The Female Alpha Consort Mistakenly Marks the Empress - TFACMME Chapter 27

“Your Majesty… it is time for the medicinal meal.” An Hua bowed, holding the medicine bowl, her fingertips silently tracing half a circle along the rim. Inside the hall, the dragon’s saliva incense mixed with the bitter medicine scent, making one’s throat tighten. She looked at the curled up figure in bright yellow on the imperial throne and suddenly realized the coiled dragon pattern was even more vivid than the emperor’s complexion.

The emperor was old now, his health declining day by day. With many children under him, quite a few were eyeing the crown prince’s position. Even the details of what went into the medicinal meal were carefully chosen.

It was prepared specially by the princess.

The emperor sat weakly on the dragon throne but did not take the medicine meal and drink it as he used to. Instead, he brought it to his nose, sniffed, and said, “This is truly too bitter. I won’t drink it today.”

His voice sounded very weary, like a dead leaf that had lost its moisture and vitality. This only strengthened An Hua’s belief—if that young Qi family girl really came into the palace to gain favor, the princess’s last bit of filial piety might not last.

Of course, it might also be another princess.

“Speaking of which, An Hua, about my little empress, have you done what I asked?” The emperor put down the medicinal meal and after a moment asked this.

Every day was harder than the last. When he was young, he still had some ambition and heroic spirit; now he had nothing. He had to deal with his own mess.

He wanted to live long. According to the alchemist, the climate of Jiangnan was good for nurturing people. If a good omega was brought into the palace, his lifespan could increase.

So last time he toured Jiangnan, he pointed out a girl from a second-rank noble family known for their vitality.

… Actually, he didn’t clearly see what the girl looked like, nor even know her name. But she had to come into the palace to serve him, right?

Lately, the emperor felt his body was failing and took the alchemist’s words seriously, urging his attendants to search.

But his memory was bad; sometimes when he remembered, he would ask. Most of the time, he just sat on the dragon throne lost in thought.

An Hua pursed her lips, about to speak, when the old emperor suddenly said, “Ah, Little Qiong, how did you get so tall?”

This time his gaze landed on the tall, graceful woman beside him.

He called the wrong person. The one he was speaking to was not Meng Qiong but Meng Yan.

Today this princess came to visit the emperor.

“Father, I am not Sister Qiong,” Meng Yan smiled gently but did not step closer. “I am Yan.”

When she raised her head, the light outside the hall outlined a sharp jaw, her features deep and not like those of Central Plains people.

“…Ah, Meng Yan?” The old emperor paused slowly. “Oh, Meng Yan.”

A flash of decisiveness passed through Meng Yan’s eyes.

“Speaking of which, I have not seen you for many days. You’ve grown very tall…” He muttered, “But I have forgotten who your mother is.”

On her face, a rich smile like Western grape wine bloomed. The candlelight flowed over her high brows, casting shadows in her eye sockets.

She thought, this father of hers must have thought for a long time to know who she was. After all, the name “Yan” was one she had fought to get for herself.

Maybe from dizziness, the emperor forgot what he wanted to say to Meng Yan, so she reminded An Hua, “An, do you have something to report to His Imperial Majesty?”

Only then did An Hua nod once. “Your Majesty, I have.”

The emperor asked drowsily, “And?”

An Hua considered briefly, then spoke in a tactful and indirect way. Basically, the Qi family girl was acceptable, but her family was cramped in the post station and not prepared for palace entry.

She also said someone in the family had a cough and might disturb the imperial presence.

The emperor was already confused about people, and the longer he spoke, the more tangled he became.

Sure enough, the old emperor hummed twice: “After all, they are a second-rank family from Jiangnan. What prestige can they have? Forget it, forget it, last time I asked, I got nothing. Sigh… I have forgotten what the girl even looks like.” He sighed, “I am unwell. You may leave now.”

An Hua prepared to take her leave, but Meng Yan insisted, “Father, I specially came today to see you.”

