Murong Liu Zun remained silent, his eyes, imbued with the chill of the deep pond, fixed on Mu Qingyao.
She appeared serene and detached, displaying an unperturbed composure despite the gravity of the situation. He was eager to see how she would navigate the predicament.
"Begin?"
With the Emperor's decree, the Prince of Nan and Mu Hen found themselves unable to object further. They could only step back, observing the unfolding events.
Liu Qianmu scanned the three sisters of the Mu family, each presenting a distinct demeanor. The question arose: who would go first?
"Who will start?"
As Liu Qianmu spoke, Mu Qingyao's cold, beautiful voice rang out, "I will!"
While she found the entire affair with the so-called "ball" quite bothersome, the current situation was undeniable. If the ball recognized Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang as empresses, she would gladly accept.
However, the problem lay in what would happen if the ball recognized her. She had no desire to enter the palace, let alone become empress. The Emperor, while handsome, was far too calculating.
She had learned her lesson from her previous life and had no intention of accepting another man in such a short period.
Upon hearing their third sister's declaration, Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang both glared at her, their eyes wide. Did this girl not understand the custom of seniority?
The youngest was claiming the first turn. Just as they were about to voice their protest, Emperor Xian, seated above, nodded.
"Very well, we shall begin with the third young lady of the Mu family."
With the Emperor's word, how could they dare to speak? They could only grind their teeth in silent frustration.
In the study, all eyes were fixed on Mu Qingyao and Liu Qianmu. Liu Qianmu, holding the crystal ball, smiled gently. "Third young lady, please."
"You are too kind."
Mu Qingyao's eyes, as tranquil as a deep pool, shimmered with captivating light. A faint smile graced her lips as she elegantly approached.
Her slender, fair jade hand slowly lifted, moving towards the crystal ball. All eyes were drawn to her hand.
That hand, soft and boneless, smooth and delicate, held an undeniable allure, yet commanded a sense of respectful distance.
Liu Qianmu and Murong Liu Zhao felt a tightening in their chests, their gazes flickering. In that very instant.
Mu Qingyao gathered her internal energy, focusing her power in her palm as she touched the crystal ball. Simultaneously, her foot smoothly slid forward, propelling her body towards it.
The onlookers heard a resounding *clang*.
A clear sound echoed through the study. When everyone’s senses returned, they saw the crystal ball on the floor, rolling twice before shattering into two pieces, which quivered faintly.
And the culprit, the third young lady of the Mu residence, was leaning against a nearby bookshelf, speaking with an apologetic expression.
"My apologies, I was too careless. My foot slipped, and I accidentally broke the crystal ball."
Her words caused Liu Qianmu's face to contort with extreme displeasure. Mu Hen, in panic, quickly knelt to beg forgiveness. "Your Majesty, please punish me, my daughter did not do this intentionally."
The Emperor remained silent. Liu Qianmu, heartbroken, stooped to pick up the two halves of the crystal ball. The more he looked, the more distressed he became. He raised an eyebrow and said displeasedly, "She did it intentionally, Your Majesty?"
Prince of Nan, Murong Liu Zhao, had already disapproved of the charade of selecting an empress with a mere ball. Seeing it now in two pieces, he was rather pleased. He coldly cupped his hands.
"Your Majesty, it is but a ball. If it is broken, so be it. Minister Mu is a pillar of our Xian Yue Kingdom. Surely, you would not punish a loyal minister for a mere ball? This would invite ridicule from the world."
A smirk touched Mu Qingyao's lips. It seemed the Prince of Nan was not entirely without merit. It was precisely because she had judged this that she had dared to break the crystal ball.
Since the Emperor was a wise ruler, he would certainly not openly punish the Prime Minister for a crystal ball. With the crystal ball broken, how could they still present her three sisters to the palace?
However, fate was unpredictable. Although everything happened quickly, it did not escape one person's notice.
Emperor Xian, Murong Liu Zun, had been observing this woman's every move from the beginning. Just moments ago, she had tampered with it.
This woman was intelligent and possessed some martial prowess. She was precisely the person he needed. The Emperor's lips curved upwards, and instead of anger, he chuckled.
"Never mind, Prime Minister Mu, you may rise. It is merely a crystal ball, and it has fallen. Furthermore, the third young lady did not do it intentionally."
The Emperor emphasized the word "intentionally," sending a shiver down Mu Qingyao's spine. She mused, *Could it be? Has the Emperor seen through my scheme? I must be even more cautious from now on.*
"Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you."
Mu Hen dared not delay, quickly expressing his gratitude. This was wonderful! The Emperor was not blaming them, and the crystal ball was broken.
It seemed his daughter would not have to enter the palace. Mu Hen breathed a sigh of relief. His two daughters behind him, Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang, had eyes red with anger.
This hateful, wicked girl must have done it deliberately. She didn't want to enter the palace, so why should she prevent them from entering as well?
Without the crystal ball, the daughters of the Mu residence still had to enter the palace. This matter rested with the Emperor's decision.
Everyone turned their gaze towards the inscrutable man on the dragon couch. Throughout the entire ordeal, the Emperor's expression had remained unchanged, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
Just then, Ah Jiu rushed in from outside.
"Reporting to His Majesty, the Empress Dowager has arrived, and the Noble Consort has arrived."
"The Empress Dowager?" Several voices in the study arose, laced with displeasure. Why had the Empress Dowager brought the Noble Consort to the study?
Prince of Nan, Murong Liu Zhao's eyes turned as cold as a drawn sword, his hands clenched tightly, radiating a fierce aura, as if ready to confront the Empress Dowager.
Mu Qingyao observed everything with a detached gaze, finally settling her eyes on the Emperor.
This man had shown little expression from beginning to end. On his handsome face, his phoenix-like brows rose, and a flicker of ferocity passed.
Though fleeting, it was caught by Mu Qingyao. It seemed there was a rift between mother and son. But what did that matter to her? Mu Qingyao thought coldly as the Emperor on the high seat spoke in a deep voice.
"Announce them."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Ah Jiu swiftly turned and dashed out.
Soon, a middle-aged woman, clad in a resplendent crimson phoenix gown, entered. The woman, still graceful and dignified, exuded an air of opulence.
In her youth, she must have been a peerlessly beautiful woman. She slowly entered the study, her gaze sweeping across the room with maternal affection, finally landing on the Emperor. She smiled warmly.
"My son, has your mother disturbed you?"
"Mother?" Murong Liu Zun said little, slowly rising to help the Empress Dowager onto the bright yellow soft couch.
Those standing in the study immediately knelt. "Your subjects pay their respects to the Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort."
"All ministers may rise. In truth, I did not intend to come, but I heard that His Majesty intends to take concubines. This is a matter of the inner palace."
"That is why I have come to see. Your Majesty's affairs are my affairs. All of you may rise."