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

The next morning

When Mu Yunqing woke up, he found himself lying in Mu Yan's arms, his hand still tightly held by her. He subconsciously pulled his hand away, wanting to get up and leave, but he was afraid of waking the person beside him.

Finally, he got up, picked up his clothes, and gently put them on to cover his wounds.

The morning light streamed through the window and fell on the two of them, which should have been a beautiful sight, but the room was a mess.

Looking at the messy house, Mu Yunqing felt extremely annoyed.

His light blue eyes were filled with gloom, and there were still tear stains at the corners of his eyes. There was a conspicuous wound on his right cheek.

He looked up at Mu Yan, who seemed to be sleeping soundly, with a hint of joy on her brows. Her long eyelashes clung to her fair face, and her lips were tightly pressed together, making her look beautiful and serene.

I slept so soundly, as if nothing had happened last night.

The more wicked a person is, the more comfortable they live; this world is truly disgusting.

Suddenly he saw her eyelashes flutter and quickly lowered his head.

"Mu Yunqing".

She called his name softly.

But he didn't know how to respond to her.

"I'll pretend that what happened last night never happened. I won't hold it against you, and please let it go."

"Also, Mu Yunqing, remember this: I am not her." After saying this, Mu Yan lifted her foot and walked out of the room.

Mu Yunqing was the only one left in the room.

He stared at her departing figure, unable to come back to his senses for a long time. The light pouring down from the doorway was so dazzling.

She said she wouldn't hold it against him, but how could she not?

The pain of the flesh is nothing to worry about, but how can one eliminate the pain that is to be inflicted upon it?

I have repaid kindness and avenged wrongs. I have no more relatives in this world, and I have no regrets even in death.

_Flower House

Yesterday, Xiao Ran spent a fortune on Nian, in exchange for a day of leisure for Nian.

In return, Nian will spend this day (just during the day) with Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran was overjoyed to have won the heart of his beloved, and waited outside Nian's room early in the morning.

Within minutes, she had already planned a day trip for the two of them. Ahhh, I'm so, so excited!!

Xiao Ran was so excited she wanted to stomp her feet!

"Please wait a little longer, Princess. My young master is not yet dressed."

"It's okay, it's okay. Boys will take their time. I'm not in a hurry," Xiao Ran said, shifting her position and leaning against the door.

This angle perfectly shows Nian's profile, wow, her profile is beautiful too! It makes Nian's nose look even better, small and delicate.

Xiao Ran looked at Nian and couldn't help but smile like an aunt. Since coming to this world, she has been able to see handsome men every day. Just stand on the street and wow, there are so many to see, she can't possibly see them all.

Yes! Xiao Ran is also a time traveler, she arrived before Mu Yan. As for how she got here, hehe, she'll tell you herself later.

After a while, Nian walked towards her, lifting her skirt.

Wow! It's a pink dress! Isn't she like a Disney princess who's escaped? Oh my, she looks so beautiful!

"I apologize for keeping the princess waiting." Nian humbly bowed to her.

Who could resist such a handsome guy? Tell me who can! If anyone says they can, I'll kill them first!

"Oh, no, no, I only waited a little while," Xiao Ran said with a smile, looking at Nian.

"Then let's go."

"okay."

Immediately, the madam saw his daughter Nian and Xiao Ran leave together. He hid behind the door, looking quite pleased.

_Prime Minister's Residence

Mu Yan returned to Fanglan Garden, took a bath, changed her clothes, and sat in front of the bronze mirror while Xiangqin styled her hair.

"Didn't you sleep well last night, Master?" Xiangqin said, looking at the faint bruise under her master's eyes.

"Mm," Mu Yan replied calmly.

Xiangqin could tell that her mistress was in a very bad mood! So, in order to save her life, she obediently shut her mouth and focused on styling Muyan's hair.

"Xiangqin, I want to go for a walk later."

"Ah, yes, Master. Would you like Xiangqin to accompany you?"

"Need not."

"Yes, Master." Xiangqin said, reaching out to take a hairpin and gently inserting it into Muyan's hair.

"Master," Xiangqin called softly.

"Is it done?" Mu Yan looked up at Xiang Qin.

"All right."

"Then I'm leaving the manor. I might be back later. Please inform my mother for me." Mu Yan said, lifting her foot and walking towards the door.

"Good master."

_East Street

Xiao Ran and Nian walked down the street, attracting much discussion from passersby.

"They are a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman."

"Of course! Don't you even know who that is!"

"Who?"

"A courtesan! You don't even know what a courtesan is! Walking with a courtesan, even a dog would seem like a perfect match."

"Hiss," Xiao Ran glanced at the older woman who spoke when she heard this. She was just average-looking, but her way of speaking was quite peculiar.

Who are you calling a dog?! I'm a fairy too!

"What's wrong?" Nian asked her softly.

"It's alright, it's alright, don't worry about them, let's go ahead and take a look!"

"it is good."

