The Female Alpha Consort Mistakenly Marks the Empress - TFACMME Chapter 23

“That night, how much medicine did you take?”

Mu Yan found an opportunity to call Ma San over to ask.

Actually, he had already asked the servants and the steward about this matter. Their answers were consistent and should have been fine, but he still hadn’t heard any news from Meng Yan, and a feeling of unease lingered in his heart. So he called the direct participant over to ask.

He was very familiar with Ma San’s family. His parents were considered loyal servants of the residence, and most importantly, the contracts of Ma San’s whole family were in Mu Yan’s hands, which was why he could use them for leverage.

“Answering the young master, the dosage was not controlled by me,” Ma San answered, head lowered, trembling with fear. “Someone handed me a paper packet, and I poured it all in.”

He even vividly described again what happened that night.

After comparing carefully with what Steward Zhao and the others said, it matched well and even included some extra details.

“Please rest assured, young master,” Ma San added.

Actually, this title was a strange thing in the Mu residence.

In the Mu residence, there was a young lady and also an eldest young master. People unfamiliar might not know, but if you had some contact with Mu Yan, you would understand how seriously he took the title “eldest” before “young master.”

Mu Yan lifted his eyelids: “Good…”

He looked Ma San over and over. Actually Ma San had done many things for him. Like his parents, he was a loyal servant.

But the more he had done, the more secrets he knew.

Still, he was a subordinate, a lowly life. If he killed him, then so be it. What was there to value?

Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Mu Yan’s eyes—he suddenly remembered that once a subordinate reported that Ma San disappeared for a few days after the banquet…

Just as he was about to ask where Ma San had been during those days, a sudden knock sounded at the door: “Eldest young master! Eldest young master!”

Mu Yan was startled, then asked loudly: “What is it?”

“The young lady wants to see you,” said the servant at the door.

Ma San waiting nearby suddenly tensed even more, sweat forming on his hands.

Listen, just those two titles alone stirred up a storm.

“Eldest” “young lady”…

Mu Lanshi’s long, black eyelashes fluttered slightly. After the servant’s announcement, she waited respectfully until he opened the door with both hands.

She was the precious young miss of the Mu family; naturally, someone handled these matters for her.

“Lanshi, why come to see your brother today?” Mu Yan immediately changed his expression, wiping away the harshness from before.

Mu Lanshi’s eyebrows and eyes swept coldly over the surroundings without resting even briefly on Ma San.

—He knew well how proud and aloof his sister was.

Although knowing she was coming made Mu Yan somewhat afraid: after all, the wine was delivered by Ma San, and Lanshi had a strong memory, able to recognize if this servant was the one from that day.

But after all, she was Mu Lanshi, a proud and arrogant favored child who looked down on everyone. This was the root of her own trouble!

Mu Lanshi said after Mu Yan finished: “I came to see my brother because there is something to say.”

She said this without looking away.

Mu Yan immediately understood, a heavy stone falling from his heart. He waved for Ma San to leave.

Ma San bowed quickly and left. After he stepped out of Mu Yan’s residence in Linyuan, he seemed to breathe a new life.

He had been locked up by the young lady for many days. If anything went wrong, he and his family would be the first to die.

Today… he had already sensed something was wrong. Fortunately, the young miss came just in time.

He looked up at the sky and felt dazzled by the daylight. Since he took that medicine packet, his life was no longer his own.

***

“The servants have all been sent away,” Mu Yan smiled gently, “Lanshi, say what you need to say.”

Facing family, Mu Lanshi’s face showed a smile: “This visit is still about that matter.”

Mu Yan asked with concern: “What is it?”

He could roughly guess what Mu Lanshi wanted to say.

Sure enough.

Mu Lanshi showed hesitation and worry and said: “Mother has not agreed yet. There is no way for now. But… Lanshi has already agreed to that woman.”

“Mother has not agreed?” Mu Yan was quite surprised, “But the last time I went, mother seemed ready to agree.” He hugged his head in frustration and sighed: “Looks like your brother hasn’t done a good job. By the way, who exactly is that woman? Can you tell me?”

Mu Lanshi still shook her head seriously: “No.”

