The legitimate daughter returns, and everyone in the Marquis's mansion regrets and begs for for

Old Madam Su always felt guilty towards Su Muya. She did not ask Su Muya to live a life of wealth and glory, but only hoped that Su Muya could live out the rest of her life in peace and health.

Sensing the grief of Old Madam Su, Su Muya felt sorry for her and agreed. It was already late when Su Muya left Old Madam Su's place. She went back to her room to wash and dress, changing into a light blue dress and applying exquisite makeup. She took a carriage to the entrance of the Su residence; she was going to the palace!

The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Su residence. The guards checked her waist tag to confirm her identity and then led her into a pavilion in the inner courtyard of the Su residence to await the arrival of the imperial decree.

As night fell, the dark sky was dotted with stars, and the bright moonlight bathed the earth in a silvery glow, draping the entire capital city in a layer of light. In the distance, the faint sounds of drums and horns could be heard, leading Su Muya to guess that the imperial edict must be arriving soon.

Sure enough, not long after, a magnificent horse galloped in, shattering the moonlight.

Su Muya's heart pounded wildly as she looked at the knight's attire on the horse.

The newcomer wore a black brocade robe and a golden crown. His features were exceptionally handsome, his eyes were like cold pools and ancient wells, and his cold and aloof face exuded a distant and icy aura. He emanated a strong and suffocating pressure.

This man was none other than Mu Ting, the Prince of Zhenbei of Dongli Kingdom!

Dressed in a dark green python robe and deerskin boots, Mu Ting exuded a chilling aura, like a demon god, as he coldly and calmly approached the pavilion.

When Su Muya saw him, her heart pounded like a drum, and her delicate body trembled uncontrollably. She held her breath nervously, hoping that Mu Ting would notice her, even if it was just a fleeting glance.

Mu Ting dismounted and walked straight to the stone bench. He sat down without saying a word, elegantly crossing his long legs and sipping his tea.

Su Muya looked at the Prince of Zhenbei sitting in front of her, her eyes fixed on Mu Ting with fascination. The more she looked at him, the more she felt that the Prince of Zhenbei was dignified, elegant, and handsome. Her heart was pounding wildly, as if it would jump out of her chest at any moment. She was excited and thrilled!

"Your Highness, what brings you here? Did the Emperor send you to read out the imperial decree of marriage?" Su Muya asked eagerly, suppressing her pounding heart.

She was a bold and passionate girl to begin with, and with her need for the Prince of Zhenbei's help, she became even more unrestrained. Disregarding her image, she stood up and walked step by step toward the Prince of Zhenbei.

The closer she got to the Prince of Zhenbei, the more excited she became. Mu Ting was simply too handsome, so dashing, exuding an aura of dominance in every gesture; he was practically the dream lover of every girl in the world!

Mu Ting put down his teacup, his deep phoenix eyes sweeping over the room with a slight frown. This woman was so annoying; he disliked noisy women. He didn't understand why this woman kept staring at him. Did she secretly have feelings for him?

A surge of anger suddenly welled up in Mu Ting's heart. These women, except for Su Muxue, were all lowly servants who had fallen at his feet. He looked at these women as if they were roadside weeds, and he had no interest in them at all.

Su Muya was only a meter away from Mu Ting when Mu Ting suddenly slammed his hand on the table and coldly shouted, "Step back!"

The slap terrified Su Muya. She stood there stunned for a moment before slowly moving her body. She looked at Mu Ting in bewilderment. What was wrong with this man? Was he sent by the Emperor to read the imperial decree of marriage? Why was he so fierce?

Su Muya felt extremely wronged, but she dared not show it. After all, she had no choice but to bow her head under someone else's roof. She could only grit her teeth and endure it, not daring to get any closer to Mu Ting.

At this moment, a maid stepped forward and announced, "Your Highness, the imperial edict has arrived!"

"Send word—" Mu Ting parted his thin lips slightly, uttering a single word that immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Welcome the imperial edict! Long live the Emperor!" Su Muya knelt down and bowed respectfully, appearing obedient and sensible.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have heard that Princess Dexian is virtuous and kind, and a perfect match for me... I hereby bestow upon Princess Dexian the title of Princess of Ningyang County, and order her to enter the palace for an audience immediately. This is the imperial decree!" After reading the decree, the nanny handed Su Muya a finely embroidered jade pendant.

Su Muya accepted the jade pendant, tears streaming down her face. She had actually become the Princess of Ningyang County! She had finally made it through!

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness." Su Muya bowed deeply.

She's now a county princess, a level above her half-sister Su Muxue. Although she's only a concubine, one favor from the Emperor is enough for her to live a life of luxury. Su Muya thought smugly.

At this moment, Old Madam Su rushed in with her maids and servants. She looked at Su Muya with a worried expression and said, "Muya, what's going on? Why would the Emperor issue an edict to bestow upon you the title of Princess of Ningyang? Is there some mistake? Don't be confused! Quickly apologize to His Majesty and say that you lied to him. Don't be foolish enough to accept the reward!"

"Grandma, it's true, the imperial decree is real, His Majesty dotes on me!" Su Muya said with pride and smugness.

Upon hearing Su Muya's words, Old Madam Su finally felt relieved. "So that's how it is! It's truly a stroke of good luck!" She excitedly grabbed Su Muya's hand. "My child, why didn't you say so sooner? I could have made some preparations."

"I just woke up, and my head is still spinning. I can't remember anything clearly, so I forgot to tell Grandma," Su Muya explained with a shy smile.

"Good child! Quickly, go change into a nice dress and come to the palace with me!" Old Madam Su urged repeatedly, her eyes filled with gratified light.

Upon hearing this, Su Muya immediately nodded; she had long wanted to go to the palace to show off. Her mood brightened, and her earlier unease vanished as she cheerfully turned and left.

"Mother, look how smug she is!"

Su Muyu was so jealous that she wanted to rush up and tear Su Muya's face apart, but she didn't dare. She could only glare fiercely at Su Muya's back.

Su Muya walked to the lakeside, took off her heavy and cumbersome palace dress, revealing her exquisite and graceful curves. She raised her arm and sniffed, the pungent smell of perfume on her body making her nauseous.

She quickly wrung out a handkerchief to wipe her body, changed back into ordinary clothes, and washed herself before going to find Old Madam Su.

Su Muyu also dressed up and followed beside her.

The two arrived at the gate of the imperial city by carriage, got off, and entered the palace.

The palace's interior was magnificent and exquisitely decorated, with carved beams and painted rafters, artificial hills and ponds, and flying eaves and brackets, exuding wealth and extravagance to the extreme. Su Muyu had never been to such a place before and was overwhelmed by the palace's splendor and grandeur. Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, she nervously swallowed repeatedly, her palms sweating.

Seeing Su Muyu's nervous look, Su Muya curled her lips in a mocking smile, "Sixth Sister, let's hurry up, or we'll miss the banquet."

Once the two entered the palace, palace maids came to guide them to the banquet hall.