Chapter 652: Chapter 87: Picking Consorts for the Emperor! (Must Read)

"Boss! Boss!"

"Dear, hurry up!"

Early in the morning, a plump ball ’rolled’ into the Mu Mansion. Behind him was a heavily pregnant young woman. The woman was indeed pretty and dynamic, with big, watery eyes that were especially endearing.

"Husband, slow down." The young woman shook her head helplessly, her gaze filled with love as she looked at the man ahead.

"Hehe, I’m just eager to let the boss see the good wife I’ve chosen." After Shao Fatty finished speaking, he reached out to caress his wife’s cheek.

The two entered the Mu Mansion, and not long after, Mu Qingge rushed over upon hearing the news.

Not only did she come, but Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu also followed, both curious to see what their sister’s childhood companion and confidant looked like.

Unfortunately, when they entered the flower hall, they only saw a ball excitedly rolling towards their sister.

"Boss—!" The heart-wrenching shout scared the birds in the Mu Mansion’s trees, making them flutter away.

Shao Fatty agilely rushed to Mu Qingge, intending to give her a long-overdue reunion hug, but he was stunned by her female outfit, standing still in confusion.

"Boss, looking like this, I feel awkward getting close to you." Shao Fatty nervously rubbed his hands.

Mu Qingge teased with a smile, "Over two years apart, and you’ve indeed grown increasingly round!"

"Hehe, thanks for the praise, boss!" Shao Fatty’s face instantly lit up with a smile.

"Is this boss’s friend?" Mu Yichen was dumbfounded looking at the round Shao Fatty, unable to associate him with their capable and heroic boss.

This fat man was extravagantly dressed, flaunting gold and silver, with features squeezed together on a plump face and tiny eyes like sesame beans. Clearly, he was a spendthrift!

"You can’t judge a book by its cover." Mu Xuewu was also surprised, but quietly mumbled.

"Boss, who are these two...?" Shao Fatty had long noticed Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu, always guessing their identities.

Mu Qingge naturally introduced, "Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu, my younger siblings."

"What? Boss’s siblings?" Shao Fatty looked dumbfounded.

Mu Qingge nodded and thought for a moment, explaining, "Well, the two are my father’s posthumous children."

Shao Fatty nodded, half-understanding. His greatest strength was knowing what to ask and what not to.

Suddenly, he cheerfully said to Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu, "Since you’re boss’s siblings, you’re also my siblings! If you ever need help, just come to Fatty!" He patted his chest after speaking.

Mu Qingge amusedly introduced to Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu, "This one is named Shao Yueze, also my brother. He’s slightly older than you two; feel free to call him Fatty Brother if you like."

"Hello, Fatty Brother."

"Hello, Fatty Brother."

Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu immediately replied.

"No need for formality; we’re family now." Shao Fatty patted his large belly, smiling brightly.

At this point, Mu Qingge’s gaze shifted to the quiet woman standing behind Shao Fatty, her eyes teasing, "Since we’re family now, won’t you introduce her?"

"Ah! Silly me." Shao Fatty slapped his forehead, then quickly turned to hold his wife’s hand carefully, bringing her before Mu Qingge. He laughed mischievously, "Boss, this is my wife, Shangguan Rou. She’s carrying your unborn nephew. Hehe."

"Eek! That’s no way to introduce someone." Shangguan Rou playfully scolded, then lifted her watery eyes to gaze at Mu Qingge, bowing gracefully, "Daughter of Shangguan Honglie, wife of Shao Yueze, Shangguan Rou greets the Little Lord."

Mu Qingge nodded slightly, "You’re Shangguan Honglie’s daughter?"

Shangguan Rou nodded slowly.

Mu Qingge smiled at Shao Fatty, joking, "Shao Fatty, you’re truly fortunate! You won over the treasured daughter of the Grand Scholar."

Shao Fatty immediately grew proud, "Of course! Fatty Grandmaster’s charm is unparalleled!"

"Haha!" Mu Yichen couldn’t help but laugh aloud at Fatty’s self-praise.

