Monday, April 12, 2021

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 305

~ YUNYAO, JUMP DOWN! ~ 

As night approaches, there are beautiful flower beds extended to the river’s surface on the Bian River bank near Taoyuan road. Behind the flower beds, the three-story Huan Cai Pavilion standing high.

Huan Cai Pavilion was a famous brothel in the Capital, with high-priced servants and jade-armed pillows for tens of thousands of people. Moreover, there were rumored to be some official ladies who have fallen in the family. I don’t know how many men are attracted to it.

The entire Huan Cai Pavilion is brightly lit. The high platform was built above the water level, and it was about the same height as the second floor of the pavilion. On the third floor of Huan Cai Pavilion, there is an enormous round lantern, which is also painted with the pattern of osmanthus trees. From the front, the lantern looked like a tremendous bright moon, and it hanged low on a high platform.

There were already many people gathered on both sides of the river bank and on the high platform. One by one, they began to speculate about the purpose of building this stage. Just as everyone was getting impatient from waiting, a figure suddenly descended from the sky. She held a ribbon in her hand as she lightly spun it around and landed on the high platform.

There was a sudden cry of exclamation around. The figure slowly descended as if come out of the bright moon, and almost people thought it was a fairy coming.

The lanterns at the back of the high platform were hanging high, making the woman’s figure on the stage appear graceful and elegant. She held a ribbon in her hand and danced in the wind, dancing gracefully like a fairy in the wind.

The souls of the people on both sides of the road were almost sucked out by this figure. They only remembered to cheer loudly for her. The sounds of silk and bamboo became more urgent, and the women on the platform quickly rotated along with it.

If Su Yuyi were here, she would have definitely discovered that this woman’s dance was very similar to hers, except that she was only slightly more charming than hers. These points of the charm made her even more captivating, causing many people to lose their composure.

The sound of the silk bamboo slowed down, the woman on the high platform slowly stopped moving and bowed slowly towards the bright moon lantern on the third floor of Huan Cai Pavilion. She grabbed the silk curtain that hanged on the high platform, then leaped and flew towards the bright moon.

She flew in from the moon and returned to the moon. It was like a fairy from the Moon Palace who came to the mortal world to leave a trail that attracted people’s attention.

“Fairy! That is Fairy Moon Palace!”

“Who is that girl? How come I’ve never seen her perform such a devastatingly beautiful act before?”

Who knew how many people were inquiring about the identity of the dancing girl? The old procuress’s face of Huan Cai Pavilion was full of smiles, but she didn’t mention a single word about the woman’s identity, no matter how much people grinded their lips.

It continued all the way until the moon was in the middle of the sky. There were still many people who lingered on both sides of the high platform, unwilling to leave, waiting to see the beauty of the Moon Fairy again. However, it’s a pity that they are doomed to waste time for nothing.

On this night, countless people were concerned about the fairy from the Moon Palace and dreamt of her. There was even a passionate scholar who drew a picture of the Moon Fairy and made a large sum of money.

Mu Yunyao walked out of the Imperial Palace with her face slightly flushed.

The smell of alcohol in the hall was too strong. Her senses were sharp, and the smell was making her feel uncomfortable. Walking out of the palace and into the carriage, she felt even more disgusted by the shaking, and her expression could not help but look a little sickly.

The Second Madam was a little worried as she asked, “Yunyao, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. It’s just that I have a headache, which made Second Aunt worry.”

“If you feel uncomfortable, then immediately rest after you return to your residence. Don’t overthink about anything.” Although Mu Yunyao had stolen part of the limelight from Su Yuyi, causing the Emperor and Grand Princess Yi De didn’t look up at Su Yuyi in high regard, the influence was still on the two of them. Other officials and descendants of noble families still treated Su Yuyi like a fairy, and she was worried that Mu Yunyao would be affected.

“Alright, I’ll listen to Second Aunt.”

“That’s right.”

After returning to the residence, Jin Lan and Jin Qiao are waiting at the inner gate. When they saw Mu Yunyao, they immediately revealed a happy expression. They first bowed to the Second Madam, and after being called out, they walked over to Mu Yunyao’s side, welcomed her, and said, “Miss, you’ve returned. Madam has been waiting for you.”

“I thought Mother was going to sleep first. It’s already so late. She shouldn’t be feeling well when she gets up tomorrow.” Mu Yunyao felt her heart pained. After bidding farewell to the Second Madam, she hurriedly walked towards Ji Yue Pavilion.

In the room, Su Qing was unable to sit still. When she heard the sound of footsteps, she immediately came out and greeted, “Yao’er, you’re back.”

Mu Yunyao stepped forward and held Su Qing’s hand, “Mother, it’s so late. Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“Mother is worried about you. How could I sleep?”

Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but throw herself into Su Qing’s embrace, her eyes turning slightly sour. “Mother, I’ve let you worry. I’m fine. The Palace banquet is a big event, and I’m just a minor character who doesn’t have the qualifications to be schemed against at the Palace banquet. Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me.”

“That’s good.” Su Qing was finally relieved. After she relaxed, she felt a bit more sleepy. Mu Yunyao quickly coaxed her to sleep. She then got up and left Su Qing’s room.

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao stood by the door. “Miss, the water for the baths has been placed in, and the clothes have been placed by the side …”

“Mm, you two can go rest now. It’s getting late. I can do it by myself.”

“Yes, Miss.” Miss had never enjoyed being bathed by others, so they were used to it, but they didn’t insist much.

Mu Yunyao comfortably took a bath, changed into a set of white clothes, and lightly rubbed her forehead.

It was already very late, but she wasn’t sleepy at all. When she thought of the cinnabar osmanthus placed in the courtyard, she couldn’t help but put on her cloak and opened the window.

“Yunyao!”

A voice filled with chilliness rang out. Mu Yunyao slightly widened her eyes as if she had seen an illusion: Yue Wang…

“Yunyao!” The voice sounded again, causing Mu Yunyao to look over with a calm expression. The moonlight was bright and white, and under the moonlight, the cinnabar osmanthus trees looked like a dream. And under the osmanthus trees closest to the window on the second floor, a handsome figure stood there. In the same place, she raised her head slightly. His sharp eyebrows were deep and vast, like a galaxy carrying the horizon, looking straight into her heart.

Yue Wang!

Mu Yunyao unconsciously tightened her fingers. Her heartbeat slightly quickened, and under the moonlight, the coldness around that person dissipated a bit. Looking up at her now, he seemed to have an illusion of gentleness as he lightly called out her name. His voice flowed through her ears and slid into her heart, like a feather falling lightly, causing the peaceful lake in her heart to emit a wave of energy.

Yue Wang’s gaze was focused on Mu Yunyao, his eyes filled with deep determination. After he left Jingling City, his heart slowly calmed down, and there was more time for him to see his thoughts clearly.

He did not regret that impulsive interrogation. It was not only Mu Yunyao who was being interrogated but himself as well. The longing after leaving, the worry after leaving, the joy after meeting each other…

How could he not understand? He had fallen in love with a girl who was much younger than him. But she was as intelligent as a fox and as cunning as a fox.

He slowly raised his arm and faced Mu Yunyao, who seemed to be in a daze, at the window. He softly said, “Yunyao, jump down …”

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 305

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 304

~ JIN WANG’S TEST ~ 

Hearing that familiar yet unfamiliar voice, the corner of Mu Yunyao’s lips lifted, but a hint of coldness flashed across her eyes. “The flowers sent by His Royal Highness Jin are so beautiful. I naturally like them very much. It’s on the windowsill in my room, and I watched it every day!”

“Then, Miss Mu, which do you like, that pot of Baiou Zhubo or the Shameless Beauty?”

Mu Yunyao turned her head and looked at Jin Wang with a smile, “Which one does His Royal Highness prefer?”

“I think both of those are pretty good.” Jin Wang’s face was gentle, but his eyes carried deep meaning. His gaze was calm as he looked at Mu Yunyao’s face as if he was examining something.

Mu Yunyao’s smile grew wider. Her eyes were clear and black and white. “I like that pot of Shameless Beauty. As for that pot of Baiou Zhubo, its senses are rather ordinary.”

Jin Wang’s eyes moved slightly. He couldn’t figure out what Mu Yunyao meant. The reason why he had sent the two pots of flowers over was to remind her. He already knew that she was not as simple as she looked on the surface and hoped that she could understand the current affairs and adapt to the overall situation. But now, Mu Yunyao had told him in a flash that the sense pot of Baiou Zhubo is rather ordinary. Is it a sign that she is unwilling to go with the flow, that she is rejecting him?

“I also like that Shameless Beauty. From its appearance, it looks flawless, as if it is so pure and indifferent. But who would have thought that the flawless jade was wrapped in such a dark color?”

Mu Yunyao chuckled, “His Royal Highness Jin, is it better to say that the pure white jade wrapped around a heart that’s about to turn black?”

Jin Wang looked at her coldly, “Miss Mu, do you remember the gift sent to Royal Father on his birthday?”

“Which one did Your Highness say?” Last year, she had embroidered a picture of happiness, longevity, and health. This year, she had presented a picture of five blessings for longevity. If you count the screen of the beautiful landscape that she indirectly sent to the Su family the year before last, there will be three copies.

“I’m talking about that painting of the mountains and rivers...” Jin Wang carefully looked at Mu Yunyao’s expression. He was unwilling to let go of the slightest abnormality.

“River and Mountain Painting?” Mu Yunyao slightly raised her brows with a puzzled expression. “How come I don’t know what the River and Mountain Painting are?”

“Miss Mu is really an honorable person who has forgotten things, but the Spring Embroidery Workshop (Chun Xiu Fang) has been ruined by you.” Jin Wang’s thoughts moved slightly, but Mu Yunyao didn’t panic in the slightest. ‘Could it be that this really had nothing to do with her?’

