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

"What good thing could it be?" Song Qi'an asked suspiciously. "My mother isn't that kind. Tell me, what is it?"

Mu Dong exclaimed excitedly, "The master said he'd give you that shop in the west of the city!"

Song Qi'an's eyes lit up, but he quickly regained his composure and asked, "Really? She didn't say she wanted me to make any exchange, did she?"

"No."

"Haha, that's great!" Song Qi'an laughed. "That shop is a great location, with lots of people coming and going. If you use it for business, you're sure to make a lot of money!"

"Yes yes yes!"

Song Qi'an was in a great mood and patted Mu Dong on the shoulder, saying, "Mu Dong, go and get the land deed for that shop. I need to take a good look at it."

Mu Dong accepted the order and left. When he returned, Song Qi'an was already dressed neatly and sitting properly at his desk.

"Young master, this is the land deed."

"Just put it there," Song Qi'an casually pointed to a spot. "Mu Dong, what kind of business do you think I should start?"

Mu Dong shook his head. "Young master, I don't know."

“No problem, no problem,” Song Qi’an said, rubbing his chin with his fingers after a moment of thought. “What do you think about turning it into a pastry shop?”

"A pastry shop?"

“That’s right!” Song Qi’an thought it was feasible more and more. “Think about it, there are many noble ladies in the capital, and they all love to eat pastries. If I open a pastry shop in the city, they will definitely patronize it often!”

"That's true, but why is it a pastry shop?"

Mu Dong didn't understand; his young master clearly didn't like sweets.

"You wouldn't understand, would you? I have my own reasons." Song Qi'an leaned closer to him and lowered his voice, "Besides the pastry shop, I plan to do something big!"

"What's the big deal?"

"Hehe, that's a secret," Song Qi'an said, patting Mu Dong on the shoulder with a smile. "I'll tell you when I've finished making it!"

As if suddenly remembering something, he frowned slightly. "However, this matter must be carried out in secret, and no one can know about it."

"Don't worry, young master, I will definitely keep this a secret!"

“Yes, of course I believe you,” Song Qi’an said. “Mu Dong, go and get my account books. I need to calculate carefully how much capital is needed to open this pastry shop.”

"Yes," Mu Dong replied, turning to get the account book.

"Oh, right," Song Qi'an called out to him again, "bring the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone as well!"

"Yes." Mu Dong did as instructed.

Song Qi'an sat at his desk, looking at the account book with a furrowed brow. "The capital required to open a pastry shop is really not low, but it doesn't matter, I have plenty of money." He picked up a pen and began to write and draw on the paper.

Mu Dong sat at the table grinding ink for him. "Young master, which pastry chef should we invite?"

"Is that even a question?" Song Qi'an paused in his brush, raised his head high, and a smug smile appeared on his lips. "Naturally, we'll invite the most famous pastry chef in the capital!"

"Drunken Fragrance Pavilion!"

Song Qi'an's eyes lit up. He put down his pen and clapped his hands excitedly. "That's right, it's Zuixianglou! Their pastries are the best in the capital. If I could invite their chefs, my pastry shop would definitely be booming!"

"Should we ask the Lord to go and say hello?"

"No need, no need," Song Qi'an quickly waved his hand, "If my mother finds out, she'll definitely nag me endlessly."

"Then, what does the young master intend to do?"

“I remember the owner of Zuixianglou has a daughter, seventeen years old and unmarried.” Song Qi’an smiled like a little fox, nudging Mu Dong lightly with his elbow. “This Marquis thinks this is a good opportunity!”

Mu Dong's breath hitched. "Young Master, are you... planning to seduce me with your beauty?"

"Temptation my foot," Song Qi'an lightly tapped his head and said seriously, "You make it sound so harsh. I'm throwing myself into this, don't you understand?"

"No, young master! If the master finds out, he'll accuse you of fooling around again."

Song Qi'an glared at him irritably, "I'm doing this for the pastry shop's business, how can that be called fooling around?" After saying that, she stood up, straightened her clothes, and said, "I'm going to Zuixianglou now."

Mu Dong quickly stopped him, "Young master, you haven't had breakfast yet!"

"I'm not eating anymore," he said, striding outside. "I'll talk to you when I get back!"

_

Lee House

As winter approached, frost and snow fell, breaking all the flowers in the yard and leaving them in a terrible state.

Li Yunxi cherished flowers the most, and looking at the withered orchids in the courtyard, she felt only regret.

Afu held an umbrella behind him.

“Young master, the flower branches are all broken,” Afu said. “I’ll go and buy a few more.”

“No need,” Li Yunxi gently brushed the snow off the petals, watching it melt in her palm. “This one is fine. It stands proudly against the snow and frost, and even if its branches are broken, it will not lose its beauty.”

