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

“Of course,” Mu Yan pointed to the medicinal herbs in front of her and said, “Look, what are their ingredients?”

Aladdin examined it closely and clicked his tongue, saying, "It seems to be a great tonic, but in reality, the herbs are incompatible and highly poisonous!"

Mu Yan sneered; she knew it.

"You seem to have expected this all along?"

“You think I’ve been a secret agent for so many years for nothing?” Mu Yan closed the medicine box and continued, “Quickly help me think of a solution.”

"I won't help." Aladdin said, arms crossed, "You've kept me locked up in your spatial dimension every day, and I haven't even settled accounts with you yet!"

"I'm giving you a break, and you're still not happy about it."

"Is that rest?" Aladdin roared. "That's solitary confinement!"

“Isn’t solitary confinement also a form of rest?” Mu Yan said. “Do you dare say you didn’t get any rest?”

"Hmph," Aladdin snorted, "I won't argue with you."

“That’s not the point. The point is to help me think of a way to deal with her,” Mu Yan said worriedly. “I haven’t been able to get out of bed for the past few days. I’m really afraid I’ll lose my life here.”

"Aren't you very smart? Why do you need this system to come up with a solution?"

"In short, will you help or not?"

"Oh dear, help me, help me, help me!" Aladdin said with a fawning smile. "You're my good host, who else would I help if not you?"

“That’s more like it,” Mu Yan picked up her teacup and took a sip. “Tell me, what’s your plan?”

"Of course, you should find the male lead," Aladdin coaxed. "Think about it, the male lead is highly skilled in martial arts. First, he can protect you, and second, you can develop feelings for him. It's a win-win situation!"

Mu Yan shook her head. "This method won't work. Let's try another one."

How do you know if you haven't tried?

"Have you tried?"

"I..." Aladdin was speechless for a moment, then said angrily, "I'll try it! I'll try it! If I can try, what business is it of yours!"

Mu Yan: "..."

"Can we have a pleasant conversation?"

Am I unhappy?

Are you happy?

Aladdin sighed, "Muyan, let me tell you, all you're good at is talking, you're useless at everything else!"

"What a joke!" Mu Yan rolled up her sleeves and said, "It's not just my mouth, my martial arts skills are not bad either."

"Tch," Aladdin said smugly, "If you were really that good, you wouldn't be injured like this."

"What can I do if I'm fighting two people at once?"

"Excuse!"

"childish!"

“Who are you calling childish?” Aladdin said angrily, “You’d never be as old as me even if you lived eight lifetimes!”

"So what if you're old? You're useless now."

"If you keep doing this, I'm not going to take care of you anymore!"

“That won’t do,” Mu Yan said. “I really don’t know what I would do without you.”

"Hmph," Aladdin said, crossing his short legs, "then I'll reluctantly help you."

"it is good!"

“Since they’ve already delivered the medicine, why don’t you play along?” Aladdin said. “Pretend to drink the medicine she’s prepared for you, and when the time is right, she’ll naturally bring it to you.”

“It’s a good idea,” Mu Yan pondered, “but this method is too long-term. I can’t stay for long. Once I leave, won’t she notice?”

“That’s true,” Aladdin said, looking down at her. “Then what should we do?”

"What can we do? You're asking me now." Mu Yan sighed and said, "Fine, I'll figure it out myself. You go back and rest."

"Another day off? Am I a pig, taking a day off every day?"

Mu Yan ignored him and shut down the system directly.

Aladdin raged on social media.

It's unbelievable that a host has to complete all tasks on their own; this is the first time I've encountered something like this.

_

Zhang Mansion

The moonlight was bright, the night was long, and the mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

At the banquet, amidst the clinking of glasses and the joyful merriment of the officials, a purple-clad figure went around offering toasts.

Shen Chenxi glanced around the banquet hall, then leaned closer to Mu Yunqing and whispered, "Lord Mu, look, that person over there is..." As he spoke, he pointed to a minister not far away.

"With so many people surrounding her, she must be Zhang Xunyu."

Shen Chenxi chuckled lightly, not in a hurry to answer, but said to himself, "Lord Mu, do you know that the position of Minister of Rites has always been a lucrative post?"

"The affairs of state lie in sacrifices and warfare," Mu Yunqing said leisurely. "Those who are in charge of sacrifices in the Ministry of Rites are naturally given important positions. Does Lord Shen mean to doubt her by saying this?"

"Heh, it's just speculation." Shen Chenxi swirled the wine in his glass, his eyes dark and unfathomable. "Lord Zhang has served in the Ministry of Rites for many years, and he's made a lot of money from it. Everyone knows that."