Shao Fatty didn’t mind, instead saying to him, "Little brother, don’t laugh. Ask your sister-in-law if she wasn’t absolutely infatuated with me, insisting on marrying me!"

"You have the nerve to say that." Shangguan Rou looked at him, annoyed, pinching his tender waist.

Immediately, Shao Fatty grimaced in pain.

Mu Qingge looked at Shangguan Rou’s belly, thought a while, then magically produced a bottle of elixir in her hand.

She handed it to Shangguan Rou and said, "This bottle contains elixir with marrow cleansing effects. Taking it will benefit the child in your womb greatly. Consider it my gift to the baby."

"Hehe, boss, I’ll gladly accept!" Shao Fatty reached out to take it.

However, before he could touch it, Shangguan Rou gently brushed his hand aside. She received the bottle with both hands, bowed politely, "Shangguan Rou thanks the Little Lord."

Mu Qingge shook her head, "Since you’re Fatty’s wife, no need for formalities with me. Just call me boss like him, and no need for bowing."

Shangguan Rou nodded slightly, "Thank you, boss."

The five chatted for a while before sitting in the flower hall. The other three, knowing Mu Qingge and Shao Fatty hadn’t seen each other for long, sensibly didn’t interrupt.

"Boss, you’ve been gone for two years. You’re unaware of how lonely I’ve been in Luodu without you. It feels cold at the top! Thinking back to the days of Luodu’s spendthrifts, now only I remain. Sigh~!" Shao Fatty suddenly lamented.

"Spendthrifts of Luodu?" Mu Yichen curiously asked.

Shangguan Rou covered her mouth, laughing lightly, "Little brother, don’t you know? Back then my husband and the Little Lord were known as the great and second spendthrifts of Luodu."

"So, my boss was the leader of Luodu’s spendthrifts?" Mu Yichen exclaimed, astonished.

Shangguan Rou nodded with a smile.

"Boss, a girl, had to pretend to be a spendthrift..." Mu Xuewu murmured, gazing at Mu Qingge with eyes filled with sympathy.

"The Little Lord was also renowned as Luodu’s number one beauty." Shangguan Rou added.

Gradually, the three started chatting too, but the topics all revolved around Mu Qingge’s past adventures.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingge and Shao Fatty’s conversation continued.

"Fatty, in two years, you’ve reached the Purple Realm; congratulations." With her current cultivation level, Mu Qingge easily noticed Shao Fatty’s strength.

Shao Fatty proudly replied, "It’s all thanks to boss!"

Some things are understood without words.

Exchanging a glance, both shared a knowing smile.

"How did you and Shangguan Rou hit it off?" Facing her good buddy, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but get curious.

Shao Fatty immediately became animated, sharing his and Shangguan Rou’s encounter—

In truth, it’s a cliched, melodramatic story.

One day, Shangguan Rou went on an outing, and while in the countryside, she encountered some clueless bandits wanting to rob and assault her. Coincidentally, Fatty passed by and, seeing the beauty maltreated, heroically unleashed his power, injuring and crippling the bandits, handing them to the authorities, saving Shangguan Rou.

Afterward, the two fell in love over time. Miss Shangguan, a person with character, surprisingly demanded her parents to marry Shao Fatty.

Thus, an apparently unsuitable marriage was arranged.

Fortunately, Fatty showed some humanity; following the wedding, he became obedient, no longer indulging recklessly, avoiding the flowery streets.

Their relationship grew sweet and blissful, envied by many.

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingge amusingly said, "Fatty, be honest, did you set eyes on Miss Shangguan, and then staged this rescue?"

"I’ve been wronged, boss! I swear to you, absolutely not!" Shao Fatty immediately raised his hand, looking sincere.

Mu Qingge burst into laughter, "I was just kidding, why so nervous?"

With a laugh, she sighed a little, "In just two years, you’re about to become a father. It seems, although I feel nothing has changed, a lot actually has."

"Not really, at least our Emperor is still unmarried." Shao Fatty said.

"Qin Jinchen is still unmarried?" Mu Qingge was surprised.

If she remembered correctly, Qin Jinchen was already twenty-seven or eight now!

