Chapter 28 Chapter 28 [VIP]
Yuan Wei believed in prophecies and divinations.
When Yuan Mu's mother just got pregnant, he had someone calculate it.
Yuan Wei had few children. He had some illegitimate sons and daughters, but only one legitimate son.
He was raised by his grandfather to be stupid, cold and hard-hearted, without any cleverness at all.
At only a few years old, he already looked down on his father and treated him as a stranger.
Yuan Wei wanted a son.
This time he wanted to raise his son himself, educate him to his liking, and at least make him smarter and more clever.
The political situation at that time was quite turbulent.
It was when Emperor Gaozu was seriously ill and the late emperor was about to ascend the throne.
The Yuan family was a royal family of the previous dynasty, and theirs was a close branch of the close branch. This noble status gave them many conveniences, but also brought them many troubles.
After all, who doesn’t know?
The Longxi Li family, which now rules the world, was once the most famous family in the world with an extremely high reputation before Emperor Gaozu usurped the throne.
He is truly noble and aloof, and does not get involved in worldly affairs.
Therefore, the current dynasty is quite oppressive towards the aristocratic families.
The Yuan family's opportunity also came from this.
When Yuan Mu's mother became pregnant, someone advised Yuan Wei not to keep the child.
At this critical juncture of political instability and constant change, even trivial matters may be manipulated.
If something really happens, it will be a big trouble.
There was an old precedent like this in the past, where someone would abduct a pregnant woman and commit adultery with her, and then accuse the person of being shameless and offering a pregnant concubine in an attempt to pollute the royal bloodline.
The hat kept getting higher and higher, until it finally reached the point where death was no longer a pity.
Especially since Yuan Wei's uncle was still fighting outside.
At that time, many members of the Yuan family were placed under house arrest in the palace.
No one could figure out what the new emperor was thinking. If he wanted to, no one would care if he executed all the close relatives of the Yuan family.
The staff prepared the abortion pills.
Yuan Wei looked at his pregnant wife, feeling the arrival of the new life, but he couldn't do anything.
He asked someone to secretly tell his fortune, but the result was not good.
The boy's words may hurt his feelings, and his life span may not be long, and he has the appearance of Xun Can.
It is even worse for a girl, as she is destined to die young and may bring disaster to the family.
This is a child who would have been better off not being born.
But amidst the glare of swords and spears in the struggle for power, a vague emotion ultimately triumphed over reason.
Yuan Wei had tried to kill Yuan Mu countless times.
When her mother had a difficult childbirth, when her grandmother died, when she was brought back from outside, and when it was discovered that she had lost her virginity before marriage.
But at the very beginning, Yuan Wei hoped that Yuan Mu could survive.
These were all things that happened long ago, so long ago that if he hadn't seen the obvious hatred in Yuan Mu's eyes, he wouldn't have been able to remember them.
Yuan Mu even wanted to kill Yuan Wei.
Even when she was almost forced that day, she didn't hate Yuan Wei so much.
But when Yuan Mu heard Yuan Wei say that he wanted to send Yuan Yin to the palace, he was filled with strong murderous intent.
She was not yet sixteen when she entered the palace.
The deep palace is a solemn and magnificent mausoleum, except that they are buried alive rather than dead.
Whether they were respected noble ladies or humble palace maids, they were all caged birds under the imperial power.
From the moment they entered the palace, words like freedom and happiness would never have anything to do with them again.
Yuan Mu had been in the palace for more than two years, suffering all kinds of torture and having a hard time.
She knew better than anyone how difficult this was.
Yuan Mu's voice was cold: "You are dreaming."
"A man like you is not worthy of being called a father," she said, looking at Yuan Wei coldly. "You have no right to interfere in A-Yin's marriage, and don't even think about interfering in it in the future."
Yuan Mu has a soft personality and was even brought up to be timid.
Her temper is also very easy to talk to.
But at this moment, Yuan Mu didn't even say a word of respect, there was only pure hatred in her eyes.
"Hasn't it been enough that you've harmed me?" she scolded. "How many more people do you want to harm?"
Yuan Mu stood under the flower tree. His cold face was tinged with anger, and then it was as if a goddess in a painting suddenly walked out. His dignified and reserved appearance suddenly came alive.
Yuan Wei raised his voice: "Do you think I harmed you?"
There was a strong sense of hostility in his eyes.
