Chapter 10: Turmoil

In the Imperial Garden.

Lin Xiuju was walking slowly, arm in arm with Consort Lin, admiring the flowers along the way.

At this moment, Mu Yibo suddenly approached, ruining the peaceful scene.

“Mother has a guest? Oh, it’s my cousin! How have you been lately?” Mu Yibo especially emphasized the phrase “how have you been?” with a peculiar tone.

“I am well. Thank you for your concern, cousin,” Lin Xiuju responded calmly.

Seeing that Lin Xiuju remained composed, Mu Yibo figured that no one had mentioned the matter to her. He secretly relaxed, thinking, “Thankfully, she’s a clever one!”

After greeting Consort Lin, Mu Yibo found an excuse to take his leave. “Mother and cousin can continue chatting, I have some matters to attend to. I’ll excuse myself for now.”

Consort Lin waved her hand with a smile, signaling for him to leave as he wished.

As they passed under a peach tree, Lin Xiuju paused for a moment. She loved the peach tree and its flowers, thinking how wonderful it would be if the blossoms didn’t wither. She felt a touch of melancholy as she contemplated the fleeting nature of life.

Consort Lin seemed to understand the young girl’s wistfulness and changed the subject. “Are you tired, my dear? Shall we return to the palace for some rest? I had the kitchen prepare your and Yibo’s favorite lotus seed soup. It tastes exactly like when you were children!”

Lin Xiuju bowed slightly. “Thank you, Auntie.”

Soon, they returned to Consort Lin’s chambers, where a servant brought in the prepared lotus seed soup.

Recently, there had been many disturbances, and Lin Xiuju had lost her appetite. However, Consort Lin, feeling thirsty, drank a bit of the soup while reminiscing about the fun times Lin Xiuju had as a child.

Not long after, as the fragrance of the soup filled the air, Consort Lin’s lips turned black, and she coughed up blood. It was clear that she had been poisoned! Lin Xiuju immediately screamed for help. “Quick, summon the Imperial Doctor! The Consort has been poisoned!”

The maid rushed to fetch the doctor, but unfortunately, it was too late. Consort Lin passed away on the spot.

The Imperial Doctor diagnosed the poison as being of an extremely lethal nature, meant to kill without leaving a chance for survival.

The Emperor was furious and immediately ordered an investigation. A maid reported that during the preparation of the soup, she had been called away for a short while, and during that time, no one was present. It was common for maids to pawn off some of the rewards they received as gifts, so it was likely during that brief moment that the poison was added.

The investigation continued for some time, and when they found the maid who had been absent, she was discovered hanging from a beam in her room. There was no evidence to confirm who had poisoned the Consort, and the case ultimately went unresolved.

On the other hand, Mu Yibo firmly believed that the Empress had orchestrated the plot to kill him, but through a twist of fate, his mother had taken the blow meant for him. The Empress knew of his daily visits to pay respects and was aware of his fondness for lotus seed soup. What puzzled him, however, was why Lin Xiuju was unharmed while his mother had died. Lin Xiuju should have been the one to die!

He vowed to kill the Empress and her son, Mu Yichen, to avenge his mother. As for Lin Xiuju, he would make sure she suffered, ruining her name and her family!

At that moment, a young servant came running, respectfully informing him, “Your Highness, in two days is the Empress’s birthday, and the palace has issued a decree to hold a birthday banquet. Do you wish to prepare a gift?”

Mu Yibo, in his rage, slammed a tea cup onto the floor, shattering it. “No!”

After a moment of thought, he suppressed his anger and, in a calm tone, said, “Take the fox fur I hunted before and make a cloak as my gift.”

“Understood!” The servant quickly withdrew.

Mu Yibo decided to prepare a “grand gift” for Lin Xiuju.

However, thinking about meeting Mu Yichen again, Xiao Jing couldn’t help but feel excited! He was the ultimate man—a man with power and wealth, and destined to become emperor! Having read so much of the book, this was finally the chance to ship a couple!