Shao Fatty nodded, smacking his lips, "Not only is he unmarried, there’s not even a single woman in his harem, and none of the palace maids can climb onto his dragon bed. Boss, you wouldn’t believe how worried this has made the ministers these past two years."

"They are meddling too much, can’t handle the heap of state affairs, yet still want to meddle in whose bed Qin Jinchen is sleeping on?" Mu Qingge sneered.

Shao Fatty gave a gloating ’hehe’ and reminded Mu Qingge, "Boss, don’t forget, you’ve nearly wiped out the entire Qin Imperial Family. Now, only the current Emperor is left. If he doesn’t marry soon and doesn’t spread the Imperial lineage, when he’s gone, who will sit on the throne of Qin Country? It could easily lead to another bloody turmoil."

Mu Qingge pursed her lips in silence, her brows lightly furrowing.

Shao Fatty wasn’t wrong; without an heir, many discontented people would start having ideas. The Qin Country she wanted was a peaceful and serene place where Mu Xiong could retire without worrying about state affairs. It wasn’t meant to be a place of chaos and unrest.

"Why doesn’t Qin Jinchen marry?" Mu Qingge asked solemnly.

Shao Fatty widened his bean-like eyes in astonishment, "Boss, are you really unaware, or are you pretending to be?"

"What should I know?" Mu Qingge blinked her eyes, looking bewildered.

Shao Fatty sighed heavily and told her, "The entire nation knows that although Qin Country is ruled by the current Emperor, the real ruler is the little Lord of the Mu Mansion. Because, everyone knows His Majesty only listens to you. So, tell me, why does His Majesty only listen to you?"

"..." Mu Qingge was at a loss for words.

She never paid attention to these things, nor had she thought about it. In truth, she had spent very little time in Qin Country over these years.

"Perhaps... because what I say makes sense." Mu Qingge rubbed her chin and squinted her eyes.

Shao Fatty gave an ambiguous smile, "Boss, boss, don’t you know His Majesty is enamored with you?"

Ha?

Mu Qingge was stunned.

Qin Jinchen likes her? How could she not know?

Seeing her expression, Shao Fatty reluctantly continued to explain, "Back when I didn’t know you were a woman, I already thought His Majesty was too good to you, thinking of you in every way, even if you killed his entire family he wouldn’t blame you. Boss, do you still remember, the former Emperor was someone who ignored worldly matters and stayed away from conflicts? Yet for you, he was willing to take the throne, and thus be imprisoned within this Imperial City."

Mu Qingge’s face showed a slightly peculiar expression as she muttered, "The way you put it, it seems I’ve become a heartbreaker?"

Shao Fatty giggled, "I don’t know if you’re heartless, but I just want to say, the reason His Majesty isn’t married is eight or nine times out of ten because of you, and since he listens to you the most, why not propose he marry for the sake of Qin Country?"

Mu Qingge twitched the corner of her mouth.

Shao Fatty claimed Qin Jinchen liked her? For some reason, Mu Qingge felt uneasy all over.

"However, boss, I want to ask. Without the Holy King, would you have seen His Majesty’s true heart towards you?" Shao Fatty curiously leaned over.

Mu Qingge was stunned; if there was no Si Mo...

She smiled faintly and shook her head, "I admit that Qin Jinchen indeed caught my attention at one point. But I can assure you, there’s no possibility between him and me."

Mu Qingge stood up, hands behind her back, looking at the scenery outside the hall.

Shao Fatty followed behind her, matching her pace.

As she gazed into the distance, her thoughts immersed in the memories of her interactions with Qin Jinchen. She slowly said, "At first meeting, the look in his eyes indeed made one feel heartache, seeming fragile. But he wrapped himself up too deeply. I don’t have the patience or interest to help him break layer upon layer of that shell. My unwillingness to spend much thought on him is proof enough that I have no other feelings for him."

"Then Boss, how did the Holy King get your heart?" Shao Fatty’s little bean-like eyes shifted slyly, taking the chance to gossip. He didn’t continue probing into why Mu Qingge didn’t like Qin Jinchen, because he thought the two weren’t suited for each other anyway.