“I don’t understand what His Royal Highness Jin is saying. I did indeed embroider a landscape painting and sold it to the Spring Embroidery Workshop, but I have no idea where this landscape painting ended up or where it went.” Mu Yunyao didn’t plan on hiding anything. After all, when she embroidered that piece of embroidery, many people in Xiayan village saw it. If they wanted to check it out, they could easily find it out. Even if she hides it, it would be useless. She was sure that no one would know what she was doing.

“You have quite the guts that you actually dare do anything to Royal Father’s birthday present. That is a capital offense!” Jin Wang’s tone suddenly turned stern and rose sharply.

Mu Yunyao chuckled, “I’m a coward. I’ve never seen much of the world before. His Royal Highness, don’t try to scare me. When did I touch the Emperor’s birthday present? The shopkeeper for the Spring Embroidery Workshop shop asked me to embroider all embroidery items, from embroidery cloth to embroidery thread. I am only responsible for making embroidery. What can I do?”

Jin Wang’s gaze looked over to Mu Yunyao, but she didn’t back off in the slightest. Her eyes still filled with smiles, but there wasn’t the slightest trace of panic.

Jin Wang suddenly laughed. “I was merely joking with Miss Mu just now. I hope you don’t mind. We’ve already investigated the matter regarding the embroidery items and found out that it was done by someone from the Spring Embroidery Workshop. Naturally, it has nothing to do with Miss Mu.”

Mu Yunyao patted her chest and looked as if she was relieved. “Then I can relax. After hearing what His Royal Highness Jin said earlier, my heart was about to jump out of my throat.”

Naturally, she doesn’t mind because she was already taken back to the Su family. If she was in trouble now, the Su family could not escape their relationship. Therefore, that beautiful picture of a mountain and river could only be recognized by the Spring Embroidery Workshop. After all, the Spring Workshop Embroidery was already finished, while Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo are still standing behind her. Jin Wang never does business at a loss.

“I’ve heard that Miss Mu is going to open another Ni Yun Fang in the Capital soon. Her business is so good. I’m really envious of you.”

“All I earn is hard-earned money. It’s because I come from a poor background that I can only support myself and my mother through this method.”

“Miss Mu is too modest, as Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo are the only powers in the Dali Dynasty. It’s an unparalleled spectacle. Once the situation has been fully unveiled, it would not be too excessive for you to make profits every day. Otherwise, Miss Mu would not have given a hundred thousand silver taels back to the people of Jingling City.” Jin Wang’s voice was warm and gentle, it sounded like ordinary chatting, but Mu Yunyao could feel a slight pressure from his words.

The Spring Embroidery Workshop was attached to the Su family in the past, but the Su family supported the Third Prince. Therefore, almost all the silver was dedicated to the Third Prince. Now that he no longer had the Spring Embroidery Workshop, just those properties in the Third Prince’s hands were far from enough to satisfy his ambitions.

At the moment, many people viewed the merchants as the worst kind of business, but they don’t look back to think that if they want to develop a career, which one can leave the support of gold and silver? Walking around during the New Year ceremony, nurturing the party members, raising guards, advisors… costs too much, which is why the other princes wanted to interfere in Jiangnan’s salt tax. That was because it was like a limitless pocketbook. If one could control the salt tax in Jiangnan, he could develop his own power without any worries.

Now that Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo had developed like a raging fire, it was no wonder that Jin Wang had spoken such words to test the waters.

“After receiving so many rewards from the Emperor, my heart is forever grateful. In the future, after Bi Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo earn their money, I will take out the majority to give back to the commoners. What does His Royal Highness think of it?”

Mu Yunyao sneered in her heart, “You have thoughts of stealing, but do you dare to fight with the Emperor?” Do you dare to fight with all the people in the world? It was to let you look at the white silver but can’t touch it. Take that taste slowly!

Jin Wang’s eyes twitched as an unfathomable smile appeared on his handsome face: “If that’s the case…it’s also exceedingly good, so I hope that Miss Mu can persevere on. “

“There is no beginning, but there is an end. Since I have already made a good start, I will naturally persevere to the end.” Mu Yunyao’s smile was gentle and graceful, her eyes bright and radiant, as if she was sincerely satisfied with her actions.

“If that’s the case, then I won’t disturb Miss Mu from admiring the flowers. Miss Mu must prepare well for the Autumn Hunting in September.”

Mu Yunyao nodded her head in greeting before respectfully sending Jin Wang off. Then, her gaze landed on Chrysanthemum in the purple flame. “It’s clearly just an ordinary flower, but it just squeezed itself into the middle of a pile of expensive purple flames, which makes it quite unusual.”

Zhang Wan noticed that Jin Wang had left. She had chatted with Zhou Yuyin for a bit before returning to Mu Yunyao’s side. Following her line of sight, she saw a flower bush, “There’s actually one that’s different from the others. I don’t know what its name is. It looks very fresh and elegant.”

“Its name is Aster, a very ordinary kind of chrysanthemum.”

Zhang Wan’s fingertips trembled slightly. Thinking about Mu Yunyao’s situation, she looked at her with some worry, “Little Sister Mu, you don’t have to care about rumors. It’s always been like this in the Capital. The wind never stops no matter what.”

“Thank you, Elder Sister Zhang, for your reminder.”

They looked at each other and smiled, and they seemed to have a tacit understanding.

Mu Yunyao looked in Su Yuyi’s direction. The First Prince was standing beside her as if he was saying something. The scene was very harmonious, and laughter would occasionally resound from her.

Zhang Wan’s eyes filled with admiration. “Yuyi is indeed a heavenly person. When the banquet ends, the reputation of the Moon Worshiping Fairy will resound throughout the Capital.”

Mu Yunyao raised the corner of her lips and gently lowered her eyes, covering the flowing light that flashed by. “That’s right. I’m guessing that Elder Sister Yuyi would be very happy.”

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 304

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 303

~ THE PEOPLE OF JINGLING CITY HAVE DONE WELL ~ 

Mu Yunyao got up and returned to her seat, still felt a lingering fear. She wanted to play tricks in front of the Emperor and Grand Princess Yi De, making her feel like there was nothing she could hide. Fortunately, she didn’t have any bad intentions and wanted to do some things for the people. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to hold it up.

Just at this moment, an internal servant came into the Palace and reported, “Report back to the Emperor, the whole people of Jingling City have sent a gift. It’s already at the gate of the Palace.”

The Emperor paused for a moment before a smile appeared on his face. “Are you saying that the entire city of Jingling City has also given me a gift?”

“Yes, the official in charge of escorting the gift said so.”

“Alright, quickly bring the gift over. I want to have a good look at it.”

Soon, the guards brought up the present from Jingling City. There were two kinds of gifts. The first one is the grains placed in the rising bucket, piled up full, especially the rice ears, looking heavy and yellow, and the appearance is particularly delightful.

The other item was the Myriad Citizens Umbrella. The umbrella’s canopy is enormous, and many silk strips are hanging on the edge, which is carefully signed. Although the appearance is not gorgeous, it had an excellent meaning to it.

A smile flashed in the eyes of the Grand Princess Yi De, and she couldn’t help but stand up to congratulate the Emperor. “The Emperor is benevolent and loves the people. The people are also sincere in giving their blessing back to the Emperor. The people return to their hearts as they struggle with the grain. It’s really enough to be a good talk.”

“Good!” The Emperor got up and walked down from the throne, picked up a rice ear, and carefully measured it in his hand. “I was really moved by the people’s hearts. I will carefully place the Myriad Citizens Umbrella in the Treasure House. These five grains were sent to the kitchen and made into food. I want to taste them myself.”

Everyone in the great hall hurriedly got up and kowtowed. “Your Majesty is benevolent and loves the people, long live, long live, long live!”

“Stand up.” The Emperor was so happy. For the past six months, there had been a lot of things happening in the Imperial Court. There had been a few natural disasters of various sizes. The only exception was Jingling City. Although they finally calmed down, he felt very heavy. During the past year, any news of Jingling city must be good. Today, the people of Jingling City once again sent out a gift because of their gratitude. It’s really made him pleasantly surprised.

Mu Yunyao quietly lowered her eyes as a faint smile flashed in her heart. She didn’t know if this was Li Munian’s idea or Steward Qin had interfered, but it was still a good thing for her. After all, Jingling City is the foundation of Ni Yun Fang. The better the development of Jingling City is, the greater the influence will be. As time passed, Ni Yun Fang became more and more stable.

The Emperor was pleasantly surprised, and he couldn’t help but think of Mu Yunyao. It was said that there was such a change in Jingling City, Mu Yunyao would definitely have exceedingly contributed to it. Before this, he had never thought that someone would have such an extraordinary influence on a city. If he had a few more people like Mu Yunyao, he would definitely be able to save a lot of thought.

“Mu Yunyao?”

Hearing the Emperor speak again, Mu Yunyao hurriedly stood up and bowed. “This humble daughter is here.”

“Your embroidery skills are quite good. The Autumn Hunting is just around the corner, so why don’t you go with us and draw a picture of Autumn Hunting? How about you embroider it into a screen?”

Mu Yunyao hurriedly bowed to show her gratitude, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. This humble daughter will definitely do her best.”

“Very well. If the embroidery is not good, I will punish you.”

Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but raise her head and smile as she said, “This humble one’s talent is shallow. I’m confident in my embroidery skills, but I’m not good at painting. How about asking the Emperor to make a picture of Autumn Hunting, and this humble daughter will embroider according to your picture?”

When the Emperor heard this, he couldn’t help but laugh. “If I were to draw autumn hunting pictures myself, no matter how much you’ve embroidered it, I’m afraid no one would dare say anything bad about it.”

Grand Princess Yi De couldn’t help but think of Laba porridge in Jingling City she had sent to her, smiling as she said, “Others may not dare to say, but I am not afraid. At that time, how about I give you my evaluation?” No matter what her intentions were, she was willing to promote those who could do things for the people, which could be considered an example to others.

The Emperor was even happier now. “Of course, it’s good. No one else is more qualified than Royal Eldest Sister.”

