Her words made Concubine Mo stiffen.
Actually, Concubine Mo had long since put those past events out of her mind.
Afterwards, she had thought a great deal. The Shi family had unparalleled influence, and there was even a national advisor in the court. A concubine like herself, without power or influence, would surely die in the palace intrigues sooner or later. That was also the reason why the late emperor had sent her to Baotuo Temple.
Pulling herself back from her thoughts, Concubine Mo still looked cold, but casually poured a cup of tea for her.
"The Empress Dowager is quite free these days, even coming to pray. I remember you used to disdain such things."
Shi Muyuan was reminded of the past and felt a bit embarrassed. She had no choice but to change the topic.
"How have you been living outside these years, Concubine Mo?"
Concubine Mo couldn't help rolling her eyes. Couldn't Shi Muyuan see? Why was she pretending to be so kind?
Sitting right across from her, Shi Muyuan naturally didn't miss that eye - roll. She had no choice but to lower her head. After all, it was the original owner who owed this woman.
"Does it still matter whether I've been well or not? Moreover, I've been here for so long. The title of concubine is just an empty name. It means nothing. If the Empress Dowager has nothing else to do, please leave. I still need to meditate."
As she said this, she was about to sit back down. Shi Muyuan had no choice but to say, "I'll be staying at Baotuo Temple for a few more days. If you need anything, come and find me."
Concubine Mo frowned slightly. The Empress Dowager was really acting unusually today. It felt like a weasel paying a New - Year visit to a chicken.
Then, as if she remembered something, she added, "Is the Empress Dowager planning to visit Concubine Xiao?"
Shi Muyuan paused slightly. Wasn't it obvious? She couldn't very well visit one and not the other. It would seem like she was targeting someone.
Seeing her reaction, Concubine Mo knew the answer. For some reason, she still couldn't help but remind her, "If the Empress Dowager is bored, go for a walk among the common people. Baotuo Temple is not suitable for you. And don't go to Concubine Xiao's place either."
Was she really trying to create a situation of targeting? But how could that be?
Shi Muyuan's face showed clear refusal. "Concubine Xiao is in the same situation as you now. I came this time to get closer to both of you."
For some reason, after she said this, she clearly noticed that this favored concubine's face looked a bit strange, as if there was a hint of pity?
Bah, bah, bah. What was she thinking? It wasn't her who couldn't even leave the temple. Why should she be pitied?
Shi Muyuan quickly bid farewell to Concubine Mo and headed to Concubine Xiao's residence.
What she didn't know was that after she left, Concubine Mo could no longer meditate in peace. Her mind was full of that woman who had suddenly been gentle to her. She had heard about the Empress Dowager's serious illness before. Could this change be related to that illness?
...
When Concubine Xiao saw Shi Muyuan, she was also very surprised. However, different from Concubine Mo's reaction, she was very gentle.
"The Empress Dowager has come all the way to Baotuo Temple and thought of coming to see me first. I'm really very touched."
Even as a woman, Shi Muyuan was deeply impressed when facing Concubine Xiao.
The blue robe of the temple on Concubine Xiao was like adding luster to a gemstone, making her even more charming. The hairpin on her head made her look gentle and virtuous. Even after so many years in the temple, her beauty remained undiminished. Instead, it added a kind of Buddhist - like elegance.
Shi Muyuan thought that if she were a man, she would definitely take Concubine Xiao into her harem and hide her well. She didn't understand the late emperor's taste. Why did he favor that cold and aloof Concubine Mo?
She complained in her heart and was even gentler towards the woman in front of her.
"Concubine Xiao, you've had a hard time. It's really tough on you all these years."
As soon as these words were spoken, the beauty immediately shed tears.
"It's not hard. As long as the Empress Dowager remembers me, it's worth staying here for a few more years."
"I came this time and saw that you and Concubine Mo are not living well. I want to ask for your opinions. Would you like to go back with me?"
She had thought the beauty would agree, but unexpectedly, Concubine Xiao's gaze became firm.
"I'm afraid I have to decline the Empress Dowager's kindness. I've been here for a long time and have gotten used to this life. I will surely remember the Empress Dowager's kindness."
Her polite words made the light in Shi Muyuan's eyes fade.
She had wanted to keep this beauty by her side. If she could be friends with such a beautiful woman, it would be so cool. Now, it was a pity. She wasn't the kind of person who would force others. Since she had asked for the opinion, she decided to go back.
Concubine Xiao kindly sent her to the courtyard gate. "Even if I don't want to leave with the Empress Dowager, if the Empress Dowager has free time, you can come and play with me at any time."
With these words, it would be much easier for Shi Muyuan to come and look for things later. She quickly agreed and happily returned to her courtyard.
Seeing her so happy, Concubine Shen took the initiative to come over.
"Sister, what happy thing happened? Can you share it with me?"
Shi Muyuan told her about the conversation with Concubine Xiao just now. But after hearing it, Concubine Shen felt something was wrong.
"Are you sure, sister?"
Her sudden question left Shi Muyuan completely confused.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, are you sure Concubine Xiao really believes in Buddhism? Did you really see her devoutly believing in it?"
Shi Muyuan was completely bewildered and began to not understand her words. "Could you please make it clearer, sister? I saw it with my own eyes. How could it be false?"
Concubine Shen sighed and suddenly told some old stories. Shi Muyuan sensed something unusual in them.
When the late emperor was still alive, Concubine Shen entered the palace before Concubine Xiao. She thought this little sister was pure - minded, so she took her under her wing and gave her more guidance.
Concubine Xiao was also very promising. Relying on her beauty, she quickly climbed into the emperor's bed and was highly favored for a while. At that time, everyone thought this little sister was pure - minded.
But who would have known that something terrifying happened later.
After Concubine Xiao became favored, many maids in her palace suddenly disappeared. At first, it was just one or two, and then more and more. Concubine Shen was the first to notice this. She told the late emperor, and the late emperor, afraid that his favored concubine would be frightened, ordered a thorough investigation.
This investigation directly led to Concubine Xiao.
Finally, when Concubine Xiao realized she couldn't hide it anymore, she simply admitted that she had people use the virgin blood of the maids to make medicine and their bodies to make incense.