She rarely came before the emperor.

“I am unwell,” the old emperor frowned and waved his hand. “Go down, all of you, go down!”

“Father…”

“Go down!”

The old emperor was as overbearing as in his youth, cutting off Meng Yan’s words.

An Hua dared not speak beside them. Strangely, among the six princesses, Meng Yan’s background was said to be the poorest in the palace, yet she had never shown any moment of inferiority or timidity.

Her looks alone were sharp and glaring, like a lone eagle on a snowy mountain, but when she smiled, it was dazzling and gorgeous.

She came today for what reason? Seeing the emperor kept dismissing her, Meng Yan tried twice but did not insist further.

When leaving, An Hua did not expect her to grab her hand: “Lady An, I want to know, what did you just tell His Imperial Majesty?”

Thinking of that mysterious letter, An Hua chuckled and told part of the story, leaving out the details.

After hearing this, Meng Yan’s long thick eyelashes fluttered, smiling in a teasing way: “You are considerate. May I know if this cough is from Jiangnan’s thick mist or the capital’s sharp winds?”

An Hua shuddered and quickly composed herself, feigning calm: “I am just a servant; I dare not speculate on the sovereign’s will.”

This Sixth Princess is truly no ordinary person. Which faction does she belong to? Or maybe she is a faction herself? An Hua’s heart grew uneasy.

A faint dark light flashed in Meng Yan’s eyes.

She watched An Hua’s hurried departing figure, pondering who was behind the rejection of the Qi girl entering the palace.

— That dead Empress Dowager really does not want to be in the palace. That’s good. But who is doing this?

Her sisters? Brothers? Or…

She remembered the scene she saw by the riverside.

She must hurry. Families of ministries would soon start verifying ranks. The young ladies and young masters of those noble clans were likely delivering collections of poetry and commentary to the official Examination Office, while noble girls like Mu Lanshi probably did not even need to give a calling card—having her ancestors’ “brilliant second rank” status covering her.

Meng Yan had personally seen the Minister of Personnel’s carriage leave deep ruts before the Mu family gate. The Minister oversaw imperial examinations. When Mu Lanshi was seven, the Central Plains’ top critic praised her as “graceful and radiant.” Such momentum, the ninth-rank examination process was just a faint breeze at her skirt’s hem.

That person’s scent was precious and reliable; the official path could only get smoother.

In her previous life, it was on that day she decided to break this Qiong branch.

Meng Yan stepped out of the palace gate, crushing fallen flowers underfoot.

Consort, it’s been too long since we last met, hasn’t it?

***

Mu Lanshi suddenly felt an itch in her throat. Before she could pull out the silver-threaded handkerchief in her sleeve, a sneeze shattered the sandalwood scent in the room.

Startled, Ah Chen holding the box trembled. “Master, what’s wrong? Were you overwhelmed by the cold iron scent? I will order a reforging of the box immediately!”

Mu Lanshi shook her head. “No, it’s not that.”

Ah Chen breathed a long sigh of relief and continued letting Mu Lanshi inspect the sturdy mechanical box.

“It’s fine.” Mu Lanshi tapped the box’s lid with her finger; the bronze beast pattern shimmered faint blue in the morning light. Ah Chen quickly turned the mechanism toward the brightest spot: “See this hidden catch? Turning it to the right position activates a triple chain lock…”

Mu Lanshi silently listened while turning the mechanical switch as Ah Chen described.

Ah Chen was talkative and curious: “Master, this box is very sturdy; not even thunder or fire can open it… Last time you said you wanted to use it to hold some leverage? Whose leverage?”

Mu Lanshi said faintly, “I will become an official in the second half of the year. It will be useful then too.”

Ah Chen looked puzzled, carefully considering the meaning of “also” here.

Uh, did Miss tell her when the box was last used?

But before Ah Chen could think further, there was a knock outside the door.

Mu Lanshi quickly put away the box and called someone in.

