Female-dominated society: Striving for the position of powerful minister, doting on Xiao Yunqing

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, if the leader says it's there, then it's there." Gong Xu said, and hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed again.

Glancing at the person shaking their head on the ground, Mu Yunqing clicked his tongue and said impatiently, "Stop, stop, stop shaking there, it's giving me a headache! You should manage the affairs of the gang well, I'll come back to see you in a few days, Gong Xu, don't let me down."

"Don't worry, boss, I will definitely not let you down! I'm incredibly capable!" Gong Xu said, patting his chest confidently.

"Alright, go back and rest." Mu Yunqing replied casually.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, I'll get lost!" Gong Xu said, and slunk away.

"Ling Qi, take the people back."

"Yes," Ling Qi replied, turning back to gather the people.

Seeing that the person had left, Mu Yunqing leaped onto the roof. He held his sword in his right hand and walked lightly and gracefully in the moonlight, appearing perfectly at ease as he walked alone in the moonlight.

The night breeze caressed his sleeves, his long hair swayed gently in the wind, a light breeze blew, and the bright moon shone brightly; the moonlight was exceptionally beautiful tonight.

He traveled to Wenzhou Prefecture, found a roof over his house and went to sleep. He was feeling hot and bothered after drinking, but the cool breeze was just right, so he slept well all night.

three days later

With the flood in Wenzhou resolved, Mu Yan and her team successfully withdrew, had breakfast, and then returned to Beijing by car.

Xiao Ran recently sent a letter informing the Empress that the flood was about to be resolved, and the Empress had already issued an imperial edict ordering Mu Yan to come to the palace for an audience.

Both Mu Yan and Xiao Ran gained some fame for their successful flood control efforts and won the hearts of the people.

Within a radius of a hundred miles, everyone knows about it.

The people of Wenzhou are simple and honest, and they are happy and grateful. Although they are weak and powerless, they do their best to help.

People followed them all the way out of the prefecture, only stopping when they reached the city gate.

_Kyoto, the entrance to the imperial city

"Princess, Third Miss, we've arrived," the coachman called out, reaching out to lift the curtain.

Mu Yan and Xiao Ran got out of the car together, while Mu Yunqing sat alone inside.

Mu Yan glanced inside and said softly, "Please escort my husband to the Prime Minister's residence."

"Don't worry, Miss, we will definitely get Young Master Mu back safely." The coachman said, and started to turn around.

"Okay, be careful on the road." With that, the two entered the palace gate together.

_Green Plum Garden

The garden was planted with a large number of plum trees, which bloomed in full glory a while ago. The Empress was so pleased with them that she came here to work every day.

Now, after the spring rains, the flowers have faded, the green branches remain, and a few fruits have sparsely borne on the branches.

As usual, the Empress was writing on her desk, reviewing memorials, with a man in a blue robe kneeling beside her.

The man's face was covered by a light veil. He had delicate features and a dignified posture. He sat quietly to the side, playing the zither.

After finishing the piece, he placed the zither aside, bowed, and left.

As they left Qingmei Garden, they happened to run into Muyan and her companion. The two were so engrossed in their playful banter that they didn't notice the person beside them.

Li Yunxi stared at the woman in front of her, stunned for a long time before she could recover.

He saw that she was dressed in a brocade cloud-patterned robe, with a jade hairpin in her hair and a few wisps of hair hanging down her forehead. Her skin was like solidified jade and dew, and although she was not wearing any makeup, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Her red lips parted slightly, and she smiled radiantly, like a fairy described in a book, captivating the soul.

Her every move was elegant and poised, without the slightest hint of affectation.

"Such a woman exists in the world!" Li Yunxi exclaimed inwardly. He hurriedly walked outside, eager to return to his residence and sketch the woman's appearance.

"Ayan, this is the best I can do for you," Xiao Ran said with a smile.

"Okay." Mu Yan responded softly, then strode inside.

Look at this yard, this floor, these lush green trees—no wonder it's the world of the wealthy.

This garden design would have cost at least several hundred million in the 20th century.

Mu Yan walked inside on her own, and soon saw the Empress. She truly was a mother of the world; just looking at her, one could feel her great presence.

"Your subject, Mu Yan, pays her respects to Your Majesty!" Mu Yan said, kneeling and kowtowing.

OMG, this floor is so hard! I can hear my bones rattling.

"Be flat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Mu Yan replied softly.

"Come, let me see..." the Empress said, pulling Mu Yan's hand.

"It's been so many years, you've grown even more beautiful! Just like your mother when she was young."

"Haha, Your Majesty flatters me," Mu Yan replied humbly.

"You've been exhausted from managing the floods in Wenzhou. In her letter, Aran told me that you've been in the water every day."

"I'm not tired. This is what I should do."

"Hahaha, like mother, like daughter! Neither of them has disappointed me! Speak, what reward do you want!"

