With a "whoosh," swift as lightning, the spot between the attacker's eyes, just above the inner canthus, was struck.
The man's body staggered. He widened his eyes in disbelief, staring at her. Instantly, he felt dizzy and swayed twice. Daring not to linger, he flashed away, soaring upwards like a colossal black roc spreading its wings, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
The surroundings fell silent. A faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air. This scent...
A sharp glint flashed in Mu Qingyao's dark pupils. Where had she smelled this before?
As she pondered, numerous points of light suddenly appeared in the distance, accompanied by shouts from far and near: "Miss, Miss?"
It was Mo Chou, leading people over. It seemed she had sensed something amiss and immediately turned back. Mu Qingyao lay in the center of the flowerbed, gazing at the moon, and said unhurriedly, "Mo Chou, I'm here?"
Upon hearing the voice coming from the flowerbed, Mo Chou rushed over. Seeing Mu Qingyao lying in the center of the flowerbed, unable to move, she immediately leaped forward and released Mu Qingyao's acupoints with a swift move. She carefully helped her up and asked anxiously, "Miss, are you alright?"
Mu Qingyao was wearing a thin dress, her body intact, showing no signs of being molested. Mo Chou finally felt relieved, but a deep sense of unease lingered in her heart.
"Miss, what exactly happened?"
"We were lured away by a diversion. I'm afraid Uncle Zhong was impersonated," Mu Qingyao said calmly, her brows furrowed like autumn colors, radiating a chill. "Very well, it seems someone is targeting me. I encountered the Prince of Beijin today, and tonight I suffered this. Moreover, the flower thief had a faint medicinal scent, which I also smelled on the Prince of Beijin today. Could this flower thief be the Prince of Beijin? But the Prince of Beijin has no martial arts, while this person's martial arts are astonishing, far beyond ordinary people. Is the Prince of Beijin hiding his martial arts, or is someone framing him?"
Mu Qingyao's expression was extremely grim. She walked out of the flowerbed with a chilling gaze, a sinister smile curling her lips.
Prince of Beijin, if this was indeed your doing today, then you will know the price of humiliating me...
As the mistress and servant stood firm, countless lanterns lit up around them, encircling them. Prime Minister Mu parted the maids and walked over, nervously pulling his daughter to him, scanning her from head to toe. Only when he was sure Qingyao was unharmed did he sigh with relief.
"It's good that Yao'er is alright."
"I've worried Father," Mu Qingyao said softly, looking at the man before her, who seemed quite frightened, his breathing heavy as he spoke.
"I didn't expect anyone to trespass into the Prime Minister's mansion at night. It's truly detestable. Who dares to do such a thing? Tomorrow, Father will report this to His Majesty and ensure this matter is investigated thoroughly."
Thinking of his beloved daughter nearly falling prey to someone's wicked clutches, Mu Hen was enraged. His resolute face was etched with authority as he glared imperiously into the night. His daughter was still the nation's mother, a fact known to all under heaven. And yet, that person dared to act, clearly disregarding royal authority. This person likely has ulterior motives.
"Father, forget it. This matter concerns my reputation. If you ask the Emperor to investigate, it will inevitably cause a huge stir, and it will be our Prime Minister's mansion that suffers. Outsiders will not know the truth and will weave even more unpleasant tales. It's better for us to keep this quiet for now. I will be more careful in the future."
Mu Qingyao's expression was serene and calm. The events of the night seemed to have no impact on her. Her composed demeanor led the lantern-carrying maids to marvel. Their Miss was truly extraordinary. If it were any other woman, she would have been crying hysterically. But their Miss handled the situation with such calmness, truly possessing the bearing of a nation's mother.
Upon hearing his daughter's words, Mu Hen also felt he had been too impulsive. If this matter got out, the Mu family would be the only ones to suffer. Perhaps the attackers tonight had precisely this intention? Yao'er's handling of the situation had caught them off guard. Mu Hen turned and swept his gaze over the surrounding maids, giving a stern command.
"Not a single word of what happened tonight is to be leaked. If even a shred of information gets out, don't blame me for being harsh."
Under the lamplight, Mu Hen's expression was serious and grave. The young maids dared not object, nodding in unison: "Yes, Master."
"You may all disperse," Mu Qingyao waved her hand. The maids, carrying their lanterns, dispersed in various directions. Mu Hen accompanied his daughter back to Qingyuan. Mo Chou went to the side to pick up the unconscious Mei Xin. As they were walking, they saw Steward Zhong hurriedly running towards them, still rubbing his head.
"Master, what happened?"
Before Mu Hen could speak, Mu Qingyao said faintly, "Uncle Zhong, where were you just now?"
Steward Zhong's face was glum as he said softly, "Replying to Miss, I was in the accounts room organizing the ledgers, but suddenly someone knocked me unconscious. I only just woke up."
Mu Qingyao's eyes flickered. As expected. It seemed that guy was not only cunning but also someone familiar with them.
After all, even Prime Minister Mu's steward Zhong knew. This meant he was someone they were acquainted with.
"Alright, let's go back."
Mu Qingyao waved her hand. The steward dared not leave, utterly bewildered, seeing his master's grim expression. He cautiously followed behind them, escorting Mu Qingyao all the way to Qingyuan.
Mu Hen watched his daughter enter, then turned and glanced at Zhong, speaking sternly, "Something nearly happened tonight. Be more careful in the future."
"Yes, Master."
Steward Zhong responded calmly. Watching his master walk away, he thought dejectedly, someone please tell me what exactly happened tonight?
In Qingyuan.
Moonlight slanted into the window. The candlelight in the bedroom flickered, and sheer curtains swayed. Mu Qingyao stood by the window, gazing at the moonlit scenery, her heart shrouded in heavy thoughts.
She hadn't even entered the palace yet, and so many things had already happened. Who knew what awaited her once she entered? She let out a long sigh.
Mo Chou walked over, seeing the faint chill on her Miss's face, and couldn't help but ask with concern:
"Miss, don't think about it. Tonight was an accident. I will be more careful in the future and never let bad people take advantage."
"You may go and rest."
"Miss?" Mo Chou stood still. If her Miss didn't sleep, why should she? She would rather stay with her Miss. Tonight, her Miss seemed different from usual, somewhat melancholic. She had rarely seen her Miss like this.
Her Miss had always been indifferent and composed, but tonight she was different, showing a hint of loneliness, tinged with a trace of sorrow.