"If I hadn't sent you to the palace, if I hadn't supported you," Yuan Wei said sternly, "do you think you could have become the favorite concubine?"
There was obvious contempt and disgust in his eyes.
Yuan Mu and Yuan Wei only see each other a few times throughout the year.
From childhood to adulthood, she had seen him only a few times.
But Yuan Mu understood Yuan Wei strangely. When she met his gaze, she could understand what he was thinking.
He believed that sending her into the palace was a favor, and now that she was favored and became the emperor's favorite concubine, she should repay the family - or for him.
Even if Yuan Wei has no love for Yuan Mu, she should listen to him.
Even if Yuan Wei wanted Yuan Mu dead countless times, she should repay him.
Yuan Mu looked at her furious father, and all she felt in her chest was a strong sense of nausea. She had never seen such a heartless person again.
He has it, like an animal.
Compared to them, they are just mediocre people.
A hundred times more are the wicked people in high positions.
Why would the emperor trust such a person?
After a moment, Yuan Mu sadly realized a problem, because the emperor was also a cold-blooded, ruthless and unscrupulous person.
Her chest heaved, and the feeling of fatigue that had often lingered in her heart when she was young suddenly came over her again.
Yuan Mu said with all his strength: "I don't care about anything else, but don't even think about this."
There was stubbornness and persistence in her eyes.
Revealing childish innocence.
Yuan Wei turned sideways and sneered, "Do you really think that just because His Majesty favors you, you're a big shot?"
"I can elevate you to the position of my favorite concubine," he said with obvious sarcasm, "and I can also pull you down."
Yuan Mu really didn't know how her father, who had ignored her for two years, helped her become the favorite concubine.
She gritted her teeth and said, "I shouldn't have covered up for you that night. If His Majesty knew that you were secretly raising assassins, guess who would die first?"
Yuan Mu suddenly brought up the matter, and Yuan Wei's face turned ugly.
The father and daughter stood side by side under the blossoming tree. There was no trace of tenderness between them, only tension.
This is what a relationship is like. It is impossible to completely sever it, but it is also impossible for one party to devour the other.
Finally, it was the arrival of King Chu that broke the cold and gloomy atmosphere.
He was dressed in bright yellow clothes, like a blooming peony. Even from a distance, he was already extremely beautiful.
The King of Chu called out lazily, "Lord Ling."
"Mr. Zhou is looking for you everywhere," he raised his eyebrows, "He has something to ask you, Lord Ling, and he's very anxious."
Zhou Aweng, as mentioned by the King of Chu, was a founding hero. Even after his retirement, he remained famous and highly respected in the court and the country.
He is also the grandfather of Shufei among the four concubines.
There is no one else in the world except the King of Chu who can call him "Aweng" so casually and easily.
Yuan Wei's expression softened immediately.
"Your Highness, I am honored to see you." He said gently and politely.
Yuan Wei held a high position and great power, but he was never casual in etiquette. His manners were as smooth as flowing water, without any sign of deliberateness.
"Why would you bother Your Highness with such matters?" He chuckled and said, "Just send someone to inform me."
Yuan Mu's face remained cold.
She refused to be nice to Yuan Wei, even when the King of Chu came.
"I just came by to tell Lord Ling," the King of Chu said with a lazy smile, "I'm here to look for the Concubine Zhaoyi."
He is full of youthful energy, shining brightly in the sunlight.
The King of Chu waved his hand in a friendly manner and said softly, "Please go over quickly, Lord. Mr. Zhou is waiting anxiously."
After Yuan Wei left, Yuan Mu's brows were tightly furrowed and did not relax.
Her body was also tense.
The King of Chu glanced at Yuan Mu and turned away. He said lazily, "Don't stand there like an idiot. Come here."
What's wrong with her?
Yuan Mu was spoiled by the emperor. He was very good at sweet talk and he could say endless sweet words in bed.
Even with her thin skin, she was unable to resist him.
But Yuan Mu still took a step forward.
She held up the hem of her skirt and followed the King of Chu out of this corner, her eyebrows lowered and her expression was obviously still angry.
There were flowers everywhere in Nangong Palace, and the old eunuch beside the King of Chu also came over, so that the two of them walking side by side would not seem so conspicuous.
The King of Chu asked softly, "Did they have a quarrel?"
Yuan Mu nodded, then shook his head: "No."