Mu Yan sighed deeply and muttered: “You’re too constrained by those rules and regulations!” He grumbled for a while but did not insist that Mu Lanshi reveal more. “Let me guess, is that woman someone of special status?” he asked.

Mu Lanshi nodded: “Exactly.”

“Did you tell mother who she is?”

Mu Lanshi shook her head lightly: “No.”

Now Mu Yan completely let down his guard, feeling secretly pleased. But outwardly, he still hid it, and after a slow moment of thought, finally said: “Then, I have an idea.”

Mu Lanshi blinked: “Brother, what idea?”

“Mother probably refuses because she thinks it’s not decent, no proper form. Besides, you haven’t told mother who this woman is. I know a little but can’t help much. But you can look for other elders in the family.”

Mu Yan spoke sincerely.

Mu Lanshi asked who she should find.

However, Mu Yan did not name anyone directly, only said: “Next month is the Grain Rain spring outing. There will be a refined gathering lasting two days. The attendees are all people who can help you speak up.”

Grain Rain spring outing—these refined and cultured people naturally had their gatherings and entertained guests.

She was familiar with this.

In her previous life, she went through this as well—just a few years earlier.

At that time, she was already the family head, and had a place in court. To openly express her passionate love, she announced at the Grain Rain gathering that her beloved was the current princess, Meng Yan.

This angered her mother almost to death, and the family was full of gossip. Her reputation as family head suddenly fell to rock bottom.

At that time, the Mu family, which was never a solid block of iron, began to crack openly.

“For your brother, there is one more move, but you have to consider it carefully,” Mu Yan lowered his voice, with a hint of worry in his tone. “You could also proudly tell everyone what happened at your ceremony. Not mentioning the name of that female, but with so many people and all the elders present, since you and that female have already bonded and married, it would be only natural. Mother definitely wouldn’t refuse.”

Mu Yan added, “But the consequences might be unpredictable.”

He had already said the worst. Mu Lanshi smiled bitterly inside.

Anyway, no matter which path she took, she would be the villain while he sat back and reaped the benefits.

When she asked which people could speak for her, Mu Yan did not say anyone specifically.

Unraveling a thread means stripping off the cocoon.

Mu Lanshi agreed. “I will think about it. Thank you, brother.”

***

Mu Lanshi left the Lin Garden, thinking to clear her mind, but she heard a noisy quarrel in the garden.

Behind the artificial rock corner, the voices sounded more familiar.

There were only three gardens in the Mu residence. Mu Lanshi did not often come here—after all, Pingjin Alley was very small. The Mu family had residences everywhere, including a residence with a horse farm in the suburbs, where Mu Lanshi mostly rested.

She was not particularly concerned about the people in the residence, especially the servants.

The scolding grew harsher: “Little brat, caught you slacking off, didn’t I? Try slacking off again, see if I don’t get someone to deduct your monthly wages!”

“No… no! Madam Lin, please don’t say that.” The maid nearly closed her eyes in despair as another slap was about to come, but unexpectedly, the anticipated pain did not arrive.

She opened her eyes trembling and found a tall figure blocking in front of her.

White jade hairpin, jade waist ornament, such elegant and outstanding alpha. Besides the eldest miss, who else in the residence could it be?

Lin Xiarun swallowed nervously and suddenly changed her expression, putting on an extremely flattering smile: “E-eldest young lady, why have you come here today?”

No way? That idiot usually stayed inside her own garden. If she wanted to clear her mind, she would go somewhere farther. Why did she come to this small garden today?

“If I didn’t come, how would I know if Madam Lin had the audacity to deduct the wages of my servants?” Mu Lanshi spoke calmly, deliberately emphasizing the “Lin” character.

Lin Xiarun had entered the Mu family only because she had a brother who served as the steward to the head of the family.

Her face gradually turned pale, and she stammered, “E-eldest young lady, no—”

Mu Lanshi cut her off lightly, “But I remember Madam Lin claimed she had no money because her family was repairing their house when she moved in. How is she deducting others’ wages now?”

Lin Xiarun immediately dropped her domineering manner toward the servants and lowered her head submissively, trying to argue.

