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

Mu Yunqing watched Mu Yan's departing figure, somewhat puzzled, but didn't think much of it. He washed the dishes and went to bed.

The next day (Prime Minister's Residence)

Mu Yan stood in the center of the courtyard, surrounded by maids who bowed their heads and held exquisite bows and arrows.

She picked up one of them, gently pulled the bowstring, and felt the pressure.

Xiangqin followed behind her and said softly, "Master, the craftsmen worked day and night, and this batch of bows and arrows is now finished."

Mu Yan nodded slightly and continued walking forward, but her gaze suddenly sharpened. She noticed that the string of one of the bows, though seemingly taut, actually had subtle wear.

"Who was in charge of the inspection?" Mu Yan asked in a cold voice.

Everyone fell silent, and then a young maidservant stepped forward tremblingly.

Mu Yan looked at the maid in front of her with a half-smile, and was about to interrogate her when a burst of laughter came from outside the courtyard gate.

Looking up, I saw it was Mu Xue.

It appeared just in time; she was wondering why only this bow and arrow had malfunctioned, even though she had it checked last night.

With the appearance of Muxue, everything becomes clear. You like to play, huh? Well, your grandma will play with you to your heart's content!

Mu Yan thought for a moment and then walked towards Mu Xue.

Seeing this, Mu Xue's eyes flashed with surprise, and then she smiled and said, "Sister Mu Yan is about to show off her skills. However, there are bound to be some oversights in the inspection, so please don't be angry, sister."

"Second sister is truly sharp-eyed and perceptive. She knew I made a mistake in inspecting the bows and arrows just from a glance," Mu Yan retorted.

Mu Xue was speechless and didn't respond to Mu Yan's words. Instead, she advised Mu Yan to be magnanimous.

“I would like to be magnanimous, but it is only this maid who made a mistake in inspecting the bow and arrows, which is really suspicious. Tell me... how should I punish her?” Mu Yan said, raising her hand to lift the maid’s chin, but her eyes did not leave Mu Xue.

The maid was trembling with fear at Mu Yan's presence and hurriedly knelt down to beg for mercy.

"Third Miss, please spare me! I didn't mean to! I didn't mean to!"

"Oh? You didn't do it on purpose? Then who did it on purpose?" Mu Yan said, glancing at Mu Xue beside her.

Mu Xue frowned and said sternly, "Why are you looking at me? I didn't make these, and I have no interest in your bows and arrows!"

"Of course I know it wasn't you, sister. We live under the same roof, don't I know your character?" Mu Yan pretended to be familiar with Mu Xue and said with a smile. Then her face changed and she kicked the maid on the ground viciously.

"Ah~" The maid cried out in pain and fell to the ground.

Mu Xue, who was standing nearby, hurriedly dodged away, her face changing color.

"What's the panic? I'm not hitting you, I'm hitting this traitorous dog!" Mu Yan said, raising her foot to kick again, but Mu Xue quickly stopped her.

"Why is my sister so angry? Considering this is her first offense, let her off this time!"

If Mu Yan were allowed to kick this dog servant to death, what would happen? This dog servant might turn around and betray her. Although she couldn't stand to see Mu Yan doing well, she didn't dare to confront Mu Yan directly.

Mu Yan raised her eyes and glanced at Mu Xue, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes. This was exactly what she had been waiting for.

The kicking and beating of the maid was only meant to scare her; there was no intention to kill her.

"Since my sister has said so, then let her off this time!"

Upon hearing this, Mu Xue yelled at the maid on the ground, "Get out of here!"

Upon hearing this, the maid hurriedly got up and slunk away towards the door.

Seeing the maid leave, Mu Xue breathed a sigh of relief. She would find someone to give her some silver to send her away, so that Mu Yan would not be able to find any dirt on her no matter how hard she tried.

Mu Yan hasn't changed at all; she's still the same as before—ruthless and unpredictable. It seems I'll have to be even more careful in the future.

Seeing that Mu Xue hadn't moved, Mu Yan raised her hand and waved it in front of Mu Xue's eyes, "What are you thinking about, Second Sister?"

"No...nothing."

"Since there's nothing wrong, Second Sister, you should go back early. I have things to attend to. Xiangqin, see the guest out!"

"Second Miss, this way... please."

Hearing this, Mu Xue was displeased, but she didn't dare to show it on her face. She left with her maid and turned away.

Only after Muxue left did Xiangqin dare to speak. She needed to get out of this dangerous place as soon as possible; it was just too terrifying! She felt that the devilish young lady had returned!

“Master, you…” Xiangqin stammered.

"What's wrong with me?"

"You've been in a terrible temper today. I'll make you some chrysanthemum tea to cool you down!" Xiangqin said, taking the plate from the table and turning to run away.

Mu Yan smiled faintly, waved for the people around her to leave, and pulled Xiang Qin to sit down.

"You really think I'm angry?"

"Mmm," Xiangqin responded weakly.

The way he acted just now wasn't because he was angry; heaven knows how much pain his master must have hurt when he kicked him—it was terrifying.

"I'm not angry, I was just teasing her! She's not worth getting angry at."

"Really?" Xiangqin's eyes widened, her face full of suspicion.

"Of course it's true, it's just a bow and arrow, if it breaks, we can just have someone fix it! But... Mu Xue actually managed to bribe the people around me, Xiang Qin, I want to ask you for a favor."

"Master, you say so, and I will definitely do it!"

“These past few days, keep a close eye on the servants in my courtyard. Make a note of anyone who acts suspiciously or is disloyal to their masters. It’s time for Fanglan Garden to clean house.”

"Okay! I'll definitely find it!" Xiangqin looked determined.

