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

"Miss, I'm afraid you won't be able to stand it for more than two days."

"Who says otherwise? Do you all remember that person from the Liu family before?"

"I remember, how could I not remember? It was when Commander Xiao chased and beat me up!"

“Yes, that’s the one,” Ling Yun laughed. “I think this young lady is just as good as that Miss Liu! She won’t last three days!”

The crowd joined in the mockery.

"What are you laughing at!" Xiao Qingzhou said sternly. "Have you learned all the techniques, or can you walk across wooden stakes with your eyes closed?"

No one dared to speak, and Ling Yun felt as if he couldn't breathe properly.

"Instead of wasting time chatting here, you should go and drive a few more piles!"

"Commander Xiao is right," Ling Yun said ingratiatingly, "We'll go right now!" With that, he gave a wink and led his men away.

Xiao Qingzhou sighed helplessly and turned to see Mu Yan standing at the door.

Her long hair stood up high, she wore no gold or silver jewelry, she was dressed appropriately, and she stood very straight.

Unable to find fault with her at the moment, she beckoned Mu Yan to come in.

"What is your name?"

"Twilight Beauty".

"Heh," Xiao Qingzhou chuckled, "You're quite honest; you didn't bring up your mother's name."

Mu Yan nodded.

"Alright, there's no point in saying more. Let's go practice with them!"

"Yes!"

Mu Yan turned around and ran towards the training ground behind her, practicing with Ling Yun and the others.

Ling Yun nudged the person beside her and whispered, "She's here."

"I saw it, all white-skinned, it doesn't look like a martial arts practitioner at all!"

"Shh," Ling Yun quickly covered Qiu Yi's mouth, "Keep your voice down, don't let anyone hear!"

"What's there to be afraid of? The military isn't the political arena," Qiu Yi said, raising her fist. "Here, might makes right!"

Mu Yan glanced back at Qiu Yi without saying a word.

She's right. On the battlefield, it really is all about who has the strongest fist.

She's very tough right now, so don't let her beat you up later.

_

Dali Temple

Main Hall

Mu Yunqing and Shen Chenxi sat side by side, while the registrar stood to the side, sweating profusely.

The two large Buddha statues had been sitting there silently since he entered, not uttering a single word or even glancing at him.

They didn't even roll their eyes at me!

Who can escape the wrath of Heaven?

What did Wei Chengfeng do wrong to be transferred to this wretched place, where he has to face these cold-faced old men every day?

From the very first day he entered the Dali Temple, he never had a good day.

They change people today, bring in a new person tomorrow, and change them again the day after.

And sure enough, they brought two more today.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally couldn't help but speak up.

"You two..."

Both of them turned to look at him.

Wei Chengfeng gasped, swallowing back what he was about to say, and instead asked, "My lords, are you... thirsty?"

"We're all under the same roof, so please feel free to speak your mind."

Wei Chengfeng looked up at Mu Yunqing, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

“He is Shen Chenxi,” Mu Yunqing said, pointing to the person beside him. “I am Mu Yunqing.”

Upon hearing this, Wei Chengfeng couldn't stop smiling. He was just wondering how to start the conversation when the other person spoke up on his own.

"This humble official greets Lord Mu," Wei Chengfeng said respectfully, "and greets Lord Shen."

"No need for formalities." Mu Yunqing toyed with his waist token and said lazily, "Lord Shen has had a stern face since he entered. Is he dissatisfied with me?"

"Lord Mu is too kind." Shen Chenxi chuckled, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment before shifting away. "How could I be dissatisfied with you? A talented man like you would be too busy fawning over you."

"Since Lord Shen has time to hang around me," Mu Yunqing said, his gaze falling on the bookshelf. "Why don't you dig out those old cases and try them out to do something for the benefit of the people?"

"Oh?" Shen Chenxi raised his voice at the end and laughed, "That's exactly what I was thinking. If Lord Mu doesn't mind, why don't you come with me to take a look at these old cases?"

Wei Chengfeng hurriedly took down the case book and placed it in front of the two of them.

"My lords, please take a look. If there is anything you don't understand..." Realizing he had misspoke, Wei Chengfeng slapped his mouth and said, "If you need anything, please feel free to call me."

"I have something to say to Lord Mu, you may leave now." Shen Chenxi said to Wei Chengfeng, but her gaze was fixed on Mu Yunqing.

"Yes!" Wei Chengfeng replied, then slunk away.

Mu Yunqing raised his hand and turned a page of the case file, then looked up at Shen Chenxi, "What does Lord Shen want to say to me?"

"What would you like to hear, Lord Mu?"

"Boring," Mu Yunqing said, and was about to get up, but Shen Chenxi pressed him back into his seat.

"Lord Mu, how could you be so careless? If it weren't for me, you would have fallen."

Mu Yunqing: "..."

“Lord Shen is right,” he said through gritted teeth, “If it weren’t for you, I really would have fallen.”

Shen Chenxi pretended not to hear and casually flipped through the case file.

