"Father, don't worry. No matter who dares to bully me, I will make her pay the price."
Although the last sentence was light, it struck the hearts of the First Madam and Miss Mu like a heavy hammer.
The faces of the two women turned pale simultaneously, their chests tightened, and their hands clenched involuntarily, yet they could do nothing.
For they knew that in the days to come, they could not easily provoke this woman, or there would be dire consequences.
After deep reflection, Madam Mu quickly put on a kindly smile.
"My Lord, who in the Mu mansion would dare to bully the Third Miss? That would be going against me, the First Madam. Everyone knows that the Third Miss is the apple of your eye."
"My Lord, rest assured. Tomorrow, I will instruct the servants to treat the Third Miss well. Anyone who slights or neglects the Third Miss will face severe family punishment."
"Thank you, First Madam."
Mu Qingyao raised an eyebrow and nodded faintly. Mu Qingzhu, looking at the beautiful and high-and-mighty Third Miss opposite her, her eyes reddened. She clenched her own hands so tightly that her fingernails dug into her flesh.
"You?"
Mu Qingzhu couldn't help but want to lose her temper. The First Madam immediately grabbed her hand and gave a cold warning.
"Qingzhu, Qingyao is your own sister. You must cherish each other in the future and not let outsiders laugh."
In fact, she was afraid her daughter would suffer. Today, His Lordship was in a good mood. If he were angered, she and her daughter would be the ones to suffer.
She heard that the woman obsessed with handsome men, Mu Qingyao, had agreed to His Lordship's request to stop chasing them.
Was this possible? They said a leopard couldn't change its spots. She didn't believe she could truly change this habit, so she would definitely send people to follow her.
As soon as there was any movement, she would report it to His Lordship. Then, she would have to face the consequences.
The First Madam plotted, keeping her daughter from speaking out. The family sat around the round table for their meal, and for a time, only the crisp sound of bowls and plates could be heard.
Just then, the clear voice of the steward from the front gate sounded, "My Lord, an imperial edict has arrived!"
Upon hearing that an imperial edict had arrived, Mu Hen immediately led the entire family to rise, instructed the servants to clear away the tables and chairs, and ordered the steward to invite the eunuch in.
"Mu Hen, receive the edict."
The eunuch's sharp voice sounded. Mu Hen, along with his family, knelt in the main hall. A eunuch in a dark blue robe embroidered with crane patterns, with a whisk hanging from his arm and holding a bright yellow imperial edict, walked in.
The entire mansion knelt in unison in the main hall. The eunuch nodded with satisfaction, unfurled the brocade, and his sharp voice rang out.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that Mu Hen, as the current Prime Minister, shall present his daughter to the palace in three days. Thus decreed."
After the eunuch finished reading the edict, he smiled and handed the imperial edict to Mu Hen, saying, "This humble servant congratulates Prime Minister Mu."
Mu Hen thanked the Emperor for his grace, accepted the imperial edict, and, leading his family, stood up. He politely invited the eunuch who delivered the edict to sit in the place of honor, and the First Madam personally served tea.
"Thank you, Eunuch. May I ask what His Majesty means by asking me to present my daughter to the palace? Moreover, I have three daughters. His Majesty did not specify which one to bring to the palace?"
Mu Hen looked at the eunuch seated in the honored position with confusion. This was Zhi Quan, a chief eunuch under Chief Eunuch A Jiu, who managed the palace.
He was a favored eunuch in the palace, always present by the Emperor's side, so he likely had some inside information.
Eunuch Zhi Quan glanced around, confirmed that everyone in the hall was a member of the Mu family, and that the servants had withdrawn. Then, he chuckled playfully.
"Congratulations to Lord Mu. The Mu family is about to have a noble person."
After speaking, he stood up, cupped his fists, and said, "This humble servant must return to the palace to report."
Mu Hen was startled, but quickly recovered. He called out to the outside, "A Zhong."
Uncle Zhong, the steward of the Mu mansion, rushed in quickly and respectfully asked, "My Lord?"
"Go and get some tea money for Eunuch Zhi Quan, and see him out of the mansion." After speaking, Mu Hen turned and politely cupped his fists to see Eunuch Zhi Quan off. Uncle Zhong carefully accompanied him with a smiling face, "Eunuch, this way please."
After Zhi Quan left the main hall, everyone recovered. The First Madam was the first to react. Her shrewd eyes flickered, and she said joyfully.
"My Lord, it seems our Mu family is indeed blessed. His Majesty is asking you to present a daughter to the palace. What else could it be? It must be to bestow the title of consort upon our daughter, perhaps even the Empress."
As soon as she said this, everyone in the hall came to their senses. Every face was covered with surprised delight and great joy.
Mu Qingyao swept her gaze coldly over everyone. She was not interested in being a consort. Let Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang handle such matters.
"Father, I shall take my leave."
"Yao'er? What do you think about this matter?" Mu Hen looked at his radiant daughter standing before him, graceful and elegant, with an air of nobility in every gesture.
He suddenly had an illusion, as if only this third daughter could enter the palace. Unfortunately, Mu Qingyao raised her hand, preventing her Prime Minister father from saying anything further, and said faintly.
"Father, since His Majesty has bestowed such great honor, you should send Eldest Sister or Second Sister into the palace. I believe that given my reputation, His Majesty would not be pleased to see me. Why go through unnecessary trouble?"
Upon hearing Mu Qingyao's words, the First Madam and the Second Madam were both delighted. The First Madam stepped forward without hesitation and said.
"My Lord, Yao'er speaks the truth. Qingzhu is a beauty of the capital, talented and virtuous. It is only natural for her to enter the palace as a consort. As for Yao'er, you see her reputation is already widespread. I fear His Majesty will not agree to let her enter the palace, so it's fine if she doesn't go."
In fact, the First Madam looked at the outstanding Mu Qingyao and feared she would block her daughter's path. She wished she wouldn't enter the palace.
"Alright, you may go back and rest."
"Daughter takes her leave." Mu Qingyao lowered her head and exited the main hall. In the corridor, rows of maids were waiting.
They had heard the situation in the main hall earlier and their faces showed expressions of excitement.
Only Mei Xin, Lu Er, and Xiao Lian looked puzzled. They raised their eyes and glanced at their young lady, not daring to ask more.
The two young maids held lanterns in front. Mei Xin reached out to support her young lady's arm as they descended the steps, slowly leaving the main hall.
The night deepened, the mist curled around them, and the dew dampened their clothes, feeling cool and refreshing.
On both sides of the winding gravel path, lush grass grew, contrasting with the gravel path, which resembled a dark ribbon in the night. Fireflies occasionally drifted in the corners, blinking on and off.
Mei Xin, who had been supporting Mu Qingyao, finally couldn't hold back.
"Young Lady, you don't want to enter the palace?"
Mu Qingyao casually glanced at Mei Xin, her thoughts laid bare. This maid must be pitying her. Little did she know.
Since ancient times, the palace gates have been as deep as the sea, filled with slaughter and built on bones. Those who survived were fortunate, and perhaps could not even sleep peacefully.