The streets of Kyoto are especially lively, with people coming and going in an endless stream, vendors calling out their wares, and shops lining both sides of the street. Although there are many shops, it does not feel cluttered.

The stalls selling things are also arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner, each with its own unique characteristics.

Colorful ribbons hang along the long street, fluttering gently in the wind, creating a beautiful scene.

During festivals, people also hang lanterns on it, hoping for good fortune.

If you happen to be there for a wedding, it's a lively affair. The streets are packed with people, young and old, men and women alike flocking to the event. Wealthy families might even throw money down the street or hold a long banquet along the street.

Xiao Ran walked down the street, and for some reason, she felt unusually happy; even the air seemed sweet.

I used to find these hawking calls annoying when I walked down the street alone, but today they sounded a bit nicer. Hehe, this must be the legendary beauty effect!

"Selling candied hawthorns! Sweet and fragrant candied hawthorns!"

"Selling steamed buns, freshly baked meat buns~"

"Chestnuts, sweet and chewy roasted chestnuts~"

"Wait a minute." Xiao Ran stopped in her tracks, clutching Nian's sleeve.

"What's wrong?" Nian looked up at her.

"I want to eat this, do you want some?" Xiao Ran pointed to the chestnuts on the stall.

"If the princess likes to buy it, then so be it. I don't need to. I don't like to eat these things."

Well, that makes sense. A courtesan would be a celebrity in modern times, and celebrities certainly have many restrictions on their diet.

"Okay, wait for me a moment."

"it is good."

"Boss, give me two servings of chestnuts!" Xiao Ran turned to the stall owner and said.

"Okay! Just a moment, it'll be ready soon!"

"Good drop."

"Here, hold on tight."

"Ok."

Xiao Ran took the chestnuts, paid for them, and then led Nian forward.

It's so lively!

However, after walking around, my legs are sore, and the little beauty must be tired too. Let's find a place to rest quickly.

"Let's go to a restaurant."

"it is good."

Xiao Ran felt incredibly happy; having such a beautiful woman by her side was more blissful than eating honey.

_Drunken Fragrance Pavilion

As soon as Xiao Ran walked in, the boss immediately came to greet her, his smile brighter than anyone else's.

That makes sense. Xiao Ran always acts according to his mood. When he's in a good mood, he'll eat several bowls of rice and then give out tips. When he's in a bad mood, he can still eat several bowls of rice and order a few bottles of fine wine, making a fortune.

"Your Highness has arrived at the perfect time. We have added a few new dishes to our restaurant, you may wish to try them."

The boss glanced at Nian beside Xiao Ran as he spoke.

"Who is this……"

"Oh, he's my friend! Isn't he beautiful!"

"Haha, beautiful."

"Well, this time I want the upstairs room, and I want all the new dishes, as well as the ones I usually like to eat."

"What do you want to eat?" Xiao Ran asked Nian with a smile.

"I'm fine with anything, as long as the princess likes it."

"Hey, that won't do. We finally get to eat out, so take a look and see if there's anything you like."

"Need not."

"Alright, then I'll order a few more light dishes and a fruit platter. And don't forget the tea!"

The boss next to him was scribbling notes with a pen.

"Anything else besides these?"

"Gone."

"Alright, Your Highness, please go upstairs and wait a moment. The food will be ready shortly!"

"Okay!" Xiao Ran replied and led Nian upstairs.

Zui Xiang Lou is a very famous restaurant in Kyoto with a history of several years. It can come up with several new dishes every month, and the chefs are top-notch. Nowadays, many chefs in the palace are hired from Zui Xiang Lou.

In fact, Xiao Ran usually prefers to eat downstairs because it's more lively with more people.

Most importantly, if you're lucky, you can sometimes see people arguing at the next table, which is super convenient for watching the show.

However, considering Nian's status, Xiao Ran still considerately went to the second floor.

_Drunken Fragrance Pavilion (Second Floor Room)_

Xiao Ran and Nian each sat on one side, while the waiter was busy serving tea and dishes.

"You only recently arrived at the brothel," Xiao Ran said, casually pouring herself a cup of tea.

“I grew up in this building since I was a child, and the owner of the building is my father.”

"Oh, I see. That explains why I've never seen you before."

"Does the princess often visit brothels?"

Ahem... Well... if I tell the truth, the little beauty might misunderstand, so I'll just have to tell a lie. ///▽/// ?

"I don't go there often, just occasionally to listen to music and watch dances," Xiao Ran said with an awkward smile.

"The princess seems to really enjoy dancing."

"Yes, especially your dancing, it was really super beautiful."

Nian chuckled softly.

When she smiles, her peach blossom eyes squint slightly, the corners of her eyes turn up, and it's as if a gem is hidden in her eyes—truly starry eyes.

Xiao Ran told Nian many jokes, making Nian laugh countless times. The two ate and drank tea, chatting happily.

_Emerald Bamboo Garden

Mu Yan went for a stroll outside the manor, but found it boring, so she climbed over the wall and entered the Emerald Bamboo Garden.