"Him?" Mu Qingge unconsciously raised her brow, a meaningful smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

The breeze passed by, stirring the golden palace bell tied at her waist, echoing a clear ring.

"Young Master!"

Suddenly, a guard from the mansion came to report, "Young Master, many ministers have come outside and wish to see you."

"Those old geezers, they’re quick to act!" Shao Fatty cursed.

He grimaced to Mu Qingge, "Boss, it seems your peaceful days are gone again. You must save some time, so we can have a proper drink together."

Mu Qingge joked, "Don’t you always have access to the Mu Mansion’s gate as you please? No need for calls like them."

Shao Fatty gave a ’hehe’ laugh, scratching his head.

"Young Master, should I see them or not?" The guard raised his head to look at Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge thought for a moment and nodded, "Since they’re at the doorstep, let’s see them." With that, she walked confidently toward outside of the mansion.

As she stepped outside, Shao Fatty also covertly followed with Mu Yichen, hiding behind the open mansion gates to peek.

"Young Master——!"

"Bow to the Young Master, wishing the Young Master peace and safety——!"

As Mu Qingge took a step out of the mansion, hundreds of officials at the foot of the stairs all kneeled down in unison.

"They actually respect the boss so much!" Mu Yichen was stunned.

Shao Fatty snorted with disdain, "What’s this? The boss is someone who can walk all over Linchuan freely without anyone daring to say a word."

Mu Yichen was shocked, his mouth agape.

"All of you, stand up." Mu Qingge stood on the platform outside the mansion gate, looking down at the hundred officials kneeling below.

However, they didn’t rise.

The official leading them raised his head and said to Mu Qingge, "The Young Master has just returned to the mansion, we shouldn’t bother you now. But, for the sake of Qin Country’s stability, we cannot help but disturb your tranquility."

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, "What is so serious that you make it sound like this?"

The official said, "This matter is somewhat difficult to speak of, but at present, we must put aside our pride and ask the Lord to intervene. It has been many years, yet His Majesty has not established an imperial harem. We... we are truly worried that the lack of an heir of the royal lineage will cause instability in the country!"

This remark made Mu Qingge glance up, and she could only roll her eyes at Shao Fatty, who just chuckled sheepishly.

Recollecting her gaze, Mu Qingge spoke with a cold expression, "Do you want me to interfere with the Emperor’s harem affairs?"

This group of ministers stammered, finally managing, "We only mean, Young Master, to urge His Majesty for the benefit of Qin Country, and the royal heirs."

"We implore the Young Master to persuade His Majesty to establish a harem!"

This multitude of official wishes made Mu Qingge lift her head, letting out a silent sigh, internally muttering: ’These days, it’s funny, they want my sister to meddle in the Emperor’s harem?’

Mu Yichen whispered with a laugh, "These officials are hilarious, having my sister manage the Emperor’s harem?"

"His Majesty has decreed, summoning the Young Master to the Imperial Palace——!"

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves was heard from a distance, followed by an authoritative voice.

Mu Qingge withdrew her gaze from the sky, her eyes sweeping over the hundred people kneeling, all of whom looked at her with expectant eyes, awaiting her nod.

The person delivering the royal summons had already reached the mansion gates, momentarily stunned upon seeing the high-ranking officials gathered there.

Yet, he quickly composed himself, dismounted, and rushed to kneel on one knee before Mu Qingge. "Little Lord, Your Majesty has learned that you returned to Luodu yesterday and wishes to invite you to the palace for a discussion."

Mu Qingge thought for a moment and said, "Very well, let’s go."

If Shao Fatty hadn’t spoken to her before, she wouldn’t have waded into these murky waters. But since everything was already coming together, she would also inquire about Qin Jinchen’s situation.

Mu Qingge entered the palace, and the officials gathered at the mansion gates dispersed.

Shao Fatty did not leave Mu Mansion but was held back by Mu Yichen, insisting he talk about his sister’s affairs.

