A Dream within a Dream

Xuan Li's men grew more audacious with each passing day.

Perhaps realizing that seizing the throne was not as easy as imagined, or perhaps driven to desperate measures, their attacks had become increasingly fierce in recent days. Xuan Li, like a starving wolf shedding its civilized facade, gradually revealed his true nature. His methods were ruthless—wherever his forces reached villages or settlements, they forcibly demanded food and supplies from the common people. The Southern Borderlanders who had joined his rebellion were even more brutal, with some areas witnessing the horrific crime of entire villages being massacred.

Such acts of village slaughter were typically the deeds of the most savage invading armies, yet Xuan Li's men committed them without hesitation. While the struggle for the throne had always been bloody, the casualties were usually confined to conflicts within the court, far removed from the lives of ordinary people. At most, the common folk might grumble when they saw a change in the ruler, but to be truly caught in the crossfire and lose their lives was unprecedented in the history of the Da Jin Dynasty.

Xuan Li's actions were no longer just a prince's bid for the throne. With the involvement of the Southern Borderlanders, it had become an outright, brazen attempt to usurp power, laid bare for all to see. The people of Da Jin were filled with resentment, and Xuan Li's reputation had plummeted to that of a rat scurrying in the streets, despised by all.

"He was always the most arrogant of men. To be reduced to this state must be unbearable for him," Mingyue said to the young emperor seated on the high throne before her.

Young—no, it would be more accurate to say youthful—the emperor lounged lazily on the dragon throne. His posture was far from proper, carrying a hint of mischievous nonchalance, yet even so, no one dared underestimate him. Xuan Pei toyed idly with the white jade ring on his finger and chuckled, "This is the path he chose for himself. He has no one to blame but me."

It was as if a young lion had caught a small mouse, amusing itself by toying with the creature, watching it struggle in vain.

Mingyue lowered her head. She was no longer a palace maid serving a prince. Xiao Shao had not sought to reclaim her, and Xuan Pei could not do without her by his side—after all, many matters were handled more reliably with her assistance. She had now become "Aunt Mingyue," her status rising with her master's fortunes. Outsiders envied her luck in serving such a fortunate master. Who could have guessed that the once-dismissed "useless prince" would one day ascend to such glory, becoming the ruler of the realm? But only Mingyue knew that from the very first day she followed Xuan Pei, she had sensed he was far more than he appeared. This young man had pursued the same goal as Xuan Li, but while Xuan Li had been overwhelmingly powerful, Xuan Pei had played the weakling, snatching the throne—the juiciest prize—right from under Xuan Li's nose.

Back then, even she had not imagined that Xuan Pei would emerge as the final victor. Yet he had done it.

She said, "Consort Mu requests an audience outside."

"Bring her in," Xuan Pei replied.

When Mu Xirou was led in, the icy demeanor she once wore was gone. Her beauty remained, but something new lingered between her brows—a quiet resignation, perhaps. The unapproachable aura she once exuded had vanished entirely, leaving her indistinguishable from any other ordinary beauty in the palace.She walked in and, upon seeing Xuan Li, wasted no words before her legs gave way and she knelt before him. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy."

After being released from prison, she had remained under house arrest due to lingering suspicions and her lack of influential backing. Without knowing the situation outside, her swift change of address upon seeing Xuan Pei in imperial robes was proof enough of her intelligence.

Xuan Pei said, "This is the outcome you sought."

In the end, the Mu family had supported Xuan Li during the critical struggle for succession. Perhaps they believed Xuan Pei was just a reckless youth with no future, or perhaps they found no value in him compared to Xuan Li's clear promises. Regardless, they had abandoned their daughter in the palace and sided with Xuan Li, joining his rebellion and effectively casting Mu Xirou aside.

"When my father sent me into the palace, it was for high office and wealth. Unfortunately, I failed to meet his expectations, and he lost hope, seeking his own path. Now, I have no ties to him. I sought benevolence and received it—Your Majesty has shown me grace. The Mu family has nothing to do with me anymore," Mu Xirou said.

