Everyone watched in stunned silence, astonished by the young man's powerful internal energy and formidable martial arts.
Mu Qingyao was so delighted she forgot to drink her tea, her icy eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't realized she had rescued such a treasure. Mo You's martial prowess was indeed impressive.
With him by her side, she felt like a tiger with wings. This young man was even fiercer than Mo Chou. While his martial arts hadn't reached peak perfection yet, with time, he would undoubtedly become a top-tier master.
The two resumed their spar. Soon, Mo Chou began to falter, her breathing becoming labored. As Mo You launched another flurry of attacks, she gracefully dodged, retracted her soft sword, and conceded defeat.
"Very well, I yield."
Seeing her concede, Mo You obediently sheathed his crescent spade, tucking it behind his waist. He clasped his hands in a polite gesture, saying, "Thank you for the lesson."
He hadn't intended to use his full strength, fearing he might injure Mo Chou. However, his mistress had warned that if his martial arts were insufficient, he would be banished from the palace. To remain, he had to display his utmost skill.
Now, his mistress's expression had improved considerably, suggesting his request to stay would be granted.
If he wasn't allowed to stay, he didn't know where he would go. From now on, the palace was his only home, and his mistress was his savior.
They walked together towards Mu Qingyao. Mo Chou, catching her breath, spoke first, "Your Highness, this young man fought like a man possessed. I admit defeat; he nearly bested me."
Mu Qingyao chuckled, casting a sideways glance at Mo Chou. "Then you must train even harder."
"Yes, Your Highness," Mo Chou replied. Mo You stood before Mu Qingyao, awaiting her decision. Although he was confident his mistress would let him stay, his heart held a flicker of unease until she spoke. "Your Highness?"
"Mo You, your martial arts are excellent. However, if you wish to remain here, you must understand that those who serve me must be absolutely loyal. If I ever discover you harbor any disloyalty, your end will be grim."
Mu Qingyao's expression turned sharp and chilling. A cold, ice-like glint entered her eyes, her demeanor so serious that no one could doubt her words.
The attendants of Fengluan Palace, familiar with their mistress's ways, all turned to look at the young man.
He was remarkably handsome. Though only twelve or thirteen, his features were sharp and masculine. His hair was slightly curled, complementing his bright eyes and radiating a dazzling, masculine beauty.
Upon hearing Mu Qingyao's words, Mo You's heart swelled with joy. He clasped his hands respectfully and replied, "Your Highness, please rest assured. Mo You's life belongs to you. From this day forward, I would gladly go through fire and water for you without hesitation."
"Good, then you shall follow me," Mu Qingyao finally relented. Mo You's face lit up with happiness. Mo Chou, standing beside him, smiled and extended her hand. "Mo You, welcome to our ranks."
"Thank you," Mo You replied, shaking Mo Chou's hand.
The palace maids and eunuchs who had been watching them crowded around, all eager to shake Mo You's hand.
The palace rarely saw men, apart from eunuchs, for most of the year. The rare sight of a handsome young man, albeit a bit young, was enough to feast their eyes upon. Thus, Mo You instantly became the center of attention.
Mu Qingyao rose with a smile, ignoring the maids and eunuchs, and led her two maids away.
"My lady, look how happy Mo You is. Humph, as if he's just handsome," Mei Xin said with a hint of jealousy. They had been here for so long without such attention, and this newcomer had stolen their thunder. Mu Qingyao glanced at her.
"Are you jealous of Mo You, or the palace maids? Perhaps you should go shake Mo You's hand too," Mu Qingyao said before turning to leave. As she walked away, she called back, "It seems our Mei Xin is feeling amorous."
"Yes, Your Highness," Mo Chou suppressed a giggle. Mei Xin stamped her foot in frustration. What nonsense was that? She wasn't feeling amorous; her life's goal was to follow her mistress faithfully, forever.
"Wait for me, wait for me!" Mei Xin hurried after them.
With the matter of Yuejue Temple weighing on her mind, Mu Qingyao deemed it necessary to make a visit.
The Emperor had initially objected, but unable to resist her pleas, he finally agreed, ordering Bing Xiao to protect her covertly.
Mu Qingyao took only two subordinates with her, Mo You and Mo Chou. She changed into a jade-colored brocade robe and tied her hair with a jade hairpin, instantly transforming into a dashing, elegant young gentleman.
Mo Chou and Mei Xin stared in awe. They said the Emperor was a rare beauty in the world, but their mistress, disguised as she was, rivaled him.
"My lady, let us depart," Mo Chou respectfully prompted. Mu Qingyao's expression hardened slightly as she nodded with composure. "Announce that my departure from the palace is not to be leaked. Anyone who dares to reveal even a single word will be punished according to palace rules."
"Yes, Your Highness," Yi Yun, standing beside Mo Chou, trembled slightly. The mere mention of "palace rules" always sent shivers down her spine.
Mei Xin watched her mistress leave with Mo You and Mo Chou, then anxiously followed, urging Mo Chou, "Be careful. Please, please, do not let anything happen to my lady."
"Don't worry," Mo Chou said, patting Mei Xin's shoulder. Although Mei Xin was timid and fearful, she was fiercely loyal and served her mistress with utmost dedication.
Mei Xin watched the three depart. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable unease about her mistress leaving the palace, as if something significant were about to happen.
This was an unprecedented feeling. She prayed that her mistress would be safe. Mei Xin whispered this thought in her heart, seeing them off until they boarded the carriage outside the palace gates.
The carriage was not a royal one but resembled those of wealthy families, intended to avoid drawing attention. Their departure from the palace was a clandestine affair, and the more low-key, the better. If any clues were discovered, how would they investigate the matter?
Mu Qingyao reclined on a soft couch covered in long fur, her eyes closed. Mo Chou sat beside her in silence, while Mo You accompanied the coachman outside the carriage. The coachman was a skilled imperial guard. Nearly everyone in their party possessed martial skills.
While none were peak masters, it would be impossible for ordinary individuals to get close to them.
Therefore, Mo Chou felt no worry, merely gazing at her mistress. Since boarding the carriage, Mu Qingyao had maintained a single posture, a sign Mo Chou recognized as her deep in thought.
Suddenly, Mu Qingyao's eyes snapped open, their depths swirling with an unusual luminescence. Her delicate face hardened, and she stared intently at Mo Chou.
"There must be something wrong with Yuejue Temple. If we encounter trouble later, and I am captured, Mao Xueqiu will be able to locate me."
Mu Qingyao's gaze was dark and unreadable. Mao Xueqiu was no ordinary pet; it was a spirit-filled little fox. Having spent all its days with her, it was familiar with her scent. If brought to Yuejue Temple, it would surely track her scent and find her location.