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

"Black, white, brown, choose one!" Ling Yun said, "The red one is too wild, so I won't let you choose."

Mu Yan said, "I want the black one."

"It's a bit ugly, but not bad." Ling Yun shoved the reins into her hand, then turned to pull at his own red horse. "Take it out."

The two led their horses outside, while Ning Xi and Qiu Yi waited in front of the shed. The horses for the four of them were a complete mix of colors.

"Where to?" Qiu Yi asked.

“Naturally, we should go to Qiushuitang,” Lingyun said. “That place is easier to walk to, and the scenery is quite nice.”

"Alright," Qiuyi replied, then turned her horse around and headed towards Qiushuitang.

“Your lightness skill is quite good, you should have no problem mounting the horse, right?” Ling Yun said to Mu Yan.

“Of course,” Mu Yan stroked the horse’s head and mounted it as well. She asked, “What’s next?”

Ling Yun suddenly laughed and replied, "Just shout 'Giddy up,' and the horse will run by itself."

Mu Yan gently called out "Giddy up," and the black horse slowly moved forward.

Ling Yun said, "You can ride, can't you? You still say you can't. You're always pretending to be weak to fool others. That's not fair at all!"

“But right now,” Mu Yan said, “it’s not certain that we can run.”

"Keep making this up! Someone like you clearly isn't a first-timer at riding. The first time I rode one, I was thrown off as soon as I got on," Ling Yun said angrily. "I even got kicked hard by the horse's hooves a few times, and I was in so much pain that I couldn't get out of bed for three days!"

She emphasized, "Three days! You have no idea what that feels like. You can't even straighten your back, and eating is such a struggle! It's so frustrating!"

"Perhaps you are too young and your core is not stable."

"It's possible, I was only seven years old at the time."

"She started learning to ride horses at seven years old?"

"Not only that," Ling Yun said, "I also learned boxing, swordsmanship, and blacksmithing!"

Mu Yan praised, "You're quite promising."

“Of course,” Ling Yun said proudly. “When I was little, my mother said I had a talent for this and could learn anything well! However, my mother is much better than me! I’m not bragging, but anyone you pick from the training ground is no match for her, except for Commander Xiao, of course.”

"Alright, alright, I know your mother is formidable," Mu Yan said. "Let's go, everyone's already far away."

"It's alright, they won't go far."

The four of them walked along the path, circled around the woods a few times, and then went to Qiushui Pond.

As Lingyun said, the scenery of Qiushuitang is extremely beautiful. Even in winter, it does not appear desolate, with a hint of yellow-green showing through the branches and trees.

Autumn set up a fire by the pond, took some steamed buns and toasted them on the side, while Ning Xi chatted with her casually.

Ling Yun kept pulling Mu Yan down into the pond, saying, "What are you afraid of? The water is so shallow, no one will drown."

"It's so cold, you'll freeze if you go down there," Mu Yan said helplessly. "What kind of twisted sense of humor is this!"

"What do you know? Ice water is good for your skin and complexion," Ling Yun said with a smile, splashing a few drops of water at her. "I'm doing this for your own good!"

"Good my ass," Mu Yan pulled Ling Yun up and stared at her feet, saying, "Look at yourself, they're all red from the cold."

"Delicate," Ling Yun scoffed. "Red spots are nothing. I've experienced being frozen stiff and purple." She looked up at the two people by the fire and snapped, "Right!"

“That’s right,” Ning Xi chimed in. “Last spring, Qiu Yi and I went up the mountain together. We saw a deer and chased it for half the mountain, but the oil lamp went out halfway down. Oh dear, it was so dark that we couldn’t see anything and couldn’t get down the mountain at all, so we slept on the mountaintop for the night. It was cold at night and the mountain wind was strong. Ling Yun and I were both frozen unconscious, and only Qiu Yi was awake.”

Qiu Yi said, "To be precise, it's like being half-asleep and half-awake."

“Yes, yes, she was talking nonsense the whole time,” Ling Yun thought carefully and said, “I could hear her talking, but I couldn’t open my eyes or move my body. I just listened to her rambling on all night.”

Thinking about this gave Ling Yun a headache. Qiu Yi was really good at talking; her little mouth would chatter on and on. She usually didn't talk much, but she talked nonstop all night. As for what she was talking about, she didn't listen carefully, only hearing things like "the way of heaven... ethics, social order".

Mu Yan asked, "So, you've known each other since you were little?"

“How could that be? We only met after entering the military training grounds,” Ling Yun said. “When we first arrived, we didn’t get along at all. I even fought with Qiu Yi and Ning Xi!”

Ning Xi said, "She's a troublemaker; she doesn't like anyone."

"Nonsense," Ling Yun said with a grin, putting his arm around Mu Yan's shoulder. "I don't dislike anyone. Mu Yan and I have never fought. Look how well we get along."

Qiu Yi scoffed, "You can't beat them."

"You have the nerve to say that to me," Ling Yun muttered. "You couldn't beat her yourself either. You switched sides on the third day after Mu Yan arrived, and you kept giving me attitude!"

