Today’s celebration banquet was extremely grand in scale. When Mu Yunjin was brought to the venue, she discovered that it had been set up in a spacious open area within the palace.

It was several times larger than Qinghuan Hall, which was originally designated for imperial banquets, demonstrating the Emperor’s high regard for the Qin family.

By now, the sky had already begun to darken, but lanterns hung all around the banquet grounds. The area was brilliantly lit, as bright as daylight.

After taking her seat, Mu Yunjin glanced to one side and saw that the officials’ section was already filled with people, a dense sea of dark robes stretching as far as she could see.

The Marquis’s household seats were conveniently placed next to Mu Yunjin’s; otherwise, being the only person sitting in the Prince’s Mansion section would have felt quite lonely.

Gradually, the venue filled with more people.

Groups of imperial consorts arrived together and took their seats in the consorts’ section, arranged in rows according to their rank, with higher-ranking consorts in front and lower-ranking ones behind.

Mu Yunjin lowered her eyes, absentmindedly playing with the wine cup on the table. Only when a dark shadow fell over her, blocking her light, did she slowly raise her head.

Seeing who it was, Mu Yunjin lowered her eyes again and continued toying with her wine cup.

…

…

“Well, it’s been so long, and the Sixth Prince’s wife still won’t give this Prince any face.” Chu Qing looked down at Mu Yunjin.

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin’s lips curled slightly. “As long as others give you face, you won’t miss mine.”

Nearby, Chu Qingqiang and Chu Ye, who happened to be walking by, heard this comment and shot Mu Yunjin a cold glance. But Chu Qingqiang, well aware that Mu Yunjin had leverage over her, uncharacteristically refrained from making any sarcastic remarks and simply took her seat.

Chu Qing remained standing in front of Mu Yunjin. Noticing the empty seat beside her, he asked with a hint of playfulness, “Where is Sixth Brother?”

“I don’t know,” Mu Yunjin shook her head.

Hearing this, Chu Qing gave a light chuckle. “He hasn’t been accompanying you these past few days, has he?”

Mu Yunjin frowned at Chu Qing, her face showing signs of impatience. Just as she was about to tell Chu Qing to back off, a commotion arose from the officials’ section.

Following the sound, Mu Yunjin saw two figures walking side by side toward them. A cold gleam flashed through her eyes, but she quickly composed herself.

Today, Chu Li wore a splendid purple robe with a jade crown. His handsome face with distinct features exuded an air of magnificence and arrogance.

Beside Chu Li was a woman.

The woman wore a light purple brocade dress. Her skin was fair and lustrous. Her phoenix eyes were like water, emanating a faint coldness. Walking upright beside Chu Li, she exhibited a certain heroic grace.

As the pair walked side by side, the cold aura they both exuded made everyone secretly remark how well-matched they were.

Mu Yunjin watched the scene with cool, amused eyes. This woman must be Qin Muyue, right?

It seemed there truly was something between Chu Li and her. Otherwise, how could they both be wearing purple robes to the banquet when she had only returned a few days ago?

As Chu Li and Qin Muyue approached, Mu Yunjin sat expressionless in her place, automatically ignoring the gazes from all directions.

Chu Qing, seeing this scene, showed a look of mischief in his eyes. He turned and headed to his seat, waiting for the drama that was about to unfold.

“Sixth Prince Consort Mu Yunjin?” Qin Muyue inquired, her probing gaze falling on Mu Yunjin.

Upon hearing this clear voice, Mu Yunjin’s head ached slightly, experiencing an oddly familiar feeling. This voice…

It seemed as if she had heard it somewhere before.

“Why don’t you answer?” Qin Muyue continued when Mu Yunjin didn’t respond, her lips curling into a faint smile.

Mu Yunjin automatically ignored Qin Muyue and looked up at Chu Li beside her with a calm expression. “Is Your Highness sitting here, or with Miss Qin?”

Seeing that Mu Yunjin was ignoring her, Qin Muyue wasn’t angry. She blinked slightly and also looked at Chu Li. “Li-ge, if you don’t mind, may I sit in your seat tonight?”

Li-ge…

Hearing this particularly intimate and tender address, Mu Yunjin smiled with amusement, then saw Chu Li nod slightly.

Shortly after, Chu Li sat down next to Mu Yunjin, and Qin Muyue took a seat on Chu Li’s other side.

Observing this scene, everyone present knew there would be drama at today’s celebration banquet.

Who didn’t know about the childhood friendship between Miss Qin and the Sixth Prince? Everyone knew the current Sixth Prince Consort was only married to fulfill a marriage contract that the Imperial Consort had insisted upon.

Now, with Miss Qin returning with her illustrious military achievements, Mu Yunjin would likely be dismissed.

After taking his seat, Chu Li turned his head to glance at Mu Yunjin. Seeing her cold face and eyes filled with indifference, the corner of his lips curved up in a slight smile.

Soon after, an announcement came from outside…

“His Imperial Majesty arrives—”

“Her Imperial Majesty arrives—”

After the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager Zheng, Imperial Consort Qin, and others walked to the main hall and took their seats, the banquet officially began.

Emperor Ximing sat down, looked around, glanced at the generals’ seats on the right, then looked toward Chu Li’s seat and smiled. “Yue’er, why did you go over there?”

The term “Yue’er” revealed Emperor Ximing’s fondness for Qin Muyue.

Qin Muyue looked toward Emperor Ximing, put on a smile, and glanced somewhat shyly at Chu Li beside her. “Yue’er wanted to sit with Li-ge.”