“Young master, let me do it,” Afu squatted down and reached out to clear away the remaining snow. “It’s cold in winter, please don’t catch a cold.”

"It's alright, it's just a light snowfall."

“Xiaoxue is also snow,” Afu said. “If you fall ill, even if I were to become snow, it would not be enough to atone for your sins.”

“It’s alright,” Li Yunxi said softly. “I’m always by the stove and dressed warmly, how could I easily fall ill?”

“What you say is true, but…” He paused, looking up at the swirling snowflakes, “This year’s snow seems to have fallen a few days earlier than usual.”

“It is indeed a few days earlier than in previous years,” Li Yunxi said, standing up. “It’s getting cold, you should wear more clothes.”

"I understand, thank you for your concern, young master!"

“Let’s go, Mother should get up,” he said, stepping towards the main hall. “Go and make her a cup of tea.”

"Yes."

_

Main Hall

Grand Tutor Li looked at the invitation on the table, hesitating.

"Mother, Yunxi greets you." Li Yunxi bowed slightly.

"Get up."

“Mother,” his gaze fell on the invitation, “where did this come from?”

"The Du family residence," Grand Tutor Li said with a sigh.

"Lord Du?" Li Yunxi asked cautiously. "My mother has no connection with her, so why did she suddenly send a letter?"

"Delivering the invitation is a minor matter; I'm afraid it's just a pretext."

She can't avoid these things in the court these days.

As soon as Shen Leyin stepped down, everyone wanted to climb up the ranks, wishing they could all be grouped together and wiped out.

Regardless of Du Yanqiu's power, Li Suiyi (Grand Tutor Li) was unwilling to associate with him based solely on his character.

Furthermore, she only wanted to spend her later years peacefully, serving the monarch and the people wholeheartedly, and had no intention of getting involved in court intrigues.

However, being in a high position, it was difficult to remain unaffected, and Li Suiyi's head throbbed more and more with worry.

“Mother, Yunxi thinks that since she has invited you, you should go,” Li Yunxi said. “There will be many people with you, so she won’t dare to do anything to you.”

“Heh,” Li Suiyi sneered, “If she dares, His Majesty will certainly not let her off easily.”

"Mother is right, it was Yunxi who was too talkative."

“It’s alright,” Li Suiyi turned to look at him. “The young masters and ladies of the city will all be going there tomorrow. Would you like to come with me to take a look?”

"Will all the young masters and ladies in the city go?"

"Yes, now that male officials have been added, many court officials will bring their children to show their faces before His Majesty."

"His Majesty is going too?" Li Yunxi asked, her face filled with shock.

“Yes, the snow scenery at Songming Temple is the best,” Li Suiyi said. “Your Majesty has no reason not to go.”

“In that case,” Li Yunxi said softly, “Yunxi will go with you.”

Li Suiyi nodded and said, "It's good to go out more. You stay cooped up in your room all day. I'm really afraid you'll get sick from being so bored."

“Mother, you’re too kind,” he paused, then said gently, “Yunxi…Yunxi will go out more often.”

"Well, it's good that you know," Li Suiyi looked him up and down. "Let someone make you a few more outfits. These clothes of yours are all worn out."

“No need,” Li Yunxi quickly said. “Mother, the clothes you had made a few days ago are still in the closet and have not been worn.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Suiyi's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She knew that Li Yunxi was always sentimental, so she didn't press the matter further. "In that case, go back and rest. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning."

"Yes, then Yun Xi will take her leave."

_

Zuixianglou

When Song Qi'an arrived at Zuixianglou, he was greeted by the owner as soon as he stepped inside. "I wonder what brings you here, Lord Marquis?"

"I have come here today to invite your master chef to come out of retirement and open a pastry shop."

The shopkeeper's face stiffened; his worst fears had come true. Reluctant, yet daring not to refuse, he said, "It's good that Your Excellency has this plan, but my chefs at Zuixianglou..."

"What's up with her?"

"No, she's fine, it's just..." The boss winked at him and whispered, "You know, she wants money."

Song Qi'an understood immediately and took out a stack of silver notes from his pocket, handing them to the shopkeeper. "This is a hundred taels of silver notes, consider it a deposit. There will be a generous reward after the matter is completed!"

"This..." The boss was overjoyed and said in a deep voice, "That's excellent. I will send her there tomorrow. I hope that the Marquis will spread the word about my Drunken Fragrance Pavilion!"

"Of course!" Song Qi'an was in high spirits after achieving his goal, and his eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled. "My pastry shop will definitely take your Zuixianglou business to the next level!"

The shopkeeper complimented, "You're right, Lord Marquis."

"Then it's settled. Remember to send the person over to me tomorrow!"

"Don't worry, my lord, I will definitely deliver it!" The shopkeeper saw that Song Qi'an was about to leave and quickly followed to see him off.