Someone eager to hear Mu Qingge’s ’heroic deeds’ energized Shao Fatty, who returned to the flower hall to begin narrating animatedly to Mu Xuewu and her brother.

Exclamations of surprise and awe resounded now and then in the flower hall of Mu Mansion.

...

The Imperial Palace of Qin Country seemed unchanged, as Mu Qingge once again arrived here, involuntarily recalling the scene of palace upheaval.

That night, many died, but what Mu Qingge could never forget was the little princess, Qin Yilian, dying in her arms.

That pure young girl, buried as her wife.

Collecting her thoughts, Mu Qingge walked into the Imperial Study Room.

Upon entering, she immediately saw the figure reading memorials on the Dragon Chair. Two years had passed, yet he remained as handsome as an immortal from a painting. However, the years of imperial life had honed a deeper gravity into his brows.

Sensing someone entering, Qin Jinchen set down the vermillion pen and looked up.

Those eyes, which saw through worldly matters, momentarily dazed upon seeing Mu Qingge’s figure.

It wasn’t until Mu Qingge gave a gentle cough that he came back to himself, reining in his emotions.

"You’ve returned." He spoke, his tone as calm as everyday conversation.

Mu Qingge nodded and went straight to sit on a chair beside him.

Qin Jinchen descended from the Dragon Chair, personally poured Mu Qingge a cup of tea, and handed it to her. "Those ministers must have bothered you, didn’t they?"

Mu Qingge raised her eyes lightly to look at him and nodded, saying, "You’re really well-informed."

Her gaze remained calm as she looked at Qin Jinchen and asked, "Why not marry and have a child?"

Qin Jinchen’s hands paused slightly, "Since I do not love them, why keep them confined in this lonely deep palace?"

"Then who do you love?" Mu Qingge stared at him, not allowing him to evade in the slightest.

Qin Jinchen tightly compressed his lips, saying nothing.

Perhaps it was Mu Qingge’s gaze being too compelling; Qin Jinchen had to avoid it, changing the subject, "I’ve read the old duke’s letter, and hadn’t yet congratulated you on finding your younger siblings. I know you dislike mundane affairs, so I intend to appoint Mu Yichen as the Princely Heir to succeed the title of Yongning Duke in the future, also to manage the Mu Family Army. As for Mu Xuewu, how about appointing her as the County Princess of Anning?"

"Don’t sidestep the issue with me." Mu Qingge waved her hand, "These appointments, you should discuss with my grandfather. I came because your ministers are worried about your lack of an heir."

Qin Jinchen was silent for a moment before saying, "It is said that in ancient times, the king’s position could also be abdicated to a virtuous person."

"You want to emulate the ancient abdication system?" Mu Qingge laughed lightly, "You’re thinking too simply; the abdication system was phased out because it’s no longer practical. Do you believe if you appointed a stranger as Crown Prince today, someone would lead a rebellion by tomorrow?"

Qin Jinchen raised his clear eyes to look at Mu Qingge. After a while, he slowly asked, "Do you also want me to take a consort and queen?"

Mu Qingge took a deep breath and stood up, "I met Qin Yiyao in the Middle Ancient Realm."

"Yiyao!" Qin Jinchen was startled, pursing his lips to ask, "Is she well?" Now, only they two remained of the Imperial Family bloodline.

"She was once not well, but she’s quite okay now." Mu Qingge said, turning to face him. "She told me she’s let it all go."

"In that case, very well," Qin Jinchen said.

"And what about you?" Mu Qingge suddenly asked. Her eyes burned intensely as she stared at him, "Someone told me that the reason you won’t marry is because of me?"

A trace of panic flashed in Qin Jinchen’s eyes, and he avoided Mu Qingge’s gaze as if fleeing, denying, "No."

Mu Qingge nodded, "It’s best if not. Qin Jinchen, you should know, our relationship is limited to this. What I want is merely a place where my grandfather can enjoy his later years in peace. If Qin Country falls into chaos again because of you, don’t blame me for not remembering old ties."

Qin Jinchen’s body trembled, and he said nothing.