Mingyue listened quietly, her expression unreadable.

When the Mu family had first decided to send their beautiful but icy daughter into the palace, Mu Xirou had resisted. This was no secret to those who cared to inquire—Mu Xirou was known for her fiery temperament. Yet, for reasons unknown, she had ultimately agreed to enter the palace.

Everyone in this world has their price, their own desires. Mu Xirou had revealed such a glaring weakness—how could Xuan Pei not exploit it? He had immediately sent Mingyue to uncover the reason, and what she discovered was shocking: a scandal buried deep within the Mu family.

Mu Xirou was not the biological daughter of Lord Mu. Instead, she was the product of his concubine's infidelity—a fact Lord Mu only discovered when Mu Xirou was ten. He had initially planned to dispose of her, but a colleague had advised him otherwise: with her striking beauty, she could be bartered for political gain later.

Secrets never stay buried, especially in the tumultuous households of officials. As the illegitimate daughter of a concubine, Mu Xirou had faced scorn from the legitimate daughters. When they learned she wasn’t even Lord Mu’s blood, the mockery intensified. From a young age, Mu Xirou had known the truth. The only kindness in the household came from Lord Mu’s eldest son, Mu Feng—gentle and considerate. Against all reason, Mu Xirou had fallen in love with this brother in name only.

It was a scandal, an abomination. Mu Xirou dared not speak of it to anyone. On the day she was to enter the palace, Lord Mu had warned her: her portrait had already been submitted. If she refused or took her own life, the entire Mu family would be ruined—and so would the promising future of young Mu Feng.Mu Xirou did not have a good life in the Mu family. If possible, she would have gladly perished along with the entire Mu family. However, Mu Feng was someone she couldn't let go of, so for the sake of her beloved, she resigned herself to entering the palace. But deep down, Mu Xirou was an unyielding and indomitable person. Even though she loved Mu Feng, she harbored hatred for Old Master Mu and the heartless Mu family. She made a deal with Xuan Pei.

Xuan Pei wanted the throne. As long as he ascended to the throne one day, he would grant her freedom and suppress the Mu family, preferably never employing anyone from the Mu family except Mu Feng.

Xuan Pei agreed, and Mu Xirou maintained her icy demeanor, pretending to have no choice but to submit. Old Master Mu was displeased with this because Mu Xirou did not flatter the Emperor. She prided herself on her integrity but failed to win any man's favor, making her a useless pawn.

So when Mu Xirou was imprisoned on charges of attempting to kill the Emperor, not a single member of the Mu family spoke up for her. When Dong Yinger was imprisoned, the Dong family intervened. When Wang Lian'er got into trouble, the Wang family stepped in to help. Only the Mu family distanced themselves without hesitation, avoiding her as if she were the plague, which even made Mingyue feel a chill in her heart.

Xuan Pei looked at Mu Xirou and said, "I now give you a chance to revise your terms."

After the Mu family's rebellion, Mu Xirou knew they had no way out this time. Yet she still loved Mu Feng and was willing to exchange her life and freedom for his. Making a deal with Xuan Pei wasn't simple, but Mu Xirou still wanted to try.

Mingyue didn't know why, but she always felt that Xuan Pei was exceptionally kind and considerate toward Mu Xirou, as if he had given her many chances. Mingyue had witnessed how ruthless and cruel Xuan Pei could be, so his kindness to Mu Xirou must have had a special reason.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty, but it's unnecessary," Mu Xirou said. "I only hope Your Majesty will spare my eldest brother's life."

"I am not an unreasonable man," Xuan Pei smiled. "You've done so much for me, and I always keep my word in our deals. But think carefully—has your so-called good brother ever once visited you in the palace since you entered? When the Mu family rebelled, he couldn't have been unaware. Knowing you were still in the palace, he made no effort to save you, leaving you to bear the blame. Mu Xirou, let me tell you this: in your eyes, perhaps the entire Mu family is evil except for him, but unfortunately, in my eyes, he is no different from the rest. The kindness you see in him is merely what he wants you to see."

