The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 141 - 140

Chapter 140

Time flew by quickly, and in just two days, it would be the hairpin ceremony for Mu Qingxuan and Mu Luofei. Originally, Mu Gongzhen and Mu Yingying intended to hold Mu Qingxuan’s hairpin ceremony alone on her fifteenth birthday.

However, Elder Mu Furen requested that both granddaughters have their ceremonies together according to tradition. Respecting their grandmother’s wishes, Mu Gongzhen and Mu Yingying postponed the ceremony until Mu Luofei’s birthday a month later, so the two could undergo the ceremony simultaneously.

Mu Luofei’s hairpin would be placed by her mother, Bai Lijun, while Mu Qingxuan’s would be placed by Elder Mu Furen, as her mother had passed away.

This event was a significant one for the Mu family, drawing much attention from the people in the capital. Once the Mu family’s two young misses completed their hairpin ceremony, it signified their transition into adulthood and their eligibility for marriage.

Consequently, many noble families interested in marriage allying with the Mu family were keenly observing the upcoming ceremony. A variety of gifts were sent as congratulations, indicating that many guests were expected at the event.

Throughout the preparation, the Mu family spared no effort in preparing for the ceremony, which would be held at their manor. When the day approached, the people from Zhuiping Residence would have to come and attend the ceremony at the Mu family manor.

Bai Lijun had summoned tailors from the renowned shop in the capital to measure her two daughters for special outfits. However, to avoid criticism, she also had her stepdaughters measured for new outfits.

While the Mu family was bustling with preparations, Zhuiping Residence remained as quiet as usual since the ceremony would be held at the Mu Manor, so there was nothing for them to do. Besides, they were confident that the event would be prepared meticulously.

That was because the event involved not only Mu Qingxuan but also Mu Luofei, a titled lady. The Mu family would undoubtedly ensure that no mistakes occurred...

Previously, on Mu Qingxuan’s birthday, the three siblings had celebrated warmly at a family gathering. Although the hairpin ceremony had not yet taken place, this celebration was enough for Mu Qingxuan, so she wasn’t particularly concerned about the upcoming ceremony.

However, while Mu Qingxuan was indifferent, Mu Gongzhen and Mu Yingying were very concerned. With the ceremony happening alongside Mu Luofei’s, comparisons were inevitable, something the two siblings were determined to avoid.

Mu Gongzhen contacted officials within his influence, sending them invitations to attend the ceremony specifically to celebrate ‘Mu Qingxuan.’

Meanwhile, Mu Yingying instructed her people to prepare numerous precious gifts to be sent to congratulate her elder sister at the event in two days.

Originally, the hairpin ceremony was held for each individual separately, making the ceremony’s host the focal point, receiving numerous gifts and blessings. However, when the ceremony was to be held for two people simultaneously, comparisons of gifts and blessings were inevitable.

Now, in the eyes of outsiders, Mu Luofei, being a titled lady, held a higher status than Mu Qingxuan, so they all valued Mu Luofei more. This might lead to noticeable comparisons during the ceremony.

But would Mu Yingying allow such a thing to happen?

If there was to be a comparison with Mu Luofei, her elder sister had to outshine her!

Late at night, on the eve of the ceremony, amidst the darkness, a shadow cautiously sneaked into the big quarters. Upon entering, the figure found someone already waiting.

"Yo...Your Grace, this is what you requested."

The maid handed over a wooden box she had smuggled out from Elder Mu Furen’s main quarters before kneeling to await further instructions.

"Were you seen by anyone?" Mu Luofei asked coldly as she took the box and opened it.

"No. The sleeping pill you gave me the other day was successfully added to the evening meal, as per your orders. Everyone in the main quarters is now in a deep sleep," the maid reported truthfully, her palms sweaty with nervousness.

Originally, she was a lowly maid working in the Elder Mu Furen’s main quarters. But the other day, she was secretly summoned by Lady Ping An and tasked with spiking the residents’ evening meal with a sleeping pill and smuggling out the hairpin that Elder Mu Furen had prepared for the eldest young miss.

The Lady promised her a substantial reward for this task, and failure to comply would result in her being sold to a brothel.

