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

"So, Lord Mu intends to turn the tables on us?"

"Well," Mu Yunqing said, "it's just that I'm afraid Lord Shen will have to share a room with me tonight."

“This…” Shen Chenxi hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “Very well, let’s do as Lord Mu says.”

"That's very good." Mu Yunqing turned to look at the little monk outside the door. "Tonight, Lord Shen and I will be resting here. Please lead the way, little monk."

"Please come with me, both of you," the young monk replied, leading the two to the meditation room.

_

Royal Palace

Empress' bedroom

Ling Qi knelt before the palace, clutching her wound, her face contorted with pain. "Your Majesty, I failed in my duty and let that person escape."

Xiao Ning paused in burning incense, then turned to look at her, "Who hurt you?"

"Your Majesty, it was a man in black. He was wearing a mask, so I couldn't see his face."

"A man in black?" Xiao Ning placed the spices into the stove and said slowly, "I also saw a man in black today, who flashed past me."

As she spoke, her eyes darkened. "I originally thought it was you who let him go."

"That person..."

"Let's not talk about that now," Xiao Ning interrupted her. "How are things going with the tasks I assigned you?"

"As you predicted, many ministers in the court are trying to win you over." Ling Qi took out a handkerchief from her bosom. "Your Majesty, I found this in the mountains."

"Bring it here so I can take a look."

"Yes." Ling Qi handed her the handkerchief.

Xiao Ning stared at the azaleas embroidered on the handkerchief, her expression pausing.

She had seen this handkerchief before; it belonged to Song Qinghe.

"Your Majesty, have you remembered something?"

“No,” Xiao Ning said, clutching the handkerchief in her hand. “Since you’re injured, go back and take good care of yourself. You don’t need to come back for the next few days.”

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Ling Qi kowtowed in gratitude.

After Ling Qi left, Xiao Ning took out the handkerchief again and examined it carefully.

The azaleas are so lifelike and meticulously crafted that they don't look like imitations.

But if it's not a counterfeit, there's no reason for it to be left in the mountains.

This flower was painted by the late emperor himself for Song Qinghe.

The late emperor said, "The Song family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. Only this flower can match them, and only the words 'loyalty and righteousness' are worthy of the Song family's reputation."

He is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness and bestowed with the Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness's Mansion.

The Song family, mindful of the late emperor's great favor, has taken pride in azaleas for generations, and both men and women wear azalea-patterned handkerchiefs.

Thinking of this, Xiao Ning's mind was filled with doubts.

Given Song Qinghe's character, she would not easily break her promise.

However, one must always be wary of others, so he had no choice but to send someone to secretly investigate Song Qinghe's current situation.

_

That night

Mu Yunqing and Shen Chenxi followed the young monk to the meditation room.

The room wasn't big, but it was very tidy.

Mu Yunqing glanced at the bed; there was only one. Shen Chenxi stood awkwardly to the side.

"Lord Shen, we'll have to make do tonight."

Shen Chenxi lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment before walking to his side. "Sleeping is a minor matter. The real question is, when do we make our move tonight?"

“Naturally, it’s best to sleep when it’s late at night.” Mu Yunqing turned over onto the bed, patted the spot beside him, and said, “Lord Shen, go to sleep.”

Shen Chenxi lay down fully clothed, sitting on the couch as if dozing. He appeared to be resting with his eyes closed, but in reality, he was paying attention to the movements around him. "Lord Mu, are you asleep?"

"No."

“That’s perfect,” Shen Chenxi opened her eyes and looked at Mu Yunqing. “Lord Mu, why don’t we talk some more?”

"What would you like to talk about, Lord Shen?"

Do you think the men in black will show up?

"Perhaps," Mu Yunqing said, "Let's wait and see."

"Ah."

The two waited quietly, and soon a faint sound broke the silence.

"Lord Mu, did you hear that?"

"Shh..." Mu Yunqing made a shushing gesture and listened to the sounds outside. "Lord Shen, please wait here. I'll go out and take a look."

"I'll go with you."

"Alright."

The two walked to the door together, gently pushed it open, and saw a dark figure flash by.

"It's that man in black."

"I see him." Mu Yunqing's eyes sharpened, and he said in a low voice, "You stay here and guard him, I'll go after him." After saying that, he used his lightness skill to chase after him.

Shen Chenxi followed closely behind, "I never expected Lord Mu to have such superb lightness skills!"

"You flatter me, Lord Shen." Mu Yunqing stopped and turned to look at him. "However, the murderer's lightness skill is not weak either. I'm afraid we won't be able to catch up."

"Would you like to go check out the pine forest?"

“No need,” Mu Yunqing said, turning to walk back.

“Lord Mu,” Shen Chenxi frowned slightly, her gaze probing him, “Aren’t you worried that he might escape?”