It was not someone to worry about, just a very senior Madam Xu from the Mu household.

She held a lacquer tray covered with yellow silk cloth.

“Young Lady, this old woman brought you some things.” She smiled.

Mu Lanshi looked up. “What things?”

Madam Xu smiled and put the tray on the round table before Mu Lanshi, then pulled back the silk cloth to reveal rows of blue-and-white porcelain bottles arranged like the Big Dipper.

“This is soothing ointment,” she said with crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes. “This is still fresh. If you encounter the heat phase, this can help relieve it.”

Yes, she knew that well.

Though Ah Chen kept her head down, she couldn’t help but steal glances at the soothing ointment Young Lady used.

Even the container looked different.

Indeed, the heir of a great family has a style that’s ruthless.

But what came next shocked Ah Chen.

The old woman continued: “But soothing ointment alone can’t suppress the heat… I also came to ask, Young Lady, do you have time today?”

“If you are free, you can go to Qicheng Pavilion.”

Mu Lanshi nodded. “I understand. Then I will go.”

Ah Chen did not understand what Qicheng Pavilion was. Only after secretly escorting Miss there did she realize.

It was a place for high-ranking alphas and omegas to relieve their respective sexual urges before the coming heat phase! But this place was specially opened for noble families. Someone as honored as Young Lady could, in previous heat phases, use incense in the pavilion to trigger relief.

Thus, the incense would become stronger, the bond tighter, and it would strengthen the body and raise her rank as an alpha lord.

***

The carriage rattled through the streets and arrived at the long street where Qicheng Pavilion stood.

The street was busy with people and traffic. Not as wealthy as Yushu Street but densely populated and well-connected, so even if there was a quarrel, one could turn a corner and head to the official office.

As the carriage stopped beside Qicheng Pavilion, seven or eight gray-clothed servants spoke warmly to Ah Chen.

They recognized the paired lotus badge on Mu Lanshi’s carriage.

When Mu Lanshi got off, a woman quickly and gracefully approached. Her hair was tied high with a jade crown. Her skin was fair, seeming to have lived long in the capital.

She was the owner of Qicheng Pavilion, called “Madam Li.” Her appearance was beautiful and radiant, her face round like the full moon, and when she smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons, looking kind and especially likable.

She looked at Mu Lanshi apologetically and said, “Young Lady Mu, forgive me for not welcoming you properly.”

“Please come upstairs with me.”

The Mu family had already informed her ahead of time, so she had made preparations early, leaving the best private room upstairs just for Mu Lanshi.

Although the Mu family held great prestige, their notice had come on short notice. Otherwise, on an ordinary day, the entire floor would have been cleared for Young Lady Mu. But not today.

Madam Li was naturally talkative. As she led Mu Lanshi upstairs, she tactfully explained the situation and then added with a smile, “Next time Young Lady Mu plans to visit, just let me know in advance. I will make sure the entire building is prepared just for you!”

Mu Lanshi smiled. “Thank you, Madam Li, but there’s no need for such trouble. After all, it’s just me alone.”

Madam Li smiled back, surprised at how easygoing the famed Young Lady Mu was. In the capital, many with lesser backgrounds than Mu Lanshi arrived at Qicheng Pavilion with great airs.

They demanded all rooms be cleaned, and their attendants bathe in incense before serving… but such people rarely treated the space with care. Once, when she was inattentive, she came back to find a group of young nobles sprawled all over the place, most likely having overdosed on Five-Stone Powder.

She disliked those who used Five-Stone Powder, but dared not speak out.

“Come this way, please.” Madam Li bowed and opened the door to the private room for Mu Lanshi.

The room was large, furnished in an elegant and refined manner. Besides the expected garments, what stood out was a large incense burner.

The bronze incense burner stood on three legs with two handles. The body was shaped like lotus petals, layered and curved gracefully. In the middle, there was a clear hollow space for placing incense.