Xiao Jing was practically surrounded by pink bubbles just thinking about Mu Yichen! Anyone seeing her like this would surely think she was a little crazy!

“統子, ever since I arrived, the plot has completely changed!” The person beside her commented.

“Yes, the original plot was too bad, too dramatic. There were many holes to fill and much to add.”

“So, am I the chosen one then?”

“Pretty much!”

“Can you predict the future of the plot? Just a little hint.”

“Since you’re the variable, I can’t predict it. But the major events are unchangeable!”

“What if I want to change things?”

“Eliminated.” The cold words made Xiao Jing shiver.

---

Two days later.

In the Imperial Garden, the noble young ladies gathered in groups, gossiping amongst themselves.

Lin Wenyu had dressed up in full regalia for the occasion. After all, one couldn’t attend an event for the Empress looking casual—that would be disrespectful.

She wore a pink-and-red peach blossom silk gown, tied with an exquisite ribbon at the waist, and adorned with a matching hairpin. Her makeup was light but delicate, with a subtle peach blossom design on her cheeks, and a soft touch of lip color.

Before, she had been natural and sweet without makeup, but today she appeared elegant and dignified. She also carried a peach blossom umbrella, adding a playful touch to her otherwise refined look.

Not long after, Mu Yichen appeared. His face was smooth and pale, with sharp features exuding an aristocratic air. His deep, dark eyes glinted with charm, and his perfectly sculpted eyebrows and nose further accentuated his noble demeanor.

As Mu Yichen made his entrance, all the noble ladies and young men in the garden couldn’t help but praise the Crown Prince’s unparalleled grace and beauty.

From a distance, Xiao Jing was taken aback. “Wow, he’s even more stunning than Dan Tai Qianxian! No wonder he’s the most outstanding man in the story!”

Mu Yichen, upon seeing Lin Wenyu, was also taken aback by her beauty. Never had he seen such an exquisite woman! He couldn’t help but gaze at her a few times.

“Xiu’er, do you remember me? I’m your Crown Prince brother!” Mu Yichen said, his breath quickening.

“Of course, Crown Prince brother. We haven’t seen each other in nearly ten years since you began your martial studies. You’ve been busy with your duties after your return, but it’s been so long! It’s good to see you again!” Lin Wenyu responded with a delighted smile.

“Let me show you around; they’re too noisy.” Mu Yichen extended his hand towards her.

Lin Wenyu took a step back, avoiding his outstretched hand. “Crown Prince brother, things are different now. We shouldn’t have physical contact between men and women!”

Realizing his mistake, Mu Yichen awkwardly withdrew his hand and led the way.

“Do you remember? We used to catch butterflies and dragonflies by the lotus pond when we were little. I was frail, so you would let me ride on your shoulders to pick fruit! Hahaha!” Mu Yichen began reminiscing with joy.

“Of course, I wasn’t like other girls back then. They used to tease me, calling me a little tomboy.” Lin Wenyu said, a little embarrassed.

“Things are different now. I’ve returned from martial training, and I can fight ten of them with just one hand! If anyone dares to tease you about your childhood, I’ll beat them up!” Mu Yichen said, raising his fist.

Xiao Jing, still secretly shipping them, couldn’t contain her excitement, wearing a full “auntie smile” on her face. What could be better than watching the characters get together in real life?

Before they could continue their conversation, a few palace maids came over, saying that it was time to start the banquet.

The banquet was just like any other royal banquet—guests presented their gifts to the Empress, followed by speeches from the Emperor and Empress, and finally a meal with performances. Xiao Jing thought it was boring beyond belief.

While eating, Xiao Jing noticed a palace maid whispering something in Lin Wenyu’s ear. Lin Wenyu then followed the maid out.

Xiao Jing furrowed her brow, instinctively feeling something was wrong. She quickly followed after them!