He can't escape.

"Oh?" Shen Chenxi was surprised by his words, her doubts deepening, but she remained outwardly calm. "Lord Mu is so confident, could it be that you already have some clues?"

"Let's go back to our room first and talk about it later."

"Row."

_

Buddhist temple

As soon as I stepped inside, I smelled a faint fragrance. "Lord Mu, this fragrance... seems a bit unusual."

Mu Yunqing frowned and said, "Quickly cover your nose."

"Huh?" Shen Chenxi was startled and quickly covered her mouth and nose, looking around warily. "This fragrance... is poisonous! Lord Mu, are you alright?"

"nothing."

"That's good." Seeing that he was alright, Shen Chenxi felt a little relieved. She pulled Mu Yunqing to the window and opened it to let in some fresh air. "This person is really something. He even put a sleeping potion in the room."

“Indeed,” Mu Yunqing frowned, his face grave. “To be able to lead us out of the room and then back to the meditation room to release the incense in such a short time, his lightness skill and stamina are extraordinary.”

“That’s natural.” Shen Chenxi’s gaze was deep and thoughtful. “To be able to come and go freely in these mountains without leaving a trace, this person must be no ordinary person.”

“However,” he changed the subject, turning to look at Mu Yunqing, “Lord Mu, aren’t you worried about your safety? Since this man in black dared to attack us, there might be a next time.”

“But we still have Lord Shen,” Mu Yunqing said calmly. “With Lord Shen here, what do I have to worry about?”

"Heh, Lord Mu is quite the joker." Shen Chenxi glanced at him with a half-smile. "However, you're right. With me here, I will make sure nothing happens to Lord Mu."

"With Lord Shen's words, I can sleep peacefully," Mu Yunqing said, about to lie down, but Shen Chenxi pulled him up again.

"Lord Mu, the incense in this room hasn't dissipated yet. It's not appropriate for you to sleep like this."

"Then what does Lord Shen think should be done?"

"Why don't we open the window and let the air circulate?" Shen Chenxi got up and opened the window. "We can go back to sleep after the incense has dissipated."

"Lord Shen, I'm really sleepy," Mu Yunqing pulled the blanket over himself and lay down, and soon fell silent.

"Lord Mu? Are you asleep?"

Mu Yunqing did not respond to him.

"Hehe, Lord Mu seems to be sleeping soundly." Shen Chenxi chuckled and said to himself, "Now that we're sharing a room, it's better to speak frankly about some things."

"say what."

“Lord Mu,” Shen Chenxi turned to him, looking intently at him, “do you know how many people in this court truly care for you?”

"Lord Shen's question seems to have some flaws."

"What do you mean by that, Lord Mu?"

"We have just entered the court as officials and have not yet made friends with other officials. What sincerity can we possibly have?"

“What Lord Mu said is true,” Shen Chenxi said, playing with the jade pendant in his hand with a half-smile. “But people’s hearts are unpredictable. Even those who have just entered the court as officials are bound to have ulterior motives.”

"Perhaps..." Mu Yunqing replied, then turned over and went back to sleep.

“Lord Mu,” Shen Chenxi suddenly sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at him with a serious expression, “didn’t you ever consider that this man in black might be one of our people?”

"impossible."

Shen Chenxi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Mu Yunqing. "Oh? Why are you so sure, Lord Mu?"

He's already hinted at it to this extent.

Someone as intelligent as Mu Yunqing shouldn't be indifferent, in theory.

"Lord Shen, let's not talk about these things anymore," Mu Yunqing got up and pressed Shen Chenxi back onto the bed. "Go to sleep."

“Alright then,” Shen Chenxi was taken aback by his sudden action, but quickly regained her composure. “Then we’ll discuss it again tomorrow.”

"Mmm," Mu Yunqing responded, and fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing that he had fallen asleep, Shen Chenxi got up and went to Yinhua Pavilion.

_

Silver Birch Pavilion

Branches grow wildly in front of the pavilion, dotted with white snow, creating a rather desolate scene.

The candlelight flickered through the paper window, and the gauze curtains inside could be faintly seen swaying gently in the breeze.

Shen Chenxi stepped inside. Inside, the incense burner emitted wisps of smoke, its fragrance subtle and delicate.

"Young master, you've arrived."

"Hmm," Shen Chenxi stepped forward and sat down at the table, "Have you found out who it is?"

"Reporting to Young Master, there were three people I fought today," Wei Zhuo said. "They were from three different forces. Two of them were seriously injured by me, and the other escaped when I wasn't paying attention."

"Was it a man in black who escaped?"

“Yes,” Wei Zhuo’s eyes flashed with surprise, “How did you know, young master?”

“I chased that man in black a few steps tonight,” Shen Chenxi said, his eyes turning slightly cold as he lightly traced the carved table and chairs with his fingers. “Unfortunately, he still managed to escape.”