But Mu Lanshi suddenly grew cold, her tone becoming stern: “Madam Lin has lived in the residence for so many years. Surely her family’s house must be finished by now. If that’s the case, then you should go home immediately.”

“Ah? Eldest young lady?!” Lin Xiarun’s eyes widened in disbelief at such harsh words coming from the usually gentle Mu Lanshi.

She stood frozen in place, as did the maid she had scolded.

Mu Lanshi looked down on Lin Xiarun and curled her lips: “If you don’t hear me, I’ll say it again. Get out.”

For this kind of sycophant, Mu Lanshi was unwilling to show any kindness. It was already very generous of her to allow the whole family to live in the Mu residence.

Lin Xiarun’s eyes reddened, she wiped her eyes and strode out of the garden.

This idiot must be going into government service, studying too hard? She heard from her brother that the court was about to grant Mu Lanshi a rank…

It must be an empty threat! Her brother was still in the residence; how could she leave?

After coldly scolding them, Mu Lanshi did not rush to leave but turned back and looked at the maid, who was also tearful from the scolding.

The girl was barely over ten years old, not much older than Yaozhi.

Mu Lanshi bent down and gently asked, “What’s your name?”

“I-I’m Jiajia.” The little girl spoke softly, still sobbing.

“Does she often bully you?” Mu Lanshi asked.

Jiajia swallowed and glanced around, still not speaking.

Mu Lanshi’s eyes flashed. After thinking, she said, “Who I am and who she is—what can’t you tell me? I already made her leave.”

This simple truth Jiajia understood.

So she said, “Yes, Madam Lin often hits and scolds us. The young masters and young misses never come here. Even the head of the family hasn’t been here. So, it’s become her backyard.”

Mu Lanshi’s expression changed from stern to relaxed when she heard this coming from herself.

It seemed this woman had long ruled the residence like a queen. Mu Lanshi thought silently.

Return kindness with kindness, repay enmity with enmity.

Maybe small grudges weren’t worth avenging, but no matter how small a favor or how minor a wrong, if given another chance, she would repay and make up for it all.

In her own home, under her nose, people were bullied like this and she did not know.

In her previous life, she saw herself as high and mighty, a powerful political figure and family leader, with no time for the affairs of the inner quarters.

But it was those servants she looked down on who risked their lives to save and protect her at the end.

Last life she only loved one person passionately. Only at her death did she realize how deeply she had owed them. Now in her second life, she wanted to protect her mother, protect her family.

And Qi Yingzhu.

But she should not stop there. She did want to protect them, but protection was more than just saving them from evil people’s hands.

She wanted to solve the problem from the root, so evildoers could no longer harm them.

Mu Lanshi seemed to understand why her mother had given her the token early—Mu Yan reminded her that during the Grain Rain Spring Outing, the whole family would attend, which would be a good opportunity.

These pests must not be allowed to remain another day.

“Jiajia, if anything happens to you in the future, come find me.” Mu Lanshi patted her head and said gently.

Jiajia stared at the eldest miss’s beautiful face for a long time, finally mustering the courage to ask, “Eldest young lady, do you know why Madam Lin said ‘deducting wages’?”

What else could it be?

Mu Lanshi smiled slightly. “Tell me everything.”

Jiajia nodded firmly.

This was the first time Mu Lanshi had listened to the inner quarters’ gossip. She did not find it annoying.

Well, to be honest, she had boasted about being the matron of the household, but now she barely knew how to use an abacus.

After saying goodbye to Jiajia, Mu Lanshi called Ah Chen and instructed him to closely monitor the residence’s movements and protect the safety of people like Jiajia.

They would be neutral, and anyone under the Mu residence’s roof could become Mu Lanshi’s wing.

***

Mu Lanshi hadn’t had time to rest before the servant outside told her someone wanted to see her.

“Who?” she frowned.

Ah Xing said, “The person came by carriage. It’s hard to tell which family they belong to. But they really want to see you.”

At this moment, who could want to see her so badly?

After some thought, Mu Lanshi made her guess.

She stood up and asked Ah Xing, “How do I look?”

