She felt that she would adapt quite well to ancient times. Without air conditioning or fans, she was still perfectly content and happy. When she had nothing to do, she would hide in the shade to read or sleep. When she was bored, she would find her two sisters to tease, amusing herself by provoking those two women.
However, she discovered that ancient people's thinking abilities were not as good as modern people's. Sometimes, when she spoke subtly, people wouldn't understand at all. They would all laugh together, or they would pretend not to understand even if they did.
In short, her days were as carefree as a dog's, except for the thought of entering the palace, which always bothered her.
As Mu Qingyao was lost in thought, Mo Chou had already led Prime Minister Mu over. Mei Xin placed a stool nearby and said respectfully, "Master, please have a seat."
"Mm," Prime Minister Mu nodded, looking at his daughter, who was sitting on the long bench, with a smile.
Sometimes, even her father was mesmerized by her. He hoped that upon entering the palace this time, the Emperor would recognize her worth, and they could support each other. That way, he, as her father, would be at ease.
Mu Qingyao was tidying her long hair with both hands. Seeing that her father hadn't moved, she raised her eyebrows curiously, "Father, please sit down. Did you need me for something?"
Mu Hen gazed at his daughter affectionately. For some reason, looking at her like this gave him, as a parent, a sense of pride, a mixture of joy and tenderness. He felt that having such a daughter was enough; he had no regrets in life.
Although he had regretted not having a son in the past, he strangely had no such thoughts now. With Yao'er's disposition, if it were a man, he might not even be able to achieve what she had done.
"Yao'er, about the matter you mentioned, Father has already instructed someone to handle it. This matter has attracted a lot of attention, and I believe the Emperor will also know about it."
Mu Qingyao carelessly pursed her lips, a smile curving her lips. "I did this simply because I felt sorry for those people. They looked quite pitiful. It has nothing to do with that man."
She had done such things frequently before. The most serious time was when she went to Africa to participate in an ambush operation. She gave all the money she had on her to a local farming family, resulting in her having no money left. She had to walk more than twenty kilometers back to the concentration camp.
At that time, the soldiers made a joke of this incident.
However, at times she was very cold and unsympathetic. The soldiers under her command dared not slack off because her methods of punishment were varied and memorable, unforgettable for eternity. But all of that was already very far away from her.
Mu Qingyao thought with melancholy, a hint of dimness in her eyes.
Prime Minister Mu saw that his daughter was not in a good mood at a glance. He deliberately ignored Mu Qingyao's words from earlier and asked caringly, "Yao'er, what's wrong?"
Mu Qingyao suddenly looked up, her eyes shining brightly, a smile curving her lips.
She was the type of person who would treat someone who was good to her tenfold, and repay someone who was evil to her a hundredfold. Her personality was proud and stubborn. Although she knew such a personality was not perfect, she had never thought of changing it.
"Father, it's nothing. I'm just bored staying in the mansion all day."
"Mm, then you should go out and move around when you have time. Once you enter the palace, it won't be easy to come out,"
When he spoke of his daughter entering the palace, Prime Minister Mu's mood became a little heavy. He really wanted to keep such a proud daughter with him for a while longer. Sometimes he worried that she might encounter bad things in the palace.
Mu Hen reached out and took Mu Qingyao's hand. "Yao'er, Father knows you have the ability to protect yourself. So, in the palace, you must be careful, understand? Be cautious in everything you do."
"Mm, I understand. Father, don't worry."
Mu Hen was about to say more when a young maid led Uncle Zhong over. Uncle Zhong respectfully said, "Master, the Minister of War has sent a carriage to pick you up, saying there are important matters to discuss."
"Oh," Mu Hen nodded. He almost forgot about it. He quickly stood up and left the Green Courtyard with Uncle Zhong. After taking a few steps, he stopped and said, "Yao'er, if you're bored, go out for a walk."
"Mm, I know," Mu Qingyao nodded, her figure not moving. She watched her prime minister father leave. Behind her, the maid Mei Xin giggled and said, "Master used to be most afraid of Miss going out. Now he's letting Miss go out. It's completely different."
Mu Qingyao raised her head and glared at the maid, "You!"
Mei Xin stuck out her tongue, playfully and adorably handing Mu Qingyao a cup of plum tea. "Miss, you've slept for almost two hours. You must be thirsty. Have some plum tea."
Mu Qingyao took the tea cup, both annoyed and amused. These young maids had been with her for a long time and understood her temperament. Before crossing her bottom line, they were always casual, and she was too lazy to bother with them.
"Miss, the sun has set. Let's go back inside."
In the sky, the sun slowly sank, and the evening glow dyed the entire horizon like beautiful, magnificent brocade. The distant clouds were ethereal and gentle…
"Mm, let's go back," Mu Qingyao agreed with a nod. While the sunset was beautiful, it was fleeting. It was a moment of dazzling brilliance, as if it had used up all its splendor. As the sky darkened, Mei Xin called the young maids under the corridor to pack up and accompanied her mistress back to the main house.
Night fell, and the sky was dark, with not a single point of light near or far. Even the stars in the sky had hidden themselves behind the clouds. The surroundings were silent, and the air was filled with a suffocating, dry heat.
In the flower hall, only the gentle clinking of bowls and plates could be heard. "Miss, I'll go down now."
Mei Xin, leading Lu'er, finished tidying up and said respectfully. Mu Qingyao nodded, "You may go."
The flower hall was eerily quiet. Wind blew in from outside the door, and the candlelight flickered gently.
Under the dim yellow light, a tall figure flashed by, bringing with it a sharp gust of wind. It was evident that the person's martial arts were formidable. As his sleeves swept past, a subtle fragrance wafted over. Mu Qingyao felt her body go weak, and she was unable to move, tilting to one side.
A pair of long arms reached out, and she fell accurately into someone's embrace.
In the light, the newcomer was dressed in black, embroidered with gold and silver. He exuded an unrestrained and dashing aura. His perfect features were handsome and heroic, his skin lustrous under the candlelight. His black eyes sparkled with tiny sparks of fire, and a dazzling, captivating smile curved his lips, carrying a deep sense of possessiveness.
He was the man she had met on the street that day, Luo Yang. However, looking at him now, Mu Qingyao confirmed her initial thought: this man was no ordinary person. But at this moment, she only felt anger. She glared coldly, her lips curled with indignation.
"Let go, what do you want to do?"
"Take you away, leave this place," Luo Yang's lips curved into a smile, and his eyes held a hint of indulgence. But in this situation, it only felt hypocritical.
"Why should I go with you? Someone who doesn't even dare to reveal his name, and yet you expect me to go with you? Are you out of your mind?"
Mu Qingyao snorted coldly, casting a disdainful glance at Luo Yang.