The atmosphere in the hall was even more passionate than before. After Mu Yunyao had returned to her seat, the gazes on her gradually increased.

The Second Madam was holding a teacup on one side to hide her smile. The Eldest Madam and Su Yuyi’s expressions were so interesting. This time, Su Yuyi could practically soar into the sky, but it was a pity that Mu Yunyao gave birth to trouble for her.

Su Yuyi was indeed astonishingly beautiful. If she were an ordinary person, then the Eldest Madam’s scheme would have succeeded. Unfortunately, the ones they wanted to curry favor with were the Emperor and Grand Princess Yi De. Were these two ordinary people? It’s really inferior to show your beauty in front of these two people. On the contrary, Mu Yunyao won a lifetime of good reputation with ten thousand taels of silver. It really can’t be worth any more.

In the following time, a few young ladies from aristocratic families stepped forward to perform their talents. However, due to Su Yuyi’s stunning performance before, everyone felt that it was a bit unimpressive in comparison.

While the Emperor and Grand Princess Yi De had gone down to change clothes and rest, the officials were free to enjoy themselves in the main hall. Young ladies and madams can go outside and enjoy the gardens view on the left and right sides. After all, the banquet would continue all the way until the evening. It was hard to avoid being bored just by sitting in the great hall.

Zhang Wan and Mu Yunyao had a pleasant conversation previously. Now when she was thinking of going out for a walk, she couldn’t help calling her out.

Mu Yunyao didn’t want to stay in the main hall and be sized up by everyone, so she followed Zhang Wan to the garden to get some fresh air. Now, it was autumn, and the air she breathed was cool, causing one’s spirit to tremble.

“Little Sister Mu is truly fortunate to be able to accompany the Emperor to participate in the September Autumn Hunting.”

“Elder Sister Zhang, why are you so envious? You might even be able to go when the time comes.”

Zhang Wan quickly shook her head. “The Autumn Hunting in September is unusual. Other than the prince and some ladies of high status, we have never had a chance.”

“That was back then, but isn’t there now the Grand Princess Yi De?” Since Grand Princess Yi De wanted to select people, she naturally had carefully selected them. She would have to see them a few more times to understand their temperament. Besides, after the Mid Autumn Festival Palace Banquet, it’s not long before the Autumn Hunting in September. It just so happened to be the right time to observe everyone’s character. At that time, the Emperor might ask people to bring the young ladies of the various families.

Zhang Wan’s eyes lit up. “Is that really possible?” She did not wish to win the Grand Princess’s admiration, but she only hoped to catch a glimpse of Su Qingwu’s elegance during the Autumn Hunting.

“If Elder Sister Zhang trusts me, why don’t you prepare your riding clothes after you return?”

“Alright.” Zhang Wan was overjoyed. After saying so, she felt that her tone was too hasty. She quickly added, “Even if I can’t wear it then, I will have a chance to do so in the future. Making a set of clothes won’t be a waste …”

Mu Yunyao smiled and nodded. Zhou Yuyin walked over to look for Zhang Wan as if she had something to say.

Mu Yunyao considerately walked to the side to admire the flowers. The Palace’s flowers were even more precious than those outside, and their quality was also better. It was just that a chrysanthemum was unexpectedly blooming in a purple flame, causing her to be slightly startled.

“Looking at Miss Mu’s expression, it seems that you are very fond of this purple flame. Don’t you like the Shameless Beauty I gave you?”

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 303

Incurable Chapter 23 part 3

Chapter 23 (3/3)

They walked back together under the umbrella.

Mu Wan had gotten a little wet, so the moment they got inside, she went with practiced ease to the bathroom off the second bedroom and took a shower.

When she came out, the heat had been fully washed from her body. Her face was faintly flushed from the steam, and she was once again wearing Liu Qianxiu’s shirt. It was long and oversized on her, making her look smaller than she was. Below it, her two bare legs showed pale and slim.

The sweet-and-sour lotus root he made was delicious.

Mu Wan had spent the whole day filming and had barely eaten. By the end of dinner, she had gone through two full bowls of rice.

After that, she carried the three little kittens out to the living room.

She had only just sat down when a bolt of lightning split the black sky outside, lighting the whole living room in a flash.

Then the rain came down in sheets.

“There’s going to be a huge storm tonight,” Mu Wan said over the growl of thunder.

The three little ones in her arms had already been frightened badly. They kept burrowing deeper into her. Mu Wan wrapped both arms around them and felt them tremble.

“They’re so scared of thunder.”

Another crack of thunder rolled outside.

All three kittens shuddered again, their cries suddenly edged with panic.

It made sense. They were still so little.

Little things were always afraid of thunder.

She had been afraid of it as a child, too. Later on, she had gradually stopped being afraid. Thunder was just loud. It was not going to strike her directly, so there was no reason to fear it.

Liu Qianxiu sat by the low table, one page of the book in his hand, lightly lifted by his fingers. He lowered his eyes to the three in Mu Wan’s arms, then looked away again.

Outside, lightning flashed, and thunder rolled. Wind and rain battered the world.

Inside, all was quiet, warm, and safe.

Mu Wan let her body unfurl.

She laid both arms across the table and rested her face there. The sound of rain, the turning of pages, the calming scent of sandalwood—wrapped in all of it, Mu Wan curled up by the table and gradually closed her eyes.

Liu Qianxiu kept a very fixed routine.

When the hour came, sleepiness followed.

Closing the book in his hand, he lifted his eyes and looked toward the side of the table.

The woman there was fast asleep.

He could hear her breathing, slow and even. Her hand lay pillowed beneath both arms. Thick black hair veiled part of her face like a soft black gauze.

Behind that gauze were long brows, upturned eyes, faintly curled lashes, and moist red lips.

She slept very quietly.

Quietly, but with a kind of laziness to her—like a little cat who had finally played itself tired, found a warm place to shelter, stretched once, and fell asleep right where it landed.

In the soft lamp light, her small body cast a faint shadow across the living room.

She had been asleep for a while now and was no longer paying any attention to the three frightened babies in her arms. After mewing a few times without receiving comfort, the kittens soon found themselves another source of security. Now they too had drifted asleep, nestled against Liu Qianxiu instead.

Lifting his eyes to the clock, Liu Qianxiu saw that it was already ten.

Outside, the lightning and thunder had died down, but the rain was still coming hard, with no sign of easing.

Holding the three little ones in his arms, Liu Qianxiu stood and carried them back to the cat room.

After setting them down, he came back out and paused just beyond the pool of light cast by the lamp in the living room.

Under the lamp, the woman and the light itself, together with the low table and the scattered books, looked like a delicately composed painting.

She was not sleeping comfortably. Her slight back leaned crookedly to one side. The collar of the oversized shirt had fallen open, revealing one narrow shoulder. She had not managed to keep her legs tucked up; one of them extended from beneath the shirt, long and pale.

Yet despite how uncomfortable the pose looked, she had no sign of waking.

Her breathing remained slow and even.

Liu Qianxiu stepped into the painting.

When his left arm wrapped around her waist, he caught the scent of freesia again on her, layered with the faint sandalwood of his own body wash and shirt.

His lips pressed together.

With one arm around her waist and the other supporting beneath the bend of her knees, he lifted her from the floor.

She was very light.

Wrapped in the white shirt, she felt like a white feather in his arms.

When he lifted her, the feather shifted twice, her little head burrowing closer into his chest, one hand catching at his shirt.

There was even a tiny displeased sound from her throat.

Her breath was warm against him.

The lamp stayed below now. Once Liu Qianxiu stood with her in his arms, both of them moved out of its light. In the dark, the lines of her face were blurred, but he saw a faint twitch near her eyes.

“You’re awake?” Liu Qianxiu asked, his voice low as the night.

“I’m not,” the woman in his arms answered immediately, the words soft and slightly hoarse.

“...”

After declaring herself not awake, Mu Wan felt her heart jump straight into her throat.

She clung to the warmth of the moment, tightening her hand in the fabric at his chest. With that small force in her fingers, Mu Wan spoke in a voice drowsy and trailing, as though it had wandered out of a dream.

“Liu Qianxiu... can I stay tonight? I’m tired. I don’t want to go home.”

As she spoke, her head stayed buried against his chest.

Breathing in the faint scent of sandalwood, she seemed to drift toward sleep again.

And just before she slipped fully under, she heard his answer.

Outside, the rain was wild against the night.

His voice, by contrast, was impossibly gentle.

“Mm,” Liu Qianxiu said softly. “You can do whatever you want.”

Continue reading Incurable Chapter 23 part 3

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 302

~ DIRECT KILLING INTENT ~ 

Mu Yunyao never expected that the Emperor would suddenly mention her. At this time, there was a snack in her mouth, neither swallowing nor vomiting. She looked at the throne with her eyes wide open.

The Emperor casually swept his gaze over the crowd, and when he saw her current appearance, he instantly laughed out loud. “Mu Yunyao, didn’t you hear me call you? Why aren’t you rushing forward to pay your respects? “

Mu Yunyao secretly complained. As soon as the Emperor opened his mouth, everyone’s eyes immediately focused on her. Since everyone was watching, she naturally couldn’t spit out the snack in her mouth, so she had to swallow it. She didn’t know if it was too stressful or nervous, but the small snack directly choked in her throat.

Even the Emperor didn’t expect that a few random words would actually make Mu Yunyao choke. At this moment, her cheeks were slightly red, and her eyes were full of water because of choking. She stared at them with wide eyes as if tears would flow out in the next moment, causing people to feel inexplicably happy.

The Emperor immediately laughed out loud. “Looks like the snacks in my palace are really delicious. I must get someone to reward the chef properly in the imperial kitchen.”

Upon seeing Mu Yunyao, Grand Princess Yi De’s gaze focused for a moment. The young girl in front of her had clear and beautiful eyes. Her fair face had a tinge of red to it, and her entire body exuded a sense of allure. However, she was not as kitsch as ordinary people. On the contrary, she was clear and transparent, like a piece of superior jade, which made people happy and pleasing to see.