Mu Qingge looked at him and continued, "I am a ruthless person, never considering too much. My abilities are limited, and I can only protect the people I want to protect in my heart. If anyone tries to destroy all this, I will crush them without mercy. I don’t know why you are unwilling to set up a harem, but I will only tell you, if Qin Country falls into chaos because of your willfulness, you will be the first person I don’t spare."

The calmness in Qin Jinchen’s eyes shattered. He looked at Mu Qingge and saw the determination in her clear eyes.

He seemed to feel his heart being fiercely gripped, and finally, he lowered his eyes and compromised, "Fine, I’ll listen to you. Since you’re back, you can choose the candidates for my harem."

Mu Qingge frowned, "That’s the Empress’s duty."

"I don’t have an Empress yet," Qin Jinchen, this time, seemed much more justified.

Mu Qingge looked at him, then after a moment said coldly, "Have someone send the pictorial book to Mu Mansion." After speaking, she strode out of the Imperial Study Room, leaving Qin Jinchen standing alone amidst solitude.

As she walked toward the palace gate, Mu Qingge suddenly stopped and said to the empty corridor, "Master Gu, come out."

Master Gu’s figure emerged from the shadows.

He came in front of Mu Qingge, cupped his hands, and saluted, "Thank you, Little Lord, for your words today."

Mu Qingge curled her lips into a light smile, "Aren’t you here to blame me for being too ruthless and accuse me of being selfish?"

Master Gu shook his head, "Since it’s impossible, don’t leave behind any lingering thoughts. Your Majesty’s temperament is deeply ensnared in obsession and folly, and only a strong medicine can bring back a thread of hope. The strong dose you administered today, Little Lord, should make His Majesty much clearer. Perhaps, after Your Majesty opens his heart, he might encounter a confidant. Thus, I am here to thank you, Little Lord."

"Qin Jinchen is fortunate to have you by his side." Mu Qingge said this lightly and left the Imperial Palace.

...

"You don’t know, that day my boss stood on North Street, lifting that Imperial Uncle in hand, told the city’s people, you disagree, I also disagree, then directly crushed that Imperial Uncle who caused countless Mu Family Army deaths, it was so satisfying. And those people from the Le Family who came from outside were brutally beaten by the boss, even that little emperor who dared to rebel was also dealt with. He doesn’t even think, who made him emperor!" Shao Fatty spoke passionately, spittle flying everywhere.

His excitement was contagious, making Mu Yichen and the others also excited to listen.

Even Shangguan Rou, who had long known of these matters, couldn’t help but show admiration.

"The boss is amazing!" Mu Yichen muttered.

Mu Xuewu, however, sensed a different side, and softly said, "The boss was called a waste for over ten years, she endured for over ten years for the Mu Family, I really can’t imagine how she managed to get through it." Today, she learned much about Mu Qingge, and when she returns, she wants to tell her mother everything, let her mother know.

"What are you talking about?"

Just as they were engrossed in conversation, Mu Qingge’s voice suddenly interjected.

Shao Fatty looked at her and immediately ran over obediently, with a fawning expression, "Boss, you’re back? How did it go?"

Mu Qingge gave a barely perceptible nod, "I spat some stern words, played the villain once, in the end, did not disappoint anyone."

"Did His Majesty agree?" Shao Fatty asked in surprise.

Mu Qingge nodded, "Tomorrow, come to me, I have something for you to do."

"Oh." Shao Fatty nodded bewilderedly.

Mu Qingge glanced over and asked, "What were you all talking about so excitedly earlier?"

"Boss! I just can’t... oh! From now on, you’re my idol!" Mu Yichen rushed to Mu Qingge’s front, eyes blazing as he said to her.

Mu Qingge blinked and looked at Shao Fatty, asking, "What did you tell them?"

Shao Fatty laughed, "It was all about your glorious deeds, boss! But, I only know about what happened to you in Qin Country, I’m not too clear about other things. Now that we’re at ease, why don’t you tell us, boss?"

Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu looked at her with great anticipation.

Mu Qingge furrowed her brows, "There’s nothing much to tell." She really wasn’t someone skilled at storytelling.