"Too lazy to tell you."

"Look at you, you get angry after just a few words!"

"Alright, let's go back." Mu Yan stood up and said, "If we stay any later, we'll have to stand all night again."

_

Cai Mansion

Cai Fei sat by the window and ladled a bowl of hot soup for Mu Yunqing, saying, "Lord Mu, you've worked hard investigating the case. Have a bowl of hot soup to warm yourself up."

Mu Yunqing looked at her coldly, without reaching out to take it.

Cai Fei put down the bowl somewhat awkwardly and forced a smile, saying, "Lord Mu, please don't be offended. I was being presumptuous."

Mu Yunqing then spoke up: "Patriarch Cai, there's no need for that. I'm just focused on investigating the case and have no appetite."

Cai Fei's eyes darted around, and she said softly, "I heard that Lord Mu is still investigating the case at Songming Temple. I wonder if there has been any progress?"

Mu Yunqing felt suspicious, but remained outwardly calm: "Why is Patriarch Cai interested in this matter?"

Cai Fei quickly waved her hand: "I just heard about it by chance, out of curiosity."

"There are some things that are better left unsaid."

“What you say is true, sir,” Cai Fei said, unable to find a topic to continue the conversation. She then poured wine for Mu Yunqing and said with a smile, “Lord Mu, this is Chunmei Drink, a rare and excellent wine in the capital. Why don’t you try it?”

He said, "It's just routine business, so I can't drink alcohol. Please understand."

Cai Fei wore a smile on her face, but inwardly she was cursing him to death. What kind of terrible idea was Zhang Xunyu to give her, telling her to please Mu Yunqing? What was the difference between that and pleasing Bingzhuzi?

If you smile at a dog, the dog will wag its tail in return.

As for Mu Yunqing, he remained indifferent and ungrateful throughout, thinking, "What does that ungrateful bastard take Cai Fei for?"

"Lord Mu neither eats vegetables nor drinks alcohol," Cai Fei said, feigning sadness, "which puts me in a very difficult position."

“Perfect,” Mu Yunqing stood up and said, “I also find this very difficult. This place is not suitable for discussing official business. I would like to ask Patriarch Cai to move to the main hall.” He reached out and pushed aside the fancy decorations in front of him, then walked out.

Cai Fei gritted her teeth and had no choice but to follow Mu Yunqing toward the main hall. Once there, Mu Yunqing cut straight to the point: "Patriarch Cai, I have come here to inquire about the relationship between the Cai family and the Su family."

Cai Fei hurriedly said, "Lord Mu, although I married Su Cheng, our two families have no other dealings."

Mu Yunqing stared intently into Cai Fei's eyes: "Is that so? Then I received news that on the night Liang Younian had his accident, someone saw the Cai family's carriage appear nearby."

Cai Fei broke out in a cold sweat: "I must have seen it wrong. The Cai family has many carriages. Perhaps another family is using the Cai family's mark without permission."

“Other families? Which families?” Mu Yunqing said to himself, “Is it the Zhang family? Or the Du family? Or perhaps the Sun family? Oh no… the Sun family is no longer here. I suppose Patriarch Cai also remembers how the Sun family disappeared.”

When Cai Fei heard him mention the Sun family, her body trembled slightly, and she gripped the handkerchief in her hand even tighter. How did Sun Chengyue die? How could she not remember? It was said she hanged herself, but given Sun Chengyue's personality, she wouldn't have taken her own life so easily. Those who pray to gods and Buddhas cherish their lives most, and would never end their own lives. So how did she die? Was she made a scapegoat, or was she assassinated...?

Cai Fei dared not think any further.

After Sun Chengyue's death, there was no investigation, no mourning, all his wealth and property were confiscated by the state, and all his servants were exiled. The so-called lavish funeral was merely a provision of a coffin; no funeral procession was even seen. If he had hanged himself, His Majesty would not have been so cruel, and surely the entire court would have mourned him.

The once-powerful Sun family vanished overnight. If it were the Cai family, they would have disappeared in half a day.

Even with the Zhang family as guarantor, she dared not gamble. The Cai family had only recently risen to prominence; only she knew the hardships they had endured. As for Zhang Xunyu, how long could she protect the Cai family? She had committed countless evil deeds; she might even drag the Cai family down with her.

Seeing that she did not answer for a long time, Mu Yunqing tapped the table and said, "Patriarch Cai, I advise you to tell the truth and not follow in the footsteps of the Sun family."

Cai Fei took a deep breath and knelt down with a thud. "Lord Mu, I'll talk, I'll tell you everything. It was indeed the Cai family's carriage, but I was acting under orders."

Mu Yunqing's eyes sharpened. "Who instructed you?"

Cai Fei said tremblingly, "It was...it was Zhang Xunyu from the Zhang family. She said that as long as I did what she said, she would definitely give the Cai family many benefits in the future. The Cai family is now in decline, and I was blinded by greed and agreed."

Mu Yunqing snorted coldly, "Do you think I would believe you based solely on your word?"