After the person left, he turned around and had someone put the money away.

"Shopkeeper, is the Marquis really going to open a pastry shop?"

"Who knows?" the boss scoffed. "Given his personality, he's probably just joking around!"

“Exactly, exactly! What could a man possibly do!” Xiao Si chimed in. “He’s just showing off because he’s rich!”

"Well, let's go inside and talk," the boss said, leading Xiao Si inside. "If he hears us, he'll cause trouble again."

_

That night.

The night was as dark as ink, and the ground was covered with white frost. The white expanse outside the bedroom made even the lanterns appear dimmer.

When Mu Yan returned after washing up, she found a group of people gathered around her bed.

"what to do?"

"Muyan, you have actually hoarded grain!" Ling Yun said sternly, "This is a violation of military law!"

Mu Yan shrugged it off and strode onto the tatami mat. "It's just a box of pastries, how is that a violation of military law?"

"Hmph," Ning Xi scoffed, "She is indeed a noble lady, with only knowledge but no sense of method."

"Rules?" Mu Yan chuckled and looked up at her. "I really don't understand this stuff. You're so obedient to the rules, you must have memorized them. Why don't you sit down and explain them to me in detail?" She patted the spot next to her as she spoke.

“Who wants to talk to you about rules and regulations?” Ning Xi said. “Don’t play dumb. I’m here to expose your shortcomings!”

“Speak your mind,” Mu Yan stood up and moved her wrists. “If it’s about pointing out weaknesses, I also know a little bit of martial arts.”

"What are you doing gathered together?" Xiao Qingzhou said as he stepped into the room. "What time is it? Hurry up and go to sleep."

Upon hearing this, the group quickly took off their shoes, climbed onto the bed, and wrapped themselves in the quilt.

When Qiu saw Xiao Qingzhou coming over, she hid the pastries under her pillow.

Others were unaware, but Mu Yan saw it.

“His Majesty will be going to Songming Temple to enjoy the snow tomorrow,” Xiao Qingzhou said. “You have been training for some time now, and His Majesty has ordered you to accompany him to protect him.”

"Protect the Emperor?" Ling Yun was overjoyed and hurriedly asked, "Can we really go?"

"Don't be too happy yet," Xiao Qingzhou said in a deep voice. "This trip is not just about protecting the emperor; it's more about testing your abilities."

"We must set off early tomorrow morning and arrive at Songming Temple before His Majesty." She paused, then continued, "It's windy on the mountain, so wear plenty of clothes. But don't bundle up like a bear, or you won't be able to run around properly, and don't blame me for kicking you away."

"Alright, go to sleep," Xiao Qingzhou warned. "If I hear any more noise, you're going to lie down outside."

No one dared to utter a sound, and the night passed in silence.

_

next day

Songming Temple

Du Yanqiu was waiting outside the temple gate early on to receive the officials who came to the banquet.

Upon seeing Li Suiyi arrive, Du Yanqiu's face was full of smiles. "I am overjoyed that the Grand Tutor has graced me with his presence."

Li Suiyi exchanged a few polite words and led Li Yunxi inside.

The surrounding area was filled with the sounds of greetings, with people admiring the snow scene or whispering about matters of the court.

Before long, a carriage stopped in front of the temple. As soon as Song Qinghe stepped out, someone came to greet her.

Seeing the crowds thronging the temple, her expression was not good.

Du Yanqiu invited her to see the snow, and she assumed it was just the two of them, but unexpectedly, half of the court came.

Song Qinghe had some doubts, but since there were many people around, she couldn't show them all. She could only suppress her doubts and nod and exchange pleasantries with everyone.

The snow fell heavier and heavier, and the Empress was still nowhere to be seen. Du Yanqiu invited everyone to sit down, where they enjoyed tea and recited poetry, creating a lively atmosphere.

"My lord, please try this tea," Du Yanqiu said, handing the tea to Song Qinghe. "It has a refreshing taste and a sweet aftertaste; I'm sure you'll like it."

"Yes, it's certainly extraordinary," Song Qinghe said, taking a sip of tea. "What kind of water was used to brew it?"

“Mountain spring water,” Du Yanqiu said, pointing to the temple in the distance. “See it? It’s right under that temple.”

"Obtaining this water is not easy."

“To win your favor, no matter how difficult it may be, I will do my best to obtain it,” Du Yanqiu said, taking her hand and leading her to the pavilion. “My lord, look how beautiful the snow is today.”

“Yes,” she exclaimed, “it’s only the first snow, yet it’s so beautiful.”

As Song Qinghe gazed at the swirling snowflakes, her doubts gradually dissipated.

She's probably overthinking it.

It's true that the older you get, the more confused you become, to have such absurd ideas.

How could Du Yanqiu harm her?

Just as he was deep in thought, a scream suddenly came from the crowd.