"Okay, you go eat first. I have an appointment today and I have to go out!"

"Yes, Master," Xiangqin replied and then withdrew.

Mu Yan went back to her room to change her clothes and then went to the brothel.

- Flower Pavilion

The building was as lively as ever, with guests taking their seats, singing and dancing, and melodious music filling the air.

Xiao Ran sat in a VIP seat in the corner, sipping her fruit wine. The male escorts beside her were busy peeling grapes for her, massaging her back, and kneading her legs.

Mu Yan walked lightly into the brothel. She wore a moon-white brocade dress with delicate orchid patterns embroidered in silver thread on the hem. The patterns appeared and disappeared as she walked, like delicate orchids swaying in the wind.

The cuffs were made of sheer, gossamer-like fabric, revealing glimpses of her snow-white skin when she raised her arms. A pale purple ribbon was tied at her waist in a pretty bow, further emphasizing her slender waist.

Her face was absolutely stunning. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes were like stars, sparkling with intelligence and wit. The corners of her eyes were slightly upturned, giving her a natural charm. Her nose was straight and delicate, her naturally red lips were slightly pursed, and her cheeks were flushed with a faint blush, like blooming peach petals.

Her jet-black hair was half-tied up like a cloud, adorned only with a single jade hairpin, simple yet elegant.

Mu Yan walked straight towards Xiao Ran, the jewels on her body making a soft clinking sound, like a beautiful melody.

Everyone was amazed by her beauty and demeanor.

Nian, who was playing the zither, caught sight of Mu Yan entering from outside the door. Her heart pounded, her thoughts raced, and she even played a few wrong notes.

Why did she suddenly come...?

If he had known she was coming, he should have dressed up better; he looks terrible in his plain clothes.

Ugh... Nian felt remorseful, and when she looked up, she saw Muyan heading towards the princess.

They actually know each other... Could the princess have told Muyan about the two of them shopping together?

No! No, please...

"Ranran, I'm here!" Mu Yan walked over and sat down next to Xiao Ran.

"Ayan, you've finally arrived! I've already finished three plates of grapes! But these grapes are really good, you should try some!" Xiao Ran said, pushing the grapes in front of Mu Yan.

"Ahem..." Mu Yan coughed lightly.

Xiao Ran understood what she meant and waved her hand to dismiss the male prostitute.

"Has anything strange happened in the palace lately?" Mu Yan asked, plucking a grape and popping it into her mouth.

"No, but... I heard that His Highness's marriage proposal was rejected."

"Xiao Yu'an?"

"Yes, he was rejected by Li Taifu's son."

"She's a princess, after all. With the Li family acting like this, the eldest princess is losing face!"

Xiao Ran slapped her thigh and nodded, saying, "That's right! I heard she was furious!"

"Oh well, who cares? What about you? What are your plans?" Mu Yan said, looking up at Xiao Ran.

"me?"

Seeing Mu Yan suddenly ask her so seriously, she also became more serious, sat up straight, and looked at Mu Yan.

The two looked at each other for a few seconds, then burst into laughter, bending over backwards.

"I'm serious!"

"I'm serious too!" Xiao Ran replied casually.

The two were silent for a while.

Xiao Ran slowly said, "Actually, I don't have any plans. I just want to live well, in case I need to go back someday!"

"What if... we can't go back?" Mu Yan said calmly.

"You still have to live well," Xiao Ran said, patting Mu Yan's shoulder.

She really didn't have any plans; she lived one day at a time. Having died once, she cherished her life immensely, and in her view, being alive was the best thing.

She didn't care about dynastic conflicts or palace intrigues; as long as her life wasn't in danger, she'd rather remain idle like this.

Whether others call her a playboy or a womanizer, it doesn't hurt her in the slightest.

As for Mu Yan, who was also a transmigrator like her, she didn't have any other thoughts about her.

She will trust her as long as she doesn't harm her for a day.

If she harms her, it's a dog-eat-dog world, everyone has to rely on their own abilities, there's nothing to fight over.

It's good to be alive.

"Yes, we really need to live well!" Mu Yan patted Xiao Ran's shoulder in response.

-The back kitchen of the flower shop

Nian changed her clothes and tiptoed in, pretending to inspect the work, walking back and forth in the kitchen.

Seeing Xiao Si carrying grapes and about to leave, Nian asked casually, "Who... are you going to give these grapes to?"

"Reporting to young master, these are the grapes Her Highness the princess requested."

"I'll deliver it. You can go about your other business."

"Yes, young master," said Xiao Si, handing the grapes to Nian.

Nian carried the grapes outside, not forgetting to tidy her hair as she walked.

He could finally see her again!

"Your Highness, here are the grapes you requested."

"Okay, just put it on the table. Hey? It's you!" Xiao Ran was delighted to see Nian.

"Your Highness, the kitchen is short-staffed, so I've come to help deliver some grapes," Nian said, placing them on the table.

"Oh, is that so? Since you're here, why don't you sit down and have something to eat with us?"

Upon hearing this, Nian's face lit up with joy. Forgetting all about being shy, she quickly sat down next to Mu Yan.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for the seat."

"Hmm, try these grapes, they're so sweet!" Xiao Ran said, pushing the grapes toward Nian.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Nian said, picking a grape with her slender fingers and distinct knuckles, her every move exuding elegance.

She is truly the most beautiful woman in the world.

Sure enough... wherever Xiao Ran is, there are handsome men.

With Xiao Ran's gossipy nature, the three of them, who were initially a little awkward, quickly became familiar with each other.

The three of them chattered away, discussing musical instruments, tones, and dance moves, and even recited and learned a dance.