The Green Bamboo Garden was unusually quiet today; even the birds that usually chirped in the branches were nowhere to be seen.

The wind stopped blowing, and the bamboo leaves stopped rustling.

Seeing that no one was in the courtyard, Mu Yan went straight into the house.

"Dong dong dong..."

"Dong dong dong..."

She knocked gently on the door.

But no one responded.

Mu Yan pushed open the door and entered, only to be met with a scene of utter chaos.

Books were scattered all over the place, along with broken cups, spilled ink, damaged paintings, and Mu Yunqing crouching in the corner.

Mu Yan looked down at Mu Yunqing. He was trembling, his whole body shaking. Despite this, he held a pen in his hand and wrote shakily, stroke by stroke. Several times the paper almost slipped from his grasp, but he didn't care. He just held the pen tightly...

They've gone mad! They've really gone mad! Even Mu Yan is going mad!

Mu Yan felt extremely regretful; she shouldn't have told him.

Her words were far more hurtful than ten of Mu Yan's, but there was nothing that could be done.

When Mu Yan saw the person in front of her, her eyes were red and swollen, her gaze was completely blank and devoid of any light, and tears were welling up in the corners of her eyes. Her lips were trembling, and her hands, with their distinct knuckles, were covered with scratches.

Mu Yan reached out to snatch the pen from Mu Yunqing's hand, but he suddenly let go, and the pen fell to the ground, splattering ink everywhere.

“Mu Yunqing…” Mu Yan said, stepping forward to grab Mu Yunqing’s hand.

She thought he would struggle, but he didn't.

"Mu Yan, just kill me."

Mu Yunqing uttered these words in an extremely calm manner, just as he had the night before, without any emotion.

"Why should I?" Mu Yan was initially taken aback, but then asked in return.

But Mu Yunqing seemed not to hear, his empty, lifeless eyes fixed on Mu Yan.

"just kill me."

"On what grounds do you ask?"

"Mu Yan, just kill me."

"Hehe." Mu Yan suddenly chuckled sarcastically.

She looked up and met Mu Yunqing's eyes, his beautiful eyes filled with mockery.

"Mu Yunqing, don't you think you're ridiculous?"

"On one hand, you want her dead, and on the other hand, you beg me to kill you."

"What? Are you so used to being bullied that you even need someone else to kill you?"

"I used to think you were just a little humble, a little sensitive and lacking in love, but now... ha, I think you're humble to the core. What you lack isn't love, it's your nerves!"

Every word Mu Yan uttered struck Mu Yunqing's heart like a hammer blow.

"Of course, it's not that I can't kill you, but Mu Yunqing, if I put a knife to your throat, are you really willing to do it?"

As she spoke, Mu Yan drew the crescent-shaped dagger she had bought earlier and, as she had instructed, held it against Mu Yunqing's neck.

Mu Yunqing nodded slightly, gently closed her eyes, and a tear fell from the corner of her eye.

"Just do it."

Mu Yan originally only wanted to use reverse psychology, but she didn't expect him to actually yearn for death so much.

Ha, as expected, someone who has never experienced death.

Mu Yan felt a pang of sadness. There was no end to the grudges in the world. Digging to the bottom would only lead to mutual destruction. It would be better to wipe the grudges clean and let each other live in peace. Why insist on holding on to them?

It prevents the living from finding peace and the dead from resting in peace.

"Do you really want to go and be with her?" Mu Yan looked at him again.

"Hahaha!"

"Mu Yunqing, do you know? Someone as cowardly as you, even if you die a thousand or ten thousand times, it will be the same. You will only be bullied until the very end!"

"You think you're the victim, you think you've been humiliated!"

"No! None of that! You are the real culprit! It's your cowardice, it's your repeated indulgence that has led them to bully you even more!"

Do you think you'll be free from this burden by dying?

"impossible!"

"Even if you die, those humiliations will follow you forever. Even if your body rots in the ground, those humiliations will remain in your heart forever."

"If you don't know how to resist, if you don't grow stronger every day, even if you reincarnate a hundred times, you will always be trampled on!"

Mu Yan was exhausted from shouting, and Mu Yunqing was stunned by what she heard.

He seemed to suddenly realize something.

He thought he was just humble.

He thought he was always being bullied, but in reality, he was the one being bullied.

He doesn't know how to resist; he only knows how to endure, so he is trampled on time and time again.

He had been indulging her all along; he had been allowing her to bully him.

His life was hopeless, his eyes were devoid of light. It wasn't caused by others; he pushed himself into the abyss, imprisoning his soul in a cage, forever shrouded in darkness.

"Mu Yunqing, put it down."

"Don't dwell on it. Why live in the past? Someone as good as you should look forward."

Mu Yan sheathed the dagger in her hand and quietly looked at Mu Yunqing.

She was gambling; she was gambling that he would come back.

"Okay," Mu Yunqing replied softly.