Ah Xing looked at her oddly, thinking, who doesn’t know that Mu Lanshi is unmatched in beauty and talent, the finest in the capital? Even if she wore a sack, people would still be eager for her attention. Yet she answered seriously, “Very good.”

Mu Lanshi nodded lightly. “Good.”

Ah Xing still found it strange until she saw her young lady get into the carriage. At the moment the curtain lifted, she recognized the man and thought, So that’s it.

The man was Qi Zhongxuan.

Ah Chen had told her many rumors about her young lady and the Qi family’s young miss. Ah Chen’s mouth added even more exaggerations, so now Ah Xing understood a lot.

Women in love are truly scary.

Because just now when her young lady went out, she murmured, “We haven’t officially sent the engagement letter yet. For the father-in-law to come in person, it’s not proper.”

Then she climbed into the carriage decisively.

Women in love really are scary.

***

Qi Zhongxuan was anxious inside the carriage, unsure whether Mu Lanshi would see him if he did not appear.

He did not want to show himself, exposing his identity. After all, the Qi family was a second-rank gentry family in Jiangnan. If recognized and gossiped about, where could he save face?

He already had one Xu Yuan at home causing trouble; he did not want his selling of his daughter for fame and wealth to be spread back in Jiangnan by this fierce woman.

This woman’s words were so harsh; he didn’t know where she had learned that from.

“Master, the person is here.” A voice came outside the curtain, prompting Qi Zhongxuan to straighten his clothes and smile politely when the carriage curtain lifted briefly.

The half-lit sky only made Mu Lanshi more dazzling in the shifting light and shadow.

That was a kind of reverence from the bloodline of a high-rank alpha.

He did not know how humbly he had invited Mu Lanshi into the carriage.

Anyway, when he came to his senses, the carriage was already rolling forward, and Mu Lanshi was leaning against the headrest, looking quite calm.

“Did you come to see me for something today?” Mu Lanshi smiled and asked.

Qi Zhongxuan smiled on his face. “Yes, recently, didn’t the Mu steward send me a letter? I was very surprised. But recently some things have happened at home, otherwise I would have brought my whole family to visit you.”

Just writing a letter, and he reacts like this. Mu Lanshi lightly nodded.

“Last time you came, you saw some unpleasant things,” Qi Zhongxuan continued explaining, “But this time it definitely won’t happen. You’re coming with me this trip to solve the problem.”

Mu Lanshi asked curiously, “What happened at your home?”

She actually knew but was giving him a way out. If he didn’t come, she wouldn’t have a reason to meet her own mate.

Tsk, could it be because she left the goose-yellow shawl there?

“Sigh, talking about this makes me angry,” Qi Zhongxuan sighed deeply again, looking quite helpless. “I usually don’t dare to say these things, but now I can only tell you, a worthy mate…”

As he spoke, he watched Mu Lanshi’s reaction to the words “worthy mate.” His heart was pounding. After all, she only sent a letter and hadn’t done anything else yet. In the end, it was him Qi family who was overreaching.

What made Qi Zhongxuan happy was that Mu Lanshi didn’t react much.

He was overjoyed and continued, “These words can only be said between alphas, those omegas are all fools…”

It seemed he misread Mu Lanshi’s initial indifference as enthusiasm. Qi Zhongxuan kept complaining with no end, until Mu Lanshi softly spoke:

“Whether alpha, omega, or beta, all are precious. Among them, alphas and omegas are indeed rarer. As for talent, it depends on one’s parents.”

Once Mu Lanshi spoke, Qi Zhongxuan fell silent, nodding like a little chicken pecking grain. After she finished, he suddenly realized something.

…Wait, parents?

He had just insulted his own omegas, which meant he was insulting himself! Then there was Mu Lanshi’s use of the word “parents.” Suddenly Qi Zhongxuan recalled the head of the Mu family was an omega.

Who was precious, whose name came first.

Speaking of which, Mu Mei was also a tough character. Qi Zhongxuan had heard something about her unconventional way of managing the household—all children she personally gave birth to, except one, didn’t know who the other parent was.

Thinking of this, Qi Zhongxuan quickly changed the subject to Jiangnan scenery.