“Though I couldn’t give you a larger space, Young Lady Mu, I wouldn’t dare be careless with the incense.” Madam Li took out a packet of incense and carefully poured the contents into the burner.

She did it very evenly. This kind of “Southern Melody Alpha Incense,” used for top-tier alphas, was harvested from mysterious jungles in the far south of the central plains, where mist hovered all year long. Only a few kilograms of raw material were collected annually, and only by the most experienced gatherers.

Even after harvesting, the material needed extensive refinement, cutting its usable amount in half. This incense, in recent years, had only been used by two people from the Li family during their awakening phase, and no one else.

Mu Lanshi was naturally worthy—there was no need for the Mu family to say anything; Madam Li had arranged it for her immediately.

While Madam Li spoke at length, Mu Lanshi responded politely while examining the room. Madam Li had been modest—this space was quite spacious. There was a long curtain, swaying gently in the breeze, through which the faint outline of a canopy bed could be seen.

Or perhaps, not just a bed? Mu Lanshi’s brows furrowed slightly.

“Young Lady Mu, once the incense is burning, you can rest here on this recliner. You may feel a bit of heat as the incense takes effect—that’s a common symptom of the ignition phase. I’ve prepared tea and fruits for you. If you feel unwell, please have some. Once the incense finishes burning, you can go lie down over there…” Madam Li pointed to the curtain as she finished her explanation.

Mu Lanshi nodded. “Understood.”

Madam Li, having finished all arrangements, pressed her forehead lightly and exhaled. “This floor is private… incense like this must be used in a specific place. If there’s nothing else, please remain here until the incense is spent. I’ll be downstairs—don’t worry. If you need a bath, just let me know.”

Mu Lanshi acknowledged her and gave thanks.

Madam Li waved it off with a smile. On her way out, she pounded her lower back and sighed. “Business like this really isn’t easy… So many important guests today…”

***

After Madam Li left, Mu Lanshi returned to the recliner and began to feel the effects of the Southern Melody Alpha Incense.

What she smelled was the scent of orchid and calamus. In other words, her own scent.

Incense made for a top-tier alpha had the fragrance of her own signal scent. There was nothing inherently strange about that.

But… Mu Lanshi glanced toward the curtain, gently shifting in the wind.

She closed her eyes and placed a candied fruit in her mouth.

In her past life, after reaching adulthood, she loved sweets—all kinds of sweets.

That hobby of hers was far healthier than those dandies addicted to Five-Stone Powder.

The effects of the incense began to manifest slowly. Mu Lanshi felt her body relaxing, her limbs loosening, and a subtle tide surging within her chest—that indeed was the feeling of an oncoming ignition phase.

She had gone through incense awakening before in her past life, though back then she hadn’t mastered it.

Now? With experience, she could suppress, control, and absorb it gradually. That was the strength of a top-tier alpha.

With someone of ordinary constitution, even her signal scent alone could overpower them.

She closed her eyes, focusing on the comfort and the rising ignition tide, as time passed slowly.

Or perhaps, waiting for the one behind the curtain to come out on their own.

“Still not coming out…” Mu Lanshi abruptly opened her eyes, her voice cold. “Do I need to burn the curtain down?”

Though her fingers were dusted with sugar powder, her tone was sharp as cold jade, pressing down with authority.

The curtain didn’t move at first.

Mu Lanshi frowned. She had already put on her clothes—earlier, it had grown too hot, so she’d taken off her outer robe.

She walked toward the curtain step by step.

With a sudden gust of wind, the curtain lifted.

Meng Yan lifted her head slightly, her robe swaying like ripples.

She stood there, framed by the parting curtain, the silver bell on her wrist scattering fragrance through the room.

She wasn’t wearing a veil, instead revealing her exotic-looking face in full daylight.

Her features were sharp and defined, almost unnaturally perfect. Her light gray eyes tilted upward like a creature from a painting. And carrying the aura of imperial nobility, she exuded grandeur.

Yet now she wore only a sheer garment, revealing her fair, slender neck.