"Then be happy," the King of Chu said, his eyebrows slightly curved, and handed a flower to Yuan Mu, "Take a look, is it beautiful?"
The peony, as big as a bowl, is fragrant, with a light pink inner core and dark pink outer petals, which perfectly matches Yuan Mu's dress.
She took the flowers, bit her lip and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Yuan Mu rarely gets angry, and few people see her unhappy.
She has a good temper and doesn't show it when she's angry. She suppresses her emotions and sulks silently.
He attracts pity for no reason.
The King of Chu was slightly moved. He took the flower back. Yuan Mu just raised her eyes in confusion, and he pinned the flower in her hair.
"If you have any troubles, you might as well tell me."
When he withdrew his hand, his fingertips accidentally brushed the side of her face.
The flowers are fragrant, but Yuan Mu has a fragrance that is even more fragrant than the flowers.
At that moment, the fragrance flowed between the two of them.
But after regaining his senses, Yuan Mu's clear eyes were filled with trembling struggle.
She was like a fish off the shore, instinctively afraid of the dim sunlight.
Yuan Mu almost gasped for breath and said, "Your Highness, I have something else to do. I'll leave first."
She had lived in pain and darkness for so long that she developed a fear of the light and dared not struggle or move forward.
After Yuan Mu left, the King of Chu stood there without moving.
He lowered his eyes, staring at his fingertips, his expression unclear.
-
Yuan Mu's clothes fluttered and her sleeves flew up in the air as she quickly left where she had just been.
The shadows of the flowers kept sweeping backwards, and many of the beautiful scenes flew away and became afterimages.
Yuan Mu’s sense of direction was normal. She just kept running forward, trying her best to break free from her previous emotions and state.
She didn't know what she was still afraid of, but at that moment, she felt a strong struggle in her heart.
It was not until they reached an open area that Yuan Mu's pale face gradually showed some color.
The maid saw her coming and said happily, "Madam, you are here. Madam Ru and Miss Ru have been waiting for you."
Yuan Mu was unfamiliar with many of the maids, and she couldn't even recognize all the people in Ziwei Palace.
This was the result of the emperor's intentional change.
She didn't even know their names, so it was naturally difficult for her to recognize them all.
But they would recognize her anyway.
Yuan Mu followed the maid over. Aunt Yu and Yuan Yin were sitting on the couch, and someone had already served them tea and meals.
The two of them were dressed beautifully and did not look awkward at all.
When Yuan Mu saw the two of them, he immediately felt much more relaxed.
She called softly, "Aunt, sister."
There were many people and eyes at the palace banquet during the Flower Festival, and the emperor did not want to appear too rigid and conservative, but if Yuan Mu was allowed to interact with men outside the palace without restraint, that was something he could not tolerate.
So this time, he took the initiative to ask Yuan Wei to bring Aunt Yu and Yuan Yin over.
Because of this, Mrs. Cui was at a disadvantage.
Yuan Wei treated his concubine and concubine's daughter quite well, and they lived a good life.
Only Yuan Mu was always worried that they would live a hard life and be bullied.
The emperor fiddled with the jade seal on his fingertips, waiting for Yuan Mu to come back casually.
It was almost noon when she finally returned.
But she seemed to be in a good mood. Yuan Mu's eyes were curved and a beautiful pink peony was pinned in her hair.
The emperor almost never waited for anyone.
This was the first time he had waited for someone for so long.
The emperor wanted to scold Yuan Mu, but when he raised his eyes and saw her bright smile, he was speechless.
She was scented with flowers, and her eyes and eyebrows were shining in the bright sunlight.
This little girl really needs to go out and play more.
He was always confined in the temple, and became lifeless at such a young age.
The emperor smiled, put his arm around Yuan Mu's waist, and said softly, "Did you have fun?"
He picked her up and kissed her neck when she tilted her head back.
Yuan Mu's "happy" was so loud that his breath was slightly disordered.
Even when she was carried into the tent, the heat on her face did not subside.
Although I was annoyed in the morning, I had a happy morning.
Yuan Mu put her arms around the emperor's neck, her snow-white neck slightly tilted back, and she refused to refuse his kisses no matter how he kissed her. Her eyelids were red and swollen from sobbing, but she didn't say a word of "no".
She was unusually obedient, and her movements were awkward and gentle when she kissed back.
It touches people's heart even more.