“Emperor, don’t make fun of her. You frightened this child. Qu Mama quickly brings a cup of tea over.”

The Emperor reacted as well. His smile was slightly restrained, but he could not stop himself from saying, “That’s right. Don’t let something good come out of your mouth.”

Mu Yunyao hurriedly received the teacup from Qu Mama and knew that she had already lost face. Her attitude instead became natural as she raised the teacup and slowly swallowed the snack in her mouth. After she slightly heaved a sigh of relief, she returned the teacup to Qu Mama and bowed o say thanks, “Mu Yunyao, this humble daughter has seen the Emperor and has seen Grand Princess Yi De, thank you for saving my life. “

A favor for saving her life? This girl knew how to climb up the pole.

“I’ve heard that you’ve obtained some new Cinnabar Osmanthus. It’s rare to see them in the Capital, so why don’t you think of delivering one or two trees to me?”

If ordinary people heard this, they would be definitely frightened. However, Mu Yunyao was sensitive enough to notice that there was no anger on the Emperor’s body, and there was even a faint smile on his face, so she was not nervous at all. “Reporting to Your Majesty, the Cinnabar Osmanthus has been delivered. It’s just that it’s considerably fragile and delicate. If you can’t handle it properly, the flower will wither, so I have no intention of giving it to the Emperor.”

“Everyone who enters the Palace has prepared a gift for me, but why haven’t you done so yet?”

“In reply to the Emperor, you haven’t heard me finish it yet. You already know about the Cinnabar Osmanthus, and you also know the gifts sent by the people in Jingling City. This humble daughter did not take down the three ships’ gifts that the commoners had sent over, only thinking of giving the things on the three ships to the Emperor.”

“Isn’t it point to a name for you?” The Emperor’s expression didn’t show any signs of happiness or anger, and it only caused people to feel that his might was even more majestic.

“To reply the Emperor, under the whole world, all are kings, and within the four seas, all are kings and ministers. The Emperor is the ruler of the Dali Dynasty. This humble daughter was bestowed by the Emperor, so this is the reason she wanted to return the favor to the commoners. In the end, it is also because of you, Your Majesty. Therefore, this humble daughter is ashamed to receive those gifts. Please, the Emperor should accept them.”

“What’s on the ships?”

“In reply to the Emperor, this humble daughter does not know.”

The Emperor was stunned. Looking at Mu Yunyao’s blank and innocent eyes, he couldn’t help but feel that it was a little funny. “Enough, get up. Since you have the intention to give it to me, I will accept it. The ship was filled with food, fruits, and vegetables. It’s just so happened to allow people to distribute them to the impoverished families in the Capital. Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival. All families should reunite during the festive season, so we should let them have a hearty meal.”

“Your Majesty, if that’s the case, then this humble daughter will donate another ten thousand silver taels. It’s Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo’s profits this month. Although it’s not much, it can still help some poor citizens.”

“Forget it. You can keep it for yourself. Didn’t you say that you only had a few thousand taels of silver on you before? The expenses in every corner of the Capital are huge, so it’s not wrong to keep a few more taels of silver.”

“Yes, then this humble daughter will keep it for now. When the amount of silver accumulated in the future is too much for the Emperor to spend, I will take it out and present it to you.”

“Presumptuous!” Su Wenyuan quickly stood up and knelt down to salute the Emperor, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Yunyao is young, and she spoke without restraint. She was disrespectful before the Emperor and then spoke rudely. Please punish her, Your Majesty…”

Mu Yunyao also kneeled down with a look of fear on her face, but her heart filled with ice-cold killing intent. First, he said that she was disrespectful to the Emperor, then he said that she was rude to the Emperor. He could clearly feel the killing intent emitted by Su Wenyuan. He really wants me to die…

But why was all this happening? Even if she was born of low family background, in the end, Su Qing was still the daughter of the Old Madam and had the blood of the Su family flowing in her body. If she looked down upon, it would be intolerable, and she will not be brought back with her mother or for fear of causing criticism. She would be sent away with some silver, so why did he choose to take them back first and then did everything he could to kill them?

“I haven’t even said anything yet. Minister Su is making a big fuss out of nothing.” The Emperor’s gentle words made Su Wenyuan break out in cold sweat, “Everyone, get up. It’s rare for Mu Yunyao to have the mind to share my worries. If everyone could think like this, I don’t know how much effort to save.”

Mu Yunyao was still kneeling on the ground, her voice filled with stubbornness. “Your Majesty, I originally wanted to help you share your worries and repay for the many rewards you have given me. However, I didn’t think that doing this would be disrespectful in front of the Emperor, and my words would be rude. Please order me to be punished.”

The Emperor was unhappy. He had merely said a few words, yet he was disturbed and lost his interest. “You …”

“Your name is Muyun Yao, isn’t it?” You are an intelligent, astute child with a pleasant disposition. You have a rare sense of life and know how to be grateful and pure. Get up.”

The Emperor paused for a moment, then felt relieved. As the Emperor, how could he argue with a teenage child? It was also Su Wen Yuan’s fault for making such a fuss out of nothing. “My Royal Elder Sister is right. This child’s personality is straightforward. Even in front of me, she is not concealing anything and has a pure heart. It’s rare.”

“Since that’s the case, I’ll give her a reward as well.”

Mu Yunyao hurriedly kowtowed to express her gratitude. The pressure in her heart eased slightly, and she cautiously tried to make a straight impression in front of the Emperor. In this way, if anything happens in the future, she can confidently and boldly say: “As the Emperor, he may not like rigid and outspoken officials, but for a child who dares to speak and dare to do, even if he doesn’t like it, he wouldn’t make a fuss. In this way, she can do a lot of things with no trouble.

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 302

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 301

~ SU YUYI, THE MOON WORSHIPING FAIRY ~ 

When Su Yuyi stepped out, the entire hall was filled with gasps. It had to be said that for women, appearances were the most invincible weapon. In just a split second, the entire hall fell into absolute silence. Everyone’s eyes focused on Su Yuyi.

“This humble daughter, Su Yuyi, greets the Emperor and the Grand Princess Yi De.”

The Emperor’s gaze fell on Su Wenyuan. “I never thought that the daughter of Minister Su would be so beautiful.”

“This subject is terrifying. On behalf of my daughter, I thank Your Majesty for your praise.” Su Wenyuan immediately stood up.

“Take a seat. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival’s banquet. I said there’s no need to pay attention to so many rules.” The Emperor looked at Su Yuyi with astonishment in his eyes. “What kind of talent do you want to show?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble daughter is untalented, but her dancing style is quite eye-catching. Thus, I wish to offer a dance of worship to the moon to Your Majesty and the Grand Princess.” Su Yuyi bowed with her slender brows and eyes lowered slightly. Her curling eyelashes were like butterfly wings as they flapped up and down. It was as if a radiance had flashed past. It was unknown just how many people were stunned by her actions…

The Second Madam softly praised her. “Yuyi’s looks are indeed peerless in the world. Yao’er, you have not been back in the Su family for long, so you may not know this, but Yuyi’s dancing skills are unrivaled. I once had the honor of seeing her dancing under the moon. Her posture was graceful, her skirt was fluttering, and she was so elegant that she would fly away into the sky in the blink of an eye. At that time, I already thought that even the fairy in the Moon Palace would not be able to accomplish such a feat.”

Mu Yunyao has a gentle smile in her eyes, and her black and bright eyes are exceptionally pure. The light inside was shallow, like a spring in the mountains, and one could see the sparkling stones and fine sand at the bottom of the spring. “Just hearing Second Aunt say it makes me feel astonished. It is blessed to be able to see it with my own eyes today.”

The Second Madam looked at Mu Yunyao’s clear eyes and couldn’t help but be slightly startled. Could it be that she didn’t hold a shred of jealousy or envy towards Su Yuyi in her heart?

Su Yuyi went down to change her clothes, and a high platform was placed under the steps of the main hall. Looking out from the hallway, and she could see the situation on the stage at glance.

Not long after, Su Yuyi, who had changed clothes, slowly walked over. Just a moment ago, she was already breathtaking enough, but now, she was rendered speechless.

She wore a crescent moon white broad-sleeved fairy dress with long satin ribbons tied around her arms. The wind blew, causing her ribbon and skirt to rise high into the air. Even before the dance began, the people below were already slightly intoxicated.

The sound of the chime suddenly slightly rang out. Su Yuyi, who was initially standing silently, suddenly moved. Her arm lightly raised the long ribbon, and it suddenly unfurled, flowing down from the sky like moonlight. She leaped high into the air, her body light and agile like a swallow, and as her sleeves fluttered, an incomparably beautiful face revealed.

When she went down to change her clothes, she redrew her eyebrows. At this moment, her eyebrows were more and more slender. Her pair of beautiful eyes seemed to be pleasing to the eye, and the tails of her eyes were slightly raised. The crystal tourmaline flowers attached to the corners of the eyes echoed the sweet-scented Osmanthus between her temples. It really corresponded to what the Second Madam had just said: If there was a Chang’e fairy in the Moon Palace, then it should be nothing more than that.

The sound of the chime gradually faded away, and what followed was a slightly hurried pipa. The sound was like the sound of jade pearls dropping down.

On the stage, Su Yuyi suddenly spun around. Her waist was so soft that it could not be gripped tightly, and her eyes filled with affection and eagerness to talk. Many people could no longer find the words to describe Su Yuyi at this time because she was just too beautiful. No matters how gorgeous the terms accumulate on her body, it made her seem frail and pale.

Mu Yunyao slowly blinked her eyes. Her heart also filled with shock: Even if she and Su Yuyi had a sea of hatred between them in her previous life, she still couldn’t belittle her without conscience at this time.

