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

“Alright, I’ll find it for you in a few days.” Ling Qi looked up at the sky after saying that. “I should go back now.”

"Okay, go ahead," Mu Yunqing replied casually.

Seeing that he agreed, Ling Qi picked up her sword and left.

Half a month later

After getting ready in the morning, Mu Yan, along with Mu Yunyan and her entourage, went to attend the autumn banquet.

The wheels moved lightly, and the horses' hooves pounded the ground. In no time, they came to a steady stop in front of the palace gate.

The maids waiting at the gate hurriedly came forward to greet the Prime Minister's carriages and horses.

"Your Excellency, this way please."

Mu Yunyan nodded to the maid and stepped forward.

Mu Yan and the others followed behind her.

_

Upon entering the banquet venue, one is immediately greeted by the enticing fragrance of osmanthus blossoms.

Flowers bloom in profusion, and the ground is covered in golden hues.

The tables and chairs at the banquet were all decorated with exquisite silk, embroidered with lifelike floral and bird patterns. The stage was draped with colorful silk curtains, which swayed gently in the breeze.

The table was laden with delicacies, emitting an enticing aroma.

The female officials of the court took their seats one after another, and laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air.

Some chatted quietly about recent anecdotes in the palace, occasionally letting out cheerful laughter; others curiously examined the exquisite furnishings around them, their eyes filled with amazement.

In the distance came the melodious sound of string and bamboo instruments, like the tinkling of a spring or the soft chirping of birds.

The musicians on both sides of the stage played attentively, and the beautiful melodies added a touch of vibrancy to the lively atmosphere.

Mu Yan walked gracefully to her seat, her skirt swaying as she blended into the lively and joyful atmosphere.

Before long, the banquet officially began.

The Empress walked slowly from behind the screen, her every move exuding composure and grandeur.

She wore a bright yellow phoenix robe, embroidered with phoenix totems in gold thread, the phoenix feathers shimmering with dazzling light, as if about to take flight.

The neckline is adorned with round, full pearls that radiate a soft glow.

Wearing an extremely magnificent phoenix crown, with a phoenix spreading its wings as if about to take flight, and adorned with colorful gemstones.

Her face was cold and noble, exuding an aura of majesty. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were long and deep, as if they held endless wisdom and strategy. Every time her eyes opened and closed, she exuded a chilling imperial air.

The moment she appeared, the previously noisy officials fell silent. Everyone knelt down in unison, heads bowed, not daring to utter a sound.

The young men bowed low, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

The entire banquet hall was silent, save for the sound of the Empress's slow footsteps. Each step seemed to tread on the hearts of everyone present, demonstrating her supreme authority.

"Please take your seats!"

At the Empress's command, everyone took their seats.

She spoke eloquently from the high platform, thanking Heaven and expressing gratitude to the officials before finally ordering the banquet to begin.

Xiao Ran half-closed her eyes, propped her chin up with her hand, and almost drifted off to sleep several times, but the maid beside her shook her awake each time.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, you mustn't sleep."

"Oh, let me sleep for a while, I'm so sleepy."

"When His Majesty comes to toast the officials, he'll scold you again if he sees you like this," the maid gently advised her.

"Then call me when she arrives!"

As if on cue, the Empress arrived beside Xiao Ran.

Seeing Xiao Ran's listless appearance, he asked, "What's wrong with my son?"

Xiao Ran remained motionless. At this moment, all the sounds in the world were like lullabies to her.

The maidservant beside him immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive His Highness. His Highness did not mean to be negligent. His Highness caught a cold a few days ago and still has a high fever. He came to the Spring Banquet today even though he was not feeling well!"

Upon hearing this, the Empress raised her hand to feel the temperature of Xiao Ran's forehead.

Xiao Ran felt the coldness on her forehead and immediately became more alert.

How did the Empress suddenly end up here with her?

Also, why did her high fever persist?

Ahhhhh!

It seems like that's the only reason.

Xiao Ran felt a sense of panic.

Ugh, hurry up and heat up my head!

The Empress withdrew her hand and said softly, "Since she is ill, take her back and let her rest. I will come to see her later." After speaking, she turned and went to another table to offer a toast.

"Thank you... thank you, Your Majesty," the maid said, kowtowing.

Only after the Empress left did Xiao Ran slowly raise her head.

"May I have your name."

"Your Highness, this servant's name is Chaoyue."

"Chaoyue?"

Xiao Ran did not remember having such a person in her palace.

Which palace are you from?

“Your Highness, this servant is not in the palace. This servant… is just a kitchen helper.” Chaoyue lowered her head even further as she spoke.

"Come back with me first," Xiao Ran said, placing her hand on Chao Yue's body, indicating that Chao Yue should take her back to the palace.

"Yes."

Xinghe Hall

As soon as they reached the outside of the hall, Xiao Ran removed her hand from Chao Yue's body.

"Your Highness, please rest well. This servant will take her leave now," Chaoyue said, turning to leave.

"Don't rush off yet," Xiao Ran said, striding across the table and sitting down. "Come on, sit down and let's talk."

"This servant will stand," Chaoyue said, standing respectfully beside Xiao Ran.

"Sit down and talk. There are no outsiders here." Xiao Ran reached out and pulled her to sit down.

"Your Highness..." Chaoyue looked uneasy.

There had been rumors in the palace for a long time.

The Second Prince Xiao Ran, I only know of male beauty, but I do not get close to him, for fear that he has a penchant for romancing.

Why are you looking at me like that?

"Slave..."

"Don't be nervous, don't be nervous. I just want to ask you if you'd like to stay by my side," Xiao Ran asked her softly.

