Seeing Empress Dowager Zheng and Empress Dowager Rui arrive, everyone stood up and greeted them.
“Please be seated,” Empress Dowager Zheng said with a smile after taking her seat, gesturing for everyone to sit down.
Everyone expressed their thanks and sat down one by one.
Once settled, a young palace maid brought over Empress Dowager Zheng’s favorite fat cat and placed it in her lap.
Empress Dowager Zheng held the cat, her face beaming with joy.
Beside her, Empress Dowager Rui smiled slightly and turned to look at the gathering in the Plum Blossom Pavilion. “Now that everyone is here, let’s begin.”
As she spoke, rows of palace maids and eunuchs streamed into the pavilion, beginning to serve tea, fruit, and pastries to each table.
Shortly, the empty spaces were filled with an abundance of delicacies.
Mu Yunjin leaned back in her chair, looking at the table full of items. She silently tested everything with a silver needle first, and only after confirming there was nothing wrong did she pick up her teacup and take a sip of clear water.
…
…
“Today’s tea party was arranged by Empress Dowager Rui. This grieving one is just here to join in the festivities,” Empress Dowager Zheng said, stroking the cat in her lap.
“Mother Empress, how can you say that? Without you, what meaning would this tea party have?” Empress Dowager Rui smiled, glancing at Empress Dowager Zheng.
Seeing that both Empress Dowagers had spoken, some of the more talkative official ladies also began to converse among themselves.
At the main seats, the two Empress Dowagers had already observed most of the daughters of officials who had come today, but mere observation couldn’t reveal much—true quality had to be demonstrated through real talent.
“Just sitting here is a bit dull. Today we have many young ladies present. Who will start by demonstrating some talent?” Empress Dowager Zheng raised her eyebrows, scanning the crowd below.
At these words, almost all the daughters of officials raised their hands, eager to be the first to showcase their talents.
In the end, Empress Dowager Rui first selected Chen Pu’s youngest daughter, Chen Yuyan.
Chen Yuyan had just turned fifteen this year, not yet of marriageable age, but she had been invited today and came to the tea party with Madam Chen.
Mu Yunjin sat to the side, glancing at Chen Yuyan as she walked to the center. She slightly curled her lips in a smile, surprised that Official Chen Pu’s young daughter had grown to be so delicate and charming.
Just as she was watching, someone tugged at her sleeve. Turning her head, she saw Chu Qingyan leaning close, whispering, “This Chen Yuyan was raised in the countryside by that little old man Chen Pu since she was small, and was only brought back at the beginning of the year.”
“Why was she raised in the countryside?” Mu Yunjin asked, puzzled.
“They said the imperial city wasn’t safe,” Chu Qingyan pursed her lips.
Mu Yunjin smiled faintly without saying anything.
After Chen Yuyan finished her performance, both Empress Dowagers applauded in approval, making the other daughters of officials anxiously wait their turn.
Afterward, Empress Dowager Rui called upon the daughter of the Vice Minister of Justice, Wen Jingxi.
Through a series of songs, dances, and instrumental performances, the entire morning passed quietly…
During this time, Mu Yunjin had already quietly yawned several times, while the two Empress Dowagers on the main seats remained enthusiastic, watching the performances with complete enjoyment.
When all the young ladies had finished performing, the gazes of various official ladies fell upon Empress Dowager Zheng and Empress Dowager Rui.
The two Empress Dowagers thought all these daughters of officials were quite good, but when it came to selecting consorts, it ultimately depended on Chu Ye’s preferences. They could only provide a reference opinion.
With so many excellent young ladies present, making a choice was indeed difficult.
As their thoughts began to wander, Empress Dowager Rui’s peripheral vision caught sight of Chu Qingyan. Her eyes brightened, and she looked over, immediately changing the subject. “By the way, Qingyan…”
At these words, everyone turned to look at Chu Qingyan.
“You’re also approaching the age for marriage. Last night, Mother Empress discussed at length with your Imperial Father and selected two marriage proposals for you. One is with the former Fourth Prince of the Eastern Lin Kingdom, now the Prince Yang, Rong Jin, and the other is with the Second Prince of Northern Ming, Bei Qili. I wonder which marriage prospect you prefer?” Empress Dowager Rui’s face showed a smile as she looked at Chu Qingyan, but the emotion in her eyes lacked the usual warmth.
Hearing this, Chu Qingyan silently clenched her fists, bit her lip, and shook her head at Empress Dowager Rui. “In response to Mother Empress, this daughter dislikes both.”
Upon hearing Chu Qingyan’s words, Empress Dowager Rui’s smiling face immediately revealed traces of sharp anger.
The atmosphere in the Plum Blossom Pavilion suddenly became oppressive and somber.
To the side, some official ladies with better perception, sensing the situation turning unfavorable, took the initiative to speak up…
“Ninth Princess, both the Prince Yang of Eastern Lin and the Second Prince of Northern Ming are exceptional men!” one official lady said.
“Indeed, and it’s said neither have taken a wife yet, nor even a single concubine.”
“I think the Ninth Princess should consider the Northern Ming marriage, after all, the Princess Consort of Ning is a princess of Northern Ming. With this connection, no one would dare mistreat the Ninth Princess.” The speaker was Madam Yan.
Hearing this, Chu Qingyan could no longer bear to listen. She secretly reached out to grip Mu Yunjin’s wrist, giving her a pleading look.
Understanding, Mu Yunjin slightly raised her eyes, scanning the official ladies, and spoke lazily, “The Empress of Northern Ming recently passed away due to illness, and the Second Prince has requested to observe a three-year mourning period for his mother…”
“As for that Prince Yang, I heard he’s been sickly since childhood, constantly ill and frail…”
Once Mu Yunjin spoke, the previously chattering official ladies all closed their mouths, no longer daring to speak.
