"Later, because they were in the palace and I was outside, we grew distant. I did hear that she became quite close with that Chu Mengyun."
The First Madam stopped, waiting for Mu Qingyao's question.
"Did you hear Li Empress mention Chu Mengyun before?"
"I did. Yuehuan spoke of her several times, saying she had it tough, that her father forced her to become a concubine in the palace, even though she already had someone she cared for."
"Wait," Mu Qingyao suddenly spoke out, startling the Prime Minister and the First Madam in the study, who immediately asked with tension, "What is it, Your Majesty?"
"You just said Chu Mengyun had someone she cared for, is that right?" Mu Qingyao pressed the First Madam on this point. The First Madam nodded, "Yes, I heard she had someone she cared for, called...?"
The First Madam couldn't recall for a moment and frowned, thinking. Mu Qingyao's pupils gleamed as she looked at her expectantly. Mu Hen, seeing his daughter's desire to know these matters, urged, "Hurry and think, Yao'er is waiting!"
"Oh, it's been so many years, how could I possibly recall?" The First Madam mumbled, then suddenly exclaimed, "Right, that man was called Su Zhan. Because the character was very unique, I remembered it. He was called Su Zhan, the son of a cloth workshop owner. It seems that family lived on the eastern outskirts. That person should be married with children by now. I heard Chu Mengyun was devastated when she entered the palace."
"Oh, alright. Thank you, First Madam."
Although she hadn't directly uncovered the cause of Li Empress's death, learning some things about the Empress Dowager was still good. Mu Qingyao smiled and stood up, "I am tired. I will return to Qing Courtyard to rest for a while."
"Alright, alright, you go rest. We'll have a family moon-viewing tonight."
"Mmm," Mu Qingyao nodded, bowed to the First Madam, and walked out. Behind her, she heard the First Madam curiously ask the Prime Minister, "What is Yao'er doing? Why is she asking about Yuehuan for no reason?"
"Is that any of your concern?" Prime Minister Mu's voice was deep, and silence fell in the room.
Mu Qingyao pursed her lips and smiled. Sometimes her Prime Minister father was truly imposing. At the door, Mo Chou and Mei Xin respectfully inquired, "Your Majesty, have you finished your discussion? Would you like to return and rest?"
"Mmm, yes," Mu Qingyao's expression remained as serene and cool as ever, but a smile was always present on her cheeks, making her seem approachable, a stark contrast to the chilling demeanor in the palace.
The group headed back to Qing Courtyard. As for Hua Li Ge and the others, the steward of the Mu Mansion would see to them, so she didn't need to worry about it.
Autumn arrived, and a cool breeze blew, carrying the refreshing scent of bamboo in the air. Mu Qingyao slept in her own room. Though small, it felt secure. She slept soundly, without schemes or thrilling events, only peace, which inexplicably relaxed her mood.
When she woke up, her sisters Qing Zhu and Qing Xiang also came over. Since Her Majesty would be returning in the evening, who knew when they would meet again. The two sisters seized the opportunity to chat properly.
In the small bedchamber, pleasant laughter occasionally drifted out, filled with casual conversation. Time flew by quickly. The sun was already setting in the west when the steward of the Mu Mansion arrived and respectfully announced,
"Your Majesty, Young Master Chu from the Chu residence requests an audience?"
"Young Master Chu?" Mu Qingyao was grooming herself in the mirror and paused. The sisters Mu Qing Zhu and Mu Qing Xiang, upon hearing that man's name,
couldn't help but think of another old hag with the surname Chu, and their anger flared. She coldly commanded, "Throw him out."
Mu Qingyao said nothing, continuing to look in the mirror as Mei Xin styled her hair. The steward's voice sounded again from outside the door.
"He says he has something to discuss with Your Majesty."
Mu Qingyao's expression turned cold. She put down the mirror, looked up, and saw Mu Qing Zhu about to lash out again. She quickly raised a hand to stop her and called out, "Lead him to the flower pavilion in the rear garden."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The steward retreated. Her Majesty's voice carried a celestial authority that no one dared to disrespect.
Inside the room, Mu Qing Zhu turned to Mu Qing Xiang and asked, "What do you think he's looking for Qingyao for? He's not here to scheme against our family, is he?"
"Anyway, no one with the surname Chu is a good person," Mu Qing Xiang's eyes also turned cold, sinisterly.
Mu Qingyao knew her two sisters had suffered, so naturally, they had no good feelings towards anyone with the surname Chu. Moreover, she herself didn't have much affection for the Chu family. However, since he claimed to have something important to discuss with her, she felt it was necessary to see what it was.
"Alright, sisters, you should go back. Qingyao has a guest to receive. Let's see what matters the eldest Young Master Chu wishes to discuss with this consort."
Mu Qingyao's demeanor was indifferent. Her white gown embroidered with plum blossoms made her appear noble, elegant, and transcendent.
"Alright, Your Majesty, please be careful. Don't fall for Chu Qianyi's charms. That man specializes in bewitching women." Mu Qing Zhu, who usually adored handsome men, had finally seen the light. She still remembered to remind her sister. Mu Qingyao's lips curved into a smile.
"I know."
Watching her two sisters leave, her expression immediately turned somber, her lips holding a sharp curve, and her eyes as cold as knives. "Mo Chou, go to the Mu Mansion's rear garden's flower pavilion."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Mu Mansion's rear garden, though not as magnificent as the imperial gardens, still boasted dozens of rare flowers, enclosed by white jade railings. The vibrant blossoms swayed in the wind, filling the garden with fragrance.
Beside the garden stood a small flower pavilion.
By this time, a person was already seated within the pavilion. A gentle breeze blew, lifting his ink-black hair. A silver-gray robe enveloped his tall and dignified figure. He leisurely picked up a tea pitcher and savored the tea as if enjoying it.
Servants of the Mu Mansion waited outside the pavilion. Upon seeing Mu Qingyao's figure, they immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Empress."
Mu Qingyao waved her hand. The servants all retreated a few steps away. Even Mei Xin and Mo Chou automatically guarded the pavilion's exterior.
Inside the pavilion, Chu Qianyi, that charming rogue, did not move. He merely set down his tea pitcher, struck a seductive pose towards Mu Qingyao, and smiled enchantingly. His eyes were alluring, and his entire being exuded an extreme languor, yet within that languor lay an effortless grace.
Unlike the usual deference or fear he elicited from others upon meeting her, their gazes met across the distance. Finally, Mu Qingyao tugged at the corner of her lips.
Although the Mu and Chu families were rivals, ever since she had met this Chu Qianyi, he had never made things difficult for her. On the contrary, though they hadn't conversed much, they could banter, attack, and even disdain each other like old friends.
"Speak, what brings your esteemed self, Young Master Chu, to the Mu Mansion on a whim? You should know some people here wish to grind you into dust?"
Chu Qianyi smiled, lowered his head, and personally poured Mu Qingyao a cup of tea. With both hands, he made a gesture of invitation and leisurely said, "It's rare for you to leave the palace, so I came to have tea with you and discuss some minor matters?"
His face bore his signature devilish smile, but Mu Qingyao saw a flicker of seriousness in his eyes. Not knowing what he wanted to say, she sat down. This man truly knew how to take charge. Not bothering to be polite, she picked up her teacup and took a sip.