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

As Mu Yunyan recalled the past, she unconsciously looked up, but there was nothing in the sky.

There were no bamboo dragonflies, no fireflies, and the boy standing behind him was no longer the same one from before.

She suppressed her emotions and led Shen Chenxi inside.

"Please sit down," Mu Yunyan said. "I really don't know how to thank you two for saving my daughter."

“Your Excellency,” Shen Chenxi said, cupping his hands in greeting, “I think you may have misunderstood. Miss Mu was not rescued by us.”

Mu Yunyan was startled, "That was... rescued by Commander Xiao?"

“No,” he explained. “Miss Mu escaped alone, and we were just bringing her back on the way.”

"I see," Mu Yunyan said calmly, "I'm sorry to have troubled you two to make this special trip."

"It's alright, this is what we Dali Temple should do."

"Could you tell me who injured her?"

"We don't know the person's identity yet," Shen Chenxi promised, "but don't worry, once we return to the Dali Temple and interrogate him thoroughly, we will definitely give you an explanation."

"Hmm," Mu Yunyan breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good. Such wicked people should not be let off easily."

“The Prime Minister is right. If we cannot find out anything through interrogation, we will send the case to the Ministry of Justice for processing.”

Mu Yunyan nodded, then looked around. "Where's the other one?"

Shen Chenxi covered for him, saying, "Perhaps the Prime Minister's residence is too large, and Lord Mu has lost his way and can't find his way. Does the Prime Minister have something to say to him?"

"No, it's just that I wanted to thank him in person."

“You’re too kind, sir,” Shen Chenxi said with a smile. “It doesn’t matter whether you say it or not, Lord Mu doesn’t care about such things.”

“That won’t do. One thing at a time,” Mu Yunyan said. “If Ayan hadn’t met you two, she wouldn’t even know where she would be right now.”

"Your Excellency is too kind. Miss Mu is blessed with good fortune. Even without us, she would surely have escaped this calamity."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunyan felt much better.

The more I look at this person, the more I like him.

He was handsome and had a pleasant voice, but his background was unknown.

"Which family in the capital are you from?" Mu Yunyan asked. "How old are you?"

Mu Yunqing stepped into the room, his expression turning cold upon hearing these words.

What is Shen Chenxi up to now? He's actually seducing the Prime Minister.

“Reporting to Your Excellency,” Shen Chenxi said deliberately, noticing Mu Yunqing’s expression, “I am from the Shen family in the west of the city, 24 years old, and still unmarried.”

"So it's Young Master Shen. I've long heard of Lord Shen's excellent parenting skills, and seeing is believing—he truly is a gentleman." Mu Yunyan praised, then turned to Mu Yunqing, "And this is…"

She felt that the person in front of her looked somewhat familiar, but she just couldn't remember who it was.

“Your Excellency,” Shen Chenxi introduced, “this is Lord Mu, whom I just told you about.”

"Please sit down," Mu Yunyan said, handing Mu Yunqing a cup of tea.

"My lord, you're welcome."

"Of course," Mu Yunyan said anxiously, "How is my daughter's injury?"

"The wound has been cleaned, but she is still unconscious," Mu Yunqing reassured her. "Don't worry, my lord, Miss Mu's wound did not hit any vital organs."

"How many wounds are there?"

Mu Yunyan was really worried. Mu Yan had been pampered since childhood. Even when she had a minor scrape, Mu Yunyan would take a long time to comfort her. Now that she was injured like this, she really didn't know what to do.

“Since Your Excellency is so worried, why don’t you go and see for yourself?” Mu Yunqing pulled Shen Chenxi to his feet and said respectfully, “I also have to go back to interrogate the prisoners. I will visit you another day.”

“Alright, alright,” Mu Yunyan said, “Then I’ll take my leave. Please take care on your journey.”

Mu Yunqing and his companion bowed and took their leave, then returned to Dali Temple.

_

Fanglan Garden

Mu Yan lay on the couch, still unconscious.

Because of the severity of the injuries, the clothes that had just been changed were now stained with blood again.

Xiangqin was heartbroken to see her so badly injured.

His body was covered in wounds, and he had lost a lot of weight.

This military training ground is simply not a place for humans to stay. She should have advised her master more back then.

Her master is such a precious person, how could she endure such torment?

Xiangqin was both angry and wanted to cry, but she couldn't help herself and burst into tears.

"What's wrong?" Mu Yunyan asked softly, "Why are you crying like this?"

Upon hearing the voice, Xiangqin hurriedly wiped away her tears and bowed, "My lord, you have arrived."

"Hmm, how is Ayan?"