Mu Yunqing glanced at the lavishly decorated banquet and said softly, "You suspect him of embezzlement?"

Shen Chenxi smiled mysteriously and downed the wine in his cup in one gulp. "Lord Mu, why don't you guess again?"

Mu Yunqing pondered, "Those who came are all prominent officials."

“Lord Mu is absolutely right. Today’s banquet is attended by many important officials of the court.” Shen Chenxi said while observing his reaction. “Lord Zhang has gone to such great lengths, so he must have something important to announce.”

"Important matter?" Mu Yunqing asked. "What is it?"

“Lord Zhang,” he paused deliberately, a glint of light flashing in his deep eyes, “is likely about to make a big move.”

Mu Yunqing pressed further, "What is it about?"

“Lord Mu,” Shen Chenxi glanced at him and lowered his voice, “There are many people here, so be careful of eavesdroppers.”

"Yes, I was too impatient."

"Alright, since Lord Mu is in such a hurry, I'll keep you in suspense." Shen Chenxi put down his wine cup, looked around, and whispered in Mu Yunqing's ear, "Lord Zhang, perhaps you are related to that man in black."

Mu Yunqing's eyes widened in surprise, and her expression turned cold.

"Lord Mu, there's no need to be so surprised. I'm just guessing." Shen Chenxi straightened up, his expression returning to normal. "However, the reason why Lord Zhang hosted a banquet for all of you is indeed intriguing."

Mu Yunqing pondered his words, a hint of suspicion creeping into her heart. She whispered, "Lord Shen, are you saying that Lord Zhang wants to use this opportunity to win us all over to his side?"

“That’s possible. You should know, she’s quite ambitious.” Shen Chenxi raised his eyes. “Lord Mu, what do you think we should do?”

“Lord Shen,” Mu Yunqing said solemnly, “this matter is not under our jurisdiction.”

“That’s true, but we can’t just sit idly by,” Shen Chenxi said casually. “If he really gains power, it will be bad for us.”

"What does Lord Shen wish to do?"

Shen Chenxi toyed with the wine glass in his hand, his eyes sharpening. "Naturally, we can't let his scheme succeed."

"It would be a waste of our energy to do this on our own," Mu Yunqing said. "It's better not to get involved in this mess."

"What Lord Mu said is very true. I was just too impatient." Shen Chenxi nodded in agreement, then changed the subject, "However, we can't just sit here and wait to die. We have to find a way to find out his strength."

"We can only wait and see," Mu Yunqing said. "Without evidence, we cannot act rashly."

"Isn't that easy to handle?" Shen Chenxi laughed. "If we pretend to submit to her, what kind of news can't we get?"

"No."

"Oh? Why are you so certain, Lord Mu?" Shen Chenxi raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a half-smile. "Are you perhaps afraid?"

“This is not a question of whether we are afraid or not,” Mu Yunqing said earnestly. “Lord Shen, we are new to officialdom, and taking sides rashly would be detrimental to our careers.”

Shen Chenxi chuckled, a hint of barely perceptible admiration flashing in his eyes, "Lord Mu is indeed a clever man, but... the officialdom is like a battlefield, and sometimes, you can't simply remain unscathed if you want to."

"Taking sides rashly will only backfire."

"What Lord Mu said makes sense, but..." Shen Chenxi deliberately dragged out his words, "What if someone forces us to take sides?"

Mu Yunqing said coldly, "Then we'll have to see what she's capable of."

"Hehe, Lord Mu has quite the spirit." Shen Chenxi said, "However, I still think we should make plans early to avoid being put in a passive position."

“We investigate cases every day, and we rarely have the chance to meet them,” Mu Yunqing analyzed. “Logically speaking, her actions pose no threat to us.”

“That’s true.” Shen Chenxi tapped his fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought. “However, we can’t let our guard down. We should investigate further first.”

"It seems that Lord Shen is determined to investigate Zhang Xunyu."

Shen Chenxi chuckled lightly and said unhurriedly, "Lord Mu, what are you saying? I just feel that this matter is of utmost importance. If we don't get to the bottom of it, I'm afraid there will be endless troubles in the future."

“There’s no rush,” Mu Yunqing replied. “Let’s find out who the man in black is first, and then we can make a plan.”

“Alright, the man in black is the key,” Shen Chenxi lowered her eyes, her fingers stroking the cup, and after a moment of contemplation, she looked up at Mu Yunqing, “As long as he is willing to speak, everything will be clear.”

As they were talking, Zhang Xunyu came over and offered the two of them a toast.