Mu Xirou was intelligent. She didn't argue directly with Xuan Pei but silently stared at the ground to express her resolve. Xuan Pei thought for a moment and then laughed. "Fine. I've told you a thousand times, but you still don't understand. Perhaps you need to see him for yourself."

Mu Xirou abruptly raised her head. Xuan Pei gave Mingyue a look, and Mingyue quickly walked over to Mu Xirou, pressed her acupoints, and escorted her behind a screen, supporting her to stand aside. Soon, a man was brought into the hall under guard.

That man was none other than Mu Feng.

"Eldest Brother Mu," Xuan Pei said in his usual playful tone, smiling. "Long time no see."Mu Feng was among the younger, promising officials in the court. Such young men, with their boundless potential for the future, were seen as highly important figures even if they appeared unremarkable at present. Xuan Pei had encountered him before, but in Mu Feng's eyes, Xuan Pei was not yet significant enough to warrant his allegiance—a mere greenhorn unworthy of his attention.

But now, Mu Feng had become a prisoner, while Xuan Pei had risen from a worthless prince to a man of power. Lifting his head, Mu Feng saw the young man seated before him, his bearing dignified and imposing. Far from being overwhelmed by the dragon robes, the emperor wore them with an air of unfathomable depth. Today, Mu Feng had been captured, and any hope of future glory was forever lost.

“No need to worry. I summoned you today only to ask one thing. I heard you were quite close to Consort Mu?” Xuan Pei inquired.

Mu Feng was momentarily stunned before a smirk crept onto his face. “Oh, that woman? She’s a bastard. I heard she later became Your Highness’s woman. Who would’ve thought someone as young as you would take her as a lover. True, she was infatuated with me, but our Mu family doesn’t accept bastards. A woman of dubious origins like her was only good for amusement. We sent her to the palace as a pawn out of pity, but who knew this whore would collude with outsiders? Truly her mother’s daughter—a slut!” He spat on the ground.

Mu Feng was a bold man. Knowing he was doomed, he didn’t bother begging for mercy. Instead, he deliberately spoke crudely, assuming the young emperor had some entanglement with Mu Xirou and hoping to disgust him. Of course, his words were also the truth.

Xuan Pei showed no particular reaction, even maintaining a faint smile. Behind the screen, Mu Xirou, immobilized by Mingyue’s acupressure, stared wide-eyed, hot tears streaming down her face. Mingyue sighed inwardly. This woman, usually cold as ice, now wore an expression of utter devastation. The blow must have been unbearable—after all, Mu Feng had been the sole reason she endured life in the heartless palace. Now, she realized she meant less than dirt to him, and the foundation of her existence had crumbled overnight.

“Oh, so you saw her as a slut, yet she treated you so well,” Xuan Pei mused. “How strange. I had considered sparing you for her sake, but it seems you wouldn’t appreciate it.” He clapped his hands, and Mingyue released Mu Xirou’s pressure points. Wiping her tears hastily, Mu Xirou’s hands trembled slightly, but she clenched her fists hard, her expression turning icy once more.

She stepped out.

Mu Feng froze. Mingyue followed. Mu Xirou knew Xuan Pei had orchestrated this deliberately, though she didn’t understand his intent. Had she remained ignorant, she might have clung to her illusions and begged for Mu Feng’s life. But now, knowing the truth, her clear-cut nature would only allow her to see him as an enemy.

No woman could harbor anything but hatred for a man who had only ever used her—even if she had once loved him.She gave a cold smile, as chillingly beautiful as a frost-lotus in bloom, and said, "Then I must thank my elder brother for treating me so well."