Yuan Mu's black hair loosened, and the peony in his hair fell down inadvertently.
The pink petals were flattened by her slender waist, and the flower juice left a light red mark on her lower back.
There is also a banquet in the evening.
The emperor did not provoke her too much and carried Yuan Mu to have lunch. She put on her coat and ate on his lap.
It's past dinner time.
Yuan Mu glanced at the clepsydra clock and then slowly realized that the emperor had been waiting for her.
She suddenly felt a little embarrassed and looked up at him quietly: "Your Majesty, you don't have to wait for me..."
Yuan Mu had just started eating when the emperor fed him a crystal shrimp dumpling.
He said nonchalantly: "I wasn't waiting for you, I just finished dealing with something."
After feeding Yuan Mu, the emperor carried her back to the tent. She had gotten up early in the morning and was tired from playing in the morning. If she didn't take a rest, she would not have the strength to attend the banquet in the evening.
Sure enough, as soon as she climbed into bed, she started yawning.
Yuan Mu’s habits are becoming more and more like those of a kitten.
The emperor stroked Yuan Mu's black hair and covered her with the quilt.
He actually felt a little regretful. He wished he had brought the person with him earlier.
She stayed alone in Qingning Palace, with a chaotic diet and schedule, and no one to talk to. How could she get better if it went on like this day after day and month after month?
Moreover, the two people had been separated for such a long time that the original three or four points of conflict became eight or nine points.
The emperor looked at Yuan Mu's sleeping face, and his heart softened.
He was ready to issue the edict that had been shelved some time ago.
Wait until night.
It was just a surprise for her.
There were still things to deal with in the afternoon, so the emperor did not stay in the Ziwei Palace for too long. Yuan Mu was sleeping until the palace maid came to call her, and then she woke up gasping for breath.
She hadn't had a nightmare in days.
But just now Yuan Mu fell into a nightmare again.
She dreamed of the night when Qingyun Temple caught fire.
Yuan Mu didn't know why the rebels would target such a remote place.
She didn't realize it until much later, because Helan Zhen had appeared nearby.
The rebels are a group of extreme lunatics. They will not let go of any sign of trouble.
The fire continued to burn all night and almost the entire mountain was destroyed. It happened to be summer or autumn, and the climate was very hot. The fire became more and more intense, and everyone died in the fire.
Thick smoke and fog were everywhere.
It was because the nuns risked their lives to send Yuan Mu out that she was able to save her life.
Yuan Mu's heart felt like it was being pressed down by a huge rock.
She often had nightmares, but she instinctively rejected this past event even in her dreams.
Yuan Mu took the cup handed to her by the maid, raised her head and drank half a cup of tea. There was cold sweat on her forehead and her face was pale. She sat on the bed and rested for a long time before she recovered.
The nightmare feeling is very uncomfortable.
I have clearly returned to reality, but those images are still in my mind.
The feeling in the dream was too real, as if I was brought back to the past and experienced the event again.
After resting, Yuan Mu stood up.
Her voice was slightly hoarse: "What time is it? Why is it dark outside?"
"It's going to rain, Your Majesty," the maid said softly. "The banquet outside has been moved to the palace. It's still early, you can rest for a while."
Yuan Mu looked outside. The sky was a little dark, and it looked like a heavy rain was coming.
The rain in spring is usually not too heavy.
Yuan Mu didn't think much about it. As soon as she walked out, the kitten's tail wrapped around her legs.
It meowed as if it wanted to play with her.
Yuan Mu pursed his lips and smiled, then held the kitten in his arms. The tips of its white ears shook, making it look like a bigger snowball.
She fed it something and then played with its ball of yarn for a while.
Time flies.
By evening the sky was dark and a few drops of rain fell lightly, but nothing finally fell.
Yuan Mu changed her clothes and prepared to leave the palace. The kitten still pestered her and wanted to play with her.
She could only helplessly let the palace servants carry it away and then leave the hall.
Yuan Mu waved at the kitten and said softly, "Come back and play with it tonight, Mimi."
Then she left Ziwei Palace.
Yuan Mu wore a long pear-white dress with a slender silver hairpin in her hair, with swaying flowers and jingling jade pendants.
When she appeared in the middle of the banquet, she was not surrounded by countless maids.
But when Yuan Mu showed up, countless eyes were cast at him.
