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

The Prime Minister's Residence (Emerald Bamboo Garden)

After the two had eaten and drunk their fill, they sat at the table and chatted.

"Brother, do you really believe that Gong Xu can get things done?" Su Qin asked, looking at Mu Yunqing.

He didn't think Gong Xu was someone to be trifled with. Not only was he cowardly, but he also looked dishonest, and he might run away any day.

Mu Yunqing took a sip of tea and said, "Of course I don't believe him, but I can't get away right now..."

Before Mu Yunqing could finish speaking, Su Qin hurriedly interjected, "I can, brother! I can keep an eye on him for you!" As she spoke, she ran up to Mu Yunqing, tugged at his sleeve, and looked at him expectantly.

Mu Yunqing straightened his clothes, which had been disheveled by the bedclothes, and said sternly, "How can you, a man, be allowed to show your face in public?"

"Hmph, enough with the talk! If you don't want me to go, then forget it! I'm not happy about it anyway!" Su Qin rolled his eyes at Mu Yunqing, sat back down, and took a sip of tea.

He knew that Mu Yunqing said this because he didn't want him to get involved, but he still wanted to do something for him, even if it was just a small thing.

After a long silence, Mu Yunqing spoke up: "This matter needs to be considered carefully. For now, the Red Moon and the Green Stone Gang are under my control, but we need to be cautious about what will happen in the future."

"Then what are your plans?"

"Let's stabilize Hongyue first. You and I are still outsiders. Who knows, Lingqi might turn Hongyue against us one day. I'm afraid I won't be able to protect myself then."

Su Qin's heart trembled as she listened to Mu Yunqing's words. The Red Moon was right in her hands, and she could easily have it with just a little effort.

But why, why is his brother so worried?

He suddenly remembered the past ten years.

How did Mu Yunqing get through those ten years?

He lived a life of luxury, with everything done for him. He didn't have to worry about food, clothing, or daily necessities, and gold and silver treasures were delivered to him with a mere flick of his wrist.

But his brother, with his dilapidated house, faded clothes, and that shocking scar on his shoulder, must have suffered countless hardships to survive to this day.

He searched for him for thousands of years, year after year, without success, until a few days ago when Mu Yunqing left the mansion and he learned of his whereabouts.

What must he be doing during these ten years of complete silence?

Being all alone must be incredibly lonely.

_

the next day.

Lee House

It rained last night, and the flowers on the branches were knocked off by the rain and scattered on the ground, creating a beautiful scene.

Through the branches, I could see a small pavilion in the distance, surrounded by lush vegetation and fragrant flowers—truly a beautiful scene.

Li Yunxi, dressed in white, sat upright in the pavilion, holding a calligraphy brush in her hand, her eyes focused intently on the painting in front of her.

A hint of hesitation crossed his face; he didn't know where to begin.

I fear that if I start writing too late, I will lose the image in my mind; I also fear that if I start writing too quickly, I will not be able to capture even the slightest detail of her appearance.

After a long while, he finally picked up his brush to paint.

His brushstrokes were gentle and delicate, as if he were conversing with the paper. Each stroke carried the emotions and longing deep within his heart, gradually outlining a blurry silhouette. After a few strokes, the image gradually became clearer, and the figure of a beautiful woman appeared on the paper.

Li Yunxi carefully examined her painting, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. She then put the scroll away, held it close to her chest, and protected it like a precious treasure.

Seeing his young master's appearance, Afu, out of curiosity, asked loudly, "Young master, whose young lady is this? She's so beautiful!"

“It’s the young lady from the Prime Minister’s residence, Afu. I have to go out for a while today. Could you cover for me for a bit?” Li Yunxi said, placing the scroll on the table, getting up, taking Afu’s hand, and stuffing some silver into it.

"Young master... this..." Afu hesitated, but couldn't refuse.

"I'll be right back, don't let Mother know!" Li Yunxi said, lifting her skirt and leaving through the back door.

He had already inquired about the good news yesterday: Mu Yan could be seen at Meiyuan West Street at noon today.

_

梅园

Mu Yan and Xiao Ran sat in the pavilion, listening to music and chatting casually.

"Ah Yan, what did Mother Empress say to you when you went to the palace yesterday? She didn't make things difficult for you, did she?" Xiao Ran said, reaching out to grab a handful of peanuts.

"No, I just asked a few questions," Mu Yan replied casually.

"Okay, I thought she was going to make things difficult for you!" Xiao Ran said, letting out a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, the novels are all fictional, and none of the events described in them came true. Otherwise, if all those scenarios—the female protagonist being targeted at every turn, harassed by powerful figures, framed by her sisters, and so on—actualized, it would be a disaster.

Xiao Ran shook her head quickly, thinking, "Oh, this is too terrifying. I've already died once, I can't die again."

Suddenly, a melodious zither sound rang out. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a man in white (Li Yunxi) playing the zither.

