Qin Muyue stood at the doorway, her gaze falling on a spot inside the room. Mu Yunjin was sitting at the dressing table, playing with her hair, while Chu Li stood beside her, looking down at her with amusement in his eyes.

Seeing this scene, Qin Muyue felt her heart shatter.

Mu Yunjin had already noticed the person standing at the door, but didn’t even bother to glance at her. After finishing her simple grooming, she stood up and slowly walked toward the door.

“Oh, what brings Miss Qin to grace us with her presence?”

The mocking tone irritated Qin Muyue, but she still maintained her patience, forcing a smile. “Muyue has come today specifically to apologize to Sister-in-law Yunjin.”

“Apologize?” Mu Yunjin smiled as she lowered her gaze. “What offense has Miss Qin committed?”

Beside her, Chu Li watched this scene, then gently placed his hand on Mu Yunjin’s shoulder before walking out the door and leaving Liquan Pavilion.

After Chu Li left, Qin Muyue held out the gift boxes to Mu Yunjin. “Sister-in-law Yunjin, I was wrong yesterday. I acted impulsively without understanding the situation clearly. I’ve reflected on it afterward, and my brother has also reprimanded me. Please forgive me?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin leaned against the doorframe, inwardly marveling at Qin Muyue’s remarkable psychological resilience—knowing when to yield and when to advance. She was truly someone capable of accomplishing great things.

…

…

“I’ll take the gifts. You can leave now.” Mu Yunjin didn’t want to waste words with Qin Muyue and accepted the gift boxes.

Qin Muyue’s eyes held a smile as she nodded to Mu Yunjin. “Sister-in-law Yunjin is truly magnanimous. Please calm down, and Muyue will come visit you again in a few days.”

Mu Yunjin gave a slight nod.

After Qin Muyue left Liquan Pavilion, Mu Yunjin threw the gift boxes into the courtyard. The sound of breaking porcelain came from inside.

“Zixiang, dispose of these.” Mu Yunjin spoke to Zixiang in the courtyard.

Zixiang immediately understood and hurriedly called several young maids to help clean up.

Shortly after, Zixiang brought a meal into Mu Yunjin’s room. As soon as she entered, Zixiang said, “Young Miss, are you going to the palace today?”

Mu Yunjin shook her head. “Not today. I’ll go on the day of the burial.”

“Yes, Young Miss, please eat first. This morning, someone from the Minister’s mansion reported that the Fourth Young Miss will be coming to visit you later.”

Hearing the words “Fourth Young Miss,” Mu Yunjin rubbed her temples and put down her chopsticks. “What day is it today? Why are these annoying people coming one after another?”

Zixiang covered her mouth and laughed. “Young Miss, although the Fourth Young Miss is annoying, she’s now completely suppressed by you. She wouldn’t dare to act up in front of you. Please put your mind at ease.”

“Hmm, you’re right.” Mu Yunjin smiled and continued eating.

……

An hour later, in the side hall of the Sixth Prince’s mansion.

“Sister, that old vixen Qin Shuning sent someone to the Minister’s mansion today, asking me to attend Empress Qin’s burial ceremony at the palace tomorrow, and then return to Prince Rong’s mansion afterward. What should I do…”

As soon as she sat down, Mu Lingzhu looked at Mu Yunjin with a worried expression, seeking her advice.

Mu Yunjin pursed her lips and took a sip of tea. “What do you think?”

“Going back is like walking into death, but Prince Rong has not yet issued a divorce decree, so I’m still a member of Prince Rong’s household.” Mu Lingzhu bit her lip and glanced at Mu Yunjin, feeling that her life was truly a failure.

At this critical juncture, she couldn’t make any decisions and had to rely on Mu Yunjin. It was quite frustrating. She wondered how disappointed her mother would be in the heavens.

“Then just ignore her. Father and our eldest brother will attend Empress Qin’s burial; it doesn’t matter whether you go or not. As for returning to Prince Rong’s mansion, you’re at the Minister’s mansion now. If you refuse to go, she can’t do anything to you.” Mu Yunjin noticed the look in Mu Lingzhu’s eyes and spoke lazily.

Mu Lingzhu was stunned. “But what if she spreads rumors that I’m an unfaithful wife?”

Mu Yunjin laughed. “You’ve studied for so many years; your knowledge and experience should be far better than mine. How can you ask such a foolish question?”

“I used to be somewhat wary of you, but now I see I greatly overestimated you.”

“What do you mean?” Mu Lingzhu couldn’t quite follow.

“If she spreads rumors about your infidelity, can’t you spread rumors in return? It’s just a matter of spending money, and the Minister’s mansion isn’t short of funds.” Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow.

Mu Lingzhu was stunned again, then hesitated. “But Qin Shuning is cunning. She sent someone to notify me, which is also a warning. I’m afraid she has something else planned.”

“I can’t help you with that. Just keep more people around you for protection.” Mu Yunjin crossed her legs. She had enough of her matters to deal with and couldn’t spare the effort to manage Mu Lingzhu’s affairs.

Besides, she was still holding a grudge. She remembered everything Mu Lingzhu had done to her in the past.

“Sister…” Mu Lingzhu cast a pitiful, aggrieved look at Mu Yunjin.

She then asked, “So should I attend the burial tomorrow?”

“Figure it out yourself. If you really can’t stand Qin Shuning, don’t keep hiding in the mansion. Bring out those murderous tricks of yours from before and finish her off once and for all.” Mu Yunjin smiled, her eyes full of meaning.

Hearing these somewhat mocking words, Mu Lingzhu’s face stiffened slightly. She stood up and bowed to Mu Yunjin. “Lingzhu will think it through carefully.”

“Mm.” Mu Yunjin waved her hand at Mu Lingzhu.

