He knew his sister would agree; a woman's love for a man could make her disregard everything, just like him, though no one knew it.
Currently, he was fond of that high-and-mighty woman, but his habitually debauched nature made people disbelieve him, and besides, that woman didn't belong to him.
"Alright, brother, I promise."
The Imperial Concubine Chu Yu Yan gritted her teeth and replied. Chu Qian Yi, seated opposite her, put down his tea bowl and spoke slowly, "Tomorrow night, at the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), you just need to go to the Liuli Palace. Your elder brother will handle everything else."
With that, he didn't wait for Chu Yu Yan to say anything more, flashing away swiftly. Chu Yu Yan stood up and called out, "Brother?"
But his shadow was nowhere to be seen.
Since that was the case, then tomorrow night he would gamble it all. Although it was embarrassing for a woman to do such a thing, who could blame her when the man was the one she deeply desired?
Alright, he would do it. Chu Yu Yan made up her mind, becoming surprisingly spirited and casting aside her previous dejected state. She softly called out towards the door, "Qiu Yue, attend to my rest."
"Yes, Your Highness," Qiu Yue entered, glancing around. Seeing that the eldest young master had already left, she couldn't help but feel disappointed, but she efficiently attended to the empress's rest.
The next day.
Mu Qing Yao, accompanied by Mo Chou, Mo You, and several guards, disguised themselves and left the imperial palace for the Ministry of Justice's prison to visit Master Liao Kong, who had been apprehended.
Midway, Mu Qing Yao suddenly recalled the suffering Chu Qian Yi had caused her, and an irksome anger rose within her. With a cold, stern expression, she called Mo You to her side and instructed him to go to the Chu manor and invite the eldest young master Chu out, telling him someone was waiting for him at the Ming Feng Tower.
Mo You took his orders and left. Mu Qing Yao and her entourage proceeded to the Ming Feng Tower.
The Ming Feng Tower was as bustling and prosperous as ever, its golden characters gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight.
The group ascended the stone steps. Mu Qing Yao, clad in magnificent robes, presented the image of a graceful young gentleman. The waiter, upon seeing the distinguished bearing of these individuals, knew they were not to be trifled with and immediately ushered them in warmly, leading the way and respectfully asking.
"Does Your Honor wish to have tea, dine, or lodge?"
Mu Qing Yao clasped her fist and spoke with elegant composure, "I am a friend of the eldest young master Chu, and as I have an appointment with him, please lead us to Young Master Chu's private VIP room."
Upon hearing that they were friends of the Right Prime Minister's son, the waiter dared not delay any further. He led them further into the building, all the way to the exclusive VIP room belonging to Chu Qian Yi on the second floor.
"Please wait a moment, Your Honor. Tea and snacks will be served shortly."
The waiter retreated, and the guards stood outside the door. Mo You stood beside her and asked with confusion, "Didn't our master intend to go to the Ministry of Justice?"
Mu Qing Yao remained silent. She turned and looked down through the half-open window. The hall on the first floor was not yet too crowded, and it was quiet. Suddenly, a graceful figure caught her eye. Mu Qing Yao looked closely; the woman was leaning over and speaking to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper nodded cautiously, then glanced up towards the second floor before lowering his head to tally accounts again.
Mu Qing Yao recognized the woman speaking. She was a hidden guard under Bing Xiao. Judging by the shopkeeper's attitude, the actual owner behind the Ming Feng Tower was Bing Xiao. No, the true owner should be the Emperor.
"Small hermits live in the wilds, great hermits live in the city," it truly had a point. It seemed the Emperor's hidden guards were all concealed among the common folk, which was also the quickest way to gather information.
Just as Mu Qing Yao was about to withdraw her gaze, her eyes were drawn to a luxurious carriage outside the door. A dashing figure disembarked from the carriage – wasn't it Chu Qian Yi?
He entered now, dressed in a long robe, exuding an irresistible charm. The moment she saw him, Mu Qing Yao's expression turned cold, her gaze darkening. She glanced up at Mo You and waved her hand.
"You may withdraw first. I want to meet this eldest young master Chu and see his true face."
"Yes, Master," Mo You took his orders and retreated.
As soon as they stood at the door, they heard footsteps from the staircase. In a blink, they reached their door. A pair of bewitching peach-blossom eyes flashed with captivating allure, and a brilliant smile played on his lips.
A subordinate with an expressionless face followed behind him, creating a stark contrast. Mo Chou also followed them up.
Mo You said calmly, "The master is waiting for you inside."
At first glance, he disliked this man before him. He was too effeminate, possessing a look that could charm all beings. With a male appearance that resembled a female's, this man was likely not a decent individual, Mo You thought, giving him no pleasantries.
Chu Qian Yi rolled his eyes and ignored the "kid," striding in and pushing the door open. His subordinate, Yue Diao, naturally stayed outside the door with Mo You and the others.
Inside the VIP room, Mu Qing Yao was leaning by the window, casually and lazily hugging her knees as she gazed outside.
"I thought it was someone else! So it's the Empress herself gracing us with her presence."
After saying this, he first belittled himself internally. If he hadn't known it was her, could he have run faster than a rabbit? His heart pounded like a frightened deer.
Looking at her seriously now, his heart's desire grew more fervent. If she were willing to go with him, he was willing to wash away all his worldly dust and become a man without ambition, content with her by his side, watching the sun rise and set together.
However, Mu Qing Yao was unaware of his inner turmoil. Her face was grim and cold, her eyes dark and unpleasant. Gritting her teeth, she spoke.
"Chu Qian Yi, you madman, how dare you drug me and cause me to lose my internal energy."
As soon as she spoke, he quickly sat opposite her, smiling playfully and shamelessly, "What are you talking about? When did I drug the Empress?"
"Don't try to quibble. Even if you don't admit it, so what? You, and your Chu family, are likely all ill-intentioned. The reason you succeeded against me was simply because I underestimated you. I never expected you to be an ambitious person too. I originally thought that even though you were effeminate and debauched, at least you had no ambition. Now, I realize all men have ambitions."
Mu Qing Yao laughed, but her laughter was devoid of warmth, chillingly so.
At this moment, there were two knocks on the VIP room door, and the waiter's voice called out, "Young Master Chu, your tea is here."
"Come in," Chu Qian Yi called out loudly to the outside. The waiter entered with a tray bearing a pot of fine tea and several plates of signature pastries. He efficiently set them all down and quickly retreated.
Although there were two stunningly handsome men in the VIP room, the chilling aura emanating from them was quite strong. Were these two truly friends?
After the waiter retreated and the VIP room door was closed, Chu Qian Yi resumed his smile and personally poured tea for Mu Qing Yao.
"Empress, don't be angry. Try this Pu-erh tea; its flavor is very pure and rich."
Mu Qing Yao did not move, her gaze coldly fixed on this fellow. It seemed he had no intention of telling her. Her eyes rippled, and a mischievous smile flickered at the corner of her lips, "Do your words from that night still count?"