Her figure outlined soft, full curves, adorned with a vivid red plum blossom birthmark. Her lips were moist and gleaming. Just standing there, she drew all attention.

In that moment, wind stopped and clouds paused.

Mu Lanshi raised her brow lightly. “Who are you?”

So this princess really had clung to her.

If one attempt failed, then try another—was that it?

This was indeed Meng Yan’s way: relentless pursuit, regardless of means or propriety.

Today, by borrowing this incense awakening, emotions stirred would be even more intense.

Meng Yan sniffed gently and said with a smile, “I saw the alpha sitting here all alone. Isn’t that lonely?”

“When you came upstairs, didn’t you hear those sounds?” Before Mu Lanshi could answer, Meng Yan continued on her own.

She spoke while walking closer.

The “sounds” she mentioned were the moans and laughter of alphas and omegas indulging in pleasure within Qicheng Pavilion. Some used incense as Mu Lanshi did, others simply gave in to carnal desire.

“Jingle, jingle”—the sound followed her steps. Only then did Mu Lanshi realize that bells had been fastened to Meng Yan’s ankles.

Tch. This wasn’t unfamiliar to her in their past life.

Bells tied to ankles, to wrists, even held between her lips…

Graceful steps, loose dark hair, a soft arc in her movement.

Her sheer garment was so light that every curve beneath it could be seen—smooth, delicate, inviting.

“Alpha, I’ve entered my rut—” she whispered, leaning in toward Mu Lanshi.

Mu Lanshi had her clothes loosely draped, not fully dressed. As Meng Yan approached, she brushed the robe aside.

Her fox-like eyes shimmered with tears.

“You didn’t hear earlier?” she murmured, then smiled, opening her arms and pressing into Mu Lanshi’s chest.

Her sash slipped off.

A heady floral scent filled the air.

She truly had entered her rut.

In their past life, whenever Mu Lanshi was around, she would allow her to ease it.

After Mu Lanshi’s death, Meng Yan had sought many alphas in vain—each scent made her nauseous. Letting them touch her was impossible.

Thus, the mark Mu Lanshi had left on her body never faded, even until death.

Now that life had restarted, she thought—why not do it right this time?

At the end of her last life, Meng Yan finally admitted the truth to herself.

She still liked Mu Lanshi. And they were the best possible match.

She would become emperor, and Mu Lanshi would be her empress. Together, they would be the perfect union of imperial power and aristocratic lineage.

Unstoppable, without a doubt.

The sheer garment slipped off in an instant, revealing her pale, round shoulder.

Meng Yan leaned forward to kiss Mu Lanshi’s earlobe.

So tender and lovely.

But just as their bodies touched, Mu Lanshi placed a hand on her shoulder.

She lowered her eyes, her long, elegant fingers coming into view—Mu Lanshi was beautiful in every way. Meng Yan could never forget how those fingers had once made her tremble, brought her to tears of pleasure and fulfillment.

Begging her to mark her.

Memories of past and present surged together. Meng Yan restrained herself from calling her “Lanshi,” but those rounded fingertips merely brushed her shoulder.

Mu Lanshi’s voice was low. She said, “You’re in your rut period. You should be more careful. After all…”

Inside Qicheng Pavilion, there were indeed some bold alphas and omegas seeking pleasure and intimacy. The sounds of their moaning and indulgence could be heard without end.

“Good thing you ran into me.” Mu Lanshi gave a small smile and withdrew her hand. “I can help you. Take this.”

With that, she brushed past Meng Yan and quickly left the place.

Meng Yan stood frozen, replaying the feeling of Mu Lanshi’s fingertips brushing her shoulder, grazing past her hair, leaving behind a tingling, pleasurable sensation.

She was still wrapped in her faint orchid-and-calamus scent.

…But she actually left her? In her current state, Mu Lanshi remained completely unmoved?