“Young Master, that man has superb lightness skills and superb martial arts,” Wei Zhuo said in a low voice, “but he did not take the lives of the three of us. I think he does not intend to be our enemy.”

Shen Chenxi nodded slightly. "Have you investigated those two forces thoroughly?"

"One side consists of assassins secretly trained by a high-ranking official in the court, while the other side seems to have fled to Songming Temple."

"Death squads?" Shen Chenxi frowned. "Secretly training death squads is a capital offense. Who in the court is so audacious?"

"Young master, please give me some more time, and I will definitely find out the truth."

"Don't rush to investigate," Shen Chenxi said slowly. "The assassins have nothing to do with us. First, find that man in black for me."

"Yes," Wei Zhuo said. "And the matter you asked me to investigate last time, we've made some progress."

"tell me the story."

“My lord, I have thoroughly examined the household registers of Fengqi Kingdom,” Wei Zhuo said with a grave expression, “but have not found any information related to Lady Yingzhi.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Chenxi unconsciously tapped his fingers on the table.

The household register records the names of people, so that even if someone dies, there should still be a trace left behind.

Wei Zhuo is meticulous; it's impossible that he overlooked it.

Could it be that someone is trying to hide something and deliberately removed him from the list?

He pondered for a moment, then instructed Wei Zhuo, "Continue the investigation. Find out the truth, even if you have to dig three feet into the ground."

"Yes."

_

next morning

When Mu Yunqing opened his eyes, he saw that Shen Chenxi had already gotten up and was standing in front of the window.

"Lord Mu," Shen Chenxi turned to look at him upon hearing the noise, "did you sleep well last night?"

"Thanks to Lord Shen," Mu Yunqing said through gritted teeth, his eyes slightly darkened, "I slept very well."

“It seems this incense is really potent,” Shen Chenxi strolled to his side. “Lord Mu, you haven’t slept all night, yet you’re still so energetic.”

Mu Yunqing was so angry that his teeth itched, but he forced a smile and said, "Lord Shen, you flatter me. As an official, one should naturally be more spirited."

"Lord Mu, you're too kind. But, do you have any leads on what happened last night?"

"Lord Shen, why don't we have a meal first?"

“Very well,” Shen Chenxi nodded in agreement. “How could I dare refuse Lord Mu’s invitation? I just wonder, what does Lord Mu intend to treat me to?”

Mu Yunqing: "..."

I have never seen such a shameless person.

“Of course, we’ll have vegetarian food,” Mu Yunqing said, standing up. “What else would you like to eat at the temple, Lord Shen?”

“Then let’s have a vegetarian meal,” Shen Chenxi gestured for him to leave. “Lord Mu, please go and wash up first. I will wait for you here.”

"Okay." Mu Yunqing replied and turned to wash up.

_

Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness

Seeing Song Qinghe drinking tea in the main hall, Song Qi'an quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, "Mother, your son has come to greet you!"

He bowed and sat down opposite Song Qinghe.

Song Qinghe glared at him, annoyed. "You unfilial son, where have you run off to again? You've kept me waiting."

Knowing he was in the wrong, Song Qi'an tried to appease her by massaging her shoulders. "Mother, please calm down. I was just dealing with some important matters. What do you need me for?"

"I heard from Mu Dong that you're planning to buy a restaurant in the south of the city?"

“Mother is indeed well-informed,” Song Qi’an chuckled, knowing he couldn’t hide it from Song Qinghe, so he simply revealed his plan. “I do have this intention, and I hope Mother will support me.”

Song Qinghe snorted, "I knew it. Your attentiveness was definitely a trap."

“Mother is wise,” Song Qi’an continued to massage her shoulders, a fawning smile on his face. “I am also thinking about the future of the Marquis’s mansion. There is no land in the south of the city. If managed properly, it will surely bring great profits to the Marquis’s mansion.”

"What are your plans?" Song Qinghe said earnestly. "It's not that I'm trying to criticize you, but it's best for a man not to show his face in public."

“I know you mean well,” Song Qi’an said respectfully, pausing his work. “But I really don’t want to be trapped in the Marquis’s mansion for the rest of my life, living a mediocre and unproductive existence.”

Song Qinghe nodded and said, "I know you are naturally unrestrained, but you must not act rashly without a clear plan."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mother." Song Qi'an was overjoyed, knowing that Song Qinghe had relented, and replied, "I plan to renovate this restaurant and then hire an experienced chef to introduce some signature dishes."

"Hmm, are you managing to keep up with all this running around?"

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Song Qi'an said confidently. "I'll find someone else to help with the restaurant matter; I won't be running around all day!"

“It’s good that someone is helping you,” Song Qinghe said. “But like I said, don’t act impulsively.”