Empress Dowager Rui and Empress Dowager Zheng exchanged glances, realizing they were indeed not well-informed about the situations of Prince Yang and the Second Prince of Northern Ming.
If Bei Qili needed to observe a three-year mourning period, Chu Qingyan would be eighteen by then, which was too long to wait.
This Prince Yang Rong Jin was weak and sickly, and there was no guarantee which day he might…
If they were to have Chu Qingyan marry him, combined with Consort Rong’s previous affair, many might think they were deliberately targeting Chu Qingyan, which would be disgraceful if it got out.
It seemed these two marriage proposals, selected after much consideration, would have to be abandoned.
Seeing that Empress Dowager Rui was no longer speaking, Chu Qingyan was secretly delighted and cast a grateful look at Mu Yunjin.
Indeed, Sixth Sister-in-law had a solution—two sentences had effectively silenced Empress Dowager Rui.
Mu Yunjin noticed the atmosphere in the Plum Blossom Pavilion falling into another bout of depression. She pursed her lips and smiled slightly, “In response to Empress Dowager Rui, regarding Little Nine’s marriage, Prince Ning has already selected a suitable family for Little Nine. The Empress Dowager need not worry about Little Nine.”
Hearing this, Empress Dowager Rui tugged at the corner of her mouth. “If that’s the case, this grieving one will not interfere in this matter.”
Mu Yunjin nodded with a smile.
For a moment, everyone in the Plum Blossom Pavilion harbored their thoughts.
“Alas, the Plum Blossom Pavilion is missing so many people this year…” Empress Dowager Zheng suddenly sighed, speaking from the heart.
Seeing Empress Dowager Zheng change the topic, some perceptive official ladies immediately voiced their agreement.
Soon, the Plum Blossom Pavilion was once again filled with a lively atmosphere.
“Hey, Madam Li, that golden hairpin in your daughter’s hair looks somewhat familiar…” During the conversation, Madam Yang, wife of the Vice Minister of Rites, pointed at two people not far away.
At these words, everyone’s attention turned to Madam Li, wife of the Middle County Magistrate, and Miss Li.
Madam Li, seeing herself being observed by everyone, became somewhat frightened. Among all the official ladies and young ladies present today, her husband held the lowest rank—a seventh-grade Middle County Magistrate.
So earlier during the performances, she hadn’t let her daughter draw too much attention, to avoid unnecessary complications.
“Now that Madam Yang mentions it, I also feel like I’ve seen this golden hairpin somewhere,” one official lady spoke up.
“Yes, it does look familiar…”
After a moment, Madam Yang, who had spoken earlier, suddenly exclaimed excitedly, “I remember now! This golden hairpin was once worn by Miss Qin…”
At these words, the entire gathering fell silent.
Miss Qin…
Qin Muyue…
Who didn’t know by now that she was a traitor to the Western Yuan Kingdom? Her name was taboo in Western Yuan…
Now that Madam Yang had brought it up, who would dare respond?
Madam Li hadn’t expected that the hairpin she had specially taken her daughter to a jewelry shop to select had once been worn by Qin Muyue. She immediately pulled her daughter Li Yingxuan forward, and they knelt on the ground.
“This humble subject’s wife is terrified. This hairpin was purchased at Cuiyun Pavilion on the street. I never expected it would resemble Miss Qin’s…” Madam Li said with a trembling voice.
Li Yingxuan immediately removed the hairpin from her hair, also trembling and not daring to speak.
“No matter, no matter, it’s just a similar golden hairpin, no need to panic,” Empress Dowager Zheng said with some embarrassment, smiling to smooth things over.
Just as Madam Li’s heart began to settle, Madam Yang spoke up again. “Empress Dowager, this humble subject’s wife has something to say, though I’m not sure if I should speak.”
“Go ahead,” Empress Dowager Zheng was displeased that Madam Yang continued to press the issue, but since she had spoken up, it would be impolite to refuse her.
“Miss Qin’s accessories were always either bestowed by the palace or specially crafted. How could they be the same as those sold in street shops? Might there be something suspicious about this?” Madam Yang challenged again.
Madam Li naturally understood that Madam Yang’s words essentially accused them of having connections with a traitor and receiving benefits from her.
Such a serious accusation—who could bear it!
“Madam Yang, if you don’t believe me, you can go to Cuiyun Pavilion and confront the owner. I just bought this golden hairpin for Xuan yesterday,” Madam Li said.
Madam Yang sneered and rolled her eyes. “Who knows if you’ve bribed the owner!”
Mu Yunjin, watching this arrogant Madam Yang, suddenly laughed lightly.
This laugh drew everyone’s attention.
“What is Yunjin laughing at?” Empress Dowager Zheng asked with a smile.
Hearing this, Mu Yunjin looked toward Empress Dowager Zheng. “I’m laughing at who would be foolish enough to parade around wearing accessories given by a traitor?”
“Princess Consort of Ning, then how do you explain this identical golden hairpin?” Madam Yang, feeling snubbed by Mu Yunjin, couldn’t back down and questioned in return.
“I don’t know why the golden hairpins are identical, but as for you, why are you so certain that Miss Li’s golden hairpin is the same as Qin Muyue’s?” Mu Yunjin posed a question in return.
Madam Yang was taken aback, opened her mouth, but didn’t know how to respond.
Indeed, she had seen Li Yingxuan dance better than her daughter earlier and felt displeased. She had seized upon the similarity of this golden hairpin to the one Qin Muyue wore to make an issue of it.
Now, unexpectedly, Mu Yunjin had spoken up to help…