Out of fear, the maid had no choice but to comply with the Lady’s command without opposing. She successfully drugged the evening meal for everyone in the main quarters, waited for its effects to take hold, which was to make them become sleepy quicker, and then secretly retrieved the item the Lady desired.

"Good,"

Mu Luofei praised indifferently; her eyes fixed on the exquisite white jade hairpin intricately carved with floral patterns with astonishment. But that quickly turned into jealousy and disdain.

That detestable old hag had always been biased, and it was no different now!

Although she was also a granddaughter, just like Mu Qingxuan, their grandmother had always favored the three siblings over them. Even the gifts for the hairpin ceremony were markedly different.

Since Mu Luofei’s mother was to place her hairpin, Bai Lijun had prepared it, while Elder Mu Furen sent a precious emerald jade bracelet as a congratulatory gift. But compared to this white jade hairpin intended for Mu Qingxuan, it was nothing!

If Grandmother was so biased, she couldn’t blame her for being ruthless.

Mu Luofei’s eyes flashed with cold malice as she took out the white jade hairpin and smashed it in two.

The maid watched in shock, not expecting this outcome. If someone found out, she would surely be expelled from the manor!

"Mi...Miss,"

The maid stammered, but upon meeting Mu Luofei’s icy gaze, she quickly silenced herself and immediately lowered her head.

Mu Luofei emotionlessly put the broken hairpin back into the box and handed it to the maid. "Put it back where it was and keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, I have countless ways to silence you."

Her voice was so cold that it sent shivers down the maid’s spine. She hurriedly took the box and nodded frantically in fear.

"I understand. You can rest assured. I saw and heard nothing!"

Mu Luofei cast a deep, penetrating look at the maid before dismissively waving her away, signaling for her to leave.

When the maid saw this, she quickly left. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably with fear all the way back to the main quarters. Once she returned the wooden box to its original position, she hurried back to the servants’ quarters to rest.

After the maid left, Mu Luofei summoned her trusted maid and gave her an order with a ruthless voice.

"Dispose of that maid. Sell her to a brothel or as a slave, I don’t care. Just make sure she never sets foot in the capital again!" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Yes, Miss," the trusted maid responded calmly, then promptly left to carry out the orders.

Mu Luofei gazed into the darkness outside the window for a moment, her eyes chillingly darken...

Zhuiping Residence

The next morning, Mu Qingxuan woke up early to prepare for the important ceremony that was held today. As she was about to bathe and change clothes, she noticed a gift box on the table by the window.

If she recalled correctly, that table had been empty the previous night, hadn’t it?

How did this gift box get here?

Confused, Mu Qingxuan walked over to the mysterious gift box. As she got closer, she saw a small piece of paper attached. She recognized the familiar handwriting and couldn’t help but smile.

‘One of the important ceremonies for a lady, everything should be special.’

Mu Qingxuan read the message and immediately opened the box to see the gift inside. It contained a garment and valuable accessories. Her eyes softened unconsciously.

The owner of this gift box was none other than Chen Feng Yue, the current emperor!

All these times, Mu Qingxuan had often worked with the Emperor. Initially, she disliked him, but before she realized it, their relationship had grown much closer.

Mu Qingxuan closed the gift box and carried it behind the inner room’s curtain. A gift from the Emperor was undoubtedly precious.

Since he had given it to her as a gift, she was happy to accept it as well...

After bathing and dressing, Mu Qingxuan donned the attire and accessories she had received that morning. She and her trusted maid took their time getting her ready until she was finally done.

"Miss, you look absolutely stunning!"

Xiao Chun genuinely praised her mistress. Mu Qingxuan was already beautiful, but with this meticulous attire, her beauty was so radiant that it was hard to look away.

Mu Qingxuan stared at her reflection in the mirror for a long time. Her oval face was smooth and flawless, and her five features were perfectly proportioned, especially her phoenix eyes, which shone like stars in the sky.

She wore a fine silk garment that was specially woven and different from ordinary silk. The inner top was a white-pink embroidered with various flowers, and the skirt gradient from pink to white at the hem, beautifully embroidered with blooming flower patterns. The outer cloak was made of lace embroidered with gold thread, looking elegant and noble.

