The next morning, before Su Zimou could get out of bed, Qinglian came over and said that Mu Yunhan and Jun Zi Xi were here. Furthermore, Jun Zi Xi specifically requested to see her.
Su Zimou casually got up, showing an indifferent and unruffled appearance.
"Master, should we invite Madam Yuncheng here, or...?" Qinglian asked for Su Zimou's opinion.
"Since she wants to see me alone, let her come to Mingyue Pavilion."
"Alright! I'll go and escort Madam Yuncheng here," Qinglian replied promptly and turned to leave.
Su Zimou got up to freshen up, and in the main hall, Mu Yufeng was lecturing Jun Zi Xi.
"Zixi, we've talked about love, past debts, and everything between me and Yunhan. Can't you listen to a single word?"
"Mu Yufeng, that's enough! Am I, Jun Zi Xi, such an unreasonable person? If I don't agree to this matter, it's for the sake of Yuncheng's reputation in Yun City. Considering our three children, I will naturally take this matter into consideration."
Jun Zi Xi angrily retorted at Mu Yufeng in a low voice. If it weren't for ensuring their son's peace of mind in Yun City, she wouldn't have made this trip herself.
"Mother..." Mu Yunhan wanted to say something but fell silent as Qinglian approached.
"Lady, our master invites you for a discussion at Mingyue Pavilion."
"She's quite arrogant, making me go over to see her."
Upon hearing this, Jun Zi Xi's expression instantly turned displeased.
Hearing it too, Qinglian's lovely face also showed some displeasure, but she still respectfully said, "Lady, you misunderstood. Since you want to see the Master alone, it's more appropriate to go to Muyun Pavilion."
"If Mingyue Pavilion is more appropriate, then let's go!" Jun Zi Xi stood up, her peach-colored dress exuding a resplendent glow. Her every move was elegant and noble.
In Mingyue Pavilion, after Su Zimou finished preparing herself, she instructed Qinghe to prepare breakfast. She believed in treating guests well and had some food prepared for the Mu family in the main hall.
"Master, Madam Yuncheng has arrived."
Qinglian entered with Jun Zi Xi.
"Good! Qinglian, go and have Yuntian prepare for the trip to the Alchemy Pavilion. Depart in an hour."
"Yes, I'll go right away," Qinglian responded promptly.
Su Zimou glanced at Jun Zi Xi, who wore an unpleasant expression, and a hint of different emotions flashed in her eyes beneath the mask.
"Lady, please have a seat!"
Jun Zi Xi found a nearby chair and sat down.
"Miss Su, Madam Yuncheng came here today to discuss something with you. Since Qier is also participating in the Pill Refining Grand Competition today, let's get straight to the point!"
"Lady, please speak!" Perfect! Su Zimou didn't like people beating around the bush.
"You must have noticed that Xuan'er's heart is completely set on you. For your sake, he is even willing to give up the position of Yun City's Holy Lord. This shows that he truly cares about you. Moreover, our three children are already over five years old. After all, they are the flesh and blood of the Mu family. They cannot keep living outside. If you don't feel aggrieved, why not become Xuan'er's secondary wife?"
Jun Zi Xi looked generous and magnanimous, her tone containing both arrogance and pity. It was as if granting Su Zimou the position of a secondary wife was already giving her face, and she was personally bestowing it upon her.
With one person spreading rumors, a thousand people believe it. No matter what changes Su Zimou had undergone, in Jun Zi Xi's heart, she would always be the discarded waste, the person who had been rejected by the ruler of the heavens.
A cold smile emerged in Su Zimou's eyes beneath the mask.
Time seemed to stand still, making Jun Zi Xi feel somewhat uneasy. She couldn't help but furrow her eyebrows, once again assessing Su Zimou. Observing Su Zimou's calm and composed demeanor, Jun Zi Xi felt perplexed. Wasn't she supposed to be grateful and in tears? Why was she looking at her with such a terrifying gaze?
Su Zimou held the teacup in her hand, leisurely taking a sip. Her movements were graceful and unhurried, as if she hadn't heard a word Jun Zi Xi said.
When Jun Zi Xi was on the verge of losing her temper, Su Zimou finally opened her scarlet lips. "Lady, you underestimate Zimou too much. Being a secondary wife would make Zimou feel quite aggrieved..."
"You still feel aggrieved? With your status, don't you want to become the Lady of Yun City? In the capital of Haoyue Kingdom, which woman wouldn't want to enter the doors of Yun City? Even if it's as a lowly concubine, it would still cause a sensation among all the women in the capital..."
"Madam, you're quite impatient." Su Zimou coldly interrupted Jun Zi Xi's words, not even sparing her a glance.
