This outfit is too big for one person to wear, and even more so for one person to take off.
After finally changing out of those heavy clothes, Zhong Muyu instantly felt much lighter.
Zhong Muyu sat down opposite Lu Ziyuan and poured herself a cup of tea.
How are things on your end?
"Father is well and there is nothing wrong with him, but we cannot be careless. We must be on guard against the Crown Prince and his group these next few days."
"If that's the case, the Crown Princess just invited me to the East Palace for tea. Although I declined, it was only for today. Judging from her expression, she won't let it go so easily."
Lu Ziyuan said, "If you don't want to go, you don't have to force yourself. You can visit your grandmother in the palace often these days. She should really want to see you."
"That's true. Even listening to the Empress Dowager's nagging is better than listening to those women chattering away."
"..."
The two chatted for a while, and then went to the palace for a banquet that evening.
This was a victory celebration banquet hosted by the Emperor, which was also a family dinner. There weren't many people, and Zhong Muyu was trying her best to play a supporting role. After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more harmonious. Zhong Muyu felt a bit stuffy in the room, so she went outside for some fresh air.
Qiao'er, who was attending to her, rubbed her arms and said, "Your Highness, it's chilly at night. I'll go get you a cloak. Please don't wander around."
"Yes, thank you."
Zhong Muyu smiled and watched her leave, then turned around and saw Lu Ziying.
Is this just bad luck?
Before she could react, Lu Ziying had already walked over: "Seventh sister-in-law, what are you doing here?"
"It's stuffy inside, I came out for some fresh air."
Zhong Muyu seemed reluctant to say more, but unexpectedly, Lu Ziying started talking on his own: "The palace is crowded and serious, so it's naturally not as free and relaxed as my own manor. I understand that, but the palace also has its advantages, you know?"
"Maybe so. Everyone has an environment that suits them."
“You grew up in the palace, so you should be more used to this place. I didn’t expect you to become so estranged from this place after only half a year away.”
"Perhaps because of my bloodline, I still prefer a free and unrestrained life. My maid is back. If Your Highness has nothing else to say, we will be leaving now."
Just then, Qiao'er arrived with her cloak. Zhong Muyu grasped at this lifeline and decided to end her conversation with Lu Ziying.
Lu Ziying didn't make things difficult for her. After her figure disappeared, Lu Ziying put away his smile and revealed a solemn expression.
Is it due to bloodline...?
Her changes over the past six months have been so significant that it's hard to say it's due to bloodline. Ling Qing must be hiding some secret, and he still can't be careless.
...
After the banquet, Zhong Muyu remembered her promise to the Empress Dowager and went to the palace to prevent herself from being invited away by the Crown Princess.
She hadn't gone far when a large eunuch suddenly appeared and stopped her.
"This old servant pays respects to the Princess Consort of the Prince of Ling."
"Who are you?"
"This old servant is from Fengyi Palace. I have come here on the orders of Her Majesty the Empress to invite Her Highness the Princess."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Muyu realized that she had never had any interaction with the Empress, and had already paid her a courtesy visit upon arrival. Why would she seek her out at this time?
So she tentatively asked, "Does Her Majesty the Empress have something to say to me?"
"This old servant is just a messenger; I have no idea what it is."
Zhong Muyu looked at the little eunuch leading the way. He was originally going to visit the Empress Dowager, but it didn't seem right to refuse the Empress.
The Empress is the Crown Prince's birth mother. Since the Crown Prince dislikes her, the Empress is even more important not to offend her, lest she secretly cause trouble.
In an era where imperial power was supreme, even the slightest move by the empress could cause them considerable trouble.
Seeing that she remained silent, the head eunuch reminded her again, "Has Your Highness made up your mind? Her Majesty the Empress cannot wait much longer."
Okay, now she understands.
So she instructed the young eunuch to go to Renshou Palace to inform them first, and then she followed the eunuch beside the Empress.
Unlike other places, Fengyi Palace is the most magnificent place in the entire palace. The furnishings inside are mostly in pairs, which all show the majesty of the Empress's main palace.
In her memory, she didn't come here often. The Empress was in charge of the six palaces and was busy every day, while she was always with the Empress Dowager and didn't care about these things.
Later, the former crown prince died of illness, and the empress was greatly shocked and fell ill in bed. Ordinary people could hardly see her until Lu Ziying was made crown prince and she slowly recovered.
Zhong Muyu reminisced about the past until he arrived outside the main hall. After being announced, he went inside.
Behind the crystal curtain, the Empress sat on her high throne, her hair piled high in a dignified and elegant style. Her dark red and deep blue robes were embroidered with large peonies and flying phoenixes, exuding grace and nobility.
The Empress was already over forty years old, but she was very well-preserved and hadn't changed much over the years. When she saw Zhong Muyu, her expression was calm, and no one could tell her emotions.
"Your daughter-in-law greets Your Majesty."
Zhong Muyu bowed respectfully.
"Um."
The Empress responded indifferently, had someone bring her tea, and slowly took a sip, showing no intention of asking her to dispense with the formalities.
Zhong Muyu kept her head down and her legs bent. She was fine now, but she would definitely get tired if she stood for a long time.
She couldn't help but think: "She's being given a hard time as soon as she walks in. It seems the Empress really dislikes her."
Fortunately, the Empress did not make things difficult for her. When Zhong Muyu felt her legs were sore, she let her up and offered her a seat.
"I've been quite bored lately, and since it's been a while since I've seen you, I thought I'd like to have a chat with you. Are you settling in well in Lingqing? How is Lu Ziyuan treating you?"
Zhong Muyu remained obediently bowing her head: "Your Majesty, everything is fine. His Highness Prince Ling is also very kind to me."
"Well, then I'm relieved. Lingqing is a place with outstanding people and beautiful scenery. You must have learned a lot during your time there, right?"
Zhong Muyu thought for a moment: "The local customs and culture there are very different from those in Yuanjing. My wife naturally has to learn everything and can't hold the prince back."
"That's natural, but I did have some questions for you that I've asked you to come here today."
The Empress's straightforwardness relieved Zhong Muyu.
"What does Mother want to ask?"
"I heard that you also contributed a lot in the battle against the Xi Rong, and even led people to protect Lingqing City and repel the attackers. Although you are a descendant of a loyal martyr and have been in the palace, I have never seen you have this ability."
So that's what it was about.
Zhong Muyu said, "I am just a woman and I don't have much ability. It's just that the prince is fighting bloody battles on the border, and as the princess, I have to take care of the rear so that the prince has no worries. Besides, the prince is very obsessed with military strategy and tactics, and I will learn a thing or two when I have free time."
"This is indeed the responsibility of a wife, and that's why the people of Lingqing love and respect you even more, isn't it?"
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