“Hahaha, very well! You and Li’er have always been close, so there’s no harm in sitting together.” As the Emperor spoke, he cast a glance at Mu Yunjin.

Nearby, Imperial Consort Qin watched this scene and impatiently rolled her eyes at Qin Muyue. But given the circumstances, she couldn’t openly rebuke Qin Muyue and had to pretend not to notice.

Seeing Imperial Consort Qin’s eye roll, Empress Dowager Zheng knew that her mood must be poor. She smiled at Qin Muyue and said, “Muyue, you’ve been away for so long. I have missed you dearly. Now that you’re back, remember to visit me often.”

“Yes, Empress Dowager,” Qin Muyue nodded with a smile.

“Oh? Yue’er, where is Munan?” Emperor Ximing looked around, and not seeing Qin Munan, he was somewhat surprised.

Hearing this, Qin Muyue stood up and looked apologetically at Emperor Ximing. “Your Majesty, please forgive us. My brother was summoned to Qiuye Mountain by Master Qiuye today and could not attend tonight’s celebration banquet.”

“That’s fine. It’s that Master Qiuye who taught Munan and you such great skills, enabling you to fight valiantly for the country. I am grateful!”

Qin Muyue smiled and nodded.

After the exchange of greetings, the Empress began to direct palace ladies and noble daughters to perform their talents.

…

Mu Yunjin leaned back in her chair. Before her, a young noblewoman was performing a song and dance. From the side came the occasional sound of Qin Muyue speaking softly with Chu Li.

Qin Muyue usually did most of the talking, with Chu Li only responding with a word or two. But Qin Muyue didn’t seem to find this boring; rather, she became more animated, her words filled with laughter, thoroughly enjoying herself.

Mu Yunjin pursed her lips, trying to concentrate on the song and dance, but her thoughts were repeatedly drawn to the conversation beside her.

As one performance ended and another noblewoman prepared to take the stage, Qin Muyue’s voice rang out: “I’d like to see the Sixth Prince Consort’s performance first, if that’s possible?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin looked in Qin Muyue’s direction. Qin Muyue, sensing Mu Yunjin’s gaze, offered her a friendly smile.

“Yunjin will not be performing today,” Chu Li said calmly after hearing Qin Muyue’s words.

Qin Muyue was startled, looking at Chu Li with disbelief before turning her probing gaze back to Mu Yunjin.

Suddenly, Qin Muyue let out a light laugh. “I’ve only been back for a few days, but I’ve heard many people say that Li-ge and his new wife are exceptionally affectionate. Looking at them today, it seems to be true.”

“Well, let’s forget it then. Just consider that Muyue doesn’t have this fortune,” Qin Muyue concluded, pouting as if truly disappointed.

People were surprised by Qin Muyue’s words, as no one expected her to be so friendly toward Mu Yunjin.

By all accounts, Miss Qin was originally the one everyone expected to be the Sixth Prince’s wife. Now, in just a few short months, someone else had taken that position. Shouldn’t she resent Mu Yunjin?

Instead, she acted as if nothing was wrong and spoke so politely to Mu Yunjin.

But thinking about it, Miss Qin was a battlefield warrior with a more open-minded disposition than ordinary women. How would she know about competing for men?

At once, those who had come to watch the drama lost interest in delving deeper into the relationship between the three.

In the time that followed, song and dance performances continued, and everyone’s attention returned to the entertainment.

“Li, can I switch places with you? This is my first time meeting the Sixth Prince Consort, and I’d like to get to know her better,” Qin Muyue said with smiling eyes, tugging at Chu Li’s sleeve.

Upon hearing Qin Muyue’s request, Chu Li slightly furrowed his brow. But noticing from the corner of his eye that Mu Yunjin seemed unaffected and remarkably calm, he suddenly wanted to see how this little fox would respond. So he stood up and exchanged seats with Qin Muyue.

Qin Muyue sat in the middle, propped her head on her hand, and looked at Mu Yunjin. “The Sixth Prince Consort truly is as rumored—the most beautiful woman in Western Yuan. Even dressed so simply today, you outshine all the other women here. Li-ge is truly fortunate.”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin turned to look at Qin Muyue and laughed lightly. “Miss Qin is joking. Miss Qin has unparalleled beauty and legendary military achievements. You are truly a legendary woman, and today you are the most eye-catching woman here.”

Mu Yunjin followed Qin Muyue’s lead, exchanging pleasantries while maintaining an enigmatic smile. She cautiously returned only a fraction of the friendliness that Qin Muyue had shown.

“I grew up with Li-ge, and I don’t like calling him ‘Sixth Prince’—it’s too formal. Li-ge has especially permitted me to address him differently.”

Qin Muyue smiled and looked at Mu Yunjin, then continued with a smile, “You seem a bit younger than me. Why don’t I call you ‘Yunjin Meimei’ from now on? It would be less formal. You can call me ‘Muyue Jiejie’—either is fine.”

When Mu Yunjin heard Qin Muyue’s words, she raised an eyebrow slightly. Calling Chu Li “Li-ge,” referring to her as “Meimei,” and asking her to call her “Jiejie”—what was she implying?

“What’s wrong, you don’t want to?” Qin Muyue asked with a probing look when Mu Yunjin didn’t respond.

Mu Yunjin tugged at the corners of her mouth and gave Qin Muyue a brilliant smile. “Just call me ‘Yunjin Sao Sao’.”