In the plum blossom courtyard in front of Tianfeng Palace.
The Empress was the one who planned the banquet tonight. When one walked down east following the corridors of Tianfeng Palace, they would come by a forest. One would reach the plum blossom forest once they exited that forest.
Near to the Empress’ Palace, was a plum blossom garden, an osmanthus garden, and a peony garden. The Empress liked these gardens and would have banquets in different gardens in different seasons. It was very interesting.
The fruits and cold platters had long been delivered. The imperial concubines greeted each other warmly and gently. The palace grew busier and busier. There were no outsiders because it was a family banquet, as such there was no need to be so punctilious.
“His Majesty is here!” A eunuch outside said loudly.
The imperial concubines all went out and knelt under the lead of the Empress.
“Rise, everyone!” It was Emperor Zongwen of the Great Qin. He was a middle-aged man who was about 50 years old. He looked ordinary. His expression was cold and stern.
Three of his sons and his nephew entered with him.
They were the gentle and sophisticated Feng Yuxuan, the philandering and handsome Feng Yulei, as well as the devilishly handsome Feng Yuran, and the elegant Bai Yihao.
After the greetings were done, the Emperor and Empress sat. Everyone sat down as well.
The Empress Dowager, just like in previous years, claimed that she was unwell and did not come.
After a few performances, the Empress put down the cup in her hand. She smiled at Emperor Zongwen and said, “Your Majesty, have you heard of the Cloud and Feather dance?”
“Empress, did you prepare it?” Emperor Zongwen asked with a smile. The Cloud and Feather dance had been lost for centuries. One could only read about it in a book.
“Your Majesty, please look!” The Empress smiled and clapped her hands. The people dancing all moved away, leaving an empty space in the middle. Music sounded up and a group of girls who were dressed in beautiful clothing appeared. Amongst them, was an extremely beautiful young girl. She looked as if she had fallen from heaven. They stood on the dance floor and started to dance slowly with the music.
They swirled around like the clouds and moved lithely like the moon in the sky. Their skirts flew and ribbons danced. They turned and looked around seductively, moving their slim bodies as they leaped in the air.
“Eldest Brother, Second Miss Ling is really beautiful. Coupled with this dance, she really is a good catch.” Feng Yuran nudged Feng Yuxuan teasingly. He glanced at her and teased, “But why is Her Majesty asking her to dance at the family banquet? Is it for Father, or for my two elder brothers…?”
Even though her tone was light, it was enough for the two men beside him to understand him clearly. Feng Yulei’s expression darkened and he pursed his lips tightly. Anger rippled beneath his eyes. Feng Yuxuan’s expression stiffened and immediately returned to normal.
“Eighth Brother, don’t speak nonsense. Her Majesty is just allowing us to appreciate the long-lost dance and music.”
“The beauty is more easily appreciated than the dance and music. Eldest Brother, don’t you think it’s hard to find a beautiful woman? It would be a pity to let such a beauty go. If Eldest Brother is truly not interested, I am very much so. I might even ask Her Majesty for her!” Feng Yuran’s eyes shone as he stared at Ling Fengyan, who was dancing. His words made those who heard him feel more and more uncomfortable.
“Eighth Brother, don’t talk. Father is looking over here.” Feng Yulei reminded him.
Emperor Zongwen was indeed glaring at Feng Yuran. However, Feng Yuran did not feel self-conscious at all. He continued looking up and smiling happily.
The song and dance ended. Ling Fengyan’s long dress swept upon the ground as she knelt and posed like a flower. Then, she kowtowed to Emperor Zongwen thrice respectfully.
“Good. Empress, your niece is really good. She can dance such a dance. She is a smart one.” Emperor Zongwen laughed and praised her.
“Your Majesty, you are too kind. It is just a small skill to make you smile.” The Empress waved her hand and Ling Fengyan backed away. “Your Majesty, it is getting a little boring in the palace lately. If we can get a few more girls into the palace, we might be able to see dances that are even more beautiful than this.”
The Empress was hinting that the Emperor should hold a selection for concubines. Emperor Zongwen was a hardworking Emperor and did not like holding a selection. In his more than two decades of being the Emperor, he had only held the selection three or four times. He did not choose many girls as well.
“There are many empty courtyards in the palace and there are only two consorts but four positions. What I mean is, we can pick a few ladies from the noble families. We don’t need to make a big fuss about the selection. The palace is empty and that is my fault.” The Empress said gently, looking like the benevolent matriarch of the nation.
It was true that the palace was empty. There were not many imperial concubines, much less high-ranking ones.
“Empress, you can make the decision!” Emperor Zongwen glanced at her and said lightly.
“Then I shall find a time and pick a few. I did pick a few girls last time. Shall I bring them over for you to choose later?” The Empress asked with a smile.
“You can decide. How about the Princes’ wives? Is it decided?” Emperor Zongwen pointed at his three adult sons and asked.
“The Princes all need two consorts and a legal wife. I am making a list but my niece…” The Empress hesitated and glanced at Feng Yuxuan and Feng Yulei awkwardly. She looked as if she did not know who to choose.
“Do both number one and three like her?” Emperor Zongwen looked at the two brothers deeply. Inexplicable darkness glowed in his eyes as he spoke.