Suddenly, as the sound of the pipa faded, and the sound of chime rang out once more. As Su Yuyi moved, the ribbon tied around her arm slowly scattered. She stood there solemnly as she raised her arms to descend bit by bit. Her palms clasped in front of her chest as she slowly kowtowed towards the bright moon at the horizon…

Only when Su Yuyi walked down the stage and returned to the main hall did everyone regain their senses as praises sounded out.

“Beautiful. Truly beautiful beyond compare.”

“It’s worshiping to the moon. It is as if I have truly seen a fairy just now.”

“I’m afraid that when I mention Miss Su in the future, I’ll praise her as the moon worshiping fairy.”

“She does deserve such a reputation.”

The Second Madam looked at the complacent Eldest Madam, then withdrew her gaze. She can’t help but turn her head to observe Mu Yunyao. She didn’t know why, but she felt that Mu Yunyao was more interesting than Su Yuyi.

Mu Yunyao looked like a delicate and beautiful little girl, but she couldn’t see through her at all. However, if you were to say that her heart was deep, her body was brimming with blazing sun energy, then her smile was expressly sweet that would make anyone who looked at her feel happy at a glance. However, if one were to say that she was innocent and did not have any thoughts, she would not have made it difficult for the Eldest Madam. Not only that, but she had also beaten up Meng Yanran, who had caused her trouble. At that time, the loud slap turned the Eldest Madam’s face black. After being a sister-in-law for so many years, it was the first time that she had seen the Eldest Madam lose her composure like this. Just thinking about it made her feel better.

Mu Yunyao noticed the Second Madam’s gaze and couldn’t help but raise her head to look over. “Second Aunt, what’s the matter?”

“It’s fine. What kind of talent does Yao’er have? Why don’t you go on stage and display your skills?”

Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but laugh, “All day long, besides embroidery, I made tea. I wasn’t proficient in poetry, nor was I good at zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting. It is okay for me to make tea on the side and show my talents on stage. That’s really rash.”

“The reputation of Bu Xian Luo’s Si Cha is widespread in the Capital. I feel that if you were to make tea, you might be able to amaze the crowds.”

“Second Aunt, please don’t laugh at me.” Mu Yunyao hurriedly shook her head.

The Second Madam chuckled softly. Seeing that her attitude was firm, she felt pity and did not speak to persuade her anymore.

The Emperor was so satisfied with worshipping the moon dance that Su Yuyi had offered. “Royal Elder Sister, what do you think?”

Grand Princess Yi De looked at Su Yuyi with a smile: “Truly beautiful. Are you the Minister Su’s legitimate daughter?”

“In reply to the Grand Princess, I am indeed Minister Su’s daughter.”

“It’s surprisingly rare to have a beautiful appearance and outstanding dancing skills. I don’t know where your dancing skills are learned from?”

“Reporting to the Grand Princess, this humble daughter once learned how to dance from Madam Luo Ji.”

“Madam Luo Ji... Then it’s no wonder. She was a famous dancer in the Dali Dynasty. It’s a pity that her legs were injured later, so she stopped dancing.” Madam Luo Ji, who was a woman hurt by love, was really a pity…

“Yes. Although Madam Luo Ji has taught this humble daughter, she is unwilling to accept this humble daughter as her disciple. Therefore, this humble daughter has come up own with the idea of worshipping the moon dance. She is making a fool of herself in front of the Emperor and the Grand Princess.”

“To be able to come up with such a brilliant dance, you must be someone with an exquisite mind. Qu Mama, I have a set of gems that mimic the head of an Osmanthus flower in my Palace, which will be rewarded to Su Yuyi later.”

“Yes.”

Mu Yunyao retracted her gaze. Her mood was pretty good, and she couldn’t help but become interested in the exquisite snacks in front of her and have an appetite. Just as she picked up a small snack and placed it in her mouth, she heard the Emperor suddenly speak.

“Speaking of the Su family, it made me think of a person, where is Mu Yunyao?”

Nb. Sorry for the late update ...  

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 301

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Incurable Chapter 23 Part 2

Chapter 23 (2/3)

Aunt Wu was, after all, a servant of the Mu family, living there all year round.

After dinner, Mu Wan walked her to the complex entrance and helped her into a taxi. The car sped away quickly and soon reached the west side of the city.

That area of Xiacheng still held many of the old residential compounds—courtyard homes with green tiles and white walls. The city had developed fast, but not in the west. That part had been left mostly untouched, and many old local families still resided there.

The Mu residence occupied its own separate courtyard.

Through the main gate was the principal hall. Behind it lay a small garden. On either side of the garden were two smaller courtyards.

When Aunt Wu returned, she happened to run into Mu Qing on her way out.

Mu Qing was wearing a dark blue qipao and carrying an oil-paper umbrella. Beside her, Shen Cheng wore a long blue traditional gown. The two of them were on their way to some Republic-era themed party.

The moment Aunt Wu saw them, she lowered her head and greeted them. “Miss. Mr. Shen.”

She herself was short and slight. Shen Cheng had not noticed her at first, and when he heard the greeting, he only gave a polite nod.

Mu Qing, however, noticed what Aunt Wu was carrying and smiled.

“You went to see Mu Wan?”

Ever since returning from overseas, Mu Qing had become noticeably gentler on the surface than before.

Aunt Wu still did not dare answer right away.

After all, the Mu family had always treated Mu Wan as something not to be spoken of. Every time Aunt Wu went to see her, it was only during her own free time. The family had always known, of course, but seemed to think a mere servant could not upset much of anything. And after so many years, they had simply grown used to keeping her on.

When Aunt Wu still did not answer, Mu Qing asked directly, “Did you tell her what I told you to say?”

“I did,” Aunt Wu replied.

“And what did she say?”

Mu Qing’s eyes gleamed.

Tall and slender even in something as proper as a qipao, she still managed to make the question sound almost like an interrogation.

“She said she has work now,” Aunt Wu answered.

“Did she?”

Something like a cold laugh escaped Mu Qing’s throat.

Aunt Wu looked up at her.

Mu Qing was already walking away.

Mu Wan did indeed have work.

For example, that very day.

She had been up filming since five in the morning, eaten a boxed lunch on set at midday, and kept going until seven in the evening. Only then did she finally wrap.

The studio base that day felt like the inside of a giant sealed cauldron, smothering, hot, and damp. When Mu Wan changed out of costume and stepped outside, she discovered that all of Xiacheng felt the same way.

The clouds that had gathered the day before had still not broken. Instead, they had thickened, pressing low over the sky in a dense, rolling mass that blocked everything out.

Just standing beneath that sky was enough to make a person irritable with the heat. Everyone passing by wore the same strained expression, hurrying off toward wherever they meant to be.

Mu Wan felt the same damp heat rising restlessly through her own body.

As she lifted her hand to hail a cab, she also called Liu Qianxiu.

At five-thirty, she had already texted him to say she would be coming over late that night. He had replied that he was working overtime anyway.

He picked up quickly.

His voice, like a breeze through a bamboo grove, carried that same cool green freshness as bamboo itself. It split straight through the heat clinging to her body, and Mu Wan’s eyes curved downward on their own.

“Are you still at the hospital?”

“No. I’m on my way home,” Liu Qianxiu said.

“Then I’ll go straight to your place.”

Mu Wan did not waste words. Just as she spotted a cab, she raised her hand and hurried toward it.

“I got one, I’m hanging up now~.”

She ended the call and ran the last few steps to the taxi. That short burst of movement made her feel as though she had just swum through hot water. But when the door opened, and a wave of cool air came out, her skin tightened, and she shivered.

“Nanfeng Apartments,” she told the driver.

He pressed the meter and glanced up at the dark rolling clouds.

“It’s typhoon weather tonight,” he said. “There’ll be a downpour.”

Leaning against the window, Mu Wan slowly cooled off and looked up at the sky, too.

It really did look dramatic now, like heavy storm clouds pressing down over a city before disaster.

“Then please drive a little faster,” she said. “I didn’t bring an umbrella.”

Outside, cars were not allowed into the Nanfeng complex. The gate was still a bit of a distance from Liu Qianxiu’s building. If the rain really came down, she would have to run for it and end up drenched.

“Got it,” the driver said and hit the accelerator.

By seven in the evening, most of Xiacheng’s worst traffic had already cleared, so the roads were moving well enough.

But no car could outrun the storm.

By the time they neared Nanfeng Apartments, fat drops had already begun to fall. The first drops before a true downpour were always huge—coin-like things striking the ground hard enough to bounce. By the time they reached the complex gate, half the pavement was already wet.

Listening to the drops pounding the roof of the taxi, the driver glanced back at Mu Wan.

“You should get someone to come pick you up. These drops are no joke—they actually hurt.”

Mu Wan was lovely enough, and slight enough, that even the driver could not help feeling a little protective.

But this was not her own home, and she could hardly ask someone to come fetch her.

Without explaining, Mu Wan handed over the fare and said with a smile, “When I was little, I got hit all the time. I’m not scared of a little pain.”

Then she thanked him and shut the door.

The moment she stepped out, the huge raindrops began striking her shoulders, face, and head with astonishing force. She lifted a hand to shield herself and prepared to sprint for Liu Qianxiu’s building.

She was still mapping the route in her head, ready to charge straight through it in one go, when she looked up—and froze.

A figure stood there.

A man held a black umbrella and stood tall and quiet at the entrance of the complex. His skin was cool white, all the more striking beneath the dark canopy. On that cold fair face, his features were calm and clean, and his eyes were like two black, clear pools too deep to see through.

He was simply standing there.

Detached. Pure. Removed from the dust of the world.

There were hardly any people at the entrance. The security booth was lit, silhouettes moving inside, but outside, there was only silence and rain.

Mu Wan’s heart seemed to open under a layer of soft gauze.

She ran toward him.

As she drew closer, his features came into sharper focus.

He was looking at her.

In his hand, he carried an off-white shopping bag from the supermarket. It was opaque, but Mu Wan could guess perfectly well what was inside.

