The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 129 - 128

Chapter 128

After the imperial decree was announced and widely known among the high society of nobles in the capital, it wasn’t long before the royal court posted the decree in various parts of the capital to disseminate the information to the general public as well.

This decree quickly became a significant topic of discussion among noble families, especially among the ladies, who eagerly exchanged thoughts on the matter and secretly planned to establish relations with the Mu family.

Previously, Bai Lijun and her daughters were somewhat renowned within the capital, especially when the Mu family first moved there. However, after not appearing in public for some time, their story quickly faded from society’s memory.

That was until the imperial decree from the Empress Dowager, which served as a reminder of the existence of the three mother and daughters once more!

Furthermore, this time, Bai Lijun and her daughter were different from before. They were no longer just a Furen and daughter of an ordinary noble family; now, Bai Lijun held the title of Second Rank Lady, and her daughter had the title of Lady.

Most importantly, the three mother and daughters now had a good relationship with the Empress Dowager, who held the highest power in the inner palace!

This was why the noble ladies were highly interested and eager to connect with the three mother and daughters of the Mu family...

Mu Manor

At the front gate of the Mu manor right now, more than a dozen members of the Mu family were standing in an orderly manner, waiting to welcome the arrival of distinguished guests from early morning. However, as the time passed by more than two hours beyond the scheduled time, there was still no sign of the distinguished guests arriving.

The members of the Mu family began to show varied expressions: some were displeased, some looked sullen, and some seemed bored after having stood waiting for more than four hours.

Even though many people’s expressions changed, Elder Mu Furen, who stood at the very front, maintained her usual calm expression. Only her eyes showed a cold glint that was different from normal.

With Elder Mu Furen’s physical condition, standing for more than four hours was quite a strain on her body. However, because the decree from the Empress Dowager could not be defied, all members of the Mu family had to reluctantly come out to welcome Bai Lijun and her daughters.

According to the original schedule provided by the royal palace, the three women were supposed to arrive at the Mu family manor two hours ago. However, four hours had passed, and there was still no sign of them.

It was unclear whether a delay had occurred or if it was someone’s intention...

Elder Mu Furen gazed at the road ahead with dark, cold eyes, the chill in her gaze unmistakable. Even before these troublemakers had set foot in the Mu family, they had already caused trouble.

If Bai Lijun were to truly return to the Mu family, it would be challenging to maintain peace!

As many began to show their displeasure, the sound of horse hooves echoed from afar. Soon, a procession of carriages appeared at the end of the street. The Mu family members instantly recognized it as the procession of the distinguished guests they had been waiting for...

When the procession reached the entrance of the Mu manor, a delicate hand extended from one of the carriages, grasping the hand of a maid below. A woman then gracefully descended from the carriage, taking her time.

As the woman stepped down, the sunlight illuminated the side of her face, revealing a delicate, sweet beauty that, despite her age of thirty, retained the appearance of someone in her mid-twenties.

Her long, almond-shaped eyes scanned the familiar faces of the group standing nearby, and a cold smile appeared on her lips.

These were the people who had thrown her out like garbage!

But today, those who had cast her out now stood waiting to welcome her with humility!

This sight brought a hint of satisfaction to the long-held resentment in Bai Lijun’s heart.

After Bai Lijun stepped down from the carriage, the figure of a young girl followed, descending with elegance. The sunlight that touched her face revealed a beauty as if crafted by the heavens.

Her long eyes resembled a phoenix’s, her eyebrows were gracefully curved like a bow, her nose was high and defined, and her thin, rosy lips were perfectly shaped. Her cheeks were delicately flushed, and her skin gleamed like white jade.

As soon as the Mu family members saw the young girl’s beauty, their eyes were filled with astonishment. Everyone thought that the young woman before them was a rare beauty!

Even Elder Mu Furen herself couldn’t help but be amazed by the girl’s beauty. When she saw the familiar facial features of her granddaughter from her younger years, Elder Mu Furen immediately realized that this young woman was Mu Luofei, now fourteen going on fifteen.