Mu Feng was taken aback. The moment he saw Mu Xirou, he felt an inexplicable fear. He had long known of this woman's infatuation with him and had exploited her feelings. Mu Xirou held a lowly position in the Mu household, and the slightest kindness would earn her unwavering loyalty. Mu Feng had always used her—whether sending her into the palace or helping her gain the Emperor's favor—it was all manipulation. A mere pawn, she had never mattered to him. But now, seeing her appear before him with those emotionless eyes, he felt an unfamiliar surge of fear.

"Consort Mu," Xuan Pei said lazily, "I once promised you a wish. Speak it now. Do you wish to spare your elder brother?"

Mu Feng's heart skipped a beat. He didn’t believe Xuan Pei would be so kind as to let him go, but in the past, Mu Xirou would have exhausted every means to protect him. Now, though… A sense of unease crept over him.

"Your Majesty is most gracious, but how could this humble consort presume to interfere in state affairs? However, clinging to the promise once granted by Your Majesty, I do dare to ask for one thing," Mu Xirou replied.

"Speak."

"The Mu family has rebelled alongside the traitorous prince, a crime deserving no pardon—their entire clan should be exterminated. Yet I know the eldest son of the Mu family is of great importance to them. Why not use him as bait? Hang him alive from the city gates to die of exposure. If the Mu family comes to rescue him, they can be annihilated in one stroke. If they do not, his death will serve as a warning to others. As for the rest of the Mu household, their crimes are heinous. Every last one of them, young and old, should suffer death by ten thousand arrows and a thousand cuts." Mu Xirou enunciated each word deliberately.

Mu Feng gasped, never imagining such words could come from Mu Xirou. He knew the Mu family had treated her poorly, but in the end, she had still entered the palace for their sake. How could she now speak with such venom? The thought of being hanged alive at the city gates sent chills down his spine, and she intended to use this to wipe out the entire Mu family. This woman—how ruthless her heart!

"Consort Mu is truly wise. No wonder my late father favored you most," Xuan Pei praised. "I find this plan excellent as well. I shall draft the edict immediately and proceed as you suggest."

Mu Feng felt a cold sweat trickle down his back. "Little sister," he pleaded, "have you forgotten how your elder brother treated you in the past? When you were bullied, it was I who protected you! Those words just now were spoken in anger—you wouldn’t be so heartless, would you? Little sister!"

Mu Xirou regarded him coldly. A flicker of moisture seemed to flash in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by icy detachment. "Young Master Mu, I have no elder brother. I was born in a remote mountain village, my parents unknown. Who is your sister? Perhaps she died long ago."

Xuan Pei barked, "Take him away!" Mu Feng was dragged off, screaming in terror.

Silence returned to the hall. Mu Xirou knelt once more, her expression perfectly composed, though blood had begun seeping from her clenched palms.

"I beg Your Majesty to grant me permission to renounce the world and devote my remaining years to spiritual practice, living out my days with the lamp and scriptures of Buddha," she said.

Xuan Pei studied her deeply before replying, "Granted."

Mu Xirou kowtowed in gratitude and departed. After she left, Mingyue couldn’t help but ask Xuan Pei, "Why did Your Majesty agree to that?"Let Mu Xirou witness with her own eyes the true face of the brother she was so proud of, the one she loved—revealing such a despicable character. Though she would keep her life, she would lose all courage to live on, becoming disillusioned with life. Mingyue had thought Xuan Pei treated Mu Xirou differently, hence his care for her. But now it seemed he merely wanted to wake her up, regardless of the consequences it might bring. Why?

Why? Xuan Li said indifferently, "She will understand eventually."

A sharp pain is better than prolonged suffering. Mu Xirou's plight always reminded him of another person—one who, unlike Mu Xirou's gentle nature in this life, had been doomed as a pawn and ultimately paid with her life. Every time he saw Mu Xirou, it was as if he saw that person again. Even if it was their shared fate that drew his attention, he would not let history repeat itself.

Some fools only need to be made once. Some mistakes only need to be seen once.