That afternoon, she had asked for sweet-and-sour diced lotus root.

Like a drifting thing finally finding shore, Mu Wan collided into the shelter of his umbrella. The faint scent of sandalwood surrounded her at once. He drew the umbrella over her, protecting her, and the rain could no longer strike her.

Since her mother died, she had lost count of how many times she had been caught in the rain.

Tonight, at least, she would not be.

The distance from the cab to him had been short, but it had still dampened parts of her. There were raindrops on her pale little face, too. Smiling, she reached up and wiped at them, trying to make herself look less bedraggled.

Then she tipped her head back to look at him, eyes bright with light.

“Liu Qianxiu, were you waiting for me?”

Her voice was still sweet, full of that upward brightness, like ripples opening across water where rain had touched it.

Liu Qianxiu looked quietly down at her beneath the umbrella.

The streetlights had just come on. Her shadow stretched slightly and slipped beyond the edge of the umbrella, long and fine, like the tail of a cat.

“Mm,” Liu Qianxiu said.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 23 Part 2

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Incurable Chapter 23 Part 1

Chapter 23 (1/3)

“You two are already planning to eat lunch together too?” Lin Wei’s face was gleaming with product, bright and dewy. After saying that, she delivered her conclusion with satisfaction. “Rounded up, that basically means you’re already living together.”

Mu Wan had only just come from Liu Qianxiu’s place when Lin Wei called her over.

Lin Wei had booked a beautician to come to the house for a facial and, while she was at it, had one done for Mu Wan too.

Mu Wan lay on the other recliner with a mask on her face.

She had been filming since four in the morning and was already half-asleep. But the drowsiness she had just managed to gather was scattered at once by Lin Wei’s “rounded up.” She turned her head to look at her and said, “Let’s wait until I actually move into his place before we call it living together.”

And even moving into his place might not mean anything real happened.

She had slept in Liu Qianxiu’s room for two nights in Wencheng, and if he had had the slightest improper thought toward her, it would not have ended with absolutely nothing happening.

But Mu Wan did not say that aloud.

Because it felt a little embarrassing.

“You already eat lunch and dinner together,” Lin Wei said while the beautician patted essence into her face, sounding full of confidence. “Sleeping at his place is only a matter of time. You boil the frog slowly, little by little, and eventually even Immortal Liu will be lured down to earth.”

The rhythmic patting of the facial treatment was deeply hypnotic.

Mu Wan drifted drowsily again and muttered, “If he’s an immortal, then how could he possibly come down that easily?”

“I still think your offense isn’t strong enough.” Lin Wei turned her head and looked at Mu Wan in profile, then began offering a strategy. “Next time, just ask directly to stay the night. Start with living together. Same roof, same space. A terrace near the water gets the moonlight first.”

“I already slept right under his nose once,” Mu Wan said, giving Lin Wei a side glance. “And besides, he’s someone who values his personal space a lot. I don’t want to disturb him too much.”

The furnishings in Liu Qianxiu’s home were simple. Everything came in single sets, just enough for one person. The second bedroom was finished beautifully, but there was no sign anyone had ever actually stayed in it. That alone was enough to show he never let people spend the night.

“You really do think everything through for him, don’t you?” Lin Wei rolled her eyes.

By the time she had showered and gotten ready for the evening, Mu Wan had already banged on her door and scared off the fitness trainer she had invited over.

“Of course I do.” Mu Wan grinned. “He’s my man. I’m going to spoil him properly.”

Lin Wei: “...”

Once the facial was done and the beautician had left, the two of them leaned over the mirror as if it were some sort of magical truth-telling mirror, inspecting their skin from every angle. After staring at herself for a bit, Mu Wan poked a finger at her own cheek.

Smooth. Soft. Perfectly tender.

Lin Wei pulled back from the mirror first and asked, “Vegetarian hotpot tonight?”

They had both just had facials, so they were supposed to avoid anything too heavy or irritating.

“I have to go home,” Mu Wan said as she gathered her things. “Want to come? Aunt Wu called earlier to say she made pork ribs.”

Their relationship was close enough that Mu Wan sometimes went home with Lin Wei to Jingcheng, and when Aunt Wu cooked something comforting in Xiacheng, she would often tell Mu Wan to bring Lin Wei along too.

Lin Wei licked her lips, then sighed.

“Forget it. If I go, I probably won’t leave again. I have a date with a bartender tonight.”

“Wasn’t it a fitness coach last time?” Mu Wan asked.

“Lately I’m into puppy boys.” Lin Wei sounded entirely serious. “You’ll understand eventually. Youth is capital. The stamina is unreal... How old is Taoist Liu, anyway?”

Mu Wan: “...”

By the time Mu Wan took a taxi back from Lin Wei’s house, the sky was already darkening.

Heavy clouds hung low overhead, threatening rain without yet delivering it. The air was thick, oppressive, and hot enough to scald.

Aunt Wu was already waiting at the apartment.

She had a key, but she still preferred to knock first. Only after confirming Mu Wan was not home would she let herself in.

The meal was already laid out across the table.

There was no air-conditioning in the living room, so Mu Wan dragged the standing fan over and let it blow on her while she ate dinner. Whenever Aunt Wu came over, she came only to cook. She never ate with her. So Mu Wan sat there with her own bowl, listening to the hum of the fan and Aunt Wu’s familiar repeated advice. The room was full of domestic warmth, and yet Mu Wan always felt as though something was still missing.

Aunt Wu had started on the subject of boyfriends again.

That brought Mu Wan back to her own old joke—Mu Qing had found herself someone from the Shen family, and Mu Wan would just go find someone from the Liu family to outdo her.

Now she really did like someone surnamed Liu.

But he was only surnamed Liu. He had nothing to do with any “Liu family” in the grand sense.

And besides, she still had not actually succeeded in winning him over.

At that thought, even the pork ribs in her bowl seemed to lose some of their flavor.

Liu Qianxiu had said he was having dinner with family.

How many people were in his family?

Who were they?

What did they do?

The ribs were rich with juice, and yet Mu Wan realized she still knew almost nothing about Liu Qianxiu.

Having finished her usual lecture about boyfriends, Aunt Wu changed the subject when she saw Mu Wan’s lack of enthusiasm.

“Your mother’s ten-year memorial is coming up,” she said. “Will you be doing it together with the Mu family?”

At the mention of her mother’s ten-year memorial, Mu Wan’s thoughts snapped back.

Her expression did not change. She bit into a rib and said, “No. They can mourn in their way, and I’ll mourn in mine.”

Ever since she had moved out of the Mu household, they had always held separate observances.

Even before she moved out, it had mostly been that way.

After the fifth anniversary of her mother’s death, the Mu family had almost stopped holding anything just for her at all. This time, only because it was the tenth year, they intended to make some show of it for appearances.

“The other day Mu Qing mentioned the two of you worked on a show together,” Aunt Wu said after some hesitation.

Mu Wan looked up at her, picked up a slice of lotus root, and asked, “Mm. And?”

“She said that since you trained professionally, you shouldn’t keep acting in this kind of thing. She said if you ever don’t have work, you can go to her.”

Aunt Wu watched Mu Wan’s face carefully as she said it.

“She wants me to beg her.” Mu Wan lowered her eyes and bit into the lotus root, then gave a soft laugh.

Mu Qing had never really beaten her at anything.

She had grown up feeling inferior around Mu Wan. On the surface, she liked to appear calm and detached, but beneath the surface, she showed off little by little—her boyfriend, her resources, her villa. When Mu Wan ignored her, she would simply take the initiative herself. The purpose was obvious enough: she wanted Mu Wan to lower her head and ask, so that Mu Qing’s vanity could finally feel satisfied.

She had cultivated the outer skin of a proper young lady, but underneath it all, she still carried the little-minded instincts of an ordinary small-town schemer.

What a waste of all the effort Yan Mei had put into grooming her.

Continue reading Incurable Chapter 23 Part 1

Friday, April 2, 2021

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 300

~ IF YOU DON’T MAKE A NOISE, YOU’LL BE ALL RIGHT NOW. ONE BLAST IS AMAZING! ~ 

The Grand Princess Yi De laughed. “Those martial arts I trained in the past were just fancy martial arts. Firstly, I wanted to look good, and secondly, I wanted to strengthen my body. However, there is no way to compare it with you.”

“Who said that? Royal Father often praises Royal Aunt, so you must help me give a few pointers today.” As he said this, he directed his men to move down the gifts placed in the hall. “Eldest Brother, move aside quickly. This punch and kick have no eyes. If you are injured, it would not be good.”

Anger flashed in the First Prince’s heart as he coldly snorted and retreated to the side.

The Second Prince displayed a set of fist techniques, and his lower body was very stable. He was very energetic, and every punch brought about a thunderous wind sound. His speed was as fast as the wind and as fast as lightning, which made others people be able to tell that he was extraordinary.

After this set of fist techniques was executed, the Second Prince’s face was covered in a sheen of sweat, but his eyes still brightly shone as he looked at Grand Princess Yi De. “Royal Aunt, how about my set of fist techniques?”

“It seems pretty good, but there are some places where the movement of one’s fists is not coherent. I wonder why?”

“Royal Aunt has good eyesight. Speaking of this set of fist techniques, I only saw Fourth Brother fight with this set of fist techniques once. He stayed in the Capital for a short time last time. I wanted to learn it from him, but he quickly returned to Western Guangdong. I could only recall the movements I saw last time, which why there some places are incoherent. “

Hearing the Second Prince mention the Fourth Prince, Ning Junyue, the hall atmosphere suddenly seemed to freeze.

Grand Princess Yi Deturned her head to look at the Emperor with a very stiff complexion. She couldn’t help but sigh to herself. “This Mid-Autumn Festival, did Junyue not return?”

“Why does Royal Elder Sister mention that unfilial son? He is willing to stay in western Guangdong, so let him stay in western Guangdong!” The Emperor angrily said this. For a while, the whole hall fell silent.