The case in Fengqi Kingdom was more complicated than he had imagined.

It involved numerous people and resulted in heavy casualties.

No wonder the Empress was so eager to put the two of them on the throne; it turns out there was a whole host of cases waiting for them.

"What is Lord Shen thinking?"

“It’s nothing,” Shen Chenxi closed the case file, “I just don’t know where to start.”

"What's the rush?" Mu Yunqing put the book back on the shelf and said softly, "A new broom sweeps clean, let's wait until the first one is done before we talk about anything else."

"Even someone as good-tempered as Lord Mu would try to put pressure on his subordinates like others?"

"Lord Shen, you flatter me. I was merely acting in accordance with the law."

“If we’re just following the law, we should at least understand the situation first,” he said, turning to Mu Yunqing and inviting him, “Lord Mu, would you like to go for a walk together?”

"Yeah, it's good to go for a walk."

The two walked side by side.

_

Military training ground

Mu Yan and her group trained under the scorching sun, their clothes already soaked with sweat.

Yet, not a single person slacked off.

Xiao Qingzhou surveyed the surroundings with a whip in hand, shouting, "Hold on! You're not standing on the ground, you're standing on the people of Phoenix Perch Kingdom!"

"For every inch we go down, we gain one more enemy, and naturally, we lose one less civilian behind us!"

"Even if my arms break, I have to hold on!" She turned to look at the crowd on the ground. "Did you hear me!"

"heard it!"

Everyone responded in unison.

Qiu Yi felt as if the muscles and bones in her hands were fighting, her elbows were shaking violently, as if she was about to fall to the ground at any moment.

But she couldn't, she couldn't fall down!

She gritted her teeth and held on, glancing sideways at Mu Yan.

This so-called young lady remained firmly on the ground, her movements were impeccably standard, showing no sign of weakness whatsoever.

She, on the other hand, couldn't even stand as steadily as someone else's finger.

Autumn was unwilling to admit defeat and forced herself to persevere.

Half an hour passed.

"Get up and return to the team," Xiao Qingzhou shouted. "Eat lunch and continue training!"

"Yes!"

The group walked towards the canteen in twos and threes, chatting and laughing, except for Mu Yan, who walked at the very end.

After lunch, training continued immediately.

They didn't stop for a moment, and it didn't end until dusk.

_

Bare branches stretched to the sky, and the moon quietly climbed onto the branches, its clear light spilling onto the bluestone slabs, casting a long shadow.

In autumn, there is always a light drizzle.

Slowly treading on the fallen leaves, under an umbrella, Mu Yunqing walked along the road.

Before I knew it, I had arrived at the gate of Fanglan Garden. I only glanced at it from afar and caught a glimpse of a lotus-colored hem.

Just as he was hesitating whether to step inside, the owner of the lotus-colored hem of the dress suddenly turned around and looked at him.

Both of them were shocked.

Song Qi'an nearly fell off the stage.

No, what is that?

After waiting all night, a man finally showed up?

He raised his eyes and carefully examined the person in front of him, who was dressed in a blue robe and had a handsome appearance.

They don't seem like thieves.

"What are you doing here?" Song Qi'an asked him loudly.

"Just passing by."

"Just passing by?" Song Qi'an didn't believe him and strode up to him. "Why do you only pass by at night and not during the day? I think you're clearly up to no good!"

Mu Yunqing smiled. Yet another person had accused him of having ulterior motives.

"What are you laughing at? I'm asking you a question!"

Hearing the noise, Xiangqin hurriedly ran out to explain.

“Young Master Song, he is from our Prime Minister’s residence.”

"Since you're from the Prime Minister's residence, what are you doing standing outside the door so furtively?" Song Qi'an said with a sneer. "I heard footsteps and thought Mu Yan had returned."

“When I saw you,” Mu Yunqing said calmly, “I also thought it was her who had returned.”

He wondered when Mu Yan had come to like such flashy clothes, making her look like a peacock.

Song Qi'an snorted, "No matter what, the person still hasn't come back."

“Young Marquis, I told you a long time ago,” Xiangqin said helplessly, “My master went to the military training ground and probably won’t be back until the end of the year.”

"What's so great about going to the military training ground? I think she's clearly avoiding me!"

They're hiding, not wanting to repay the favor.

Xiangqin laughed, "You've misunderstood. Why is Master avoiding you?"

"It's nothing. Since you're not coming back, I'll be leaving now!"

As Song Qi'an left, he gave Mu Yunqing a provocative look.

Who did he think he was? Turns out he was just like him, an outsider.

Mu Yunqing did not take him seriously.

This man behaved in a dissolute manner; though he was called a young marquis, he acted more like a local ruffian.

_

That night

Military training ground

When Mu Yan returned to her room after leading the troops, she found a group of people gathered inside, talking loudly.

"Qiuyi, how many days are you going to hold onto it!" Lingyun shouted.

As Qiu Yi pondered, resting her chin on her hand, someone next to her, annoyed by her slow pace, shouted, "If she won't take the bait, I will! I'll take it for three days!"