"I just gave him his medicine, and he hasn't woken up yet," Xiangqin knelt down with a thud, her eyes red, and said, "My lord, I beg you, please let my master come back."

Mu Yunyan helped her up. "This is the path she chose herself. Xiangqin, you've been with her since childhood, you should understand her."

Xiangqin shook her head repeatedly, "Master just likes to wield swords and spears, but doesn't like being chased and beaten by them. He suffers serious injuries twice a year, sob sob sob... How can his body withstand it?"

"Stop crying. If Ayan wakes up and sees you like this, she'll feel sorry for you."

Xiangqin quickly held back her tears, "What you say is true, sir. Xiangqin will not cry. Xiangqin will take good care of my master."

Mu Yunyan nodded and said, "Yes, remember to come and let us know when Ayan wakes up. If she needs anything, just go to the steward's office and get it. Make sure she gets well."

"Yes."

_

Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness

As soon as Song Qi'an came out of his room, he saw a servant carrying a box toward him.

What's in the box?

"Young master, these are tributes from the Southern Frontier this year—winter oranges!" the servant said with a grin. "His Majesty said you like them, so he sent us to deliver a box to you."

“Okay,” Song Qi’an nodded and said, “Let’s carry it inside.”

"Yes."

Song Qi'an stepped out of the courtyard. Judging by the time, Pan Yu should have arrived by now.

Just then, as they entered the courtyard, they saw Pan Yu pushing Pan Shuyin through the door.

"Xiaoyu, you've arrived." Song Qi'an greeted Pan Yu, then turned to Pan's mother, "This must be Old Master Pan?"

“It is indeed my mother,” Pan Yu said, bowing. “I humbly request that Your Excellency have someone treat her.”

"No problem, no problem, I've already taken care of this." Song Qi'an snapped his fingers, and a dozen or so doctors appeared behind him. "These are some of the top doctors in the capital. It should be easier to treat multiple patients."

"Thank you, Your Excellency," Pan Yu said, bowing his head. "I will never forget Your Excellency's great kindness!"

“No need for formalities,” Song Qi’an reached out to help the person up. “Let your mother receive treatment here. We still need to continue discussing the restaurant’s strategy.”

“My lord, there’s no need to worry. I have some plans for the restaurant,” Pan Yu said. “I hope you will allow me to speak with my mother and then go with you to discuss it.”

“Alright,” Song Qi’an readily agreed, “Then I will go to the study to wait for you, and you can come over in a bit.”

"Yes," Pan Yu replied, whispered a few words to Pan Shuyin, and then went to the study.

_

study

Song Qi'an looked at the layout map in his hand, his lips almost curling up to the sky.

With just a word from Pan Yu, the construction of this restaurant could begin immediately.

"Young Master," Mu Dong whispered, "he's here."

“Alright,” Song Qi’an put away the layout plan, stood up and walked towards Pan Yu, “How has she considered the restaurant matter?”

"Rest assured, my lord, my mother has already agreed to this."

“That’s excellent,” Song Qi’an said, pulling the person down to sit. “This is a layout plan I had someone make. Take a look and see if you need anything else.”

"No need, this is fine."

“Okay,” Song Qi’an turned to look at him. “By the way, didn’t you say you had a way to make Shuntian Restaurant’s business boom? Tell me about it.”

“It is possible,” Pan Yu said, “but it will require the Marquis’s intervention.”

A hint of curiosity flashed in Song Qi'an's eyes. "What methods do you have that require my intervention?"

"I've heard that you, Lord Marquis, are on good terms with the young masters of prominent families in the capital. Why don't you invite them to come and visit?"

"Great idea!" Song Qi'an praised, "This method is good. Using the name of a young master from a prominent family can indeed attract many customers."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Marquis, to make the trip."

"It's no big deal, I'll go and invite them right away."

“My lord!” Pan Yu called out to him, taking out a slip of paper from his bosom. “This is the list I have prepared. You may invite them one by one according to this list.”

Song Qi'an took the list, looked at it carefully, and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad. These young masters from prominent families are all well-known figures in the capital. With their support, our restaurant's opening will definitely attract a lot of people."

“However…” He frowned slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, “It would be quite a troublesome matter to invite so many young masters from prominent families one by one.”

"What does Your Excellency intend to do?"

Song Qi'an's eyes lit up, and a sly smile appeared on his lips. "Why don't we hold a banquet and invite these young masters from prominent families to attend? It would also be a good opportunity for them to learn about our restaurant beforehand."

“What you say is absolutely right, Lord Marquis,” Pan Yu said. “Then I will go and deliver the invitation later.”

"Well, you'll have to work hard these next few days," Song Qi'an patted his shoulder and said, "If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."