In their past life, Mu Lanshi had broken into the palace at night to save her. Back then, those hands had torn through three layers of curtains, stained in blood. And now she wouldn’t even let sweat from Meng Yan’s neck touch her?

Stunned, Meng Yan lowered her head and noticed what Mu Lanshi had just shoved into her hand.

A jade-white porcelain vial.

Likely emotion-calming ointment.

Emotion-calming ointment?! She gave her this and said she was lucky to have met her.

Yes, because she had met Mu Lanshi—Mu Lanshi would only give her something to suppress it rather than hurt her.

A feeling of losing control suddenly surged in her chest.

What was it? But Mu Lanshi had never treated her like this before. In the past, whenever Meng Yan had any trouble, no matter how important the matter was, Mu Lanshi would drop everything, rush back from her office, and come see her.

She treated her like a precious object, afraid to let her melt in her mouth or break in her hands.

She would cling to her every hour of the day.

But now, she left without hesitation. Even with a trace of contempt in her gaze.

Her heart felt as if it were pulled tight by an invisible thread. She recalled what she had seen that day.

A stirring feeling, a sourness, and an indescribable jealousy.

Clutching the edge of her gauzy garment, she suddenly couldn’t comprehend what she was feeling or why.

With a soft clink, the porcelain vial slipped and shattered on the floor, along with her falling gauze robe.

Something broke. And it wasn’t just the vial.

“Minister Mu… must it be like this?” she whispered, almost like a murmur to herself.

***

Mu Lanshi left and descended the stairs.

The pavilion master, Madam Li, was checking the time and hadn’t expected it to be Mu Lanshi coming down. Surprised, she asked, “Young Lady Mu, have you finished?”

Mu Lanshi gave a slight nod. “Yes. I absorb quickly.”

Madam Li showed a knowing look. The Mu family had been a prestigious family for generations. In addition to wealth, their descendants were carefully selected and raised. Especially someone like Mu Lanshi, head of her lineage. Her excellence didn’t come as a surprise.

So Madam Li switched topics, saying, “Then I’ll go up and tidy things—”

Suddenly, Meng Yan’s image flashed in Mu Lanshi’s mind.

When she left, she thought she had heard the sound of a porcelain vial breaking.

Thinking of this, Mu Lanshi said calmly, “Wait.”

Just as Madam Li was about to ask why, a bright, sharp voice rang out from behind a nearby screen: “Oh, what fortune! Who do I see here but Young Lady Mu herself?”

Mu Lanshi recognized the voice immediately. It was none other than Young Lady Li Yanfang, third daughter of the Li family.

She was known for her free-spirited and bold nature. In private, she didn’t wear a crown or hairpins, simply letting her hair down. Loose robes, a generous belt—unrestrained and striking.

Her talent was well-known, and she was widely admired.

Her complexion was even fairer, with high brows and thin lips—an equally well-liked appearance.

Whether it was due to the Li family’s intentional promotion or coincidence, after they both came of age and entered government service, rumors had begun to circulate about “Lan and Fang,” two equally matched stars of their time.

“Young Lady Li,” Mu Lanshi paused briefly and returned the greeting.

Li Yanfang laughed heartily and came over to pat her on the shoulder. “I’ve been wanting to visit you but didn’t have a good excuse. Finally, I get to see you today!”

The Mu and Li families were both respected houses, but their backgrounds were quite different.

The Mu family was a long-established family with a hundred-year lineage. The Li family had only risen in recent decades due to their support during the founding of the dynasty.

“Did you come here for awakening incense?” Li Yanfang quickly guessed.

The Mu family followed strict family rules. If it weren’t for awakening incense, Mu Lanshi likely wouldn’t have come to Qicheng Pavilion. After all, some came here just for entertainment. What if someone tried to cling to her?

She had heard that Mu Lanshi, as a child, once wore a scented sachet imitating someone else and had been harshly scolded by her mother. Such strictness was rare.

That Grand Preceptor Mu really was severe.