Insulting himself was minor; insulting Mu Mei meant offending the Mu family, which was serious!

Mu Lanshi’s eyes darkened. She noted how quickly Qi Zhongxuan changed his expression but followed his words.

The only time this man spoke nicely was when talking about Qi Yingzhu’s childhood.

“The young lady Yingzhu wasn’t originally our biological daughter. That autumn flood left behind many refugees, she was abandoned by the riverbank. If I hadn’t saved her, she would have died…”

So she wasn’t biologically related.

“Yingzhu was obedient since young, followed rules, learned everything she should, very honest, never laughed, and she also studied the arts like you did, but definitely not as well as you.”

How did a girl who followed rules from childhood become the iron-blooded, cold-faced Empress Dowager?

Mu Lanshi didn’t dare to think deeply.

Fortunately, Heaven gave her a chance to start over.

“But she did learn some things, and usually could amuse you…”

Mu Lanshi listened but felt melancholy.

She suddenly knocked on the table and interrupted, “Better not say these things in the future.”

How dare she treat her like entertainment.

***

The carriage rolled over the bluestone road and soon arrived at Qi Zhongxuan’s place.

Mu Lanshi was thinking about how to behave during the meeting when a familiar face appeared:

Little Mi was sweeping the courtyard with a broom.

When she saw Mu Lanshi get off the carriage, she was overjoyed: “Young Lady Mu, you finally came!”

Finally came? Why was she so excited to see her? Mu Lanshi’s eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of strangeness flashing.

Happy to see her? Thinking about it, Mu Lanshi recalled her experience with Qi Yingzhu at Yushu Pavilion.

—That little girl seemed to have done a “bad deed” out of kindness? At least from Qi Yingzhu’s perspective.

After speaking, Little Mi didn’t even wait for Mu Lanshi’s smile and quickly ran inside.

“Miss, miss!” she called out breathlessly.

Since the lady and master had a big quarrel, the eldest miss got scared and sick. Except for Madam Xu’s daily visits and the maids preparing medicine, no one mentioned the eldest miss anymore.

The house was filled with a cold atmosphere. Naturally, there were fewer rules.

Because all rules got smashed when Madam Xu and Master argued, and since Little Mi and her young lady were close, she was less restrained.

Qi Yingzhu shook her head: “What are you happy about?”

Though Little Mi wasn’t lazy, she shouldn’t be so unusually happy just sweeping the yard.

Thinking about some things, Qi Yingzhu looked at Little Mi strangely.

What was this girl happy about?

Little Mi’s cheeks were red and eyes bright, looking very interested. She said, “Miss, miss, guess who I just saw at the door?”

Qi Yingzhu, proud to be someone who lived many lives, couldn’t share happiness with a little maid, so she pretended to be serious: “Old Wang or Uncle Zhou next door? You never paid attention to them before.”

Little Mi pouted and muttered, “Miss knows I don’t care about them!”

Qi Yingzhu remained indifferent.

Only one person could make Little Mi this happy.

Little Mi kept pestering Qi Yingzhu, who ignored her, eyes falling.

Her gaze fell on the goose-yellow shawl hanging on the nearby clothes rack.

At that moment, a heavier hurried step came from outside.

“Younger Miss, Younger Miss, Master asks you to go out. Y-Young Lady Mu has arrived,” the little steward at the door said a few words, then dragged out the tone, “Ah, you’re here…”

Why were people at the door again?

Qi Yingzhu pressed her forehead.

And before leaving, Little Mi didn’t forget to give her a sharp look full of hope.

Could today be a good day to collect her allowance?

Little Mi dawdled behind her young lady, grinning foolishly.

Great.

***

It was hard to explain Qi Yingzhu’s feelings when she saw Mu Lanshi in her own room.

She was tall and graceful but today wore a red-and-white robe, brilliant and dazzling.

Earrings dangled from her ears, a sachet hung at her waist.

…The look wasn’t far from when she said, “I am here to fulfill my promise.”

Mu Lanshi smiled warmly at her, her curved phoenix eyes full of smiles and pride: “Coming without notice, I wonder if I have disturbed you.”

