As night fell and the lanterns were lit, the Qi Kingdom's palace was quiet. After finishing his day's court affairs, Emperor Qi Jingxuan decided to go to Consort Mu's palace.
Upon learning of the Emperor's impending visit, Consort Mu began meticulous preparations. She donned her most exquisite palace attire and wore precious jewelry, while the palace maids busied themselves tidying the palace, ensuring everything was flawless.
Upon the eunuch's announcement, Emperor Qi Jingxuan, surrounded by guards, arrived at Consort Mu's palace. Consort Mu, along with her maids, respectfully welcomed the Emperor at the palace gates. His arrival filled the entire palace with an atmosphere of joy and solemnity.
Consort Mu prepared a sumptuous dinner for the Emperor, with exquisite dishes and fragrant wine. The two dined together by the warm candlelight, chatting and laughing, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility.
After the meal, Consort Mu played a piece for the Emperor. The melodious music, plaintive and poignant, expressed her deep affection and longing for him. The Emperor listened, his eyes filled with admiration and emotion.
"When did you learn to play the zither? How come I didn't know?" the Emperor asked.
Ruan Yumu just smiled faintly. He had been practicing with Qiao Siyu for several days and was just waiting for his chance.
"There are many things that His Majesty doesn't know!"
After the music ended, the two engaged in a deep conversation. They discussed national affairs and shared their personal feelings and dreams. In Consort Mu's palace, Emperor Qi Jingxuan found a rare sense of relaxation and comfort.
Late at night, Consort Mu accompanied the Emperor to the palace terrace, where they admired the moonlight and enjoyed the tranquil night. The moonlight bathed them, adding a touch of romance and mystery to the evening.
Under the moonlight, Emperor Qi Jingxuan made a promise to Consort Mu: he would cherish her forever, protect her, and give her the honor and respect she deserved. Consort Mu, upon hearing this, was filled with disdain; after all, as emperor, he had said these words to countless women.
Consort Mu stood by the palace window, gazing at the outside world, a longing welling up within her. She felt that life within the palace walls, though luxurious, lacked freedom and a sense of authenticity. She yearned to leave the palace and experience the outside world.
"Your Majesty, I have lived in this palace for more than three years and have no idea what it is like outside!"
She expressed her desire to leave the palace to the emperor in a very tactful and respectful manner. She did not state her thoughts directly, but gradually revealed her wish by talking about the customs and culture outside the palace.
"Do you mean you want to leave the palace?"
Emperor Qi Jingxuan seemed puzzled after hearing Consort Mu's words. He didn't understand why Consort Mu would want to leave the palace, a place that outsiders dreamed of.
Consort Mu explained to the Emperor that she was not dissatisfied with life in the palace, but rather hoped to have the opportunity to learn about and experience the world outside. She hoped to broaden her horizons and enrich her life.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan remained silent for a while before seriously considering Consort Mu's request. He knew that Consort Mu was a woman of her own mind and opinions, and that her request was not unreasonable.
But then, remembering something, he laughed mockingly, "Haven't you been living outside the palace for so many years? I'm telling you to stay put, so you'd better stay put!"
Ruan Yumu's compliance did not make Qi Jingxuan relax his control over her. Other concubines had the opportunity to visit their families every month, but she had no relatives and could only waste her days in the harem.
Someone like her, who roamed freely on the battlefield, certainly wouldn't want to. She expressed her wish to leave the palace to pay respects to her mother. She hoped to personally visit her mother's grave to offer her condolences and reverence.
Qi Jingxuan could understand. Although her mother had never been good to him, she had been gone for five or six years, and he had never allowed her to pay her respects. He felt that his heart was cruel enough!
Consort Mu greeted the Emperor with the utmost gentleness, dressed in an elegant nightgown, a faint smile on her face. Their eyes met, filled with unspoken understanding and deep affection.
In the private space of the imperial bedchamber, the Emperor and Consort Mu had a conversation that only the two of them could understand. They spoke softly, sharing their worries and joys, deepening their affection and understanding for each other.
The Emperor showed great respect and care for Consort Mu. He inquired about her daily life, cared about her health, and listened to her heart, demonstrating the tenderness of a monarch and the thoughtfulness of a husband.
As night deepened, the conversations in the palace gradually subsided. The two found solace in the tranquility, enjoying this rare moment of peace together.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it? It seems like it's been a long time since I smelled your scent like this. This is your scent, and it's mine too. It always makes me feel inexplicably at ease."
Ruan Yumu had no choice but to please him in order to get a chance to leave the palace. "Your Majesty, you're so annoying!"
"I used to treat you roughly, but today I'll be gentler, so you can experience how I am different now." The Emperor gently embraced Consort Mu and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. This kiss was full of love and care, a deep expression of his affection for Consort Mu.
This kiss, though simple, served as a bridge for emotional exchange between the two. It conveyed the Emperor's affection and appreciation for Consort Mu, and allowed Consort Mu to feel the Emperor's warmth and care.
The atmosphere in the bedroom became even warmer and more romantic because of this kiss.
As Qi Jingxuan's gaze burned with passion, his kiss moved from her forehead to her lips, his tongue tasting her sweetness. How long had it been?
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