"Alas!" Fatty Shao sighed a little, somewhat disappointed.

Mu Yichen was more easygoing, and he nudged the Fatty, "Fat Brother, since the boss doesn’t want to talk, why don’t you go on, you were saying how the Le Family people caused trouble."

"Alright! Since you all want to hear, I’ll continue." Fatty Shao immediately regained his spirit and started his animated storytelling.

Mu Qingge shook her head helplessly, walked to the side to sit down, crossed her legs, sipped tea, cracked sunflower seeds, and listened to Fatty Shao’s embellished tale.

That day, Fatty Shao stayed at the Mu Mansion, drank too much, and couldn’t leave.

Thankfully, Shangguan Rou was reasonable and didn’t make any fuss with him. After dinner, she returned home alone.

The next day, as soon as Fatty Shao woke up, he was summoned to Mu Qingge’s Chi Yun Garden.

"Boss, what are these pictures of beauties about?" Fatty Shao was shocked to see the stone table outside the courtyard piled high with scrolls, some even scattered on the ground.

The remaining drunkenness dissipated instantly.

Mu Qingge sat on a rocking chair in the courtyard and lifted her chin. "These are candidates sent from the palace for concubines, pick those that please you first."

"Why has this task of selecting concubines fallen on your shoulders?" Fatty Shao muttered as he took up a scroll and started picking slowly.

He had seen countless women, and the beauties he approved were undoubtedly exceptional.

Mu Qingge uttered a faint "hmm" and said with indifference, "Perhaps Qin Jinchen thinks that after being a wastrel for so many years, I have some knack for selecting women, so he gave me this task. However, he doesn’t know, in this aspect, you as the second wastrel of Luodu rightfully hold the first place."

Fatty Shao chuckled, proudly concentrating on his selection.

Mu Qingge basked in the sun, feeling a bit languid.

Yesterday, amid Fatty Shao’s storytelling, Mu Xuewu and Mu Yichen heard they were engaged, and their mouths gaped wide enough to fit a duck egg.

Mu Qingge couldn’t help but frown; did she really look unwanted?

However, after the surprise, the two showed great interest in the future brother-in-law. Yet, their enthusiasm was repelled by her cold demeanor.

Ahem, she never talked about her matters with Si Mo. Even Jiang Li only knew a half-truth, how could she use it as gossip?

Fatty Shao moved quickly; it only took him an hour to pick ten people from the mass of beauty scrolls.

He presented the chosen scrolls to Mu Qingge one by one, who glanced at them and said, "Send someone to secretly investigate their backgrounds, mainly to understand their true character and temperament."

"Alright." Fatty Shao nodded.

Mu Qingge added, "After the investigation, further filter them; eliminate those with complex family backgrounds, deceitful with deep schemes, and great ambitions. Send the remaining ones to the palace and let Qin Jinchen handle them himself."

"Don’t worry, boss, I will take care of this matter properly." Fatty Shao assured.

"Go ahead." Mu Qingge lifted her chin.

Fatty Shao collected the chosen scrolls and withdrew while the remaining scrolls were returned by Mu Qingge.

Having finished another task, Mu Qingge couldn’t help but stretch lazily.

Back at the Mu Mansion, she completely relaxed.

In ten days or so, she would return to the Middle Ancient Realm. By then, the High Priest there could have the outcome of the divination.

"Cold Inch, what kind of space is it?" Mu Qingge murmured softly.

In the afternoon, the decree from Qin Jinchen to appoint Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu arrived at the Mu Family, followed by a proclamation to the world. The Mu Family began preparations for a grand banquet to host guests from all directions.

Meanwhile, the news of Mu Qingge’s return to Linchuan had spread to every country in Linchuan as if with wings.

On the day the banquet began, the Mu Mansion received gifts from various countries.

Only then did Mu Yichen and Mu Xuewu clearly feel Mu Qingge’s standing in Linchuan.

Their sister seemed to be someone no one dared to provoke, not only in the Qin Country but also throughout Linchuan.

At the start of the banquet, Mu Lianrong, who had been traveling, returned to the Mu Family with her young son and Xue Qiao.