“It’s no trouble at all,” Pan Yu said respectfully, “It’s what I should do.”

“I’m relieved to hear that,” Song Qi’an said, standing up. “Alright, I’ve almost finished my business here. Go see your mother.”

“Yes,” Pan Yu said, cupping his hands in greeting. “Then I will take my leave.”

"Okay," Song Qi'an waved his hand and said, "Go!"

After the man left, Mu Dong asked, "Young master, why did you help him like this?"

“Of course it’s useful,” Song Qi’an said with a smile. “Why are you suddenly asking this? You used to be uninterested in these things.”

"I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of? Are you afraid he has ulterior motives?"

“Yes,” Mu Dong said, “He has no identity and we don’t know where he comes from. We can’t be sure he has something he wants from you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Song Qi’an said nonchalantly. “If he’s after money and power, just give it to him. I’m not short of those things.”

"But you'd be at a loss that way."

"Haven't I suffered enough losses? More than the stars in the sky!" Song Qi'an comforted him, "You don't need to worry about this. I have my own plans. If he really has ulterior motives, I will deal with him."

“Alright,” Mu Dong conceded, “I will also keep a close eye on him for you.”

"Alright, I know you mean well." Song Qi'an took out two winter oranges from the box and handed them to Mu Dong like a treasure, "Try them, winter oranges sent from the Southern Frontier."

Mu Dong was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook his head, "Young Master... this is a tribute, I can't accept it."

“Take it if I give it to you,” Song Qi’an stuffed the orange into his hand and coaxed, “This stuff is very rare. It might be available this year but not next year. You might as well try it.”

“Young Master…” Mu Dong was deeply moved, her lips trembled, and tears were about to fall again.

"Don't cry, you look awful when you cry!" Song Qi'an said with a hint of disgust, but she still took out a handkerchief to wipe his tears. "Look at you, you're so touched by something I give you. If you meet someone who treats you better than me in the future, you'll be snatched away."

“No, that’s not true,” Mu Dong sniffed and said seriously, “Mu Dong only recognizes you as his master, he doesn’t recognize anyone else.”

"Alright, alright, you said it, you only recognize me," Song Qi'an said, "If your master orders you to beat me in the future, you can't listen to her."

“That won’t do,” Mu Dong said. “We must listen to the Lord, otherwise…we will all be in trouble.”

Song Qi'an was amused by his words, "Are you putting on an act here? It doesn't make sense at all."

“Young master, I did not. I am telling the truth.”

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Let's go for a walk!"

“Alright,” Mu Dong tucked the tangerine into his robes and asked, “Where does the young master wish to go?”

“Of course I’m going to listen to music,” Song Qi’an replied, then ran out, with Mu Dong still chasing after him.

_

Prime Minister's Mansion

西苑

Lin Zhixu slowly opened his eyes and asked, "Where is this...?"

"This is the Prime Minister's residence," Mu Yunyan replied softly.

“Yunyan…” Lin Zhixu stared at those familiar eyes and brows, his expression somewhat dazed. “Is it really you? Am I dreaming…”

"it's me."

Upon hearing her voice again, Lin Zhixu could no longer hold back, tears instantly welling up in his eyes, his voice trembling, "Yunyan, I miss you so much..." He struggled to sit up, but frowned due to the pain.

"Don't move yet," Mu Yunyan said, "your injuries haven't healed."

Lin Zhixu looked up at her, his eyes filled with longing. "Okay, I won't move. I'll just watch you like this..." As if remembering something, his gaze became urgent. "Where's Muyan? How is she?"

"She's alright, she's just... not awake yet."

"It's good that you're alright...it's good that you're alright..." Lin Zhixu breathed a sigh of relief, looked at Mu Yunyan again, his eyes full of affection, "How have you been these years?"

“I…” Mu Yunyan’s eyes were full of heartache. “I’m doing very well, but you, why have you become like this?”

Lin Zhixu shook his head with a bitter smile. "It's a long story..." He sighed, his eyes dimming. "I only hate myself for being too impulsive back then, and for parting ways with you forever from that day on."

"What happened back then," Mu Yunyan shook her head and said, "isn't your fault."

"How can you not blame me..." Lin Zhixu struggled to get up, but groaned as he aggravated his wound. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have come all the way from Jiangnan to this place. I owe you so much."

No, don't say that.

Lin Zhixu's eyes were filled with self-reproach. "Yunyan, do you know? I've been thinking, if I hadn't been so impulsive back then, if I hadn't broken up with you, none of this would have happened..."

“I know,” Mu Yunyan sighed softly, “but it’s all in the past, there’s no need to mention it again.”