As the Empress spoke, she looked up at Mu Yan. Their eyes met, but Mu Yan remained calm and composed, seemingly even more composed than her mother.

"Your Majesty is greedy and begs that you grant me an official position!" Mu Yan said, kneeling down and kowtowing again.

"Giving you an official position is a small matter, but the officialdom is chaotic. Are you really willing to get involved?"

"This humble woman is willing, and hopes Your Majesty will grant my request!" Mu Yan raised her eyes to look at the Empress.

Upon hearing this, the Empress's red lips curled slightly, and she said sternly, "As a minister of the court, one must be both brave and wise, able to devise strategies for the emperor above and protect the people below. I ask you, what qualities do you possess? And why do you have earned my favor?"

"This humble woman is resourceful and skilled with a sword. She can compose poems and paint, answer questions and resolve doubts, and even till the land and go to war without a hairpin!"

"If Your Majesty grants me this opportunity, I will certainly not disappoint you."

Without a second thought, Mu Yan blurted out the words in a fraction of an hour. Her words were clear, her eyes were firm, and her aura was powerful, just like a general about to go into battle.

The Empress looked down at the person kneeling on the ground. He was clearly just a child, yet he possessed such courage.

"Hahaha, good, very good. It wasn't for nothing that your mother paved the way for you. Here's what I'll do: I'll grant you an official rank first. You can decide whether you prefer a civil or military official position. Once you've made your choice, just let your mother know!"

Upon hearing this, Mu Yan's eyes lit up with joy, and she hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

"Get up. The journey has been arduous. Go back and rest first. Tell me your plans later." The Empress said, then sat down at her desk again.

"This humble woman takes her leave! Long live the Emperor!"

Mu Yan bowed to the Empress, then got up and returned to her residence.

_Li Mansion

As soon as Li Yunxi stepped down from the carriage, a servant boy came out to greet her.

"Master, Master!"

"What's all this fuss about?" Li Yunxi asked him softly.

"Young Master, the...the Crown Prince has arrived."

Upon hearing the words "Your Highness," Li Yunxi frowned. He did not recall his mother having any connection with this prince.

Their arrival this time is likely not for good reason.

Li Yunxi was startled and quickly walked towards the main hall.

Main Hall

Grand Tutor Li and Xiao Yu'an sat facing each other at a table, on which were placed precious medicinal herbs and various treasures brought by Xiao Yu'an.

Grand Tutor Li was overjoyed. This eldest princess was the most favored princess of the Empress, intelligent and capable. If his Yunxi could marry into the palace, it would be a perfect match.

"Grand Tutor Li, I hope you will give the matter we just discussed much consideration," Xiao Yu'an said, taking a sip of tea.

"Oh, that's natural."

“Alright, I still have some matters to attend to in the palace, so I'll take my leave now. I'll visit you another day.” Xiao Yu’an stood up, bowed, and then turned to leave.

"Alright, Princess, take care!" Grand Tutor Li, leaning on his cane, saw Xiao Yu'an off a few steps.

"Yunxi greets her mother."

As Li Yunxi spoke, she bowed to Grand Tutor Li with movements so precise they were almost unbelievable. (Don't ask me what those movements were; they were textbook perfect.)

"My son, you may dispense with the formalities."

Yun Xi thanked her mother.

"Yes, come sit here. Your mother has something to tell you."

As Li Taifu spoke, he leaned on his cane and walked into the house, and Li Yunxi stepped forward to support him.

Grand Tutor Li sat in a rattan chair and asked, "Did you know that the eldest princess came to your residence today?"

"Yunxi knows," Li Yunxi replied softly.

Grand Tutor Li asked with a smile, "You're not getting any younger, do you still like this princess?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yunxi knelt down before Grand Tutor Li, saying, "Your Highness is very kind, but Yunxi does not like it. I hope Mother will understand."

"Hey, get up quickly. If you don't like it, you don't like it. Love must be mutual." The Grand Tutor said, reaching out to help Li Yunxi up.

"Thank you, Mother, for your kindness."

“If you don’t like it, then Mother will return it. However… Yunxi, you are now 18 years old, and you should pay more attention to marriage.”

"Yun Xi will follow her mother's teachings."

"Okay, go down and rest."

"Alright, then Yunxi will take her leave first." Li Yunxi said, getting up and leaving.

Grand Tutor Li looked at the mountain of gifts and felt a pang of heartache, but he showed no reluctance whatsoever. He ordered people to pack them into boxes and carry them back to Anning Palace.

The Li family never accepts unexpected wealth.

However, since it concerned marriage, she still felt a sense of urgency. All the girls her age were already married, while Yun Xi hadn't made any moves yet.

It wasn't that no one came to propose marriage, but some were from families of low social standing, and some were not good-looking enough, so Li Yunxi mostly didn't like them.

_Prime Minister's Residence

After returning to the manor, Mu Yunqing went straight back to Cuizhu Garden. He was not well received in the manor and few people knew him, so he had no trouble getting there.