Cai Fei hurriedly said, "Sir, you can investigate. The coachman of the Cai family's carriage that day is still here and can testify. Moreover, I also have a letter as proof." After she finished speaking, she hurriedly took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it over.

Mu Yunqing took it and unfolded it, and sure enough, it was Zhang Xunyu's handwriting. "Even so, your Cai family is still culpable for your involvement."

Cai Fei kowtowed repeatedly, "My lord, spare my life! I am willing to atone for my sins by assisting you in investigating the Zhang family."

Mu Yunqing pondered for a moment and said, "I will record your merit for now, and then we will discuss it further after I verify it. If there is even a hint of falsehood, you know the consequences."

Cai Fei repeatedly agreed.

"Call Su Cheng over, I have something to ask him."

Cai Fei quickly agreed and sent someone to fetch Su Cheng. Su Cheng soon arrived at the main hall and respectfully bowed to Mu Yunqing.

Mu Yunqing looked him over and asked, "Are you aware of the secret collusion between the Cai and Zhang families?"

Su Cheng was startled and secretly glanced at Cai Fei, only to see Cai Fei shake her head slightly.

Su Cheng composed himself and said, "My lord, I do not know."

Mu Yunqing sneered: "Really don't know? As the head husband of the Cai family, how could you be completely unaware?"

Su Cheng's forehead was covered in sweat, and he stammered, "Sir, I usually only focus on household chores and rarely care about things outside the home."

Mu Yunqing stood up and slowly paced back and forth: "Su Cheng, if you confess now, I can be lenient with you. But if you remain obstinate, don't blame me for being ruthless once the truth is proven." As he spoke, he looked at Cai Fei and said, "You may leave."

Cai Fei dared not disobey, so she could only lower her head and quickly walk out of the main hall.

Su Cheng's legs went weak, and he collapsed to his knees: "My lord, I know I was wrong. I was just afraid of being implicated. Actually, I know a little bit about this."

Mu Yunqing stopped and said, "Hmph, you do know how to weigh the pros and cons. But do you know that concealing the truth is also a serious crime?"

Su knelt down desperately, pleading, "Your Honor, have mercy! I am willing to testify to all the shady dealings between the Cai and Zhang families. I only beg Your Honor to be lenient with me."

Mu Yunqing sat back down in his chair. "In that case, please tell me in detail."

Seeing that his tone had softened, Su changed his words: "I only know that my wife and she often correspond, but as for what happens in private, I am restricted by the palace and have no way of knowing."

"Trying to negotiate with me with this little bit of stuff," Mu Yunqing said, "is far from enough."

"My lord, I really don't know."

Mu Yunqing disagreed, saying only, "Su Cheng, think about it carefully. It's a good thing if you utter another word. Don't blame me for not reminding you, the prison food at Dali Temple is not exactly delicious."

"My lord, please spare me." Su Cheng was about to cry, covering his face with a handkerchief. "I am just a concubine. I don't even have the right to step into the main hall. I know nothing about what my wife did."

"Is that so?" Mu Yunqing stood up and said, "It seems that your life, Su Cheng, can only end here."

Seeing that he was about to leave, Su Cheng hurriedly knelt down and followed him, "My lord, I'll tell you everything..."

Mu Yunqing turned her head slightly and glanced at him.

"It's too late, save it for when you're facing the King of Hell."

_

Mu Yan and the others got caught in the rain. The mountain path was muddy, and the horses' hooves slipped after just a few steps. Even if they had horses, they couldn't ride them and had to lead them. They didn't reach the horse farm until it was almost dark.

Xiao Qingzhou stood with his arms crossed, watching as the people returned the horses before allowing the four to go to warm themselves by the fire.

"What bad luck!" Ling Yun wiped his face with his robe. "The weather was perfect, but then it rained."

Mu Yan raised her hand to wipe away the raindrops, wringing out the water streaks on her clothes: "Be content, if it had been a moment later, all of us sisters would have been standing there."

“It’s a blessing in disguise.”

"That's utter nonsense. 'A blessing in disguise' isn't used like that."

"Left and right are just words," Ling Yun laughed, "They can't compare to you sophisticated people."

Qiu Yi said, "Humans are made of precious materials and possess the essence of jade; how can we compare?"

Mu Yan glanced at her sideways and said reproachfully, "Why do you always have such a contradictory way of putting yourself down? Today you praise me to the heavens, and tomorrow you throw me to the ground. It's really hurtful."

"Grumpy."

"Here comes the hot soup!" Ning Xi brought over a bowl of soup. "Come on, have a bowl of radish soup to warm yourself up first."

Ling Yun helped pass the soup bowl, took a sip, and said, "Hmm, this soup is good, and the radish is very sweet."

“Of course,” Ning Xi said, “I heard it was bought from the Imperial Food Bureau.”

While warming herself by the fire, Mu Yan said, "It's good to have soup to eat in the evening now."

"You're happy with this little bit of sweetness? Your good days are yet to come," Ling Yun said. "Next spring, after the new recruits join the army, the sisters and I will be promoted to instructors, live in big houses, and have meat to eat every day!"

Mu Yan asked in surprise, "Upgraded so quickly?"