The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 126 - 125

Chapter 125

Mu Manor

As dawn broke, the warm sunlight illuminated the entire capital, bringing warmth to many people before the cold winds would arrive in a few months. The servants of the Mu family woke early to begin their day’s work, as they always did, while the masters of each quarter continued with their daily routines.

However, just as the Mu manor was enveloped in peaceful tranquility, a carriage from the royal palace arrived at the front gate. The visitor was none other than Eunuch Hao, the Empress Dowager’s close eunuch, who came bearing an imperial decree directly from the Empress Dowager.

Upon receiving the news, Mu Cui Ming immediately changed into more appropriate attire and ordered everyone in the family to gather in the main hall to receive the decree.

Eunuch Hao’s visit caused quite a commotion within the Mu manor. The concubines and young misses of the Mu family were all flustered and nervous as they gathered to receive the decree. Even Elder Mu Furen could not help but be shocked by the visit of such a high-ranking guest.

Before long, the entire Mu family was assembled in the main hall. Seeing that everyone was present, Mu Cui Ming turned to the Empress Dowager’s trusted eunuch with a smile.

“The members of the Mu family are all present. I apologize for keeping Eunuch Hao waiting.”

“You said too harshly, Master Mu,”

The eunuch replied, not taking offense. He glanced over the people before him and spoke with an ambiguous smile.

“It’s a pity that the Left Side Chancellor, your eldest son, has moved to Zhuiping Residence. I won’t have the chance to see him today.”

Mu Cui Ming did not reply, merely smiling in acknowledgment. Others might know only that his eldest son had moved to the Zhuiping Residence granted by His Majesty. Only he, as the father, knew that they had formally separated the family!

Seeing that the Mu family members was all present, the Empress Dowager’s eunuch took out the imperial decree and opened it, announcing in a shrill voice:

“Members of the Mu family, receive the imperial decree!”

At the sound of the eunuch’s announcement, all members of the Mu family immediately knelt down to receive the decree.

"The Empress Dowager issues an imperial decree: Due to the great merits demonstrated by the second young miss of the Mu family in saving the Empress Dowager during the assassination attempt at Tai Lin Temple, Mu Luofei shall be conferred the noble title of Lady with the honorary name Ping An!”

"In recognition of the good deeds performed by Lady Ping An, the Empress Dowager also decrees that Bai Lijun, Mu Furen, shall be granted the title of Second Rank Lady, and commends her for raising a virtuous and benevolent daughter like Lady Ping An!

"In three days, Lady Ping An and Mu Furen shall return to the Mu Manor. The Mu family is expected to prepare a reception befitting the honor bestowed by the Empress Dowager. Thus ends the decree..."

The eunuch’s announcement was like a thunderbolt struck on the heads of the crowd, leaving everyone in the Mu family stunned, gaping in silence. They were bewildered as to how those who were supposed to be repenting in a rural temple had suddenly become the Lady and the Second Rank Lady today.

Even if there were misunderstandings or errors, who would dare question an imperial decree from the superior?...

"Master Mu, this is a tremendous honor for the Mu family. Shouldn’t you promptly lead your family in accepting the decree and expressing gratitude to the Empress Dowager?"

Eunuch Hao reminded Mu Cui Ming with a smile, pulling him out of his daze. As soon as Mu Cui Ming regained his composure, he immediately bowed to accept the decree, followed by the rest of the Mu family.

"We thank the Empress Dowager for her mercy. May Her Majesty live long and prosper."

"This time, the Mu family has encountered two pieces of good fortune simultaneously. If the Mu family decides to host any celebration, do inform the royal palace. The Empress Dowager has stated she will send representatives to join the banquet..." Eunuch Hao leaned in and whispered to Mu Cui Ming before stepping back, acting as if nothing had happened.

Upon hearing this, Mu Cui Ming’s eyes lit up. He quickly retrieved a prepared money pouch and handed it to the eunuch as was customary, then personally escorted the people from the royal palace to the gate of the manor.

After the honored guest had departed, the Mu family members all wore troubled expressions, including Elder Mu Furen, whose face was now notably more somber.

"Mother..."

Before Xie Yang could finish her sentence, Elder Mu Furen raised her hand to stop her and said, "We’ll discuss this inside."

"Yes, Mother."