Is that so? Today she came with Qi Zhongxuan, properly invited.

Qi Yingzhu still couldn’t kick her out.

Not only couldn’t kick her out, but she had to force a smile.

Qi Zhongxuan quickly said, “Yingzhu, today I, your father, personally came to invite Young Lady Mu over. I have some important matters to discuss. After all, both of you are grown…”

He carefully observed Qi Yingzhu’s face as he spoke.

Look, once he invited, Mu Lanshi came immediately. His daughter looked shy and timid now. Even if Yingzhu didn’t say it outright, Qi Zhongxuan already guessed part of it.

Or rather, confirmed the guess—what happened between Young Lady Mu and Qi Yingzhu at the ceremony that day.

They must have done something that night. Otherwise…

“How could it be a disturbance?” Qi Yingzhu slowly smiled, her voice slow: “Young Lady Mu coming here truly brightens this humble place.”

She could only flatter and say her father did well.

Mu Lanshi smiled unknowingly, eyes curved: “You don’t have to flatter Lanshi like that. Still should thank Lord Qi. Otherwise, Lanshi wouldn’t have been able to come.”

Tsk, of course she had to thank Qi Zhongxuan. Unfortunately, her phrase “brightens this humble place” was not a modest expression. Qi Yingzhu thought secretly.

She didn’t like this family. In this family, who genuinely treated her as family?

“Hahaha, no no!” Qi Zhongxuan stroked his short beard, laughing it off, flattering some more.

Qi Yingzhu remained calm: “Also thanks to father for inviting Young Lady Mu. Last time returning with her, when I was tidying the room alone, I found a shawl. I sat there thinking for a long time, not knowing when I got it. After asking Little Mi, I found out it was Young Lady Mu’s.”

In other words, she thought for a long time but didn’t know it belonged to Mu Lanshi.

Mu Lanshi nodded thoughtfully: “It is. Lanshi will ask Little Mi when going back later.”

Qi Yingzhu’s expression changed slightly.

This person seemed unable to understand human language.

Qi Zhongxuan was baffled by their conversation, not grasping the underlying tension, only knowing his daughter kept Young Lady Mu’s shawl! This was a personal item, and the two were alpha and omega mates with a contract…

Qi Yingzhu turned her head and reluctantly suppressed the anger in her voice: “No need to ask her. She never knows how to keep her mouth shut, no one taught her, so she just talks nonsense.”

“Mm,” Mu Lanshi lightly nodded and resumed the shawl topic, “A small shawl like this, even if stolen or lost, is hard to notice.”

Hmph.

She just said she didn’t remember whose it was but it belonged to Young Lady Mu. This person then said small things are hard to notice.

If she really didn’t care, then she shouldn’t have come looking for her.

Thinking this, Qi Yingzhu said, “Yes, these seemingly insignificant little things are exactly like that. It’s not that one fears thieves stealing them, but that thieves ‘covet’ them.”

She deliberately emphasized the word “covet.”

Mu Lanshi’s forehead twitched.

There was no need to say it like that. After all, she came today together with Qi Zhongxuan through the front gate. It wasn’t like she was a thief.

Qi Zhongxuan didn’t understand the undercurrents between them at all. He just thought they were flirting. As for “not fearing thieves stealing, but fearing thieves coveting,” he was completely clueless.

Is the security in the capital really that bad?

Clearing his throat, he composed himself and called seriously to Qi Yingzhu, “Yingzhu, today I have brought Mu Lanshi here because there is an important matter. We will soon go to the flower hall to talk, with Mu Lanshi and your mother present.”

That damned woman Xu Yuan has been getting more and more fierce recently. Even though the Emperor’s envoy came to the residence, she still refused to relent. He showed her the letter from Mu Lanshi, but she still didn’t believe it!

Now he had specially invited Mu Lanshi to the residence. Let’s see what this woman has to say!

He planned to use this to force Xu Yuan into submission. That was Qi Zhongxuan’s perfect scheme for today.

As long as Mu Lanshi spoke plainly about the intention to marry, this marriage would be easily finalized, or at least they could shut that she-lion Xu Yuan’s mouth! He had already tolerated her for many years.