Mu Lingzhu walked out.

……

After dealing with Qin Muyue and Mu Lingzhu, there was still some time before dark. Mu Yunjin wandered to the garden, and the secret edict came to mind again.

Tomorrow was the day of Empress Qin’s burial. Would the secret edict appear?

Mu Yunjin sighed.

“Young Miss, why have you been sighing alone these past few days?” Zixiang brought a plate of grapes to Mu Yunjin.

Seeing the grapes, Mu Yunjin couldn’t help but recall yesterday’s events, and a smile appeared on her lips. “It’s nothing, just some annoying matters.”

“Young Miss, don’t think about it. Have some fruit first; His Highness will be back soon.” Zixiang said.

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin frowned slightly. “What difference does it make if he comes back?”

“Nothing special. It’s just that Young Miss and His Highness have been getting along well lately. I thought only His Highness could relieve your worries.” Zixiang smiled happily.

Mu Yunjin poked Zixiang’s forehead and pursed her lips. “I wonder what the situation will be like at this time tomorrow.”

Mu Yunjin bathed and lay down on the couch before dark, eating a few grapes as her evening meal.

She slept dreamlessly through the night.

……

In the morning, Zixiang knocked on the door early, calling for Mu Yunjin to get up. Today was the day of Empress Qin’s funeral procession, and they couldn’t be late.

Mu Yunjin cooperatively got up, and after grooming herself, she walked out the door. The door diagonally opposite also opened at the same time, and Chu Li in light-colored clothes came out.

Catching sight of Chu Li, Mu Yunjin tugged at the corner of her mouth.

In the dining hall, Mu Yunjin drank a bowl of red bean porridge while Chu Li occasionally pushed some pastries in front of her, encouraging her to eat.

Mu Yunjin frowned as she took a piece of rice cake. After chewing it for a few bites, she looked at Chu Li. “Will we also follow to the imperial tomb today?”

“Yes, we will.” Chu Li replied.

“Fine.” Mu Yunjin quickly finished her breakfast.

After entering the palace, the cries in Empress Qin’s chambers were deafening. Many high-ranking concubines were prostrate beside the coffin, weeping bitterly. Emperor Ximing stood aside with a solemn face, his brows also heavy with grief.

By the time Chu Li and Mu Yunjin entered, most people had already arrived.

Mu Yunjin looked around and caught sight of the Fourth Prince Chu Ye. Her eyes revealed a strange color, and her heart inexplicably tensed.

The Third Prince Chu Qing and Chu Ye were standing together. Seeing Mu Yunjin and Chu Li arrive, they came over. “Sixth Brother’s wife, aren’t you going to cry a bit?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin lowered her voice. “Even you, her grandson, aren’t crying. Why should I?”

“Haven’t seen you for so long, and you’re still as sharp-tongued as ever.” Chu Qing spoke with amusement. Since he had known Mu Yunjin, she had never been polite to him.

Chu Ye stood to the side, nodding to Chu Li as a greeting, then glanced at Mu Yunjin beside him, his eyes somewhat profound.

Mu Yunjin happened to meet this profound gaze and bit her lip as she looked away.

“The time has come; we should proceed to the imperial tomb,” an official announced loudly after checking the time.

Immediately, the cries in the great hall grew louder.

……

On the way to the imperial tomb, the palace had arranged carriages. Mu Yunjin happened to be in the same carriage as Chu Qing and Chu Ye.

The carriage was not as exquisite as the black xuanmu wood carriage from the Prince’s mansion. The journey was somewhat bumpy. Mu Yunjin had eaten too much in the morning and now felt uncomfortable from the jolting. She lazily leaned against Chu Li’s arm, closing her eyes for a brief rest.

Seeing this, Chu Li pulled her into his embrace, making her more comfortable.

Witnessing this scene, Chu Qing couldn’t help but laugh. Yesterday’s commotion caused by Miss Qin in Grandmother’s hall—this prince has also heard some rumors. Seeing you two still so affectionate, it seems you weren’t affected.”

“Mm.” Chu Li responded indifferently.

Chu Qing was already accustomed to Chu Li’s temperament and continued, “General Qin seems to have been significantly affected. He was originally supposed to escort today but was replaced by a vice general at the last minute. It seems he truly has feelings for Sixth Brother’s wife.”

“What does that have to do with us?” Mu Yunjin, who had been resting with closed eyes, lifted her eyelids and spoke abruptly.

Chu Qing smiled, then looked at Chu Li. “Judging by this reaction, it seems she and Qin Munan are indeed innocent.”

Mu Yunjin felt an urge to sew Chu Qing’s mouth shut with needle and thread, but when she sensed Chu Li squeezing her shoulder, she calmed down and pretended not to hear, continuing to feign sleep.

Beside them, Chu Ye, who had been silent, listened to their conversation and spoke with a smile. “Third Brother, since it’s been clarified as a misunderstanding, let’s not mention it anymore.”

“Mm, let’s put it to rest then.” Chu Qing said.

Chu Ye looked at Chu Qing, then at Chu Li and Mu Yunjin opposite him. His clear eyes blinked slightly before he turned away to look at the scenery outside the carriage.

Before long, the carriage stopped.

Mu Yunjin alighted from the carriage and looked up to see the legendary imperial tomb. She pressed her lips together as she watched Empress Qin’s coffin being slowly carried into the tomb.

Mu Yunjin’s eyes revealed complicated emotions as she recalled when she first arrived in this different world. Empress Qin had shown her all kinds of care and affection, behaving warmly and intimately, which made her never suspect any pretense.

Who would have thought that behind the mask was such complexity? Now that she was dead, there was still no regard for past sentiments, leaving behind that fatal secret edict.

The secret edict…

It should come to light any moment now!