart. It's just that these past few days he's been busy taking stock of the troops and organizing the provisions, he hasn't had a moment's rest. His Majesty values him, and he can't let his father down, can he?"
Mu Yaozhi forced a smile: "Your Majesty is right." Having been by Brother Ziyan's side for so many years, she couldn't possibly be unable to discern even this small change.
However, as long as she can marry Ziyan as his legal wife and spend every day together without being separated, his heart will eventually return to her.
Consort Lin glanced at her as she lowered her head, her expression not improving.
Consort Lin's eyes darkened slightly.
At present, the Left Prime Minister is Yan'er's strongest ally in his bid for the throne. Victory is within reach, but we cannot afford to lose. At this critical juncture, we must not allow Mu Yaozhi and Yan'er to develop any grudges.
"Don't worry, Yao'er. She's just an insignificant woman. I will take care of her for you."
The majestic inner hall was filled with the scent of calming incense, its cool fragrance wafting through the air. The windows were tightly closed, yet the sound of raindrops still pattering on the bluestone floor could be heard. The eerie dark red curtains were hung by golden hooks, and crimson tassels swayed and hung down beneath them.
The woman's voice was colder than the rain outside, chillingly icy: "Don't worry, just wait for Yan'er to return and welcome you in."
Mu Yaozhi suppressed her joy: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
With the Imperial Concubine taking action, I am certain to secure my position as Empress!
※※※※
Xiao Ziyan's departure banquet was held at Lan Garden.
In the uppermost side room.
More than thirty classmates from the Imperial Academy gathered together, drinking and chatting happily. Not a single one was absent, as no one dared to disrespect the future crown prince.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Liao Yixuan was the first to stand up, lifting his robe. He laughed heartily several times and said, "You are all old acquaintances and know the purpose of this banquet. I won't waste any more words. Let's all raise our glasses and drink to the fullest, and wish His Highness a safe and triumphant return!"
As soon as these words were spoken, those who were used to flattering him began to shower him with compliments, all praising Xiao Ziyan for his love of the people as if they were his own children.
Xiao Ziyan smiled modestly and accepted all the kind words: "I will be setting off tomorrow, so it is not advisable to drink tonight, lest it cause trouble. I hope you all enjoy yourselves."
He held the wine but didn't drink it, only playing with it in his hand. His deep eyes subtly glanced at Shangguan Tianyun, whose face was indifferent. Seeing that she also drank the wine like everyone else, the enigmatic smile on his lips widened.
After Mu Yaozhi left the palace, someone relayed her conversation with Consort Lin to Xiao Ziyan word for word.
This morning, his men saw a servant from Lan Garden sneaking into the back hall. His belt was bulging, and white medicine paper could be seen peeking out, so he must be carrying something.
His movements were extremely panicked and sly, always looking around in three directions with every step he took, making it difficult not to attract his attention.
Xiao Ziyan thought about it a little more deeply and realized that his mother's scheme meant there must be something wrong with the bright red peach blossom wine in front of Shangguan Tianyun.
I just don't know what the problem might be.
He suppressed his overwhelming anticipation and turned to Mu Yaozhi beside him, saying gently, "Sister Yaozhi, you are frail. Although peach blossom wine is not intoxicating, you should not drink too much."
Long-lost words of concern rang in my ears.
With a sickly sob in her voice, Mu Yaozhi said, "I know, Brother Ziyan, I'm just so happy." The Brother Ziyan who used to be so considerate and doting on her has returned!
I'm just so happy. Once tonight is over, Shangguan Tianyun will never be able to spare your attention again...
As the wine entered her throat, its sharp aroma spread through her mouth, yet it was accompanied by a strange bitterness that lingered on her tongue. Tianyun gently swept her teeth over her mouth and, sure enough, noticed some tiny particles clinging to them. She swallowed the wine without changing her expression.
Ignoring Liao Yixuan's probing gaze, Xiao Ziwu stared directly at Tianyun from the side, his gaze undisguised and unwavering for a long time. Tianyun smiled gently at him, then shook her head slightly, signaling him not to be so blatant.
Xiao Ziwu then withdrew his gaze, straightened his lips, and looked down at the intricate patterns on the wine cup.
Men and women should not sit at the same table. Today, Liao Yixuan, who was dressed very formally, had already apologized solemnly when all the female guests arrived, saying that due to his oversight, he had failed to book a larger private room, and that it would indeed be impossible to fit two tables in this room.
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