Upon hearing this, Chaoyue turned pale with fright and stood up abruptly.

"Your Highness... This servant is just a kitchen helper and is not worthy to stay in Xinghe Palace."

"What's this about being a good match or not? If I say you're a good match, then you're a good match!"

Seeing Xiao Ran's upright demeanor, Chao Yue felt somewhat wavering.

Working in the palace would mean a much higher monthly salary and easier duties. But... if the rumors were true, she simply couldn't accept it.

But the Second Prince... such a noble person, he could have any beauty he wanted, so why would he take a fancy to a servant like her?

Besides, my mother is ill and we haven't had the money for treatment. This opportunity is now, but we may not have another chance.

After some thought, Chaoyue responded.

Xiao Ran smiled broadly upon hearing this. Such a clever maidservant would surely be of great help to her in the future.

On the other side, Mu Yan was eating fruit when a maid came to serve the dishes. As she left, she left a note on the table:

"Please, Miss Third, let's have a chat in the back garden."

Mu Yan crumpled the note into a ball and threw it behind her.

How boring. There's nothing new about it.

But could this vague name have been written by Li Yunxi?

Just as he was pondering this, he saw Li Yunxi get up and leave her seat.

Could it really be him?

Well, now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, it's good to go for a walk. Mu Yan reached out and picked up a piece of fruit, then turned and left.

When Mu Xue saw Mu Yan leave, she was overjoyed.

Oh, Mu Yan, no matter how clever you are, you can't escape the throes of love.

Seeing Muxue so pleased with herself, Muxi asked, "What makes you so happy, little sister?"

"Sister, just wait and see what happens!" Mu Xue replied mysteriously.

back yard

As soon as Mu Yan entered the garden, she saw Li Yunxi standing alone under the osmanthus tree.

A gentle breeze swept by, and osmanthus blossoms danced in the wind, fluttering down around him.

He wore a long indigo robe with delicate silver cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, and a longevity lock around his neck, which made him appear even more aloof and noble. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his black hair was half-tied up with a white jade hairpin, with a few strands falling beside his fair face.

Her hair fluttered gently, her dress swayed softly in the wind, and a cool and elegant aura emanated from her.

Perhaps hearing footsteps, he turned to look at her, his eyes full of tenderness: "Third Miss, you've arrived."

"Hmm. What do you need me for?" Mu Yan asked him.

Li Yunxi looked surprised. "Didn't you tell me to wait for you here?"

"Let's not talk about that now, come with me!" Mu Yan said, walking towards the pavilion in front.

Li Yunxi lifted her skirt and followed her.

Autumn Banquet

The music and dance have ended, and the talents of the young masters from noble families have all been displayed.

Mu Xue stepped forward and said, "I have heard that the young master of the Li family is a master of the zither. I wonder if we would be fortunate enough to hear him play a piece?"

Upon hearing this, the court officials began whispering amongst themselves.

Li Yunxi was the Empress's personal musician, and she usually played the zither in the palace.

Ordinary people rarely have the chance to hear a song.

Now someone has suggested that he play the piano; I wonder if he will be able to hear it.

Li Taifu, who was standing nearby, panicked. How could his grown son have suddenly disappeared?

"Where is the young master?" Grand Tutor Li asked anxiously.

"Young master... just went out."

Did they say where they went?

"No."

Grand Tutor Li sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I hope nothing bad happens. He's the only son in the Li family."

"Since everyone wants to hear it, let's summon Yunxi to play a tune!" the Empress said generously.

“Your Majesty, Yun Xi is not currently at the banquet,” Grand Tutor Li stepped forward and replied.

"It's fine if they're not here." The Empress said as she stepped down from the platform. "I obtained a few flower seeds from a neighboring country and had them carefully tended to. Now the flowers have bloomed. You may all come with me to see them."

"Yes."

The ministers agreed and followed behind the Empress.

The group admired the flowers along the way, and each type of flower was introduced by a specialist.

Seizing the opportunity, Mu Xue shouted from the crowd after spotting Mu Yan's figure, "Hey! Why are there two figures over there!"

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and indeed saw two figures on the pavilion. The light gauze curtains obscured their features, but they appeared to be a man and a woman.

Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression changed, and she said in a deep voice, "Go and take a look."

Mu Xue was secretly delighted.

Unable to win her heart, he relentlessly pursued her, thus cementing Mu Yan's reputation as a criminal.

As the group approached, and they were almost inside the pavilion, a maidservant stepped forward and lifted the veil.

Li Yunxi was seen kneeling on the ground, holding the calligraphy and painting, while Mu Yan stood to the side.

The two were simply composing poems and painting...

Mu Xue looked on in disbelief.

As the Empress approached, the two recited in unison, “The blue waters are startled by autumn, and the yellow clouds gather at dusk. With flowers we wish for prosperity in all directions. Hereby we sincerely offer three wishes: May the world be peaceful and tranquil, may Your Majesty enjoy good health, and may the people live in peace and abundance, so that the world may remain as it is year after year.”

Upon hearing this, the Empress beamed with joy, and the ministers behind her nodded in approval.

In previous years, the autumn banquet was nothing more than a pastime and amusement. Today, the two of them offered their blessings, which elevated the autumn banquet to a whole new level.

The Empress stepped forward, carefully examined the calligraphy, and praised, "The strokes of this calligraphy are vigorous and powerful, quite spirited. This painting of spring flowers is also excellent!"

Mu Yan quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, these calligraphy and paintings are all by Young Master Li."

The Empress nodded slightly. She naturally knew that these calligraphy and paintings were from Li Yunxi's hand, but the words were...

It was definitely not written by Li Yunxi.