The Return of the Seventh Young Lady Novel – When the war for the throne ended, the land had changed its rulers. The fifth prince, Chen Feng Yue, ascended the throne as the Emperor of the Qingzhou Kingdom at the tender age of seventeen, marking the beginning of the Xingping era. Despite his youth, the Emperor was highly skilled and knowledgeable, managing the realm so adeptly that all the ministers admired his capabilities.
In the second year of Xingping era, a massive flood struck Qingyun, the southern city of the kingdom, causing widespread suffering among millions of citizens. However, thanks to the efforts of a local official named Mu Cui Ming, the crisis was swiftly resolved. By the third year of Xingping era, the flood issues were well under control. The notable official from the Mu family was promoted to the position of the Left side Deputy Chancellor, serving in the capital, rising in stature like a tiger with wings.
In the seventh year of Xingping era, the eldest young master of the Mu family, passed the imperial examination with the top score, receiving the title of Zhuangyuan[1], and became a promising new official with a bright future, attracting attention from powers within the capital. In the ninth year of Xingping era, the eldest young lady of the Mu family got engaged to Shin Wang[2], becoming the future Wang Fei[3] of Shin Wang, greatly enhancing her social status and reputation.
In the tenth year of Xingping era, the eldest young master of the Mu family was ambushed and killed by bandits while on an official mission. The eldest young lady of the Mu family, deeply grieved, secluded herself, leading to rumors of her losing her sanity. In the eleventh year of Xingping era, during the Empress Dowager’s return from seeking pilgrimage at Tai Lin Temple, an assassination attempt by rebels occurred.
The Furen[4] and the second young lady of the Left side Deputy Chancellor, from the Mu family, protected the Empress Dowager, earning great favor. The second young lady was later appointed by the Empress Dowager as Lady Ping An. Then at the end of the year, her father, the Left side Deputy Chancellor, was promoted to be the Left side Chancellor. Out of affection and favor, the Empress Dowager sent representatives to Lady Ping An’s birthday celebration, bestowing numerous precious gifts, honoring the Mu family.
However, during the feast, Lady Ping An was poisoned! The Empress Dowager, enraged, ordered an investigation, which revealed that the perpetrator was the eldest young lady of the Mu family, now insane and jealous, with the cooperation of her younger sister from the same mother, the seventh young lady.