Surprise immediately appeared in Elder Mu Furen’s eyes. If she remembered correctly, wasn’t her granddaughter supposed to be disfigured?

Moreover, she had sustained serious leg injuries, making it difficult for her to walk normally.

However, the person before her was not only blooming with beauty, showing no signs of scars, but her gait also appeared normal, unlike someone who had been injured on the leg...

After Mu Luofei stepped down from the carriage, the small figure of a twelve-year-old girl followed her, none other than Mu Qin Shuang!

This year, Mu Qin Shuang had turned twelve, her body began to grow taller. The round face that once had baby fat was now a thing of the past, leaving behind an oval-shaped face. Her features had started to reveal hints of beauty, taking after her mother and sister. In another two years, she would certainly bloom into a beauty rivaling her sister.

"How dare you! How can you see the Lady and not pay your respects!"

As the members of the Mu family were staring at the three women who had just descended from the carriage, a shrill voice suddenly shouted at them, causing them to flinch in surprise. When they saw that the voice belonged to a middle-aged servant who looked authoritative, they quickly bowed in respect.

“Lady Ping An has been granted her title by the Empress Dowager herself. Moreover, she is the benefactor who saved the Empress Dowager’s life. The Empress Dowager has decreed that when meeting Lady Ping An, everyone must pay her proper respect!”

At the maid’s words, the members of the Mu family immediately realized the importance of Mu Luofei. Even Elder Mu Furen secretly revealed a momentary look of concern.

"It’s all right, Aunt Qi. After all, we are all family. Especially since my grandmother is already advanced in age, how can I expect her to bow to me?"

Mu Luofei said sweetly, showing a troubled look. Her words and demeanor showed affectionate towards her family. However, a flash of satisfaction flickered in her eyes, unnoticed by anyone.

"That won’t do, Lady Ping An. The Empress Dowager has given a direct order. We cannot disregard it. Even though we are family, protocol must be followed when there is a difference in status," Aunt Qi argued firmly.

Upon hearing this, Mu Luofei turned to the Mu family members with a bitter smile and said helplessly, "Si...Since this is an order from the Empress Dowager, I cannot oppose it. Everyone will have to follow the protocol as Aunt Qi mentioned. Otherwise, it would be disobeying the Empress Dowager’s decree."

Elder Mu Furen sighed slightly, then stepped forward and curtseyed to her granddaughter according to custom, "Lady Ping An..."

Seeing Elder Mu Furen paid respect to Mu Luofei, although many in the Mu family were unwilling, they had no choice but to follow her lead and bow in respect.

Even Mu Cui Ming, the father, wasn’t exempt...

While the Mu family members were paying their respects to Mu Luofei, she glanced at the scene before her with mocking eyes. It wasn’t just Mu Luofei; even Bai Lijun, standing behind her daughter, couldn’t help but feel satisfied with the sight.

In the end, the same Mu family members that had once expelled them had to bow down humbly at their feet!

But this wasn’t the end—far from it!

This was only the beginning!

She would reclaim every bit of humiliation from the past!

Mu Luofei quickly concealed her mocking gaze, replacing it with a gentle one. She stepped forward to help her grandmother stand up. "Please rise, Grandmother. You’ve troubled yourself too much."

Hearing her granddaughter’s concerned and apologetic tone, paired with her sincere expression, brought a slight smile to Elder Mu Furen’s face. Although the past had forced Mu Luofei to leave the family for nearly a year, she was still her granddaughter.

As a result, Elder Mu Furen couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the young girl who had to endure hardships far from home because of her mother’s past actions. When sympathy bloomed within her heart, it soon grew into affection.

"It’s nothing, Fei’er. Seeing you well is all the comfort I need."