There is a vague sight through the flowers, some are very well hidden, while others are too direct.
Her posture is elegant, noble like the bright moon, and otherworldly like a goddess.
That stunning face was even more beautiful, yet it also revealed a sense of disaster and ominousness.
This is a peaceful world, so it's not a big deal.
If today is a time of chaos, her appearance will be the biggest cause of countless unrests.
A person with such a posture and appearance should not be silent even in the harem where beauties compete with each other for beauty.
She was Empress Yuan's biological sister, but her rank remained unchanged for two years and she still held the position of concubine.
No one noticed at first.
But looking back now, many people realized that something was wrong.
Yuan Mu's obscurity is not because she is silent. Her silence over the years is probably intentional by the people behind her.
How can I be so lucky?
If she said one thing wrong, the four concubines would be confined to their houses because of her.
Now that the four positions for concubines are full, the emperor will add another seat for Yuan Mu.
How many people longed for the honor but could never get it, but she easily filled it with it.
Now a concubine is pampered like this, what about the future?
Those who once hoped that she could share Empress Yuan's favor now understood what true unparalleled favor meant.
But Yuan Mu's expression did not change. She still sat quietly as before.
The dinner was filled with singing and dancing, and was attended by both older concubines and young noble ladies.
Yuan Mu did nothing, but after tonight, no one will probably be able to match her honor.
After three rounds of drinks, Empress Yuan called her over.
In the past, she ordered Yuan Mu around at will. She wanted to use Yuan Mu's beauty and obedience to maintain her reputation as the queen.
But from now on, this is no longer possible.
Empress Yuan's face was filled with sickness and haggardness that could not be concealed even by heavy makeup.
Her eyes were bloodshot, and she hadn't slept well in a long time.
Speaking of Yuan Mu's favor, the most embarrassed person in the palace was Empress Yuan, who once claimed to be the favored queen.
Yuan Mu walked forward silently, his clear eyes filled with water as he looked up. In this banquet full of intrigues, he looked as bright and clean as jade.
But she didn't dress too gorgeously, instead she had a cool and clear temperament.
Yuan Mu said softly, "Sister."
The offensive and defensive situation in the palace changed in an instant.
Whoever is favored by the emperor is the most honorable person in the nine-layered palace.
The two exchanged a few simple greetings.
"When you get promoted, do you plan to move to another palace?" Empress Yuan stroked her golden armor. "Qingning Palace is nice, but it's a bit out of the way."
She said with a hint of anticipation, "Why don't you move to Yifeng Palace? It will be convenient for everything, and my sister can look after you..."
Empress Yuan's words were tactful, and Yuan Mu's response was not very direct.
"Moving the palace is a major event. I dare not act rashly. I will leave it entirely to His Majesty to decide." She lowered her eyes. "If you have any ideas, you can tell him directly."
The golden armor between Empress Yuan's fingers almost pierced into her flesh.
Originally, she thought Yuan Mu was submissive, but now it seems that Yuan Mu is clearly pretending to be gentle, but in fact he has a rebellious nature.
Empress Yuan suppressed her emotions and did not lose her composure at this time.
What was Yuan Mu's status? She was not even as good as a servant in the Yuan family, and now she was stepping on her head!
Reason forced Empress Yuan to restrain and endure.
But the resentment she had been feeling for days made it difficult for her to remain calm.
The blood in Empress Yuan's forehead was throbbing. She lowered her voice and said, "You've become bolder now. You've begun to dare to go against father and me!"
"You know, if it weren't for us," she said impatiently, "you wouldn't be where you are today!"
Empress Yuan spoke in a very low voice, and her expression did not change much.
But all her anger was directed at Yuan Mu.
Yuan Mu has been in a good mood since this afternoon. She is ready to play with the kitten after returning to the palace.
When she heard what Queen Yuan said, her brows furrowed.
"Did I beg you to send me to the palace?" Yuan Mu said coldly, "I was about to get married, but you——"
But before Yuan Mu could finish his words, Queen Yuan was about to explode.
She said with a violent emotion: "What do you know!"
"Do you think that now that you have His Majesty's favor, everything will be fine?" Empress Yuan forced a sarcastic smile on her lips. "Do you know?"
She raised her voice: "He has a beloved in his heart and originally wanted to break off the engagement with the Yuan family!"
Yuan Mu was also stunned. This was the first time she heard of this.
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