He was dressed in white, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his temperament elegant and otherworldly, as if he were untouched by worldly affairs. His face was as white as jade, his features exquisitely beautiful, and his brows revealed a faint scholarly air. His long hair cascaded down his shoulders like a waterfall.

When he plays the zither, his hands move in perfect harmony, producing clear and pure sounds, free from any trace of impurity, which captivates all who hear it.

He has a different appearance from Mu Yunqing, as pure and elegant as a magnolia flower. This is Mu Yan's evaluation of him.

Xiao Ran, standing to the side, was already completely absorbed in the moment, her mind filled with nothing but a thousand "damn it!" thoughts.

She knew that her mother, the Empress, had spent a fortune to find someone to play the zither, and that it wasn't just for the sake of listening to the music.

With her voice and appearance like that, she would be willing to hear it a thousand or ten thousand times.

Just as the music seemed to be fading, the pegs were turned and the strings were plucked, sometimes low, sometimes high, rising and falling, like a clear mountain spring, or birdsong at dawn, until finally spring faded, flowers fell, and all was silent.

After the music ended, Li Yunxi, carrying her zither, walked towards Mu Yan and the other person.

"Yunxi greets Your Highness and Third Miss," Li Yunxi said, bowing to the two.

"No need for formalities, no need for formalities!" Xiao Ran reached out to help Li Yunxi, but he hurriedly dodged away.

"Thank you... Your Highness," Li Yunxi said, taking a step back.

He really doesn't like being touched by others.

And Xiao Ran...

How embarrassing! She shouldn't have helped the child; look how scared the child was.

Xiao Ran coughed lightly and asked, feigning composure, "How did you end up here?"

"Your Highness, the plum garden is quiet and peaceful. I often come here to practice my zither when I have nothing to do."

Seeing his honest appearance, Xiao Ran teased, "Is that so? Then we'll just take over your territory!"

"Yunxi wouldn't dare, Yunxi is afraid that the music will disturb your refined enjoyment!" Li Yunxi said, kneeling down on the ground.

Now is the perfect opportunity to show weakness; doing so will surely leave a deep impression on Mu Yan.

He appeared flustered, but his breathing remained perfectly steady, and he maintained a perfect sense of proportion.

To outsiders, he appears as a petal about to fall, or a willow branch unable to withstand the wind.

Mu Yan sighed, "She really is pitiful."

No wonder those scumbags dream of giving every girl a home; now that her status has changed, she wants to give every boy a home too.

If Mu Yunqing were like this handsome young man, she would definitely be able to win him over. Such innocent and handsome young men are the easiest to deceive!

Thinking to herself, Mu Yan helped Li Yunxi up and said, "Get up first!"

After looking him over carefully again, he was indeed a handsome man.

"You often practice your zither here, do you perhaps love plum blossoms?" Mu Yan asked softly.

“Exactly.” Li Yunxi nodded in response. “A fine sword is forged through tempering, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold. Yunxi hopes to be like the plum blossom, unafraid of the severe cold and persevering.”

"What a wonderful description of 'unafraid of the bitter cold, tenacious and unyielding'!" A hint of admiration flashed in Mu Yan's eyes. "Such integrity is truly precious. However, there are very few people in this world who possess the qualities of the plum blossom."

"Miss, you flatter me," Li Yunxi said, bowing her head. "I am merely using the plum blossom as a metaphor for self-encouragement."

"I see." Mu Yan nodded slightly. "Then let's work hard and make progress. We won't disturb your practice any longer, we'll be going now." Mu Yan said, pulling the infatuated Xiao Ran aside and walking downstairs.

"You two, walk slowly."

Li Yunxi watched them leave, and only after they were out of sight did he slowly stand up. He gently stroked the strings of his zither, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his lips.

_

Imperial Palace (Annyeong Hall)

Xiao Yu'an looked at the gifts that had been returned by the Li family and was very displeased.

Why should the Li family have the right to look down on her like this? He's just a Grand Tutor.

It seems they've had too many peaceful days and have forgotten how to write the hierarchical system. Oh, the Li family, right?

Xiao Yu'an thought for a moment, then suddenly gave a cold laugh.

If you don't get it, destroy it.

What Xiao Yu'an cannot have, should not exist in this world.

Once she holds power, no one who offends her will escape.

Hahahahahaha~ Hahahahahahahaha~

Xiao Yu'an's wild laughter echoed from inside the hall, startling the maid sweeping outside who quickly closed the door.

"His Highness has gone mad again!"

"Who says it isn't?"

"Hey, stop sweeping, stop sweeping! Run!" the maid said, grabbing the sleeve of the person next to her and starting to run.

The people of Anning Palace were already used to this kind of life. The Crown Prince would go mad within three days of any incident, and any slight abnormality meant he had gone mad again.

If someone's going crazy, just hide away, stay far away.