Xie Yang, along with the other family members, followed Elder Mu Furen back to the inner hall, all maintaining a subdued demeanor. Once everyone was seated, the atmosphere in the room became tense and heavy with pressure.

Each person bowed their head, contemplating the unfolding events with a mix of confusion and alarm. No one dared to speak until Mu Cui Ming, who had gone to see off the guest, returned to the hall.

While many people wore worried expressions, Mu Cui Ming was the only one visibly elated. His eyes gleamed with delight, and the somber look he had carried from recent troubles had completely vanished.

After facing numerous unfavorable situations for a long time, the Mu family finally had something to celebrate!

"What do you plan to do?" Elder Mu Furen asked sternly, narrowing her eyes at her son with a profound look.

"Of course, we’ll follow the imperial decree just as it was announced, Mother,"

Mu Cui Ming replied cheerfully. He paused for a moment, contemplating something, before continuing, "Now that one member of our Mu family has been granted the title of a Lady and another has been appointed as a Second Rank Lady, this is indeed a joyous occasion we haven’t seen in years."

"This is an imperial decree from the Empress Dowager, which means Bai Lijun and Mu Luofei have become the Empress Dowager’s people. We must prepare to welcome them back properly; otherwise, we might displease the Empress Dowager,"

Mu Cui Ming continued excitedly. The people in the room, however, could only listen with bitter expressions. Even Elder Mu Furen looked gloomy, her eyes gradually growing dimmer.

"Right! Let’s take this opportunity to redecorate the entire residence. We should also refurbish Bai Lijun and her children’s quarters to befit their new status. If they are pleased, it will surely please the Empress Dowager as well."

"Eunuch Hao also told me that if we host a banquet, we should inform the royal palace. The Empress Dowager would send her representatives to attend the banquet personally. This would grant our Mu family the highest honor from the Empress Dowager, something even many major noble families might not receive."

"What a delightful event this is!"

The more Mu Cui Ming thought about the honor and prestige the Mu family would receive in the future, the more his eyes sparkled. His heart was filled with happiness and excitement, imagining the praises from people and the envy of other officials when they learned how much honor the Empress Dowager had bestowed upon the Mu family...

"Enough!"

Elder Mu Furen, who had been enduring her son’s jubilant words and excitement for a while, could no longer bear it. She shouted sternly, bringing the room back to silence.

It was as if Mu Cui Ming suddenly realized he was the only one rejoicing. He glanced around at his family members, who all looked distressed, in stark contrast to his own joy. His brows furrowed deeply. When he met his mother’s gaze, his frown deepened.

Despite the happy news, why was no one else sharing his joy?

"Do you really intend to bring Bai Lijun back?"

Elder Mu Furen asked seriously. If it were just Mu Luofei and Mu Qin Shuang, her granddaughters, returning, it would be one thing. After all, they were her granddaughters, and the events that happened were not their fault. They had simply been unlucky and had to accompany their mother to recover in the countryside temple.

When she heard the imperial decree announcing her granddaughter’s appointment as Lady Ping An, Elder Mu Furen was just as pleased. However, upon learning that Bai Lijun was also returning to the manor with the title of Second Rank Lady,

All her joy was instantly replaced with discomfort and reluctance!

Because of Bai Lijun’s vile nature and evil actions, Elder Mu Furen had exiled her to a countryside temple as punishment. But now, Bai Lijun was returning to the manor as a principal wife, armed with the title of Second Rank Lady, which would protect her and grant her authority even Elder Mu Furen would struggle to challenge in the future.

Even when Bai Lijun had no title backing, merely holding the status of the principal wife, she was difficult to deal with. Now, with the Empress Dowager’s support, wouldn’t she be able to do whatever she pleased without fear of anyone?

The more Elder Mu Furen thought about this possibility, the more worried she became. The Mu family was already split in two; if Bai Lijun returned to disturb the fragile peace, how could she, an old woman, uphold the family’s stability?...

"What do you mean, Mother? The Empress Dowager has issued a decree. If we don’t comply, it would be defying imperial decree, punishable by death!"

Mu Cui Ming reminded his mother, frowning. He knew well that his mother harbored great prejudice against Bai Lijun, but this was no time for personal grudges. He couldn’t let his mother ruin such a joyous occasion.