A reunion of relatives inevitably led to a touching scene.

But Mu Qingge found her clothing being tugged; looking down, she saw a chubby little dumpling at her feet, looking up with a pretty curious face.

"Xue Qingxiang?" Mu Qingge looked at him, raising her brows.

"Sister, mother says you’re amazing; if Xiang’er is naughty, you’ll spank me." Little Baozi blinked watery eyes at Mu Qingge, as if she had done something heinous.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, "Ahem, do I look like such a crude person?"

"You do!" Little Baozi nodded earnestly.

Instantly leaving Mu Qingge at a loss for words.

Her brilliant image had been ruined by her own aunt.

...

The family reunion made the days fly by quickly.

Looking ahead, Mu Qingge’s time to leave approached.

No matter the reluctance, Mu Xiong and Mu Lianrong also knew they couldn’t hinder Mu Qingge’s path forward.

The night before her departure, Mu Qingge spent time alone with Mu Xiong.

"Grandpa, do you know about the Mu Clan?" Mu Qingge asked.

Mu Xiong asked puzzled, "Mu Clan? What Mu Clan, our Mu Family?"

Mu Qingge pondered for a moment and briefly explained to Mu Xiong the matters she encountered after entering the Bitter Sea, including a series of events regarding the Mu Clan.

Mu Xiong was also incredibly shocked after listening.

Once he calmed down, he mumbled, "The fragmented scripture was just passed down from generation to generation by our ancestors. I had no idea it held such implications. But Ge’er..."

He looked at Mu Qingge worriedly, "This burden isn’t light; grandpa hopes you won’t get involved in any Mu Clan conflicts. It’s been over ten thousand years; we descendants have long forgotten the grudges from those millennia past. I don’t want you caught up in those ancient feuds."

"Grandpa, if I could avoid it, why would I jump into this mess?" Mu Qingge shook her head with a bitter smile. "With the current situation, even if I don’t fight for anything, I’d still be drawn in. After all, I was tricked by the ancestors of the Mu Family."

"Alas! It’s my fault, shouldn’t have given you that fragmented scripture." Mu Xiong sighed regretfully.

Mu Qingge consoled, "Grandpa, you don’t have to be too concerned; you didn’t know it would lead to these issues and were merely following ancestral instructions. Besides, even if you hadn’t given it to me, it doesn’t mean these things wouldn’t occur." She knew well that as the Divine Strategy was something the Young Master of the Mu Clan must acquire, people would inevitably find their way to Mu Xiong to seek the Fragmented Scripture. In that case, it was better for her to have acquired it early and actively strive for it.

Mu Xiong sighed several times, his face full of worry.

Mu Qingge reassured, "Grandpa, you needn’t worry too much, I shouldn’t have told you."

Mu Xiong glared at her, "Who else could you talk to if not me? Child, you’ve always kept everything to yourself, bearing every burden alone, never explaining even when misunderstood. Grandpa feels heartache, do you understand?"

Mu Qingge was left speechless.

For Mu Xiong’s words not only described her but also the genuine Mu Qingge.

"Ge’er, let me ask you. Those who approached you and consider you the Young Master and even assigned servants to you don’t know you’re actually female, right?" Mu Xiong suddenly asked.

Mu Qingge nodded, "Earlier, uncertain of their intentions, I didn’t clarify."

"Alright, if you tell them you’re female, would they stop pestering you? Look for someone else instead? Didn’t you say there are other candidates? Whoever wants to fulfill the ancestor’s wish from ten thousand years ago can do so, but my granddaughter won’t be part of it." Mu Xiong said.

Mu Qingge felt a warmth in her heart; Mu Xiong’s concern filled her with strength. She said to Mu Xiong, "The issue is, I’ve already integrated the Divine Strategy, and it was peculiar. To clarify it, I must obtain the remaining two scrolls. This inevitably leads to conflict with others, so the matter isn’t about whether I become the Mu Clan’s Young Master."

"Ge’er, grandpa suddenly feels quite useless." Mu Xiong said emotionally.