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

"The Empress Dowager is getting old, and such a lively banquet might not be enough to cool her down. She's resting in Cining Palace," Su Muya whispered to Su Muyu.

Su Muyu nodded to indicate that she understood.

"The Empress Dowager has three children: her eldest daughter, the Lady of Ruiyang County; her second daughter, the Lady of Zhaoyang County; and her three-year-old daughter, the Lady of Yongchang County."

Lady Ruiyang, the eldest daughter of the legitimate wife, was sent to Mongolia at a young age to be raised by the late emperor and was deeply favored by him. She has now been granted the title of Lady of the County and is married to the heir apparent of the Prince of Beian. Lady Zhaoyang and the three-year-old Lady Yongchang, both legitimate daughters, are currently staying in the capital, awaiting their coming-of-age ceremony before being married off to distant lands.

Su Muyu lowered her head slightly, listening carefully to Su Muya's words. No wonder both the Lady of Ruiyang County and the Lady of Zhaoyang County were legitimate daughters. It turned out that the Imperial Noble Consort and the Virtuous Consort had already made plans.

Since they recommended themselves to the palace, they must have hoped to join the camp of Lady Ruiyang and Lady Zhaoyang and ultimately help them seize the positions of Lady Ruiyang and Lady Zhaoyang.

However, both the Lady of Ruiyang County and the Lady of Zhaoyang County were born of the principal wife. If they wanted to seize the position of Lady of Ruiyang County, they would have to step over the other two ladies to ascend to the position.

The more Su Muyu thought about it, the more alarmed she became. The palace intrigue was too fierce. She was just an outsider, yet she was forced to get involved.

After the banquet ended, everyone dispersed. Su Muyu returned to her courtyard with her maid.

Not long after she entered, her maid rushed in to report, "Miss, the Second Madam is here to see you!"

"Why is she here at this time? Did something happen again?" Su Muyu muttered in confusion.

Upon hearing this, Su Muya coldly ordered, "Go tell Second Aunt that I am entertaining guests and cannot spare the time for the moment."

Su Muyu's maidservant withdrew.

"Sister, may I borrow this room of yours? My room is a bit stuffy, and I'd like to go out and get some fresh air."

“Okay.” Su Muya agreed without hesitation.

Su Muyu didn't mind Su Muya's attitude. Instead, she smiled and thanked her, saying, "Thank you for your understanding, little sister."

Su Muya forced a smile.

Su Muyu closed the door, turned around and sat down at the dressing table. She picked up the bronze mirror and looked at herself, glancing left and right. Her delicate face was indeed quite pretty.

Su Muyu was extremely satisfied. She straightened her back and walked out.

"Young Miss, where are you going? I'll accompany you." The maid hurriedly followed, looking at Su Muyu with concern.

Su Muyu turned around and said calmly, "Go and offer Father a cup of wine."

The banquets at the Su residence usually begin after dinner. It was almost noon, and Su Muyu had originally planned to go to the side hall to watch the excitement. However, upon hearing that Su Muyu had arrived, Su Mujing immediately ordered someone to lead her to the main hall.

"Big sister is here." Su Mujing stood up to greet her, looking slightly embarrassed. "Big sister looks very beautiful today, but my clothes today are also made of the finest silk. Look at this dress, it was made by my maid to my measurements."

When Su Muxue saw Su Muyu, she was somewhat displeased. Su Muyu always liked to steal her thunder, which Su Muxue was unwilling to tolerate. So when she saw Su Muyu dressed so outstandingly, a sinister and vicious look flashed in her eyes. She silently cursed Su Muyu to be disliked by the Empress Dowager, then demoted to a commoner, and to die a miserable and destitute death.

"Big brother." Su Muya also stood up and curtsied to Su Muyu.

Su Muyu turned around, smiled slightly at Su Muya, and then turned to look at Su Mujing, "Sister, your clothes today are very unique."

Su Mujing smiled modestly, but his eyes were fixed on Su Muyu.

Su Muyu noticed Su Mujing's unusual gaze and frowned in confusion, asking, "Second sister, is there something you want to say to me?"

"Big sister, your jewelry looks beautiful today too." After saying that, Su Mujing covered her mouth and lowered her head, as if she had accidentally let something slip.

Su Muyu raised an eyebrow slightly. Did Su Mujing have something to say to her?

What is this meant to remind her of?

"You look great dressed today, little sister," Su Muyu casually complimented Su Muya.

Su Muya's charming face blossomed into a bright smile as she said softly, "Thank you for the compliment, sister."

Su Muya's eyes were filled with hostility as she looked at Su Muyu, as if she wanted to devour her.

Su Muyu scoffed inwardly. No matter what Su Muya was plotting, she would never allow Su Muya to use her. If Su Muya wanted to win her over, then let her do whatever she wanted.

Su Muyu ignored Su Muya and went straight to the main hall to sit in the head seat. Her seat was near the front, closest to the Empress.

The Empress was dignified, elegant, noble, and generous. Although she was not a member of the imperial family and had no birth mother, she quickly gained the trust of the Emperor and Empress with her beauty and intelligence. She even gave birth to a legitimate son and was made Empress, holding the Phoenix Seal and managing the affairs of the six palaces.

Her presence was like a magnet, firmly attracting everyone's attention. Even the Empress Dowager and Consort De were quite wary of her, after all, the Empress was the true mother of the nation. Moreover, the Empress had the Imperial Noble Consort standing behind her, and no one dared to offend her.

When the Empress saw Su Muyu, she smiled gently and said, "Su family girl is here. Come quickly and sit next to me."

Su Muyu smiled and shook her head, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will sit here."

Su Muyu pointed to the chair next to her as she spoke.

"Very well, then you may sit next to me." The Empress said, glancing at the little girl sitting next to Su Muyu. She frowned slightly. What was wrong with this girl? She actually let her niece sit next to her and serve her.

Su Muyu noticed the Empress's expression and sighed inwardly. She was just a concubine's daughter and had no right to sit at the main table. She should sit below to avoid gossip.

"Sister-in-law, why don't you sit next to me?" Su Muyu said softly.

Su Muyu knew very well that she was just a pawn of the Imperial Noble Consort, and all she needed to do was follow the rules of a pawn.

"This..." The Empress hesitated, looking at Su Muxue.

Su Muxue nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Upon seeing this, the Empress smiled and nodded, "Then I shall respectfully comply."

With Su Muxue's help, she got up and moved to sit next to Su Muyu.

This scene was witnessed by Madam Wang, who was sitting below. She was filled with hatred and gritted her teeth. This was her own daughter! She had never enjoyed such an honor. Why should Su Muyu get it?

Su Muyu saw the jealous and resentful look in Wang's eyes, snorted coldly in her heart, but showed no expression on her face.

"Mother, look, Auntie is here too." Su Muxue whispered in Wang's ear.

As expected, when Wang saw Su Muyu sitting on the other side of Su Mujing, her eyes widened and she almost lost control of her anger.

"Su Muyu!" Wang shouted through gritted teeth.