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

Prime Minister's Residence - Emerald Bamboo Garden

The drizzle fell like silk threads, drifting down like cow's hair. Mu Yan stood quietly outside the door, the rain gently wetting her shoulders.

Just as she was about to seek shelter from the rain under the eaves, suddenly, an oil-paper umbrella was held over her head, blocking the chill from above.

She subconsciously turned around and saw Mu Yunqing standing tall and straight behind her.

A hint of surprise flashed in Mu Yan's eyes, which was then replaced by a barely perceptible joy. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

This time, at least I didn't make a wasted trip.

She looked up at him. Today he was wearing a blue robe with delicate bamboo leaf patterns embroidered on the hem, like bamboo leaves swaying in the wind, light and graceful.

His face was as handsome as if sculpted, with a cool and aloof air between his sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. Beneath his high and straight nose, his thin lips were slightly pursed. His black hair was half-tied up with a ribbon, with a few strands falling beside his ears.

"Where have you been?" she asked him.

"I went out on business. What does Master need me for?"

"No, I just... happened to be passing by and stopped by to see you."

"On the way? Green Bamboo Garden and Fragrant Orchid Garden are hardly on the way." Mu Yunqing said indifferently.

Mu Yan: "..."

That's a bit of a stretch.

Seeing that Mu Yan remained silent, Mu Yunqing placed the umbrella in her hand.

"Since you're alright, Master, please go back now and don't catch a cold." Mu Yunqing said, then stepped forward.

"You still haven't told me where you went."

Mu Yunqing paused, but did not turn around. His voice was indifferent as he said, "Master need not worry about trivial matters."

Mu Yan gripped the umbrella handle tightly, bit her lower lip, and quickly stepped forward to block his path.

"How come your matter has become unimportant?"

Mu Yunqing looked down at the person in front of her, a strange emotion rising in her heart, but she quickly suppressed it.

"Thank you for your concern, Master, but I don't want to trouble you with Yunqing's matter."

Mu Yan's eyes dimmed slightly. She took a deep breath and said, "Is it because of what happened last time that you're blaming me?"

Mu Yunqing was silent for a moment, then said, "Yunqing dares not."

Mu Yan gently tugged at his sleeve. "I wasn't teasing you. What I said earlier was true."

Mu Yunqing looked at the hand that was tugging at his sleeve, and the tips of his ears turned red almost imperceptibly.

"Enough, Master, there's no need for that. Let bygones be bygones," he said, trying to appear calm.

Mu Yan's eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on her face, like a flower blooming after the rain.

"So you believe me?"

"Mm." Mu Yunqing turned away from her burning gaze and responded softly.

Seeing this, Mu Yan's smile deepened. "How about we do things the way we used to? I'll teach you swordsmanship."

Mu Yunqing nodded slightly in agreement.

In the following days, Mu Yan would always take the opportunity to visit Mu Yunqing, either to bring him some snacks or simply to have a chat.

However, no matter how hard you try, you won't gain any favorability.

Royal Palace

Since that day, Xiao Ran has kept herself locked in her room, refusing to eat or drink, and unwilling to see anyone.

Seeing Xiao Ran growing thinner and thinner, Chao Yue became extremely anxious.

She inquired with the people in the palace and learned that Mu Yan and Xiao Ran were on good terms, so she hurriedly invited her over.

"Third Miss, please try to persuade His Highness. How can his body withstand this every day?"

"Okay, I'll go in and take a look."

After speaking, Mu Yan raised her hand, opened the door, and slowly walked into the hall.

His Highness didn't tell anyone to get lost!

Chaoyue was overjoyed; she had finally found the right person this time.

Upon hearing Mu Yan's voice, Xiao Ran hurriedly buried her head in the pillow.

Really...

So embarrassing.

She couldn't let Mu Yan see her in this pathetic state.

Mu Yan walked to her side and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

"Waaah... Don't look at me, my eyes are all swollen from crying, I look so ugly."

Mu Yan said in a coaxing tone, "It's okay, it's okay. I won't look at you. I'll just sit here and keep you company, okay?"

Xiao Ran hummed in agreement and didn't say anything more.

Mu Yan quietly stayed by her side.

a long time.

Xiao Ran looked up at Mu Yan and said in a slightly tearful voice, "Waaaaah, Yan, I've been dumped."

Mu Yan paused for a moment, then quickly flipped through the information in her mind.

No, she hasn't even been in a relationship yet, how could Xiao Ran have already broken up with her boyfriend?

And who was she in a relationship with?

Should we repeat it?

Are these two progressing so fast?

Seeing that Mu Yan didn't speak, Xiao Ran cried even harder, and said aggrievedly, "Do you also think I'm stupid?"

"No, no, how could you be silly? Our Ranran is the smartest!"

"Waaaaah, even you lied to me."

"No, why would I lie to you? Don't cry. Tell me, who were you dating, how long were you together, and how did you break up?" Mu Yan asked Xiao Ran, supporting her shoulders.

