Qingyao adjusted her breathing, cast a calm glance at her father and Mu Qingxiang, and spoke softly, "Actually, the Emperor has not been in the palace. The person in the palace has always been the Prince of Nan'an."
"What?"
Mu Hen exclaimed, rising abruptly from his chair with Xiao Yuer in his arms. After a moment, he recovered and sat down again, speaking earnestly, "What is going on? Did the Emperor have the Prince of Nan'an impersonate him?"
Qingyao nodded. It seemed the Prince of Nan'an truly had a talent for acting, playing the role of the Emperor for over three years without revealing any flaws. She wondered if he was too skilled, or if the civil and military officials in court were too incompetent.
However, given his status, even if there were inconsistencies, no one would dare to think along those lines.
"Yes, the Emperor has been with me all along."
Qingyao said softly. Mu Hen's brows furrowed upon hearing her words, his expression grave. "Since it was the Emperor's command, why did he arrest the Prince of Nan'an?"
This time, not only Mu Hen, but even Mu Qingyao couldn't quite fathom what the Emperor was thinking. Why would he have the Prince of Nan'an thrown into prison?
Could it truly be to force her back to the palace? But the current trajectory didn't quite suggest that.
Qingyao was extremely weary from traveling for days. Since she couldn't figure out the reason immediately, she wouldn't rush it. Anyway, she was back in the capital and absolutely would not let anything happen to the Prince of Nan'an.
"Father, can you make arrangements? I want to see the Prince of Nan'an tomorrow."
"This..."
Mu Hen hesitated. The Prince of Nan'an was a prisoner of the Ministry of Justice, and ordinary people were not allowed to visit.
If Qingyao revealed her identity, she could naturally see him, but she asked him to make arrangements precisely to avoid anyone realizing she had returned to the capital. This posed some difficulty, but he could try to find a way.
"Alright, I'll go think of a way."
After speaking, Mu Hen released Xiao Yuer, rose, and said affectionately, "Qingxiang, escort the Empress to Qingyuan to rest."
"Yes, Father," Qingxiang rose gracefully and walked to Qingyao, extending her hand to take hers. Her demeanor was elegant and serene, as gentle as a blooming flower, bringing a sense of ease and comfort.
Heaven would not fail such a woman; she was sure to find a good marriage...
As Mu Qingxiang and Mu Qingyao went to Qingyuan, Mu Hen left the mansion under the cover of night to visit the Minister of Justice.
In Qingyuan, Bingxiao guarded the outer chambers. Mochou, being a servant of the Mu Mansion, was familiar with Qingyuan and thus efficiently arranged for Shen Yu and Mingyue to rest. She then returned to the door of the chambers and stood with Bingxiao.
The two sat together on the railing by the long corridor, admiring the moon in the sky, their hearts feeling somewhat heavy.
For the seemingly calm capital was shrouded in an unsettling undercurrent. The Prince of Nan'an's imprisonment seemed to be merely the opening act; a more significant drama was yet to unfold, and it was this very prospect that caused unease.
From within the chambers, soft voices could be heard.
Qingyao lay reclining on the couch in the bedroom. Her abundant black hair was casually spread out, and a white gauze robe clung to her exquisitely curved figure. Even lying there still, she exuded an ethereal aura and a cool aloofness. A faint smile played on her lips.
"Eldest sister got married?"
Qingxiang sat on an embroidered stool beside the couch, nodding and smiling. "Yes, to the son of Minister Liu of the Taipu Temple, named Liu Congyun. Liu Congyun doesn't like entering officialdom; he's now running his own business, and he treats my sister quite well."
When Mu Qingxiang spoke of Mu Qingzhu, her eyes sparkled with joy, as if her sister's happiness was her own.
Thinking this, their affection must be very good. This made Qingyao very gratified. This was how sisters should be, not plotting against each other; what good could that bring?
"Mmm, it's good that she's happy. What about you?"
A gleam flashed in Qingyao's pupils. She turned to look at Qingxiang. Her second sister now lacked her former petty-mindedness; her entire being was as soft and smooth as a polished river stone at the bottom of a clear lake, round and lustrous, making one reluctant to part with her.
However, her perception might not be Mu Qingxiang's. Her gaze dimmed slightly, then she smiled, having let go of her thoughts.
"Sister, you know what's happened to me. How could a woman like me be worthy of those young masters? I'm just a withered flower, fallen petals."
"Second sister?" Qingyao stirred, giving Mu Qingxiang a displeased glance. "Don't think so little of yourself. Heaven won't mistreat anyone. You'll meet your destined partner; it's just not time yet."
"Alright, I'll take my sister's good wishes. I'll wait."
Qingxiang smiled brightly. Qingyao breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Mu Qingxiang had truly let go of those things. This was for the best; she would eventually find her own happiness.
"Is everyone else in the Mu Mansion doing well?"
Qingyao asked casually. Mu Qingxiang knew she was asking about the First Madam and her mother. She quickly nodded. Thinking that Qingyao must be extremely tired from traveling, she stood up and said with a smile:
"Sister must be very tired. Rest early today. We sisters can chat properly tomorrow."
"Alright."
Qingyao waved her hand. Qingxiang retreated, leading her maidservant out of Qingyuan.
Mochou and Bingxiao walked in. Xiao Yuer had long fallen asleep in the room. Only Qingyao lay motionless on the couch, her eyes slightly closed, but she wasn't asleep. Yet, her brows held a trace of cold, piercing sorrow, like clouds that refused to dissipate.
Mochou knew she was troubled by the matter of the Prince of Nan'an, and couldn't fathom why the Emperor would act this way.
"Master, rest first. Don't think too much. You can think about it later."
Qingyao nodded. She was indeed quite tired. Looking at the fortunate Xiao Yuer, who had already fallen asleep, she truly envied children who could think of nothing and do nothing. She sighed softly, "Alright, let's rest first."
The group tidied themselves up, some settling in to sleep, others taking up their night watch, as was natural.
The next day, Mu Hen rushed over after attending the morning court. Qingyao had just woken up and was having breakfast in the parlor. Upon hearing that her father had arrived, she immediately instructed Mochou to let him in. He must have come because the matter she mentioned last night had been resolved.
In the parlor, Xiao Yuer was playing with Xiaobai.
Since they had returned to the mansion at night yesterday, everyone hadn't paid much attention to Xiaobai. It was only now that Mu Hen got a clear look at the creature squatting on the ground, docile and well-behaved, and realized it was a large white wolf.
Although it appeared meek, its eyes still shone with a sharp brilliance, exceedingly intimidating.
Mu Hen's heart gave a jolt, and he sighed. He truly didn't know how this little girl came to possess so many peculiar skills.
"Your subject greets Her Highness."
Mu Hen performed a formal salute. Qingyao raised an eyebrow, displeased. She said softly, "Father, from now on, in the Mu Mansion, I am merely your daughter. You don't need to always maintain the etiquette of ruler and subject."
"Your subject obeys the decree," Mu Hen replied stiffly. Xiao Yuer, who had been squatting on the ground and playing with Xiaobai, finally couldn't help but roll her eyes. Ancient people were truly old-fashioned; they treated their own daughters with such distance. Didn't they get tired?