219: A chance encounter in Qingyao Garden...

Empress Mu Qingning looked at Li Shengyuan with a hint of surprise, and asked curiously,

“Why did you suddenly want to go to Qingyao Garden to see the lantern festival?”

“I just felt like it’s been a long time since I relaxed and played with Senior Sister. When I heard there was a lantern festival at Qingyao Garden today, I wanted to take Senior Sister to stroll around!” Li Shengyuan smiled gently.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning also fell into her memories, a gentle smile appearing on her lips.

“It has indeed been a long time since I played and relaxed with Junior Brother. Thinking about it, I really miss those days…”

“That’s why I want to take Senior Sister to see it, to reminisce, and to find that feeling from back then!” Li Shengyuan said with a smile.

“But… things are different now. With my status, it’s not easy to go out casually, and I can’t stand in the crowd to watch the lantern festival like before…” Female Emperor Mu Qingning said with some helplessness.

Being an emperor meant adhering to the imperial rules; she had to maintain her imperial dignity at all times. Her intimate moments with Li Shengyuan in the imperial carriage had already broken the rules.

In fact, during various festivals, there would also be fireworks displays, even more luxurious and beautiful, but Female Emperor Mu Qingning’s heart never stirred with the slightest ripple.

The feeling of watching fireworks with Junior Brother among the common people was different.

Li Shengyuan smiled mysteriously, “I know it’s not easy for Senior Sister to go out now, that’s why I came to see you secretly. Wouldn’t it be fine if we just snuck out?”

After speaking, he took out dresses and tools for disguise and makeup, then chuckled:

“See, I’ve even prepared the equipment!”

Female Emperor Mu Qingning blinked her phoenix-like eyes, looking at the items Li Shengyuan took out with slight astonishment, then she chuckled. She hadn't expected Junior Brother to be so well-prepared; it seemed he really wanted to go out with her.

However, thinking about secretly going to the lantern festival with Junior Brother, blending into the crowd, and no one recognizing her identity, Female Emperor Mu Qingning felt a small thrill.

Since ascending the throne, she had indeed lost a lot of fun.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning then smiled brightly at Li Shengyuan, “Since Junior Brother is all prepared, let’s start quickly. It would be a pity if we’re late and miss the fireworks!”

“Mhm, Senior Sister, just wait and see!”

Li Shengyuan smiled confidently, then began to simply disguise Senior Sister and change her clothes and attire.

After a simple disguise, the two left the imperial palace.

With their strength, leaving the imperial palace silently was very simple.

The simple disguise and change of clothes were to allow Female Emperor Mu Qingning to blend in among ordinary people without appearing out of place.

“Senior Sister, stay close to me.” Li Shengyuan naturally took her hand, their fingers intertwined.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning also obediently followed behind Li Shengyuan, letting him lead her around.

The street leading to Qingyao Garden was already lit up like daytime.

Colorful lanterns hung high, and vendors’ shouts rose and fell.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning was dazzled, protected by Li Shengyuan at her side, avoiding the crowds. She hadn’t experienced such lively atmosphere in a long time.

“Candied hawthorn! Senior Sister, would you like to try some?” Li Shengyuan bought a string of crystal-clear candied hawthorn and held it to her lips.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning didn’t hesitate for a moment, biting off a piece, the sweetness melting in her mouth.

She suddenly remembered something and chuckled, “If the Imperial Censor knew that I… I was eating snacks on the street, he’d probably be so angry he’d hit his head against a pillar.”

“Today, there is no Majesty, only Senior Sister Qingning.” Li Shengyuan gently wiped the sugar from her lips, his gaze tender.

The two followed the crowd to Qingyao Garden.

Thousands of lotus lanterns floated on the lake, mirroring the stars in the sky.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning leaned against the railing, her eyes reflecting the shimmering water.

“It’s truly beautiful.” She sighed softly, gentle affection flowing in her beautiful eyes.

Li Shengyuan stood behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist to prevent her from being jostled by the crowd. “How does it compare to the palace?”

“No matter how exquisite the lanterns in the palace are, they can’t compare to the lively atmosphere here.” Female Emperor Mu Qingning leaned back, almost resting in his embrace.

Suddenly, a familiar sweet laugh drifted over. Female Emperor Mu Qingning’s body stiffened. She saw Princess Pingyang not far away, holding Shen Xinrong’s arm, with Yue Xiyan and her disciple next to them. The little foodie Tangtang had her hands full of snacks, her mouth barely keeping up.

Several beautiful women were laughing joyfully as they walked towards them.

“Oh no…” Female Emperor Mu Qingning instinctively wanted to hide, but it was too late.

Princess Pingyang and the others’ eyes lit up when they saw Li Shengyuan, who was slightly disguised, and they quickened their steps towards him.

To prevent Li Shengyuan’s identity from being exposed and causing unnecessary commotion, they did not call out his name but simply hastened their steps silently.

Seeing the woman in his arms, everyone was somewhat curious.

“This lady looks so familiar…” Princess Pingyang stared intently at Female Emperor Mu Qingning, then suddenly her eyes widened, “Emper— ”

Li Shengyuan quickly covered her mouth and whispered,

“Quiet, keep it low-key…”