He didn't really care. He went into the storeroom to collect his monthly wages and charcoal, and then returned to Green Bamboo Garden.

Counting the days, the vegetables he planted in his backyard should have grown by now. After a half-day drive, he was already quite hungry.

Mu Yunqing went with Mu Yan for half a month. When he returned to the house, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds, the summer rain was continuous, and moss had appeared on the steps.

He stepped onto the stairs, reached out and pushed open the wooden door. The door creaked open, and some dust settled on the lintel.

Mu Yunqing casually tossed the charcoal on the ground and went into the inner room with the silver.

As soon as he entered, he saw Su Qin sleeping soundly on his bed. Mu Yunqing smiled and reached out to grab the blankets and cover Su Qin's face with them.

"Cough, brother! What are you doing!" Su Qin coughed lightly and reached out to lift the blanket covering his face.

"I told you to go back, what are you doing here?"

Su Qin got up, straightened her clothes, and pouted, "I'm not going back! If I go back, I won't be able to get out! Brother, why don't you have a mirror in your room?"

Suqin looked around as she spoke, and it seemed that there was indeed nothing there.

Ugh, he hadn't looked around properly when he came before, but now that he'd observed it closely, the house seemed quite old, small and ugly, and the bed was so hard it hurt his bones.

Mu Yunqing raised his hand and tapped Su Qin on the head, saying, "What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a slum before?"

Su Qin winced in pain, clutching his head, and said, "Ouch, brother, be gentle!"

"Have you eaten?" Mu Yunqing asked him as she stood up.

"no!"

"Come with me," Mu Yunqing said, walking outside.

"Wow, brother, are you going to give me something delicious?" Su Qin asked excitedly as she followed Mu Yunqing out the door.

As a result, Mu Yunqing led him to the vegetable garden.

"Pick whatever vegetables you want to eat, there's plenty!" Mu Yunqing said domineeringly, raising an eyebrow at Su Qin.

Su Qin rolled her eyes at him, rolled up her sleeves, squatted down, and started picking vegetables.

Mu Yunqing went around to the chicken coop behind the house and grabbed a chicken. He originally planned to save it for the New Year, but now that Su Qin had arrived, it meant that the chicken's death was imminent.

Mu Yunqing gripped the chicken's neck, made a single cut, and the chicken's wings flapped incessantly before it kicked its legs, closed its eyes, and left this world forever.

Mu Yunqing was quick; she prepared the chicken in a few swift movements and threw it into the pot.

I steamed rice, stir-fried a few side dishes, and then we ate.

Meanwhile, Mu Yan returned to her residence. She greeted Mu Yunyan and mentioned the matter of being granted an official rank.

Mu Yunyan suggested that she choose to become a civil servant, as there would be a lot of work, but it wouldn't be too tiring.

But Mu Yan will definitely choose a military officer; wielding swords and spears is more suitable for her. As for writing poems and painting, well, just thinking about it makes me dislike it.

Moreover, military officers are scarce these days, so it shouldn't be difficult for them to rise to a higher position.

Besides, the bow and arrow are already made, how can we not give them a try?

Mu Yan excitedly ran back to Fanglan Garden.

She's been gone for over half a month, and everything, including the bow and arrows, is ready. All she needs to do is go back and win a championship.

Then there's the sword. Now that I have the points, I can buy it outright.

"Ading".

[Master, I'm here~]

"Check your points."

[Beep, data collection in progress...]

"Oh well, never mind, let's just go straight to the points mall."

[Good master.]

[Okay, we're inside now. See if there's anything you need!]

The electronic screen from before reappeared in front of Mu Yan. Sigh, now she's rich, she can finally splurge a little.

"Ading, I want that sword!"

[Yes, Master. Beep, purchase completed. Automatically added to your backpack.]

"Emm...A-Ding, do you know any powerful sword techniques?"

[Of course! Master, look at this: the Shadowless Sword Technique, mastered in seven days, with boundless power, and most importantly, it's cheap! Not 99,000, not 9,900, just 999! Take it home right away!]

A-Ding spoke with great passion, hehe, it's not too much to occasionally promote one's own products, is it?

"I don't want to," Mu Yan said firmly.

Why? Look how good it is!

Adin was still trying to argue, but Muyan rolled her eyes at him.

"I want Lan Xunyu!"

[Ah, that's great! It's awesome when paired with a bow and arrow!]

[Master, look! These are all excellent bows and arrows!]

A-Ding enthusiastically introduced the product, but Mu-Yan simply said "NO" and that was it.

[So what do you want?]

A-Ding was a little discouraged. The previous hosts would buy whatever he asked them to buy without thinking. Hmm, why is this host so hard to fool?

"I'll see for myself!" Mu Yan said, starting to swipe the screen.

She bought several sets of sword techniques and a few amulets (to prevent injury) before she stopped.