“Yes,” Mu Lanshi answered calmly, smiling. “I just finished. I was about to leave.”

Li Yanfang clearly wanted to get closer to her. Her tone held a mix of friendliness and guardedness, like equals testing each other.

But they had never really faced off in any true competition.

In their past life, when Mu Lanshi was stripped of her post, Meng Yan and the others still feared Li Yanfang, worried she might return to the capital to seek justice for Mu Lanshi. But to their relief, Li Yanfang, then serving elsewhere, never came back.

No one overturned the final verdict at the White Jade Steps.

Even after Mu Lanshi’s death, Li Yanfang searched for her remains. Though she never found them, she still visited her grave every year and poured a cup of wine in offering—this was what Mu Lanshi saw as a wandering ghost.

Everyone had their reasons.

Recalling those memories, Mu Lanshi sighed inwardly.

To gamble the fate of an entire family to overturn a sentence was a bet with an unknown outcome. Li Yanfang couldn’t take that risk, so she distanced herself—at least she didn’t kick her while she was down like the Liang family did. Mu Lanshi understood.

But precisely because the outcome was uncertain, someone choosing to stay held even more meaning.

Another figure flashed through her mind.

“So soon?” Li Yanfang frowned. “Don’t go yet. It’s been ages since we last met. Come, Young Lady Mu, join me upstairs. Aunt Li, bring another chair to my usual room. Make some space for Young Lady Mu.”

Madam Li immediately nodded upon hearing her name. “Of course. Right away.”

She eagerly pulled Mu Lanshi upstairs, chatting along the way. “Qicheng Pavilion has its good spots and its bad ones. But the view’s nice, especially in my favorite room. You’ll see when we get there. Though…”

Just as she was speaking, a wave of suggestive moaning drifted into their ears.

They both fell silent, understanding without needing to speak.

This place catered to nobles like them. Some playboys came here to indulge. Madam Li couldn’t stop them.

After all, being so young, she wouldn’t survive in this business without backing.

***

They reached the upper floor and sat down.

Li Yanfang asked eagerly about Mu Lanshi’s recent affairs and complained that her year in office had been boring—she was only looking forward to Mu Lanshi’s company.

“My job at the Censorate has been awkward…” Li Yanfang sighed, then added with mock anger, “Those old coffin-fillers can’t stand me. They say I’m reckless and keep trying to find ways to report me!”

It was really just because she hadn’t picked a side.

Now that the emperor was unwell, all the princes and royals were eyeing the crown prince’s position. Unfortunately, the heir apparent didn’t please the emperor.

Father and daughter were at odds—the emperor was ill, and though he allowed his legitimate eldest daughter to serve as regent, he also assigned many ministers to “assist” her, which really meant suppressing her.

On top of that, the emperor had many children, and even a foreign King Zhao was watching from the sidelines. Choosing a side was difficult.

Mu Lanshi listened seriously and occasionally offered opinions.

In her previous life, she had been more cautious. In this one, she was far more at ease. The secrets of those people still lingered in her mind.

She had just made her move against An Hua, the eunuch by the emperor’s side. A few days ago, she received a reply—of course, not directly from him, but through a messenger bird.

In short, Qi Yingzhu’s entry into the palace could be delayed. Maybe even canceled.

But what of her situation? As Mu Lanshi thought, Li Yanfang, who had just been talking politics, suddenly changed the subject.

“Oh, enough about that,” Li Yanfang said, opening the window and pointing to the bustling crowd below. “Let’s talk gossip. Lanshi, do you want to hear?”

Mu Lanshi played along. “Yes.”

Even if she said no, Li Yanfang would tell her anyway.

“Do you know the Qi family of Jiangnan?” Li Yanfang looked around, then lowered her voice. “That old man should really be impeached! I heard he brought his whole family all the way from Jiangnan to the capital under the excuse of a family vacation. Guess what?”

“What?”