"With Pei Xuan, sob sob sob, we were never even together."

Mu Yan's vision blurred upon hearing this, and she pressed on, "How long have you two known each other?"

"About a week."

"Only a week? You..." Mu Yan was about to complain, but seeing Xiao Ran's aggrieved expression, she couldn't bear to speak and sighed, continuing, "Sigh, how could you give your heart away in just a week?"

Xiao Ran: ""

Mu Yan: "..."

"Is he handsome? Or is he rich? Is he worth you being heartbroken for so long?" Mu Yan asked helplessly. These were the two most extreme demands she could think of.

You either need to be rich or good-looking.

"He has no money, but he's very handsome, and... and he even told me he likes me and doesn't want to leave me. Waaah... even though he was lying to me."

"Now that you know it was a lie, why are you still upset? Shouldn't you be cursing him?"

"I can't bear to scold him."

Mu Yan was speechless. Everyone, pay attention!

This is a typical case of being love-struck; it's something to observe, not to emulate.

"Then how did you know he was lying to you?"

"Because...because he wanted to kill me."

"They're about to kill you, and you're still reluctant? If I were you, I would have shot them dead."

"He's already caught up in a sweet romance, it's not so easy for him to get out," Xiao Ran said, pouting.

"Where is he? Is he dead?" Mu Yan asked angrily.

"They're gone."

Which one goes?

"Walk with both feet."

Mu Yan covered her face speechlessly; she was hopeless.

She let the man go even though he wanted to kill her, and she wasn't afraid he would come back to kill her.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Didn't you come here to comfort me?" Xiao Ran said, reaching out to pull Mu Yan away.

Mu Yan really wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it. How could she possibly coax him like this? She would rather kill Xiao Ran with a knife than try to coax him.

I simply can't bring myself to say things against my conscience.

How can there be such a love-obsessed person?

Could it be... that she's never been in a relationship?

Thinking of this possibility, Mu Yan asked, "You haven't been single until now, have you?"

Xiao Ran nodded repeatedly, like a rattle-drum.

It is not.

If she had even talked to him once, she wouldn't have been so easily deceived.

"Alright, that's understandable then," Mu Yan replied, seemingly resigned.

"Right, right?" Xiao Ran blinked and asked her.

"No! Xiao Ran, wake up! He wants to kill you! He's an enemy, not a lover!" Mu Yan said, shaking Xiao Ran's shoulder.

"But I'm just so sad, waaaaah, it's the first time someone has liked me this much, even though... even though it's all an act."

"There will be better people who like you in the future, believe me," Mu Yan said seriously.

"really?"

"Really, provided you get out of bed right now, wash up, eat, and put on some nice makeup."

"but I……"

"You can do it! Heartbreak is nothing, just grit your teeth and it'll pass." Mu Yan said, pulling Xiao Ran off the bed and placing the shoes in front of her.

"Don't always let your emotions control you. Look, the shoes are here, the road is under your feet; whether to walk, where to walk, how to walk, all of these are up to you."

Xiao Ran repeated Mu Yan's words in her heart.

He seemed to be deep in thought, but not quite sure.

"Do I get to decide everything?" Xiao Ran looked at Mu Yan with teary eyes.

"Yes, this is your life. You are the master, so of course you have the final say! Everything that happens and everyone that appears is to complement your life's journey."

“But wouldn’t that become idealism?” Xiao Ran asked weakly.

"If you didn't have a heart, you would have died long ago. Doesn't this just tell you that you should follow your heart in your actions? Think about it carefully. You've studied for so many years and know so many principles. Right and wrong are actually clear in your heart. As for how you choose, that's your own business."

"The biggest difference between people is that each person's heart leans in a different direction. There is nothing else."

"His choice to kill you shows that he doesn't truly care about you."

Mu Yan looked up at Xiao Ran as she spoke, "Then what should you do? Shouldn't you turn back in time, reverse your inclination towards him, and make another choice?"

Xiao Ran nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Mu Yan's words.

But it was indeed an angle she had never considered.

Although she has a carefree personality, she is actually quite sensitive inside.

She always cares excessively about what others think and how they feel.

Being complacent and self-sufficient only makes things difficult for oneself.

But as Mu Yan said, she didn't have to do this.

There's no need to impose other people's feelings on yourself, and there's no need to get stuck in the past and be unable to move on.

The path is right under her feet; she can put on her shoes and keep walking.

As for where to go, she can decide for herself.

Seeing that her expression had softened, Mu Yan spoke again: "Don't dwell on this anymore. Put on your shoes, go out and wash your face, have a meal, and this matter will be over."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you for your kind guidance, Ayan." Xiao Ran said, reaching out to hug Mu Yan.

Mu Yan stiffened for a moment, then patted Xiao Ran's back in response.

That night

Green Bamboo Garden

The moonlight, cool and clear, fell like frost onto the bluestone path.