“That’s not it.” The Empress, who was familiar with Emperor Zongwen was shocked. She quickly explained, “King Yan has been with her since they were children. He has already vaguely made it known to me. However, when King Chu came to visit me not long ago, Fengyan was there as well. I heard that they left together and it was rumored that the two of them… Even though I know the two have kept to etiquette and nothing happened, I fear the rumors might hurt King Chu. As such…” The Empress said awkwardly.
Emperor Zongwen’s gaze landed lightly on the Empress’ beautiful face. He pursed his lips tightly. Even the Empress, who was familiar with Emperor Zongwen, did not know what he was thinking. Her palms could not help but sweat.
“You can decide this. Since they did not have a secret relationship, do as you please. They are children of the royal family and should follow the rules even more strictly. Any agreement they make should be done with their parents’ permission.” Emperor Zongwen said after a while.
“Yes, I understand. Then I shall handle this matter.” The Empress said graciously.
“Get Mingzhu to go with you since she is free.” Said Emperor Zongwen lightly.
“Yes!” A flicker of darkness danced through the Empress’ eyes. Then, she smiled and did not say anything else. The banquet carried on pleasantly and it seemed as if the royal family was harmonious and happy.
The New Year’s Eve was destined to be a troublesome night.
There was a kerfuffle at Mo Huawen’s study that startled everyone in the manor. In the end, even the Old Madam hurried there. Mo Xuetong felt poorly and had too much to drink. She had fallen asleep early and was not bothered at all by the noise.
When she awoke the next morning and sat up touching her heavy head, Mo Yu rushed in like a gust of wind.
Something had indeed happened last night!
Lan Xinru had found a key somewhere and entered the study. She sent wine and food and had put aphrodisiac in the food so that Mo Huawen would behave inappropriately. However, Mo Huawen sensed that something was wrong and threw the food away. He also dragged the Old Madam over to preside over the matter.
“Miss, you didn’t know, but that Miss Lan was really embarrassed. I heard that she moved out last night.” Mo Yu said with a smile.
Lan Xinru had moved out? Mo Xuetong washed her face and touched her hurting head. She asked, “She moved out last night?”
“That’s right. I heard Old Sir was furious. He was really angry and even punished the servants watching the door with beatings. They are all lying down and cannot get up now. The Old Madam went to plead with him but was rebuffed.” Mo Yu and the others had served Mo Xuetong all this while and they remembered how the Old Madam had tried to make things difficult for her. They were naturally excited about the matter and felt as if their mistress had been avenged.
It was really unexpected. Lan Xinru had moved out of the manor so quickly!
Knowing Lan Xinru’s character, she would have stayed here no matter what had happened and begged the Old Madam for protection. However, looking at the current situation now, and at her father’s sternness, she knew Lan Xinru must have clashed with her father for him to be so angry!
“What did the Old Madam say?” She did not believe the Old Madam would give up so easily.
“The Old Madam was furious. She almost fainted. Old Sir felt that he did go a little overboard and stayed with her for the entire night!” Mo Lan combed Mo Xuetong’s long dark hair gently as she answered.
This meant that the situation with Lan Xinru was not yet over!
Mo Xuetong knew what kind of person Mo Huawen was. He could not even listen to the Old Madam’s counseling when he was mad and had thrown Lan Xinru out. However, he blamed himself for what happened to the Old Madam. The Old Madam would definitely make use of this and get Lan Xinru back into the manor. It seemed like she had better move fast.
“Mo Lan, help me send a message to Grandmother. Tell her that I am ill and there is no one to take care of me in the manor. Could she have Aunt Xu Yan come and take care of me for a few days?” Mo Xuetong said lightly. She picked up a gold hairpin and dangled it in front of her.
“Yes, I will do that immediately.” Mo Lan knew what Mo Xuetong was thinking and immediately agreed.
“Miss, I just returned from the front of the house. I heard that the marquess was brought to the Ministry of Justice yesterday. It is said that he has not been released until now. It seems like that Fourth Miss’s marriage will not happen.” Mo Yu was the one who knew least amongst all of them. However, she did not like Sima Lingyun instinctually. She was naturally happy to hear gossip about him.
Mo Xuetong looked down to hide the laughter in her eyes. Anyway, after what happened between Sima Lingyun and Mo Xuemin, it was impossible for the Mo Manor and the Duke Zhenguo’s Manor to enter into any kind of relationship. The heavy burden in her heart from her past life was finally shed and she felt much lighter. She could not help but look up with a smile.
“Can a maid like you meddle with what happens to Fourth Miss? Father will make the judgment.” It was highly unlikely for Mo Xueqiong to become Sima Lingyun’s concubine now. But that’s good. It would be a clean cut from Duke Zhenguo’s Manor. It made her feel as if she had been rebirthed. She was no longer the Mo Xuetong of the past!
“Miss, how would I dare. Anyway, Fourth Miss is still young and there is no rush. She can still be promised to someone else in two or three years.” Mo Yu said sweetly.
Their moods were all good as they chatted and laughed. Mother Xu rushed in, panting as she said anxiously, “Miss, Miss, Fourth Miss is on her way here. She is very angry.”
“What’s she coming here for?” Mo Xuetong was stunned. She covered up the smile in her eyes and asked coldly.
“I don’t know. I only saw Fourth Miss gnashing her teeth in anger as she approached…”
They heard a sharp voice from the entrance of the courtyard before Mother Xu could finish her sentence. “Mo Xuetong, come out!”