_

The Prime Minister's Residence (Emerald Bamboo Garden)

Since returning from Wenzhou that day, Mu Yan hasn't seen Mu Yunqing. She still needs to make her presence known so that he doesn't forget her.

Cuizhu Garden was the same as always, except that some weeds had grown along the roadside, the vegetables in the garden had grown taller, and the stones outside the house looked like they had been moved.

Mu Yan surveyed her surroundings and looked up to see him standing by the window.

She was still wearing that plain-colored dress, her black hair half-tied up, with her long hair hanging naturally at her side.

A hint of surprise flashed in her light blue eyes, as if asking why she was there.

"What have you thought about what I told you before?" Mu Yan said, walking to the window and standing face to face with him.

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunqing's mind was filled with Mu Yan's words, "Mu Yunqing, I can marry you."

Regardless of whether she would marry him, he was of no use to her, and as for him, with nothing to his name, he had no desire to have anything to do with her.

Furthermore, she might have said that just to tease him.

Upon considering this possibility, Mu Yunqing's expression suddenly turned cold, and she slammed the window shut.

All that remained outside the window was a bewildered Mu Yan.

"Hey! What do you mean!" Mu Yan said as she pushed the door open and entered.

How can anyone be like this? Can't we communicate peacefully anymore?!

Upon seeing this, Aladdin immediately turned off the screen; it had never managed someone with such low emotional intelligence in its entire life.

"Go back now, I'm going to eat." Mu Yunqing placed the bowl and chopsticks on the table and then sat down at the table.

"Why go back? I haven't eaten yet. Let me have a bite!" Mu Yan said as she sat down next to him.

Mu Yunqing served himself a bowl of rice and gestured, "It's just simple food, so please don't keep me any longer, Master. Please go back!"

"Mu Yunqing, didn't we agree to take it slow? You keep refusing me, is this your sincerity in taking it slow?"

"When did I agree to take things slowly with you?" Mu Yunqing countered.

“Before in Wenzhou…” Mu Yan’s mouth was covered with food by Mu Yunqing before she could finish speaking.

"One should not speak while eating or sleeping," Mu Yunqing said calmly, then placed the chopsticks she had just used to pick up food into Mu Yan's hand.

"Oh." Mu Yan took the chopsticks and chewed a bite of food.

Why does this dish taste so familiar? It's like I've had it somewhere before.

But this was clearly the first time she had eaten his cooking. Her memory must be playing tricks on her. Whatever, eating was the priority. Mu Yan thought to herself as she hurriedly ate a few more mouthfuls of rice.

Really fragrant.

Seeing Mu Yan eating so heartily, Mu Yunqing's lips unconsciously curled up, and he ate a few more bites of food than usual.

[Ding dong, congratulations host, your favorability has increased by 5 points, equivalent to 500 points. The points have been issued, host, please check!]

Oh dear, what a mess! I was eating and points just started appearing on their own. It's true, once someone becomes powerful, they become invincible.

Ah, my damn charm.

Mu Yan indulged in a moment of self-admiration.

Seeing Mu Yan's smug look, Aladdin quickly poured cold water on her enthusiasm.

"Don't be too happy yet, your favorability rating is far from enough!"

"So what? At least I'm improving every day!"

"You better be!"

"Of course I am. Since you're here, please help me analyze the situation."

"What's going on?" Aladdin pretended not to understand.

"What's going on between him and me? To put it another way, after I've won him over, can I go back?"

Can you go back?

Of course not, that's just wishful thinking.

"No, the system has detected that your physical body has dissipated, and without a vessel, the soul cannot survive."

"All right……"

Perhaps noticing the dejection in Mu Yan's eyes, Aladdin patted Mu Yan on the shoulder.

"Host, the male lead is a gift tailor-made for you by our system. He stores the last trace of your brother's soul, which is also his emotional soul; he has feelings for you, so winning him over is not difficult."

"Whether you succeed or not depends on whether you choose to accept him. That's all I can reveal."

Aladdin disappeared after he finished speaking.

Only the two of them remained in the room. Mu Yan looked up and glanced at Mu Yunqing.

Aladdin's voice echoed in my mind: "He has feelings for you; whether you succeed or not depends on whether you can accept him."

"He is the last vestige of your brother's soul, his last remaining spirit."

Whether it succeeds or not, whether it can be accepted or not, is no longer important. She is not the real Mu Yan, and Mu Yunqing is not the real Mu Yunqing. They are just equivalent replacements.

If things don't always go as planned, then let nature take its course.

Mu Yan looked away and picked up the bowl in front of her to wash it, but Mu Yunqing stopped her.

"I'll wash it," Mu Yunqing said, taking the bowl from Mu Yan's hand.

"Alright, thank you for your trouble. It's getting late, I'll go back and rest now. You... you should rest early too." Mu Yan said and turned to run away.