“I haven’t seen Junyue for several years because I don’t have time to return to the Capital. That child only comes to the Capital once a year, so I haven’t had the chance to see him for a long time. Coincidentally, this time I will be staying in the Capital for a while, so we might as well call him back. Although there are still a few months until the New Year, time often flies quickly, and in the blink of an eye, people who are in a hurry get old.”

The Emperor thought for a moment before nodding. He seemed unwilling to accept this and said, “Alright, I’ll listen to what Royal Elder Sister says.”

The Second Prince’s eyes lit up. “That would be great. When Fourth Brother returns to the Capital, I must properly consult this set of fist techniques style.” After which, he left.

Mu Yunyao sized him up, feeling that his expression was a bit happier than before. Could it be that this Second Prince had a good relationship with Yue Wang?

The Third Prince presented two of his paintings, one for the Emperor and the other for the Grand Princess.

“Not bad. I quite like this gift.”

The Third Prince’s expression was extremely docile and respectful. “As long as Royal Father and Royal Aunt like it.”

Mu Yunyao slightly lowered her eyes, and a trace of ridicule flashed extremely quickly in her eyes. This Third Prince had always been like this. No matter what he did, he would always treat everyone with extreme gentleness. But after living with him for a few years, Mu Yunyao was extremely clear that Prince Jin’s gentle and refined temperament and actions were only a form of appearance, a means to help him achieve his goal. In actuality, he was a narrow-minded person who held a deep grudge. If he is a minister, he can make good use of it and do some practical things. But if he was to be the monarch, it might bring about a disaster.

In summary, there was only one word that could describe him — hypocritical!

When the princes had all paid their respects and finished offering gifts, the Emperor waved his hand, no longer allowing the Imperial Concubines and officials to go forward. “Every year, you all deliver similar gifts. Back and forth, there are so many of them. It looks a little boring.”

The officials standing below all understood what the Emperor was planning. “Your Majesty, many women have come to the Palace banquet, especially the young ladies of the various families. If they are allowed to display their talents, then Grand Princess Yi De will be able to give them a few pointers.”

The Emperor nodded. “That’s a good idea. What do you think, Royal Elder Sister?”

The Grand Princess Yi De looked around the hall, seeing those carefully dressed young ladies. Her eyes were very calm, as if there was not a single ripple in them, “The things I learned when I was young are almost forgotten now, so I can't give pointers, but I have heard the names of many talented women in the Capital for a long time. It is quite a rare opportunity to see the names of quite a few talented girls today.”

“Alright.” The Emperor was so happy. “Is there anyone willing to be the first one to come forward?”

Su Yuyi sat beside the Eldest Madam. Her eyes flashed with excitement, “Mother?”

The Eldest Madam slightly shook her head. “Don’t be impatient.”

The Eldest Madam was able to hold her composure, but the others might not. Very soon, someone stood out.

Mu Yunyao and Zhang Wan sat side by side at the back. They watched as the first person on stage was the legitimate daughter of the head of the Imperial Academy, Zhou Yuyin. She sat with Zhang Wan before at the Su family’s banquet, so she is an acquaintance.

Zhang Wan was also surprised: “I didn’t expect that Miss Zhou would be the first one to stand up. Usually, she is pretty quiet.”

Mu Yunyao looked at Zhou Yuyin’s slightly flustered expression and couldn’t help but smile slightly. She was afraid that Miss Zhou hadn’t stood out on her own accord, but she had instead been pushed out by the two women by her side. It was nerve-wracking to do such a small act in the main hall, so her courage was really not small.

“This subject, Zhou Yuyin, whose father is the head of the Imperial Academy, is willing to play a song for the Emperor and the Grand Princess.”

“Yes.”

With the zither brought up, Zhou Yuyin calmed herself and began to play. At first, she was very nervous and even pressed the wrong string. But later, the zither’s sound gradually became smoother, and it was possible to hear that her skill was extraordinary.

After the song ended, Zhou Yuhan’s face became even paler.

Grand Princess Yi De nodded, seemingly extremely satisfied. “Not bad, I recently acquired a few palace flowers, but their color is a bit bright, just perfect for a little girl like you. Qu Mama, don’t forget to reward them to her later.”

The mama behind the Grand Princess Yi De hurriedly nodded. “Yes.”

Zhou Yuyin let out a heavy sigh of relief, kowtowing and returning to her seat.

Mu Yunyao looked at the scene in front of her and admired Grand Princess Yi De even more from the bottom of her heart. No wonder she was able to support the Emperor all the way to ascend the throne.

Just as she was thinking, she saw Su Yuyi stand up.

Mu Yunyao slightly raised the corner of her lips, her eyes filled with anticipation. She had initially thought that this young miss would wait a little longer, but she hadn’t expected that she would be so impatient. Right now, the outside of the Palace was very lively, and she had arranged for a great show to take place.

Su Yuyi, since you want to make a name for yourself, I’ll help you spread your reputation more widely. When the time comes, I hope you won’t cry!

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 300

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 299

~ PRINCE’S GIFT ~ 

The Emperor was seated in the center of the throne, but he seemed to find it inconvenient to speak to Grand Princess Yi De in this way, so he leaned on the left side: “Royal Elder Sister, look, there are a lot of girls here today, is there someone suit in your eyes?”

Grand Princess Yi De couldn’t help but chuckle. “If I had known earlier that you were tormenting yourself in such a manner, I would have definitely disagreed. Furthermore, whether they fit in or not is not something that can be seen with a single glance. It’s not easy to choose someone with great difficulty, so naturally, I want to be able to see through everything.”

“That’s only natural. In any case, Royal Elder Sister said she would stay in the Palace for a little longer, so there’s no need to rush. We can slowly choose.”

Princess Yide nodded. “All the way up here, all kinds of news can’t stop coming to me. I heard that the child who started Ni Yun Fang to spread embroidery techniques has come to the Capital?”

“Yes, I saw her a few days ago, and her personality was quite interesting. Moreover, the first time I saw her, I discovered that she bore a resemblance to the Royal Elder Sister when she was young.” The Emperor slightly nodded and then directly scanned the hall. “I’ll call people out and let Royal Elder Sister have a look.”

“There’s no need, just because of a single sentence from us, we could put her in a difficult position in the Capital. Let’s start the banquet.” If he called her out at this time, it would really be pushing her to the heart of the struggle, and it might cause some trouble.

“Alright, Xu Li, let the banquet begin.” Calling Mu Yunyao out right now wasn’t really appropriate, but those young misses would inevitably have to show their talents later. When that time came, he will call her out to see Royal Elder Sister, and it’s not conspicuous anymore.

Xu Li quickly bowed, then took two steps forward and shouted, “Mid-Autumn Festival Palace Banquet, open!”

As the voice rang out, the sound of silk bamboo suddenly rang out. Soon after, rows of palace maids came in with a variety of dishes in their hands. They arranged them one by one on the table before quickly retreating.

Mu Yunyao planned to stay outside the Palace, so she didn’t plan on making a name for herself at today’s banquet. Besides, no matter how honorable Grand Princess Yi De was, it’s still hard for her to compare with Su Qing. Thus, she was most likely to be the calmest during today’s banquet.

The dancers in front of her were moving around elegantly, and the music is pleasant to the ear. Besides, the delicacy snacks of vegetables and snacks on the table made her feel exceptionally happy. It was a pity that her mother was not by her side, causing Mu Yunyao to feel seriously regretful.

After the song and dance, the princes paid tribute to the Emperor for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Mu Yunyao swept her gaze across the princes and princesses’ seats.

The current Emperor’s heirs considered complete, which there were six sons and six daughters. The First Prince, Ning Junling, was granted the title of Ling Wang, and his mother was Noble Consort Li, the daughter of the current Prime Minister, Li Qingzhou. The Li family had a distinguished reputation, and by taking advantage of the First Prince, they had gained a lot of support in the Imperial Court. However, this time, the Jiangnan salt tax case had been exposed, causing the Li family and the First Prince to restrain themselves before the Emperor, so their expressions were no longer the arrogant expressions they had before.

The Second Prince, Ning Junyu, was granted the title of Yu Wang. His mother was Noble Consort Qi, the daughter of Qi Runian, the Marquis of Kingdom Wei. Princess Qi was a military general and had a straightforward character. Influenced by his mother and other people, Yu Wang was bold and unrestrained. He loved military duty on the battlefield and received military merits several times with his maternal ancestors because he went to the border. It made him a rather prestigious figure in the military.

However, he himself didn’t like the restriction in the Palace. Others all wished to stay in the Palace for a few more days, but he had requested the Emperor to open his residence outside. He has no intention to fight for the throne, yet the Emperor unexpectedly liked him and usually indulged him very much.

The Third Prince, Ning Junjin, was granted the title of Jin Wang, and his mother was the maids of the previous Empress. Now, she has been appointed as an Imperial Concubine and has been a favorite for many years. Although he did not have a powerful maternal family supporting him outside, he was the most popular amongst the Imperial Court. His reputation among the people is also hard for other princes to compete with him. Moreover, he has a gentle temperament. In the early years, he followed Princess Yi De for several days, so the Emperor takes a different look at him. Now that the First Prince had been ignored by the Emperor because of the Jiangnan salt tax case, so it was an excellent opportunity for him to go further.

The Fourth Prince, Ning Junyue ...

Mu Yunyao’s gaze slightly trembled. Sitting below the Third Prince were the Fifth and Sixth Princes, who had yet to reach adulthood. There was no trace of Yue Wang at all.

She already knew that Yue Wang was not favored by the Emperor and lived in Western Guangdong all year round, rarely returning to the Capital. However, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, a reunion day for thousands of families. Even if he could not return, a seat should be reserved for him in the main hall.

The First Prince had already stepped forward to offer a congratulatory gift to the Emperor. What he gave was a piece of jade ornaments. The complete jade was more than half a person’s height. It was carved into the shape of osmanthus trees and put on the red sandalwood carving shelf. The light was shining brightly.