Li Yanfang couldn’t suppress her laughter. “Turns out the old man kept a young lady in the capital, and the real reason he brought his family was to see her! Madam Xu is furious—it’s already reached the magistrate’s office! Even my aunt heard about it…” Her face was full of amusement.

Her aunt was the current Inspector General, responsible for overseeing officials. Qi Zhongxuan had held a government post, so it did fall under her jurisdiction.

An official with questionable private morals—it could be serious or not, depending on how big it got.

…So this was Qi Yingzhu’s plan? Mu Lanshi thought.

She asked casually, “Then what happens?”

Li Yanfang shrugged. “Madam Xu says she’s done with him. Wants a divorce. She plans to take her daughter, change her surname, and go back to her own family! Look, our room faces the court. Lots of people are watching the spectacle.”

Mu Lanshi’s eyelids lifted slightly.

She had meant to follow the direction of Li Yanfang’s finger, but unintentionally, her eyes caught a flash of bright color.

The woman was wearing a hood, but those amber-like clear eyes—Mu Lanshi could recognize them no matter what.

Qi Yingzhu.

She was here?

Mu Lanshi stood dazed for a moment. She had been quite relaxed just now, thinking that since Xu Yuan was making a scene, she should at least come to watch how things unfolded.

But very quickly, Mu Lanshi realized something was wrong.

…Qi Yingzhu had seen her, here, in Qicheng Pavilion.

Although this place had a high entrance fee, it was by no means a good place.

Ordinary people didn’t know about the awakening incense for alphas and omegas. They only knew that the wealthy liked to come here for reckless hookups and one-night stands.

Mu Lanshi suddenly remembered the agreement the two of them had made before, when they each took a step back.

They had said they would look after each other.

The implied meaning was clear—they would support one another through rut and heat. They had even jokingly called each other their “young lady.”

But now, Mu Lanshi had come to a place like this to sit and relax.

“But I think this matter’s really got potential,” Li Yanfang was still going on. “You know my aunt supports Her Highness the Crown Princess, and the Crown Princess is just looking for a way to make an example of her siblings. Wouldn’t you say that old Qi man is walking right into her knife? They say Madam Xu even dragged that old man’s young lady into the open. Now she’s saying if he won’t divorce her, then everyone might as well die together… But that old thing is hiding like a turtle in its shell. He’s been missing for days!”

Mu Lanshi’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

Of all things, of course Li Yanfang had to mention a “young lady.”

Feeling a bit guilty, Mu Lanshi lifted her eyes again to look down.

She hadn’t been mistaken.

That person was indeed Qi Yingzhu.

Qi Yingzhu had seemed surprised to see Mu Lanshi here. There had even been a flash of joy in her eyes just now, but she quickly realized what kind of place this was.

Heh, heh.

When Mu Lanshi looked over again a second time, Qi Yingzhu turned her back to her.

Li Yanfang was still talking animatedly, but then saw Mu Lanshi suddenly stand up. Startled, she shut her mouth and asked in confusion, “Young Lady Mu, why are you getting up?”

Mu Lanshi’s expression was serious. “I suddenly remembered some matters I haven’t taken care of… Let’s do this later, Sister Li, I’ll be sure to visit you another day. Thank you for your hospitality today.”

“Huh? Visit me? Sure, sure, anytime!” Li Yanfang was baffled but still responded cheerfully. “Or I could come find you. When will you be home?”

“Anytime is fine.” Mu Lanshi tossed out the words in a hurry, making Li Yanfang feel even more lost.

She rubbed her chin, struggling to recall if she had said something that offended Mu Lanshi.

Was it the mention of a young lady?

But this young lady had just come of age. If she really kept a young lady, wouldn’t her mother—the one who had once hit her just for wearing a scented sachet—tear her to pieces?

Then what exactly had she said to upset Mu Lanshi?

Li Yanfang couldn’t figure it out. But when she looked down again, she saw Mu Lanshi’s figure appear in the crowd, seemingly trailing behind the woman they had just seen earlier.