The Beloved Imperial Consort

Chapter 2

Qingzhou. Prefect Mu's residence.

The warm sunlight of the early spring made its way through layer upon layer of branches and leaves and sprinkled on light yellow muslin pleated skirt. Mu Xiyao comfortably squinted her eyes. A dark red embroidered blanket was softly wrapped around her lap and a faint grass fragrance lingered around the courtyard. She lied on the side, with her arm lifted and propped on the couch bed. Beside her was the chief maidservant Huilan, who was peeling a fragrant fruit. Its meat was slightly sweet upon consumption. It was tender and juicy, very delicious.

It's already been two days since her 'recovery from illness'. During this time, Xiyao easily familiarized herself with the former owner's nature and habits. She actually felt contempt for not being dainty enough, beautiful enough and ~seductive enough. The recovered Xiyao intentionally made herself seem more sticky to people, and more charming.

Lady Yu was distressed about the illness-weakened body of her darling daughter. She meticulously instructed to second miss's two chief-maidservants to properly attend to their miss's needs. If there was something she liked or wanted, they should just fetch it for her. Her needleworks and homeworks as well as her morning greetings were to be put aside for half a month, so she could have a proper rest. The breakfast may be consumed in her own quarters, but for lunch and dinner she had to go to main house.

Mu Xiyao's elder sister Mu Xicheng was at a young age engaged to Liang Youzhao, who was di son of Liang Bowen, the member of Imperial Academy. Usually she was seen doing needlework at home. In the afternoon, she went to Lady Yu's place to learn managing household and to watch how she was making arrangements with housekeeper. Therefore, she didn't visit Mu Xiyao's Yingshuei Pavilion often.

Since eldest brother Mu Jingzhi started his education at the age of three, he had been fond of martial arts and loathed literature. No matter how his father, Mu Jingzhen reprimanded or whipped him, he still had no interest in participating in imperial examination. Instead, he wished to enter the army. He looked forward to achieving accomplishments in battlefield in order to protect his clansmen and to repay his parents the gratitude of raising him. As twelve years old, he left home and joined the army. Five years have passed. He became seventh ranking lieutenant captain. He was away all year round. He can only make it home at Lunar New Year, to reunite with family.

When Mu Jinzhi left home, Xiyao was still a tiny, smart and obedient child. She was a little chubby ball, fair and delicate. Her big eyes were constantly blinking at you. Once she thrown herself onto her elder brother and climbed onto him, there was no chance of getting her down. She was frequently following her elder brother, calling him, 'Big brother, big brother.' The soft child's voice had his heart flutter. Those vivid and trustful eyes made him spoil her rotten.

Every time he came back home, there was for sure a large chest stuffed with interesting and funny objects. They were specifically prepared for Mu Xiyao. So far, they consisted of beautiful clothes, powders, ceramics, kites and dolls. On every Lunar New Year and her birthday, these things were bound to be delivered ahead of time. He never failed to forget about it.

Mu Xiyao lightly caressed the blanket on her lap. She looked to be laid-back and nonchalant, but her brain had not stopped thinking for a moment. There will be an early selection two years from now. When the time comes, there will be no way for her to avoid it. She wasn't confident enough to deceive a monarch with her tricks. Even though the ancients couldn't measure up to later generations with their extensive common knowledge and broadened horizons, but it didn't have to mean that they were stupid. It would only serve her right to fall on hard times if she underrated these old geezers. Moreover, she had parents and siblings; the life of the whole household couldn't come to harm because of her, Mu Xiyao. Besides, the remnant soul's deep-rooted persistence must be settled as soon as possible in order to avoid it affecting her identity.