The Emperor nodded. “Thank you.”

The First Prince seemed to be very excited and went forward to salute the Emperor respectfully. “It’s good as long as a Royal Father likes it.”

“Royal Father, look at Eldest Brother. He gave such a precious gift to you, which makes my gifts worthless.” The Second Prince, Yu Wang, stepped forward and had his men bring up a screen. “Your son saw that Royal Father has been very fond of screen embroidery these days, so he had his subordinates make one. Could you take a look if it is all right?”

The First Prince stood up and could not help but smile. “Second Brother, the screen embroidery that Royal Father likes is made by Ni Yun Fang, and the embroidery is matchless in this world. Who are you looking for to embroider this screen for?”

“Elder Brother’s words are not right. No matter how good the screen is, it doesn’t contain my filial piety towards Royal Father. Of course, Royal Father will like the screen that I sent up.” As he said that, he took off the cloth covering the screen. On the screen, there was a picture of a galloping horse. Each horse had a vigorous figure. “How about it? Isn’t it very prestigious?”

“Second Brother said that this screen contains your filial piety towards Royal Father. Could it be that the horse on this screen was embroidered by you?”

“Eldest Brother, the jade ornament that you gave Royal Father, could it be that you carved it yourself?” The Second Prince’s words were always straightforward and impolite, “Royal Father, look at Eldest Brother. I gave Royal Father a gift, and he was there to pick and choose. Besides, there are words on this screen that I personally inscribed, so why can’t it contain my filial piety to Royal Father?”

The Emperor’s brows slightly twitched as if he was unhappy about the competition between the brothers in front of him.

By his side, Grand Princess Yi De laughed softly. “I remember Junyu’s calligraphy was quite thorough. But no matter how hard he trained, he merely couldn’t find a way to do it. Is there any improvement in his calligraphy now?”

The Emperor’s expression suddenly relaxed, and a smile could not help but appear on his face. “Don’t say anymore, Royal Elder Sister. He is becoming more and more inferior with his training. Right now, I no longer hold any hope for him. It’s good if the written words can be understood by people.”

“Royal Aunt, you don’t know. I feel a headache just by looking at those words. It would be better to let me train in martial arts. I have long since heard Royal Father say that Royal Aunt also loved martial arts when she was young. Today, I will play some tricks and let Royal Aunt give me a few pointers. What do you say?”

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 299

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 298

~ FIRST MEETING WITH GRAND PRINCESS YI DE ~ 

Mu Yunyao nodded in return, “Eunuch Giu is too courteous. Are you in charge of receiving the guests here today?”

“Yes, Eunuch Li had already instructed me to pay more attention to Miss Mu. Today, there are so many people that it’s hard to avoid a collision. This servant will lead you to enter the Palace first.”

The Second Madam turned around to talk with other ladies. When she looked back, only to see a young eunuch standing next to Mu Yunyao. She was so surprised in her heart. “Yunyao, this is …”

“This is Eunuch who in charge of receiving guests.”

The Second Madam nodded: “Thank you, I’ll be troubling this Eunuch.”

“Greetings, Madam. Please come with me.” Xiao Gui lowered his head and led the way into the Palace.

The Second Madam looked at Mu Yunyao, feeling somewhat curious about her knowing the Palace’s attendant. Although she had talked with other ladies, she had split her attention to a point or two to observe the situation. After all, the surroundings filled with distinguished officials and nobles. She brought people out, so she can’t watch people accidentally happen, and she heard the words of the young eunuch just now.

Mu Yunyao slightly smiled but didn’t plan on explaining. They followed the young eunuch into the Palace.

Because of the return of the Grand Princess of Yide, the Mid Autumn Palace Banquet was set up in the main hall of Supreme Harmony Hall. There are open spaces in and in front of the hall, which can accommodate officials and family members who come to attend the Palace Banquet. There are two gardens at the back, which can be used for play and enjoy the scenery.

At this moment, there were already quite some people in the hall. Officials were arranged to be on one side, while the female relatives were settled on the other side according to their status.

After the Second Madam had taken her seat, the lady in the next her immediately turned her head and asked, “Lady Qi, why didn’t I see You’er?”

“Madame Zhao is very polite. You’er health is not good, and she fell ill a few days ago. That’s why I didn’t bring her here.”

Mu Yunyao sized up Madame Zhao. If she remembered correctly, the person in front of her was Zhang Wan’s stepmother, the Grand Scholar Zhang Zhong’s successor.

Madam Zhao looked at Su Yaxian and the others with a gentle smile on her face, “It’s surprisingly rare that Yaxian is so outstanding these days. “

Su Yaxian lowered her head in embarrassment: “Thank you for your praise, Madam.”

Madam Zhao praised Su Yajian and Su Yaling once again before shifting her gaze to Mu Yunyao. “I presume this is Miss Mu, whose name is renowned throughout the Capital.”

“Greetings, Madam Zhao.” Mu Yunyao slightly smiled as she greeted her.

“Miss Mu need not be so courteous. She is really stunning and difficult for an ordinary person to reach her.”

Mu Yunyao looked at Zhang Wan, who stood behind Madam Zhao, the corners of her lips curving into a smile. “Miss Zhang’s entire body of poetry and spirituality is the most desirable part. If I could even compare to Sister Zhang, then that would be great.”

Zhang Wan didn’t expect Mu Yunyao to talk to her, and after a moment, she finally reacted. “Little Sister Mu, what are you talked? According to father’s words, I’ve gone silly from reading.”

“Elder Sister Zhang is full of poetic and scholarly spirit. I’ve heard of your talent. If you were a man, you might be able to become a top scholar. In the future, I might have to ask for more advice from you.” Mu Yunyao’s gaze was pure, and her smile was sincere, unknowingly causing others to get closer to her.

Madam Zhao laughed. “I never thought that Wan’er would have such a good relationship with Miss Mu.”

“Elder Sister Zhang Wan has a gentle and quiet personality. When I saw her, I couldn’t help but get closer to her unconsciously, which makes Madam Zhao laugh.” Mu Yunyao sized up Madam Zhao, her thoughts turning slightly. After the death of Zhang Zhong’s wife, only Zhang Wan was left as the legitimate daughter. In order to prevent Zhang Wan from being mistreated by her stepmother, he married his wife’s cousin.

According to the rumors outside, this Madam Zhao treated Zhang Wan like her own daughter, just that the rules were quite strict. Later, Zhang Wan was forced to go back with Su Qingwu and commit suicide. Those strict rules of etiquette and rules often played a role in it.

The last time she saw this Zhang Wan, she had a pretty good impression of her. If she could raise a few points and save a life, it could be considered a good deed. Zhang Wan’s temperament was gentle. Hearing Mu Yunyao’s words, she was a little happy in her heart. “Miss Mu has just come to the Capital. We’ll have to keep in touch often from now on.” As the sound of her voice faded, she suddenly thought of Su Qingwu. A shyness flashed past her eyes, and her cheeks unconsciously flushed red. When she married into the Su family, they will see each other from time to time.

Mu Yunyao’s eyes couldn’t help but darken when she saw her expression. ‘Su Qingwu is a scholar known throughout the Capital. It was no wonder that she could be moved. It was just because of this feeling that she ended up losing her life. It’s not worth it.

Without saying a word, people have arrived gradually. There were a lot of people who came to the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet this time. Logically speaking, the main hall should have been a bit noisy, but in reality, it was the exact opposite. With so many people present, the place seemed especially quiet, and there were only occasional whispers rang out, especially near Su Yuyi. The quietness was a little over the top.

Mu Yunyao’s figure sat upright on the spot, her eyes unconsciously looking at Su Yuyi’s body. The Eldest Madam and Su Yuyi were arranged to be at the very front of the group. Su Yuyi was wearing a long dress with flowing flowers and dark clouds. Her dress was flowing with light and was as elegant as the moonlight. She was sitting at the back of the table with a candle flame shining on the side, which was made her face as beautiful as a fairy more and more crystal clear.

*There is a young lady in the north, beautiful and intelligent, unparalleled in the world. A glance at the entire city will be overwhelming, and another glance at the country will overturn it...

Mu Yunyao indifferently withdrew her gaze, the smile on her lips unconsciously deepening.

A voice rang out from outside. “The Emperor has arrived. Grand Princess Yi De has arrived!”

“Greetings, Your Majesty … Greetings, Grand Princess Yi De.”

Mu Yunyao followed everyone’s salutations. From the corner of her eyes, she only saw a corner of a palace dress slowly gliding past in front of them. The phoenix pattern embroidered on the corner of the dress was very lifelike. Just a single glance couldn’t help being amazing.

“All of you, rise.” Due to Grand Princess Yi De’s presence, the Emperor was clearly in an astonishingly good mood. As he spoke, he revealed a rare smile and said, “This day is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Grand Princess is returning to the Capital. I am so happy, so I hold a banquet with you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the day and night. You don’t have to be too polite. All of you merely take it as an ordinary feast.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

When the ceremony was over, Mu Yunyao raised her head and looked at Grand Princess Yi De, who sat next to the Emperor. She had heard of the legend of the Grand Princess countless times. In the entire Dali dynasty, no woman didn’t take the Grand Princess as a role model.

The Grand Princess Yi De has a dignified and elegant appearance with faint traces of old age. She was clad in the clothing of the Phoenix Pattern Palace. She also did not have many extravagant adornments on her body. She only used a few golden hairpins to tie up her hair meticulously. A pair of Phoenix eyes are soft and indifferent. It seems that she is absolutely calm after being washed away, but she can thoroughly understand people’s hearts.

Grand Princess Yi De looked down indifferently. Mu Yunyao seemed to be able to hear the gasps of the young ladies within the hall. They were doing their best to appear dignified and gentle. Even their smiles seemed to be calculated, not one bit less.

*Li Yannian’s “Song of a Beautiful Woman.”

Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 298