"Your humble servants greet Lord Zhang," the two men said, taking the cups from his hands, rising slightly, and politely responding to Zhang Xunyu's toast. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Zhang Xunyu smiled and said, "I am so happy that you two could come!"

"Lord Zhang has hosted this banquet, how could we, your humble servants and Lord Mu, dare to refuse?" Shen Chenxi smiled perfectly, raising his wine cup to Zhang Xunyu, "But this wine..."

"This wine is made with green plums, and it tastes quite good. You two can try it without worry!"

"Oh? Is that so? Then this humble official will have to have a good taste." With that, Shen Chenxi picked up the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

"Lord Shen has quite the capacity for alcohol!"

"You flatter me, Lord Zhang." Shen Chenxi put down his wine cup and said with a smile, "However, although this wine is good, one should not overindulge."

“Of course,” Zhang Xunyu turned to Mu Yunqing and asked, “Why isn’t Lord Mu drinking?”

Mu Yunqing cupped his hands and said, "I appreciate Lord Zhang's kindness. However, I am not good at drinking, and it would be bad if I got drunk."

“It’s alright, there are guest rooms in the manor. If you two are drunk, you can rest here!” Zhang Xunyu said. “This wine is a rare delicacy. It would be a real pity if Lord Mu didn’t try it.”

"In that case... I shall respectfully accept your offer." Mu Yunqing smiled gently, but his eyes were unfathomable as he tilted his head back and drank the wine.

After seeing him drink the wine, Zhang Xunyu exchanged a few polite words before turning around to offer a toast elsewhere.

Shen Chenxi didn't feel anything unusual at first, but the longer she stayed, the more dizzy and weak she felt.

"This wine...is problematic."

Seeing that he was about to fall, Mu Yunqing quickly reached out to support him and whispered, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Shen Chenxi said, his brows furrowed slightly as he forced himself to stay awake. "Lord Mu..." He looked in Zhang Xunyu's direction, his eyes cold. "It seems we've fallen into his trap."

A servant ran over and said, "My lords, are you drunk? Let me take you there!"

“No need,” Mu Yunqing said, secretly clutching a signal flare in his hand, but feigning a staggering appearance. “Neither I nor Lord Shen are so drunk that we need someone to help us up.”

"This..." the servant hesitated, "I'll take you there myself. If I neglect you, my lord will punish me."

After pondering for a moment, Mu Yunqing decided that it was not the right time to fight head-on, so he nodded slightly and said, "Alright then, I'll trouble you."

The two were supported by servants and walked forward with faltering steps.

Mu Yunqing asked seemingly casually, "Is this wine really just plum wine? I don't think so."

"You're overthinking it. It's just ordinary plum wine."

"Ordinary plum wine?" Mu Yunqing chuckled, clearly disbelieving. "If that's the case, then why did my body become weak and powerless after drinking it with Lord Shen?"

"This liquor is very strong; the two gentlemen certainly cannot handle it!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Mu Yunqing narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. "Then why is your master unharmed?"

The servant laughed and said, "You don't know this, but my master has tasted countless wines. This little bit of wine is certainly not enough to get her drunk."

"So that's how it is," he said calmly.

"Yes," the servant said, opening the door. "Please come in, both of you."

“Okay,” Mu Yunqing helped Shen Chenxi into the room. As soon as they sat down, they heard the sound of the door being locked.

Mu Yunqing walked to the door and tried to push it, but the door was locked and the windows were sealed.

It seems this was premeditated.

He turned to look at Shen Chenxi and asked, "Lord Shen, can you still hear me?"

“I can hear,” Shen Chenxi said through gritted teeth, propping herself up. “I’m just a little dizzy, not deaf.”

"That's good. I was worried that Lord Shen might not be fully conscious."

"It's not that he's unconscious, but this sleeping potion is really troublesome." He said, "Please ask Lord Mu to check if there is any water in the house."

Mu Yunqing walked to the table, picked up the teapot and shook it. "Lord Shen is right, cold water can indeed alleviate the effects of this sleeping potion." As he spoke, he poured a glass of cold water and handed it to him.

"Thank you, Lord Mu."

"Don't be so polite," Mu Yunqing said, seeing him drink the water. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Much better," Shen Chenxi frowned slightly, "but what should we do now that we're trapped here?"

"Don't worry, Lord Shen," Mu Yunqing replied, "she won't harm either of us."

"Oh? Why are you so sure, Lord Mu?" Shen Chenxi's gaze darkened slightly as he looked out the window and said, "Zhang Xunyu's actions this time are quite strange, and it's really hard to fathom her thoughts."