His subordinate Jin walked in and respectfully said, "Young Master?"
"Have you investigated clearly? Is that Mu Qingyao the same former infatuated girl?"
"Your subordinate bribed a servant from the Mu mansion. The information obtained is that the third young lady of the Mu family is indeed different from before. Not only is she no longer infatuated, but she is also shrewd and wise. It is said that she is now the most powerful in the Mu family, even the First Madam and Second Madam are sidelined, and no one dares to offend her."
"Hmm, very good. It seems that the third young lady of the Mu family has been putting on a show of obedience for so many years, waiting for this opportunity to soar."
"Old fox Mu Hen is still one step ahead of my father. It seems that this third young lady of the Mu family is the most crucial piece on the chessboard. Jin, what do you think we should do?"
Chu Qianyi seemed troubled, his finely chiseled features clouded with a mystifying confusion.
"Young Master?" Jin called out softly. He didn't quite understand why his master was so preoccupied, but as a subordinate, he had no reason to guess his master's thoughts.
Chu Qianyi, however, had already regained his composure. He smiled, took a sip of tea, and stood up. "Let's go, Jin, it's time to return to the manor."
"Yes, Young Master."
...
Mu Mansion.
Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting golden rays that enveloped the Mu Mansion's gilded signboard, making it shine brilliantly. The six grand doors were open, and everyone in the mansion waited at the entrance.
Soon, a servant reported, "Master, they are here, they are here."
As he spoke, the sound of drums and music could be heard approaching from a distance.
A grand procession arrived, with honor guards lining both sides.
The soldiers retreated, revealing a luxurious imperial carriage, upon which sat the Nan'an Prince himself, dressed in opulent robes.
His face was as cold as ice, and he cast a chilling gaze over everyone in the Mu Mansion.
Mu Hen never expected the Nan'an Prince to personally deliver the betrothal gifts. He dared not be negligent and led his entire family to respectfully welcome the Nan'an Prince.
"Your subject and his entire family respectfully welcome the Nan'an Prince."
The Nan'an Prince, Murong Liuzhao, raised his eyes with chilling indifference. His gaze, sharp as a knife, swept past the crowd and immediately fell upon the third young lady of the Mu family at the very back.
Her beautiful face was serene. Her body, in a half-kneeling posture, straightened up with a slight movement, and she retreated to the back, seeking the shade. She furrowed her brows slightly, looking up at the sun in the sky, and raised a hand to shield herself from its glare.
That unconscious small gesture, devoid of the previous coldness she had displayed, carried a touch of cute playfulness. This caused the Nan'an Prince, Murong Liuzhao, to suppress the urge to criticize, and he waved his hand. "All of you, rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Mu Hen led his family to rise and retreated to the side to wait.
The Nan'an Prince, Murong Liuzhao, descended from his luxurious carriage at a leisurely pace, leading his entourage into the Mu Mansion.
"Your Highness, please."
"Thank you for your trouble, Prime Minister," Murong Liuzhao said, a rare utterance, and walked into the Prime Minister's manor with Mu Hen.
As he passed by Mu Qingyao, his tall and slender figure suddenly stopped. His icy pupils shot directly at her, his gaze piercing and captivating.
Unfortunately, Mu Qingyao was completely fearless. Her eyes, still as a deep pool, were tinged with the warmth of the sun, making her incredibly captivating. She spoke in a listless voice.
"I have caused the Nan'an Prince trouble today."
That voice, carrying three parts sarcasm and seven parts mockery, caused the Nan'an Prince's face to darken. He gritted his teeth and gave a low hum, "You are too kind."
Prime Minister Mu, seeing the awkward stalemate, dared not delay. He immediately accompanied the Nan'an Prince with a fawning smile, casting a warning glance at his daughter.
"Nan'an Prince, this way, please."
The Nan'an Prince, Murong Liuzhao, left with Prime Minister Mu without a word. The First and Second Madams hurried to follow, accompanying the Master to the main hall to entertain the Nan'an Prince.
Behind them, everyone in the mansion breathed a sigh of relief. Meixin and Lu'er whispered, "Miss, you scared us to death."
"You have such little courage," Mu Qingyao snorted coldly and turned to look towards the manor gate.
Outside the gate, the music of the honor guards was incessant, and soldiers in layers upon layers surrounded the manor.
Uncle Zhong, leading the servants of the Mu Mansion, was bringing in crates and crates of betrothal gifts. Seeing Mu Qingyao, he respectfully asked.
"Miss, what shall we do with these things?"
"Send them to Qingyuan."
"Yes, Miss," Uncle Zhong nodded and directed the servants to carry the boxes towards Qingyuan.
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang watched everything with thoughtful gazes.
The difference in status between the Empress and a mere maiden was immense, even when entering the palace. No wonder so many people broke their heads trying to secure the position of Empress. The two women, with a sense of dejection, led their maids back to their courtyards.
Mu Qingyao fell into deep thought.
The imperial family's delivery of betrothal gifts was an event that could be handled with varying degrees of formality. If treated lightly, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would suffice to deliver the gifts. However, the Emperor had dispatched the Nan'an Prince.
On the surface, it seemed to show great importance, but in reality, it was not so. The Emperor likely wanted to see how many forces were secretly watching her. Upon realizing this, Mu Qingyao's lips curved into a dark smile. Emperor Xian, you are truly thorough in your manipulation of people.
Qingyuan was a scene of busyness. After the servants had all retreated, Uncle Zhong respectfully reported to the young lady.
"Miss, everything has been placed according to your instructions. I shall take my leave."
Uncle Zhong, though not from a wealthy background, was experienced. He had never imagined that he would misjudge someone.
He had always thought the Third Young Lady was foolish and malicious, a disgrace to the Mu Mansion. But who would have thought that this Third Young Lady seemed to have transformed overnight, completely unlike her former self, now wise and shrewd?
In this vast Prime Minister's manor, everyone knew how formidable the Third Young Lady was. Even the Prime Minister heeded her words. Now, the Third Young Lady had become the Empress, the first person in history to receive betrothal gifts from the imperial family.
"Mm," Mu Qingyao nodded. As she watched Uncle Zhong about to leave, she suddenly remembered something and narrowed her eyes, calling out, "Uncle Zhong?"
Uncle Zhong immediately stopped, turned around, and waited for his young lady's command. "My father has finished entertaining his guests. Ask him to come over. Tell him I have something to discuss with him."
"Yes, Miss," Uncle Zhong nodded and walked out of Qingyuan with steady steps.
Mu Qingyao remained motionless, looking up at the sky. The sun had slowly risen to its zenith, blindingly bright and scorching.
Yet, even in this sweltering summer, why did it give one goosebumps, a sense of eerie currents, and hidden dangers?
"Miss, Miss, come quickly! Look at all these good things!" Lu'er and Xiao Lian excitedly ran out from the flower hall and stood behind Mu Qingyao.
Meixin cast a sidelong glance at the two maids. Lu'er and Xiao Lian immediately fell silent, not daring to make a sound. Miss's expression was cold, her eyes deep, as if she were troubled by something.
Mu Qingyao stood blankly for a moment. Not hearing any movement from her side, she turned to see the little maids looking at her with apprehension. She couldn't help but soften her expression, stretched her limbs, and a smile flickered across her lips.