Her hair was half up in a bun, with the rest cascading down, revealing her shiny black locks. On either side of her head, from her temples to the bun, she wore golden hairpieces shaped like flower clusters with intricate roots, looking both simple and exquisitely beautiful.

Even Mu Qingxuan never imagined she could look this stunning!

She really had to thank these precious garments and accessories from Chen Feng Yue...

Mu Qingxuan checked her appearance one last time before joining her siblings in front of the residence. When Mu Gongzhen and Mu Yingying saw her, they were momentarily stunned by her beauty before they all boarded the carriage to travel to the Mu Manor.

During the carriage ride, Mu Yingying couldn’t stop praising her elder sister. She knew how beautiful her sister was, but she rarely dressed up. Today, in these exquisite garments and accessories, she looked like a celestial being.

Though Mu Gongzhen did not continuously voice his admiration like his youngest sister, his eyes revealed his appreciation. When he glanced at Mu Qingxuan’s attire, a strange expression flickered across his face.

If he recalled correctly, this garment was a valuable tribute sent from another region several years ago. Two months ago, the Emperor suddenly brought it out and ordered the imperial tailors to modify and enhance its beauty.

At that time, Mu Gongzhen thought the Emperor intended it as a gift for the Empress Dowager’s upcoming birthday. But seeing it today, he realized the Emperor had meant it for his sister all along...

Soon, the carriage slowed before inching forward gradually. Curious, Mu Yingying lifted the curtain to see the situation outside. She saw that the road in front of the Mu Manor was filled with carriages parked along the wall.

Mu Yingying dropped the curtain and sat back. "Let’s walk. The side gate is not far, but it would take a while to reach the main gate by carriage."

Mu Gongzhen and Mu Qingxuan agreed without hesitation. After all, Mu Qingxuan was one of the main focuses of today’s ceremony, and it wouldn’t look good if she arrived late.

After that, the three siblings walked through the side gate of the Mu Manor. The gatekeepers were slightly surprised to see them but quickly allowed them entry.

Meanwhile, guests were pouring in with numerous congratulatory gifts. Mu Cui Ming and Bai Lijun were there to greet the guests.

The husband and wife welcome the guests with bright smiles. Seeing the large turnout, especially from prominent families, they couldn’t hide their delighted expressions.

Mu Luofei, having just finished dressing, admired herself in the mirror with satisfaction. Today, she wore a specially tailored white silk garment embroidered with flowers and entwined vines. The outer robe was a sheer white trimmed with gold thread, looking elegant and radiant.

Mu Luofei now looked stunning, her beauty enhanced by her exquisite attire, making her appear as a pure, ethereal celestial maiden.

"Sister, you are so beautiful today that no one could possibly outshine you!" Mu Qin Shuang’s clear voice flattered her.

"Mother had this dress specially made for this occasion, didn’t she?" Mu Luofei smirked confidently.

Today’s hairpin ceremony had both her and Mu Qingxuan as the main focuses, and she wouldn’t allow the latter to steal the spotlight. That’s why she had suggested her mother commission a special dress from a renowned shop in the capital.

She carefully chose a few pieces of jewelry bestowed by the Empress Dowager and had her maid adorn her head slowly. Once she was fully accessorized, she looked at her reflection with satisfaction once more.

"Let’s go wait in the main hall. The ceremony will start soon," Mu Luofei said to her younger sister before leading the way out of her quarters, with Mu Qin Shuang walking beside her.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the main hall. As they stepped inside, they saw familiar figures they hadn’t seen in a long time. Mu Luofei and Mu Qin Shuang’s eyes instantly filled with hostility.

The three people they encountered sensed the unfriendly stares and turned to look at the newcomers. When their eyes met, it felt as though sparks were flying.

As Mu Luofei saw Mu Qingxuan’s beautiful face and the exquisite garments she wore, her expression froze momentarily. She had been confident in her own beauty, but upon seeing her rival, the beauty she had been so proud of seemed to pale in comparison!

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