It seemed the young lady had truly given up her infatuation with handsome men. Seeing such an outstanding man today without so much as a flicker of interest, perhaps the master had no need to worry anymore.
"Say what you wish to say," a cold voice rang out. Mei Xin was startled. Her young lady felt so sharp, knowing she had something to say even with her eyes closed. Mei Xin smiled and spoke.
"Young lady, where are we going now? We've been out for half the day, and it's already noon."
"Let's find a teahouse." She didn't want to go back yet; she was rather eager to try the teahouse's pastries.
"Yes, young lady." Mei Xin responded and called out to the coachman, "Head to Ming Feng Lou, the one Young Lady frequents."
Ming Feng Lou, the most luxurious teahouse in the capital, comprised three stories and integrated dining, tea, and lodging. However, only officials and dignitaries, or wealthy merchants, could afford to enter, as it was a place where one spent lavishly. Ordinary folk simply could not afford it. Fortunately, Mu Qingyao, being the Prime Minister's daughter, could naturally access such a lavish establishment, and within this teahouse, she even had her own reserved seating.
"Understood." The coachman acknowledged, and the carriage swiftly picked up pace, heading towards the liveliest street in the capital.
Ming Feng Lou, its three stories rising amidst the surrounding shops, stood like a crane among chickens, tall and dazzling, drawing all eyes. The gilt lettering shone vibrantly, and emerald green vines entwined the golden signboard, adding a touch of exquisiteness to its opulence. It perfectly outlined Ming Feng Lou's unique taste.
"Young lady, have we arrived?" As the coachman's voice sounded, the person who had been reclining casually opened their eyes. Their gaze was clear and serene, like a mountain spring, pure and transparent, inexplicably refreshing to behold.
Mei Xin and Lian'er alighted from the carriage first, standing on either side. One held the curtain, while the other extended a hand.
"Young lady, please come down." Mu Qingyao stirred lazily, slowly extending a fair, perfect hand into Mei Xin's grasp as she descended from the carriage. The moment she stood firm, a commotion erupted, and many on the street whispered.
"Who is such a beautiful woman?"
"The people around her seem to be servants from the Prime Minister's mansion. Could it be the third young lady of the Prime Minister's mansion? Is the rumor true?"
"Has the third young lady gone mad, ignoring handsome men?"
As the whispers reached Mu Qingyao's ears, her deep eyes flickered with a subtle light, and her expression exuded elegance and intelligence. The innate nobility and grace emanating from her very being made it impossible to look away. She slowly ascended the steps, her posture graceful and captivating. The shop attendant, who had been staring, snapped back to reality and greeted her with a smile.
"You must be the third young lady Mu, please come in, please come in." A stir arose as everyone confirmed this woman was indeed the third young lady Mu. Mu Qingyao had no intention of bothering with these people; it was all caused by her predecessor. She couldn't be bothered to correct anything and followed the shop attendant into Ming Feng Lou.
At this moment, on the second floor of Ming Feng Lou, a window was open, and inside sat three men watching the spectacle. These were three outstanding men, each with his own charm, with one being the most striking. A dark robe enveloped his tall, sturdy frame. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with a few auspicious clouds, adding a touch of refined elegance. His long, black hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin, creating a stark contrast. It was evident his hair was smooth as silk, and the jade was fine, a rare treasure. Such preciousness was casually used to adorn his hair, indicating his extraordinary status. He was none other than Chu Qianyi, the beloved son of Chu Fengyu, the Right Prime Minister of the Xian Yue Kingdom. Currently, he was lounging lazily on a side couch, one leg propped up, idly gazing out the window.
The two men sitting opposite him, one in black with fair skin and alluring eyes, the other in blue with clear, refined features, were bantering and laughing.
"Was that the third young lady Mu just now? It's unlikely, isn't it?"
"Perhaps she's finally been woken up," the other chimed in mockingly.
These two were Chu Qianyi's companions; one was the son of the Minister of War, and the other was the son of the Prefect. The positions of Minister of War and Prefect were worlds apart from that of Prime Minister. Thus, these two invariably followed Chu Qianyi's lead. Seeing Chu Qianyi staring out the window, the Prefect's son leaned over curiously.
"Qianyi, what is it?" Chu Qianyi suddenly shifted his posture, turning to look, his alluring eyes deep and boundless, like a magnet drawing one in. His slender eyelashes fluttered gently. A hint of playfulness curved his lips as he gazed directly at his two friends. Even as men, they were captivated, snapping back to their senses after a long moment. Only two words echoed in their minds: demonic. This man was born with the ability to bewitch others.
"How very interesting?" Chu Qianyi's dark eyes deepened, his brow arching. Smiling, he flicked the sleeve of his brocade robe, a picture of alluring charm, and called out towards the door.
"Jin, go immediately and invite the Prince of Nan An over. Tell him something interesting has happened here."
"Yes, Young Master." Through the door, a dim voice replied, followed by a sound as light as a feather as someone departed. Light laughter echoed in the private room, and the three men's gazes shifted back towards the scene below.
At the entrance downstairs, Mu Qingyao frowned slightly and glanced up at a certain window on the second floor, confirming that someone inside was watching her. However, she couldn't clearly see the person within. Her gaze turned cold, and she pursed her lips in displeasure. Mei Xin and Lu'er, seeing their young lady's displeased expression, asked cautiously, "Young lady, shall we go up to a private room on the second floor?"
"No, let's stay in the main hall downstairs." Mu Qingyao shook her head, casually surveying the hall. Over a dozen tables and chairs were neatly arranged. A few tables of guests were drinking tea, nibbling on melon seeds, and chatting. At this moment, those people turned their heads to stare at the three of them—master and servants—their eyes filled with surprise, admiration, and disbelief. Mu Qingyao's dark eyes were clear and serene, carrying a hint of coldness as they swept over them. Those people immediately turned back in shock, not daring to look towards the entrance again. Third Young Lady Mu possessed such sharp eyes, as piercing as a drawn sword, radiating a chill that made one reluctant to meet her gaze.
Upon hearing her young lady's words, Mei Xin quickly looked around at the available seats, finally settling her gaze on a window seat in the farthest corner.
"Young lady, this way, please." The three of them walked to the corner of the main hall. The shop attendant followed closely. Mei Xin took out a handkerchief, spread it out, and invited Mu Qingyao to sit.
"Young lady, please be seated."