As he spoke, he tossed a few taels of silver onto the table.

Seeing this, several others also placed bets.

"I'll bet three days too!"

"Like me!"

"Three days!"

“You all overestimate her,” the woman sitting in the corner laughed. “I bet she won’t last two days!”

"Ning Xi, don't talk big," Ling Yun teased. "If you lose money, the girls won't let you off easy!"

"Hmph," Ning Xi placed a bag of silver on the table, raised her eyebrows, and said, "It's still uncertain who will give way to whom!"

Upon seeing so much silver on the table, Ling Yun laughed and said, "Hehe, no matter the outcome, you're not allowed to renege!"

"Whoever cheats is a little dog!"

“Qiuyi, you're the only one missing,” Ling Yun turned to look at her, “How many days will you be holding the bet?”

"I won't bet," Qiu Yi replied, then wrapped herself in the blanket and went to sleep.

"Hey, why haven't you made the bet yet?" Ling Yun tugged at her blanket. "Who upset you again!"

Autumn leaves are silent, turning away.

"Never mind her, let's play!"

"Yeah, if the girls pool their money, it'll be enough for a game!"

"Come on, let's play another round!"

Several people chimed in, saying that after playing back and forth a few times, they all gradually fell asleep.

The next day, as soon as the rooster crowed, everyone got up again, and twenty or thirty people crowded into the narrow washroom to wash up.

The water was especially cool in autumn, and after wiping it on her face, Mu Yan felt a bit more awake.

After quickly washing up, he returned to the team for training.

_

Dali Temple

Main Hall

Several books were laid out on the table. Mu Yunqing turned his head to look out the window, his mind not on the books.

Flames flickered inside the stove, filling the air with a subtle fragrance.

Shen Chenxi raised his hand and tapped the table. "Lord Mu, what are you thinking about?"

"It's nothing." Mu Yunqing looked away and reached out to fiddle with the wind chimes by the window.

“That’s true,” Shen Chenxi teased. “If something were to happen, Lord Mu would certainly not be sitting here.”

"I never knew that Lord Shen understood me so well."

brazen.

Shen Chenxi cursed inwardly, but smiled and replied, "Since we live under the same roof, it's natural to get to know each other better."

“If you’re bored,” Mu Yunqing placed the case file in front of him, “why don’t you go and investigate that case in the south of the city?”

"That affair with the Yang family?"

"Yes, I took a closer look, and it's really strange."

"Don't waste your energy. The Empress sent so many people, but in the end, it was all done hastily."

"If others rush through things, and you and I follow suit, this case will never be overturned."

Shen Chenxi sighed, "I don't want to argue with you about this. If you don't believe me, why don't we go and see for ourselves?"

“I’ll go then,” Mu Yunqing said, taking his sword and getting up.

_

Seongnam

Yang's

The two were turned away.

The Yang family children refused to let them in no matter what they said.

They had no choice but to squat and wait outside the fence.

"Does Lord Mu believe it now?" Shen Chenxi looked up at him.

"Hmm." He stood with his arms crossed to one side, his expression calm.

"A mistake is a mistake; what does a simple 'hmm' mean?"

"It means 'to know' or 'to know'."

Shen Chenxi gave a soft snort and slowly stood up. "Still guarding?"

"Wait a little longer." Mu Yunqing pointed to the chair beside him. "If Lord Shen can't stand, go sit down there."

Shen Chenxi ignored him and stood quietly to the side.

indoor

The whole family was crammed into a dilapidated main room, with the windows covered by black cloth and the door blocked by a table.

The light was dim and unclear, with only a nearly burnt-out oil lamp lit.

“Mother, they haven’t left yet,” Yang Qiaoyue was about to cry. “It’s been three years since the incident, why won’t they let us go?”

Yang Jiaxin sighed and said softly, "Yes, it's been three years since A-Jing left. Why won't the government let go?"

The "A-Jing" that Yang Jiaxin mentioned is her youngest daughter, Yang Qiaojing.

He was originally a waiter at Zuixianglou Restaurant, but he was beaten to death in the backstreet for offending powerful people.

The Yang family was timid and afraid of trouble. They would rather watch Yang Qiaojing die unjustly than report it to the authorities.

Later, someone discovered this and reported it to the authorities, but the Yang family was extremely uncooperative, and the case remained unresolved.

A few years ago, a high-ranking official came and insisted on investigating the matter thoroughly. He sent people to guard the Yang family every day, and the Yang family had no choice but to tell the truth.

But it was all in vain. Too much time had passed, the powerful family had long since moved away from the capital, and the people at Zuixianglou denied the matter outright.

They had no choice but to hastily close the case.

Now that a year has passed peacefully, the matter is being investigated again, which is extremely distressing for Yang Jiaxin.

She really didn't want to deal with these officials, and she would rather die than let them set foot in her home.

"Mother, let's run away,"

Yang Jiaxin's expression changed, and she scolded in a low voice, "Nonsense! This is a house left by our ancestors, how can you just run away from it like that!"