Hearing this, Su Zhirou was a little unsure.
So, Zhong Muyu really still can't forget that old flame? But what are her plans for the future?
"what you up to?"
“Of course I want to leave you, the farther the better. I know a divorce is impossible, but I will do everything I can. Then you can try to win back your position as queen.”
After saying that, Zhong Muyu ignored the still skeptical Su Zhirou and strode away.
She heard there's some kind of banquet tonight, so she needs to go back and make the most of her time to rest and catch up on some sleep!
...
As night falls, the city lights begin to illuminate the night.
The grand ceremony is a joyous occasion for all; there is no curfew today, and the bustling night market will continue until 9 PM.
One after another, magnificent carriages drove into the palace, and elegantly dressed nobles, supported by their servants, entered the banquet hall.
At the banquet, many early arrivals exchanged pleasantries. Zhong Muyu dealt with the polite exchanges of several young ladies. As soon as she sat down, someone next to her gently tugged at her sleeve.
"Seventh Sister-in-law!"
Zhong Muyu looked up and exclaimed, "Lu Ziqing? You're sitting next to me?"
"Of course not, I just came to say hello. By the way, the lamp from last time worked really well!"
"A lamp? Oh, that's called a flashlight. Be careful carrying it, don't let anyone see it."
"Don't worry, that's my treasure."
After Lu Ziqing left, Zhong Muyu saw that many people had taken their seats. Su Zhirou seemed to have found someone she knew and they were chatting happily. She only reluctantly returned when the banquet started.
Zhong Muyu was somewhat dazed. The original owner's only childhood playmates were two princesses, but those two princesses had been sent away for political marriages and would never have the chance to meet again in this lifetime. Whenever the Empress Dowager thought of them, she would feel reluctant to part with them.
After everyone had arrived, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress arrived in a grand procession with several concubines. Zhong Muyu had never been interested in such lofty discussions, but fortunately, they didn't talk for long before a group of palace maids filed in carrying food.
The dishes were exquisitely presented and beautifully plated, making them very appetizing. Zhong Muyu was already quite hungry, so after the Emperor gave the order, she abandoned everything else and focused solely on eating.
It must be said that the imperial chefs in the palace were very skilled, but unfortunately, they lacked seasonings, and some of the dishes were too bland.
So she secretly took out some seasoning from her sleeve and quietly sprinkled it on some of the food.
Beside him, Lu Ziyuan was indifferent. No matter how many years had passed, the dishes in the palace would not change easily, and he was tired of them. At this moment, he was still savoring Zhong Muyu's cooking.
Indeed, the skills are unmatched even by the imperial chefs.
Just then, Lu Ziyuan saw Zhong Muyu secretly pouring seasoning onto the food, so he quietly leaned over and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Zhong Muyu was startled and quickly put away the spice bottle: "I didn't do anything."
"Wait a moment."
Lu Ziyuan pressed down on her left hand: "What did you add to the food? If you don't tell me, I'll have to eat yours."
Zhong Muyu rolled her eyes at him: "You're suddenly acting so childish. Do you really dare to do this in public?"
"You can give it a try."
Lu Ziyuan spoke very seriously; he was determined to get that condiment bottle back no matter what.
Zhong Muyu glanced around out of the corner of her eye and said, "You just want my spice bottle, right? Here, take it. Use it sparingly; there's a little chili in it."
Upon hearing the word "chili," Lu Ziyuan shuddered reflexively, and that burning sensation returned.
But it's only a small amount, so it should be fine, right?
He quietly took the condiment bottle and immediately used it to improve his meals.
Little did they know that many eyes had witnessed their interaction, especially Su Zhirou's resentful eyes behind them.
The fourth princess next to her smiled and said, "They are husband and wife after all. They were very unwilling when they got married, but now they are a harmonious couple, which is enviable."
Zhong Muyu smiled somewhat awkwardly: "Fourth Sister-in-law is joking."
The Emperor chuckled and said, "Yes, the seventh prince is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He is also single-mindedly devoted to leading troops into battle. I never expected him to be so loving towards his wife. Seeing him like this, I am very pleased."
Now it was Lu Ziyuan's turn to feel awkward, but he naturally didn't show it: "Father, you flatter me."
The singing and dancing had stopped, and the Duke of Dingguo, who had come from afar, stood up with a smile and said, "Your Majesty, today is a day of celebration for all the people. My daughter has also prepared a talent to present to everyone, and I hope Your Majesty will grant her permission."
"oh?"
The Emperor looked at a girl behind the old Duke: "Yunni has grown up so much. Your father often praises you, saying that you are proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. What talent will you bring now?"
Princess Yunni, Ji Xin'er, walked out gracefully and bowed, saying, "I have recently composed a new piece of music, which is perfect for the atmosphere of the banquet."
"Alright, someone go and fetch the zither!"
At a command, several eunuchs carrying guqin and its stand came to the center of the main hall.
Ji Xin'er placed her hands on the strings, and beautiful sounds poured out from her fingertips.
Even Zhong Muyu, who was only focused on eating, was unconsciously attracted.
The music was melodious and ethereal, and the skill was superb, leaving the audience in awe.
When the song ended, the people around were stunned for a long time before they were full of praise.
"What excellent skill!"
"Princess Yunni's zither skills are indeed superb!"
The Emperor smiled and clapped, saying, "Yunni's musical skills are indeed remarkable. It would be a pity if such skill were not matched with a good instrument. I will bestow that Phoenix Tail Zither upon you!"
The Phoenix Tail Zither is a rare treasure, the culmination of a master zither maker's life's work. The Emperor's gift of it drew envious glances from many of the ladies present.
Ji Xin'er immediately bowed and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty. However, I have another request."
The Emperor was in a great mood and immediately asked, "Tell me about it."
"I have heard that the noble ladies in the palace are all exceptionally talented, far surpassing my own abilities. Therefore, I would like to broaden my horizons."
After speaking, Ji Xin'er's eyes swept over their area without making a sound, and Zhong Muyu, who was originally just watching the drama unfold, suddenly froze.
She could clearly feel that Ji Xin'er's gaze lingered on her the longest at the end.
It wasn't unintentional; it was provocative.
Could it be that she's stumbling upon her own home while gossiping? But she doesn't remember ever having any contact with this Ji Xin'er.
It must be my imagination, right?
Zhong Muyu continued to watch the drama unfold when the outspoken Fourth Princess Consort said, "Princess Yunni is joking. Who doesn't know that Princess Yunni is the number one talented woman in Yuanqi? Our skills are nothing but a show in front of you, not worthy of being presented."
"You flatter me, Your Highness. I know that the sea of knowledge is boundless and there are many things that I cannot compare with those of you ladies. So I would like to take this opportunity to learn."
The Emperor chimed in, "Yunni is eager to learn, that's a good thing. I remember that Consort Li is skilled in dancing, so how about we have Consort Li perform a dance?"
The Emperor's Consort Li was the youngest of the four consorts in the palace, only in her early twenties. Her beauty and elegance were like a peony. When she heard the Emperor mention her, she smiled gently and stood up: "Since Your Majesty says so, then I will make a fool of myself. Please allow me to go and change my clothes."
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