The shadows of the trees swayed, much like the water plants gently swaying in the water. The shadows under the eaves overlapped and changed constantly.

The bamboo leaves, bathed in the dim light of the lanterns hanging under the eaves, appeared exceptionally slender and shimmered with a halo.

Ling Qi knelt on the ground, her body trembling slightly, her eyes filled with guilt and self-reproach.

She had been kneeling for a long time, and her knees were already numb, but she still dared not get up.

Rain began to fall from the sky, and the raindrops hit her body, making her feel a little chilly.

Her hair was wet from the rain and stuck to her face, but she was completely unaware of it.

Mu Yunqing sat quietly inside the room, looking at Ling Qi through the window, without the slightest pity in his eyes.

He chuckled. She really likes to act; she didn't show the slightest bit of soft-heartedness when she was casting the spell.

You like kneeling, huh? Then kneel properly.

The rain was getting heavier, and Ling Qi's clothes were already soaked.

Mu Yunqing looked up at the incense and candles on the table, then at the figure in the drizzle. She felt a pang of pity, but also thought the woman deserved it.

After a while, Mu Yunqing got up and sat on the bamboo chair outside the house, looking down at the person in front of her.

It's both hateful and a pity, because Ling Qi is still somewhat useful to him.

At least I did something for him.

"Are you trying to gain my sympathy by acting like this?" Mu Yunqing said coldly.

Ling Qi remained silent, bowing her head and kneeling quietly on the ground.

"I advise you to save your breath. Instead of kneeling here, you should cast more spells and harm more people to improve the King of Hell's performance."

"Ling Qi wouldn't dare."

"Heh, you don't dare?" Mu Yunqing's eyes turned cold. "I'm tired of hearing that, but you never seem to tire of it."

"Ling Qi... begs for forgiveness and asks for your punishment." Ling Qi said, bowing her head and kowtowing to the ground again.

"Punish you? If I were to punish you, wouldn't I be poisoned to death by you?"

"Ling Qi never intended to harm you."

"Do you even believe what you're saying?" Mu Yunqing asked her coldly.

Ling Qi lowered her head and said softly, "Whether you believe it or not, Ling Qi never intended to harm you."

"Then tell me," Mu Yunqing questioned, "If you didn't want to harm me, why did you disappear for so long?"

"I've been looking for you these past few days, but... I can't find you."

“These past few days I’ve either been at home or handling business with the Green Stone Gang,” he said, his gaze deep and scrutinizing Ling Qi. “If you really wanted to find me, why couldn’t you find me every time? Could it be that you have some unspeakable secret?”

"I...I had no choice..."

"Have no choice?" Mu Yunqing interrupted Ling Qi, his tone full of sarcasm. "How many things in this world are truly out of necessity? Do you think I would believe your excuse?"

"I didn't expect it to be so effective. How are you now? Are you still in pain?" Ling Qi asked anxiously, looking at Mu Yunqing.

Mu Yunqing sneered, not believing Ling Qi's concern.

"What do you care about my injuries?" He stood up, deliberately stretching his arm, and said expressionlessly, "Thanks to you, I'm not dead. Or perhaps you want to see if I still have the ability to take you down?"

"Trust me one more time, I promise I won't lie to you this time... And Yanwei Mountain, if you don't mind, you can have it too!"

"Swallowtail Mountain?" Mu Yunqing frowned upon hearing this, quickly calculating the strategic significance of Swallowtail Mountain in his mind. "Such an important place, you just give it away like that? How do I know you're not just feigning surrender?"

"I'll really give it to you, as long as you forgive me."

Mu Yunqing paced around Ling Qi, deep in thought, before finally speaking, "Why should I trust you? Besides, I know nothing about Yanwei Mountain. What use would it be to me if you gave it to me?"

Ling Qi took out a token from her bosom and handed it to Mu Yunqing. "With this, you can come and go as you please."

"You were so unwilling before, why have you suddenly changed your mind today? Are you trying to trick me again?"

"This time it's for real, I won't lie to you again, please, trust me one more time." Ling Qi said, reaching out to grab Mu Yunqing's sleeve.

“I’ve already been deceived by you once, and I won’t trust you so easily again. However, I will give you a chance to prove yourself.” After saying that, Mu Yunqing raised her hand and pulled back the corner of her clothes.

Ling Qi nodded quickly and said sincerely, "I will agree to anything I can do."

After pondering for a moment, Mu Yunqing said, "I want you to take me to Swallowtail Mountain. If everything is as you say, I will believe you. But if you have any schemes or tricks up your sleeve, then Swallowtail Mountain will be your burial ground!"

"Alright, go back and change your clothes." Mu Yunqing said, waving her hand to signal her to leave.

Upon hearing this, Ling Qi was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed to express her gratitude: "I will definitely take you there tomorrow."

After saying that, she stood up, turned around and left.

The rain was still falling, and her figure gradually disappeared into the rain.