Holding a lantern, guiding souls across, Lady Hou comes from the underworld.

"What...did my uncle send over?"

Before dawn, Mu Tingting was already sitting in front of the dressing mirror.

Today, Empress Zhang summoned her again, and she finally had the opportunity to go to the palace.

However, just as she finished combing her hair, a maid came to deliver something, claiming that it was sent by Minister Mu earlier that morning.

Mu Tingting was so excited that her hands and feet trembled slightly, and she quickly got up to receive him.

After parting ways with Mu Zheng that day, the two secretly exchanged signals, promising to send something over once the matter was settled.

If an odd number is sent, it implies that the matter of renting a house has not been settled.

If an even number is sent, it means that things are looking promising.

The maidservant brought two wooden boxes.

Mu Tingting's heart trembled even more violently, and she asked again, "Did the person who delivered the things bring any message?"

The maid replied, "Miss Xia, the man said that this is a token of Minister Mu's goodwill, and he asked that you keep the contents of the rosewood box with you."

Mu Tingting understood immediately.

To avoid arousing suspicion, she didn't ask any further questions and simply had Ying'er give her the reward money.

Only after the maid left did he open all the boxes.

The wooden box contained only a few pieces of jewelry, nothing particularly special.

Inside the rosewood box, however, was a single bead.

Although Mu Tingting did not understand Mu Zheng's intention, she saw that the bead was lustrous and clearly not an ordinary item, so she liked it very much and asked Ying'er to put it in the brocade pouch and take it with her.

Around 7:00 AM, she and Lady Hou rode in the same carriage to the imperial city.

To show her high regard for him, Empress Zhang had the palace maids prepare a palanquin in advance to greet him at the palace gate.

It was Mu Tingting's first time entering the palace, and she was very nervous. She was extremely cautious with every step she took, fearing that she might make a mistake.

Having finally arrived at Empress Zhang's Phoenix Palace, and catching a glimpse of her face from afar, my heart leaped into my throat.

"Lady Rong, wife of Marquis Renxuan, came to pay her respects with Xia Ximo, daughter of the Grand General Protector of the Nation."

After the eunuch announced her arrival, Mu Tingting followed the Lady of the Marquis into the palace and performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony.

Because it was a summons, Empress Zhang was also very dignified and sat upright in the hall.

After the formalities were completed, she smiled and beckoned people to come forward and sit down.

However, upon seeing Mu Tingting's face clearly, a hint of doubt flashed in Empress Zhang's eyes.

She even subconsciously asked, "Is this Miss Xia's first time entering the palace?"

This question left both Mu Tingting and Rong Shi puzzled.

Mu Tingting was even more flustered. She suppressed her shock and replied, "Your Majesty, Xi Mo... is indeed entering the palace for the first time."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Having stayed at the Marquis's residence these past few days, I've often heard the Madam mention Her Highness. I've always admired her, and today I finally have the opportunity to see her in person."

As she spoke, she took the opportunity to present a nine-colored brocade pouch that she had embroidered herself.

Empress Zhang praised her highly after seeing it, saying, "You child, not only are you sweet-talking, but you are also so skillful with your hands."

Then, someone was sent to give them some gifts.

After sitting in the Phoenix Palace for a while, several more female relatives arrived.

Once everyone was present, they moved directly to the Imperial Garden to admire the plum blossoms.

Mu Tingting had heard Rong Shu say that the scale of the royal gardens was almost equivalent to half of a marquis's mansion, and only after experiencing it in person did she realize that what he said was true.

She felt a surge of admiration, but then she inexplicably thought of her mother, Madam Fan, and her eyes began to well up with tears.

After strolling around for a while, Empress Zhang invited everyone to have tea and rest in the nearby flower hall and warm pavilion.

Just then, a young girl in purple robes entered the hall alone, surrounded by palace servants.

They arrived with a menacing air.

"Ruozhen greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

Everyone in the hall recognized her as Princess Ding'an, the emperor's most beloved daughter, and they all stood up one after another.

Although Mu Tingting was slow to realize it, she also stood up.

Empress Zhang immediately raised her hand to indicate that one should not stand on ceremony, and asked Ding'an with a smile, "Why has the princess come? Didn't you say this morning that it was too cold and you weren't coming?"

Princess Ding'an replied, "I heard that a new bride has arrived today, whom I have never seen before, so I came to see her."

She shifted her gaze and asked the person beside her, "Which one of you is the daughter of the Great General Who Protects the Nation?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Tingting was somewhat surprised to learn that the target was her, but she still forced herself to remain calm, stood up, and bowed to Princess Ding'an: "Greetings, Your Highness."

Princess Ding'an took a few steps closer to her, her eyes scanning her up and down, and asked, "I heard that you and the young master of the Renxuan Marquis's mansion were betrothed since childhood?"

Upon hearing this, the onlookers immediately understood.

This is clearly an attempt to cause trouble.

Mu Tingting, unaware of the intricacies involved, replied, "Yes."

Princess Ding'an's expression changed, as if she were somewhat unconvinced. She then asked, "Can you ride a horse and shoot arrows?"

This question made Mu Tingting pause for a moment, but she still answered truthfully, "No..."

Princess Ding'an raised her chin and said in a serious tone, "Your father is a renowned and powerful general who protects the country. I originally thought that the daughter of a military general should also be skilled in riding and archery and know martial arts. After all, only such a woman is worthy of Brother Feng."

These words left Mu Tingting's face flushed red and pale. Just as she was pondering how to respond, Empress Zhang quickly stepped in to defuse the situation.

"If you arrive, you must not be rude."

Princess Ding'an was reprimanded, but she didn't care. She even stuck out her tongue and acted innocent: "Your Majesty, Ruozhen was just asking out of curiosity."

Empress Zhang, mindful of Rong's feelings, immediately said sternly, "Miss Xia and Young Master Ren are betrothed since childhood; you are not allowed to speak recklessly here."

Princess Ding'an's words were actually meant for Lady Hou. She glanced at Rong Shi's expression and then reluctantly said to Mu Tingting, "Then I apologize to you."

Mu Tingting felt extremely embarrassed, but she couldn't show it on her face. She simply said, "Princess, there's no need to apologize."

Seeing this, Empress Zhang said a few more polite words to prevent the atmosphere from becoming too tense.

However, after the princess's outburst, it felt like a thorn had been stuck in Mu Tingting's heart.

As she sat back down, she felt that the people around her were looking at her with a mocking gaze.

Rong sensed that she was restless, so after Empress Zhang and the others left the flower hall, she took her hand and comforted her.

"The princess is still young, and she has known Feng'er since childhood, always treating him as her own brother."

"Please don't take what she said to heart."

Hearing Rong's words did not make Mu Tingting feel any better; on the contrary, she became even more anxious and uneasy.

She rubbed her forehead and said to Madam Rong, "Madam, I feel a little dizzy. May I rest here for a while?"

Rong felt sorry for her and patted her hand again: "It's alright, you can rest here. I'll talk to the Empress."

After everyone left, only a few palace maids remained in the flower hall to tidy it up.

Ying'er pointed to a small couch not far away and asked, "Miss, shall we go over there and rest for a while?"

Mu Tingting did indeed feel dizzy and had chest tightness, so she nodded.

Just as I was about to go over, something seemed to flash past my eyes, and then I vaguely heard the palace maid next to me sneer.

"A fake, actually thinking he's the real deal."