“Together?” Qi Yingzhu looked up. “What is there to discuss?”

“Of course, it is your marriage to Mu Lanshi.” Qi Zhongxuan smiled awkwardly and glanced at Qi Yingzhu, thinking to himself how stupid his daughter was not to understand such a simple matter.

Qi Yingzhu had already made up her mind and gave a faint “hm.”

Her eyes glanced past her father’s twitching mouth, as if not seeing his nearly spasming eyelids. This man, who had picked her up for nothing and only knew how to sell her to gain status, now truly looked like a doting father worried sick about his daughter’s future.

Qi Zhongxuan didn’t care about his foster daughter’s expression. He had gained a daughter for free and she could even marry into the Mu family—this was a pleasant surprise. He hurriedly told Qi Yingzhu to take Mu Lanshi to the flower hall, saying he would go call Mrs. Xu and return quickly.

Qi Zhongxuan left.

Qi Yingzhu showed no reaction but gave Mu Lanshi a long, deep look without saying a word.

“Let’s go, Miss.” Passing by Mu Lanshi’s side, Qi Yingzhu finally spoke.

Mu Lanshi said, “What do you want me to say?”

Suddenly a gust of wind blew through the corridor, carrying the faint orchid fragrance from Mu Lanshi’s sleeve and wrapping around Qi Yingzhu’s breath.

That scent… was clearly the imperial-made Jiuhuo Xiang/Nine Harmonies Incense. When she first entered the Forbidden Court, she dared not make a single mistake for fear of staining the priceless fragrance on the robes of nobles.

Now this precious aura was exuded from Mu Lanshi’s very bones and blood.

After a moment’s pause, Qi Yingzhu regained her composure, then looked up at Mu Lanshi.

She was now trapped in the shadow cast by Mu Lanshi’s tall and slender figure.

Those phoenix-shaped eyes still brimmed with smiles, curved like flowing spring water.

Mu Lanshi could ask like this because she clearly guessed what Qi Yingzhu wanted to do. That day when Mu Lanshi came, she heard the noise inside the residence but didn’t care.

She knew Qi Yingzhu wanted to break this family apart.

She asked again, what does she want her to say to her family?

What else could she say? Of course, not to fulfill any of this family’s wishes.

Their eyes met, and as if something solid passed between them, Qi Yingzhu suddenly felt her cheeks burn. She looked away and said, “Not now.”

Her heart beat quickly, like a small drum being beaten.

She was nervous and uneasy.

Because Mu Lanshi did not actually need her opinion—her mate was still the daughter of these parents. Her parents’ orders, the matchmaker’s words, how could she defy them?

In the previous life, she was forced by imperial power and parental orders into the palace. If they still wanted to oppress her this way now, she still could not escape.

What Mu Lanshi had wanted all along was marriage.

She only needed to follow Qi Zhongxuan’s words and act like a domineering emperor, and their wedding date could be set.

However, after hearing Qi Yingzhu’s words, Mu Lanshi’s long, thick black eyelashes trembled slightly.

She stepped back half a step to salute, the jade pendant at her waist chiming clearly. Qi Yingzhu stared at the carved orchid grass on the mutton fat jade and suddenly recalled the Xi Residence’s begonia shattered by last night’s storm—at this moment, the curve of Mu Lanshi’s lips was surprisingly similar to those petals crushed to mud.

“Lanshi understands.”

Understands what?

When Qi Yingzhu instinctively glanced back, she sharply caught the fleeting loneliness in Mu Lanshi’s eyes.

But deep in that spring water-like gaze, there was a blot of ink that would not dissolve.

Suddenly, Qi Yingzhu felt a hollow spot open in her own heart.

***

TL/Note:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyu 穀雨/谷雨. Literally means grain rain in Chinese.

https://incenzo.co/blogs/inspirations/incense-in-taoism-part-2?srsltid=AfmBOoomuQ5RclgeeUoqTgSEF0CXFBsQaaQP3lrwXpBZHeLOPUL3Ay11 九和香 — Jiuhuo Xiang (Nine Harmonies Incense): Symbolizes completeness and unity, often used in significant ceremonies.