Harem Daily Life

Although Shu Cairen thought she had the leverage over the Empress Dowager, how to use it became a headache for her.

She thought for a long time and said, "We need to plan this matter carefully and not act rashly." She glanced at the three palace maids who served her and threatened, "If anyone leaks the news and implicates me, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Xiao Tang, Xiao Xin and Xiao Lan all expressed their loyalty immediately. How could they dare to tell anyone about it, because that was the Queen Mother!

Because of this handle, Shu Cairen's anger that she had suffered for many days finally dissipated a little, and she finally had the mood to go out for a walk and appreciate the scenery of the palace.

The weather gradually became warmer in May, and Tao Yanyan often took the children to play outdoors. If the empress dowager came, Mu Yu would usually follow her. If the empress dowager did not show up, Mu Yu would often not show up either.

Tao Yanyan could only turn a blind eye to the two's situation, occasionally watching the show. However, she knew in her heart that this couple was likely to fail, so she cherished it very much as long as she could.

One day, Shu Cairen was strolling in the garden when she happened to run into Tao Yanyan and her children. Shu Cairen's eyes rolled, and she stepped forward with a fake smile and greeted them, "It's been a while since I last saw the Empress. You seem to be in good spirits."

Tao Yanyan's smile didn't reach her eyes, but she still responded with due courtesy and didn't say anything else. She thought Shu Cairen would leave after saying hello, but she didn't expect Shu Cairen to not only stay, but also ramble on and on, finally, intentionally or unintentionally, leading the topic to the Queen Mother and Mu Yu.

Tao Yanyan remained calm, leaving Shuang'er and the others to watch the child while he walked into a pavilion. Shu Cairen naturally followed quickly, as her goal for the day had not yet been achieved.

Qingfeng poured tea for the two of them. Shu Cairen took a sip and said, "This Island Master Mu has been living in the palace for almost a month. Isn't he worried that his wife at home will miss him? But I heard that Island Master Mu has been widowed for many years. I wonder if he has remarried yet?"

Shu Cairen just wanted to sound out Tao Yanyan indirectly, and gradually reveal the evidence she had to Tao Yanyan. If there was to be a fuss, it would be Tao Yanyan who would take the lead, and she would be able to remain invisible perfectly.

However, Tao Yanyan was such a smart man that he understood her intention instantly, but he remained calm and pretended to be stupid.

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "How can we, as outsiders, know too much about Island Master Mu's affairs? But if you, Shu Cairen, are curious, you might as well ask Island Master Mu in person."

Shu Cairen was somewhat unwilling to give in, and asked a few more questions in a roundabout way, but Tao Yanyan continued to practice Tai Chi.

At this time, the Queen Mother and Mu Yu approached from a distance. Shu Cairen's eyes lit up, thinking this was a good opportunity. Just as she was about to step forward, Tao Yanyan grabbed her and said softly, "Shu Cairen, it's better not to get involved in some things. Island Master Mu is in charge of the entire Penglai Island. You usually speak aggressively. If you provoke him, His Majesty won't be able to save you."

Shu Cairen ignored her kind words, shook off her hand, and walked towards the Queen Mother and Mu Yu.

She took a few steps forward and said sarcastically, "Oh, Island Master Mu is taking the Queen Mother out for a walk. What a leisurely time."

The Queen Mother sensed that Shu Cairen's tone was not good, and her expression changed slightly. She said, "I haven't seen you for a long time. How have you been reflecting on yourself recently?"

When the thought of self-reflection was brought up, Shu Cairen became even more furious. She sneered, "Thanks to the Empress Dowager's teachings, who ordered me to reflect on my mistakes behind closed doors, I was able to meditate quietly for many days and finally figured out some things."

The empress dowager raised her eyebrows and said, "Since you have thought it through, then just behave yourself in the future and don't do anything embarrassing again." After saying that, the empress dowager wanted to go around her to see the children, but Shu Cairen blocked her way and wouldn't let her go.

"What? Do you have something else to say?" The Queen Mother was a little impatient. She no longer had any patience for this niece.

Shu Cairen naturally noticed the Queen Mother's bad expression. She glanced at Mu Yu and said, "Come to think of it, Island Master Mu has been in this palace for so long. Why doesn't your wife at home urge you to go back?"

Mu Yu frowned: "I have been widowed for many years and have not remarried."

Shu Cairen smiled and said, "I see. However, this palace belongs to the royal family after all. It's fine for Island Master Mu to stay for a while, but if you stay there forever..." She glanced at the Queen Mother and said, "If you stay there forever, people will inevitably speculate that Island Master Mu... has other intentions."

The Queen Mother's eyes turned cold. Mu Yu was stunned for a moment, but he quickly calmed down. "I live here with the consent of the owner. When did you need a concubine like you to chase me away? Even if you want me to leave, you have to ask the master to ask. Don't you take yourself too seriously, Shu Cairen?"

Shu Cairen was out of favor. Even if she was a concubine, she was still a member of the royal family. But what was Mu Yu? At most, he was just an ordinary citizen who tried every means to get close to the queen mother with ulterior motives.

"Master Mu, you actually spoke to the concubine in such a tone, don't you want to live?"

"How dare you!" the Queen Mother shouted angrily, "Ms. Shu, be careful with your words and put away your high and mighty airs. Master Mu is a guest from afar, so you must show respect, understand?"

Shu Cairen laughed sarcastically: "Why does the Queen Mother pretend to be ignorant? Do you really think that you can hide the things between you and Island Master Mu from everyone?" She did not dare to speak loudly and only dared to say it in the Queen Mother's ear, but Mu Yu and Eunuch Qin were standing close and heard it.

Eunuch Qin's eyes flashed with panic, but he quickly regained his composure and sneered, "Shu Cairen, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say anything you want. Slandering the Queen Mother will not end well. I hope Shu Cairen will take care of herself."

Shu Cairen was about to speak when Tao Yanyan suddenly stepped forward and stopped her. "Shu Cairen, stop talking nonsense, or I'll be rude to you." She couldn't figure out if Shu Cairen had gotten her head stuck in the door. What good would exposing the Queen Mother and Mu Yu do to her? Or was Shu Cairen simply jealous of others' well-being and wanted to sabotage them? Did she find it more satisfying to do things that harmed others and benefited herself?

Shu Cairen pushed Tao Yan and said, "Queen, please move aside. You are timid and afraid of trouble, but I am not. Today, I will sacrifice my own family for the sake of justice and expose the Queen Mother's true face!"

Tao Yanyan was really drunk and pushed Shu Cairen: "I advise you to think twice before you act, so as not to get yourself into trouble."

Neither of them gave in, and the empress dowager looked at Queen Tao with a somewhat obscure look.

"Okay, there are too many people here, and you two are pushing and shoving each other, which is really ugly. Queen, please move aside. I want to hear what true face of mine this Concubine Shu wants to reveal?" The Queen Mother gave Tao Yanyan a look that said "don't worry". Tao Yanyan had no choice but to let go of Concubine Shu, took a step back, and stood aside. At the same time, he waved his hand and asked Qingfeng to tell everyone to disperse and not to eavesdrop on the masters' conversation.