She said again, "Even the position of Lady of Yun City might not catch Zi Mou's interest, so there's no need for you, Madam, to put up such a pretentious front in front of Zi Mou. Your son is next door, you can take him and leave. After you bring him back, make sure you take good care of him. If he dares to trespass into my Moonlit Villa, I, Su Zimou, will make sure he has no way to heaven and no door to the earth."
"Su Zimou, you dare..."
Jun Zi Xi abruptly stood up, glaring angrily at Su Zimou. This woman had no sense of propriety. She had already gone this far in her words, yet she still had no understanding of what's good for her. She had made this decision after a night of careful consideration.
"Mu Yunxuan, why are you still lingering outside? Haven't you heard your mother's words?"
Su Zimou shouted coldly towards the door.
In truth, Su Zimou had a purpose in bringing Jun Zi Xi here. Mu Yunxuan's cultivation was so high that he couldn't possibly be unaware of his mother's aura.
She wanted him to know that there were not only emotional issues between them but also obstacles posed by his mother.
"Xuan, how could Xuan...?" Jun Zi Xi's beautiful eyes flickered with a hint of panic.
Looking up, he gave Su Zimou a sharp glance. "You did this on purpose."
"What are you afraid of, Madam? Madam's consideration for her son is so thoughtful. Your son should be grateful to you, shouldn't he?"
The expression beneath Su Zimou's mask grew colder, showing her disdain for any love bestowed upon her, even if she remained unwed for a lifetime.
Mu Yunxuan pushed open the door and walked in with a gloomy expression.
Su Zimou stood up, casting a cold glance at him.
"Now that you've heard the conversation, I have nothing more to say. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Su Zimou walked past Mu Yunxuan.
He quickly grabbed her.
"What do you want me to do to open that window in your heart?"
Su Zimou's heart was moved for a moment.
"Mu Yunxuan, that window in my heart is always opening and closing, closing and opening. But now I feel exhausted. Qier is going to participate in the alchemy competition, so you can do as you please!"
Su Zimou forcefully shook off Mu Yunxuan's hand. From all angles, Mu Yunxuan had truly made mistakes. He was devoted, affectionate, and treated the three children well. But having witnessed the polygamous practices of this era, she suddenly felt that being alone was quite good. Living without restraints would make her a bit happier.
Mu Yunxuan's hand swayed by his side a few times, and waves of pain surged in his eyes. His heart sank to the bottom. Was this woman truly heartless?
"Xuan'er..." Jun Zi Xi looked at him with some concern.
"Mother, are you satisfied now?" Mu Yunxuan's voice was filled with anguish as he coldly laughed.
"Xuan'er, what do you mean? Your mother did this for the sake of your reputation..."
"Mother, you don't understand Su Zimou at all. She simply despises the position of Lady of Yun City."
Having said that, Mu Yunxuan turned around, leaving a shocked Jun Zi Xi behind.
She couldn't believe it. Was there really no woman in the world who desired to become Lady of Yun City?
Today was the annual alchemy competition, where many alchemists sought recognition for their skills through the competition in the Pill Pavilion.
Early in the morning, the Pill Pavilion, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, was already overcrowded.
As soon as the carriage from Moonlit Villa arrived, people started pointing and gossiping.
"Look! That's the carriage from Moonlit Villa, and it's driven by a magical beast. Such grandeur!"
Chi Yan's nose sprayed fire as he spoke loudly. People around quickly moved aside, making way for them as they smoothly entered the Pill Pavilion.
"I heard the owner of Moonlit Villa is Su Zimou, the former waste of the Su family who was publicly divorced by the Third Prince six years ago. She couldn't bear the humiliation and committed suicide by banging her head against the door. Then she was brought back by Yun City for a ghost marriage, right?"
"Who else could it be if not her?"
"She's an unwed mother, truly shameless."
"Yeah, she's disgraced the reputation of all women."
As Su Zimou and her group disembarked, they heard these unpleasant slurs from the crowd.
"Momo, it seems someone doesn't want you to live a peaceful life."
He Yunting's expression became increasingly grim as he observed the pointing and gossiping around them.
"Rumors and gossip are always everywhere, no matter the time. If it weren't for these interesting rumors, countless people in this vast world would die in droves from boredom, just like flies. Why bother caring about a swarm of flies?" Su Zimou said calmly and sarcastically.
"You still have the mood to joke," He Yunting's lips twitched.
"Momo, don't be afraid. Today, your brother won't let you be harmed anymore."
Su Qingjue's cold gaze held a hint of determination.
"That's right, Momo. We did nothing wrong. There's nothing to fear."
Su Nian's eyes filled with concern as he looked at her. He knew this day would come sooner or later, but when it actually happened, it still pained him, not to mention Momo.
Ji Rui and Ji Yu also made their way through the crowd, approaching Su Zimou with a sneer of schadenfreude.