"Elder Mu Furen, let me remind you out of goodwill. Your granddaughter is now Lady Ping An. You should address her properly as Lady Ping An to adhere to protocol," Aunt Qi interrupted harshly, her expression cold, showing her disapproval of any breach of decorum.

"This..."

Mu Luofei immediately smiled bitterly but didn’t refute the servant’s words.

"Aunt Qi is correct. It was my oversight," Elder Mu Furen admitted willingly. Given Aunt Qi’s senior position in the inner palace, it was unwise to cross her as she seemed to have some power.

"The Mu family has prepared to welcome Fei...Lady Ping An properly. Let’s go inside and talk."

At Elder Mu Furen words, everyone nodded in agreement and moved towards the main quarters. The household servants began unloading the carriage from the royal palace and bringing the belongings inside before the carriage departed.

Once everyone gathered in the hall of the main quarters, Bai Lijun and her daughters did not sit like the others. Instead, they stood in the center of the room, waiting until a heavy silence filled the atmosphere. Then, Bai Lijun stepped before Elder Mu Furen and knelt heavily.

Thud!

The Elder Furen frowned at this display. "What are you doing?"

"I was wrong, Mother. Previously, greed and jealousy had consumed my heart, leading me to commit wicked deeds. I am fully aware that my past actions are unforgivable. However, I have felt immense regret during all this time and hope to have a chance to atone for my mistakes!"

Bai Lijun said at length, bowing her head like someone truly repentant. Her voice was firm to show her sincerity, and her hands resting on her lap trembled with nervousness. Her lips were tightly pressed together in fear.

Her current demeanor was no different from someone confessing their sins and accepting their guilt with all their heart!

Bai Lijun’s actions and words greatly shocked everyone in the room, including Elder Mu Furen. Throughout Bai Lijun’s time with the Mu family, she had always been arrogant, ignoring all rules and decorum.

Who would have expected to see her display such genuine remorse and weakness?...

Even though Bai Lijun’s words and demeanor appeared sincere and pitiful, they could not change the prejudice that Elder Mu Furen held against her.

Wasn’t it true that this woman had previously feigned innocence and deceived them all?

Elder Mu Furen believed it was entirely possible that this was another act of pretense!

"You think I will believe you?"

Elder Mu Furen’s voice was cold, her eyes reflecting coldness clearly. The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense.

"I...I know, Mother, that it may be difficult for you to trust me. However...I hope you will give me another chance to make amends,"

Bai Lijun’s voice trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes, making her appear genuinely repentant and pleading for a chance to redeem herself.

"You think that..."

"Grandmother, I know what my mother did before was hard to forgive, but during our time away, I have seen how deeply she regrets her actions."

Before Elder Mu Furen could finish her sentence, Mu Luofei, who had been standing behind her mother, stepped forward quickly, though she did not kneel as Bai Lijun had, she interjected, speaking earnestly on her mother’s behalf.

"Grandmother, Mother truly regrets her actions. Not only her, but my sister and I also regret our previous defiant behavior. We hope you can forgive us..." Mu Qin Shuang also knelt beside her mother, pleading with her grandmother.

Mu Qin Shuang’s actions surprised everyone in the room. She had been known as a rather aggressive and hot-tempered child, spoiled and accustomed to having her way. Yet now, she had obviously transformed into a calm and composed young girl.

Since Mu Qin Shuang stepped down from the carriage and entered the manor, the young girl had never made herself stand out or spoken up at all. She simply followed her mother and older sister quietly, the cheerfulness she once had completely vanished.

When Elder Mu Furen realized this, she felt a slight pang in her heart. No matter how stubborn the child had been, she was still her granddaughter. Moreover, at that time, she was just an innocent little girl. Seeing how much the child had changed, Elder Mu Furen could hardly bear to think about what she might have faced during her time away from the family.

From being kidnapped before the incident to all the things that happened in between, which they did not know about.

All these experiences could change a child completely. This indicated just how deeply those events had affected her...

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