"I know we cannot defy the imperial decree, but don’t forget the reason we exiled her years ago. She was wicked then, and if we let her return, the Mu family will surely be thrown into turmoil," the Elder Furen countered, reminding her son of past events. But Mu Cui Ming was uninterested.

"So what, Mother? That was years ago. Perhaps she has changed during this time. Otherwise, why would the Empress Dowager bestow such a title upon her? Moreover, you should let go of your prejudice. She is no longer just Bai Lijun but a Second Rank Lady with a higher status than you."

Hearing this, Elder Mu Furen had no counterargument. She couldn’t believe someone like Bai Lijun could reform; her wickedness seemed ingrained in her bones.

But what could she do?

This was an imperial decree from the Empress Dowager. How could she, a commoner, muster the courage to defy it? 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Elder Mu Furen suddenly felt as though she had aged ten years. She realized she had neither the strength nor the ability to oppose Bai Lijun in the future.

It was fortunate that Ying’er and her grandchildren from her late daughter-in-law had already separated from the main household. When Bai Lijun returned, at least she could find some solace in knowing Bai Lijun would not dare harm her three grandchildren.

The remaining ones to protect were the three young grandchildren still living in the Mu household, ensuring they wouldn’t face mistreatment like in the past...

"Since Mother has no further objections, it means everyone understands the situation,"

Mu Cui Ming said loudly, noticing his mother’s silence. Everyone else in the room lowered their heads, not daring to oppose or refute anything.

Even Elder Mu Furen couldn’t do anything, so how could they say anything?...

"Then I will go and make arrangements regarding the renovations in the study. Mother, please handle the rest," Mu Cui Ming said cheerfully and promptly left.

Once only the women and children were left in the room, Xie Yang spoke softly, "Mother...what should I do?"

"Send people to clean and prepare Bai Lijun and Mu Qin Shuang’s quarters properly. Don’t do anything inappropriate, as the Empress Dowager is watching closely,"

Elder Mu Furen instructed in a flat voice, reminding her not to bring trouble upon herself. Xie Yang accepted the orders willingly, not needing the reminder to avoid trouble. Xie Yang wasn’t a fool after all.

"And what about the Second Young Miss’s quarters?" Xie Yang asked, glancing at Mu Jie.

Not long ago, Elder Mu Furen had given Mu Luofei’s quarters to Mu Jie, creating a problem now as to which quarters Lady Ping An would live in.

Hearing this, Mu Jie turned to her grandmother and said softly, her face showing fear, "Gr...Grandmother, I can move back to my old place so that Second Sister can have her quarters back."

"It’s alright. Don’t worry, Jie’er," the Elder Furen reassured her granddaughter while contemplating the solution.

Mu Luofei’s quarters now belonged to Mu Jie, and she couldn’t order Mu Jie to return to the small, old quarters. The only other large quarters left was Ying’er’s, which had been renovated and decorated till it was the most beautiful quarters in the Mu manor.

Initially, Elder Mu Furen had intended to keep that quarters for Ying’er to rest in when visiting, but now it seemed she had no choice but to give it to Mu Luofei.

Now that Mu Luofei was Lady Ping An, only Ying’er’s old quarters would be grand and beautiful enough to befit her new status.

"Send people to redecorate Ying’er’s quarters. If there are any additions needed, send someone to report to me first. I will handle it myself,"

Elder Mu Furen, having made her decision, immediately instructed Xie Yang. Not only Xie Yang, but everyone else in the room, including Mu Jie, was quite surprised. Everyone knew how dearly Elder Mu Furen loved Mu Yingying, her favorite granddaughter.

However, due to the current situation, Elder Mu Furen was even willing to give Mu Yingying’s quarters to Mu Luofei. It seemed that the return of the three women would change everything within the Mu manor completely.

"Should I send someone to notify those in the Zhuiping Residence first?"

"No need, I’ll handle it myself."

Elder Mu Furen shook her head. She would write the letter to inform those at Zhuiping Residence herself. Since she was the one giving away Ying’er’s quarters to Mu Luofei, she would explain it personally.

After concluding the discussion, Elder Mu Furen ordered everyone to return to their respective residences. Xie Yang, who had been given the important task, quickly gathered the servants to clean and prepare the quarters, while Mu Cui Ming urgently contacted skilled craftsmen to complete the renovations of the manor within three days.

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