"Yao'er?"
"This matter must be kept secret by the people at the bank, otherwise, the bank will not benefit either," Mu Qingyao did not want to attract unnecessary trouble due to this betrothal gift. "Also, withdraw ten thousand taels of silver notes from the bank."
"What do you need money for?"
"Outside the western suburbs, beneath the pleasure quarters, there are many refugees. Their food, clothing, housing, and transportation are all poor. Father has sent Uncle Zhong to handle it. He will help those people rebuild some houses, and also give each household a few taels of silver so they can start small businesses and not starve to death."
Under the night sky, Mu Qingyao's words were as clear and melodious as heavenly music. The moonlight enveloped her, and her crescent-white long skirt made her appear noble and elegant, like an immortal from beyond the heavens, standing aloof.
Everyone was moved by her. They stood frozen, immersed in her warm aura for a long time, until her faint voice broke the silence: "Alright, hurry up and go."
In the courtyard, Mu Hen led a few servants carrying boxes away. Mo Chou followed closely, naturally willing to complete the tasks her young lady had assigned.
The night was already deep. Dewdrops landed on her hair, making it slightly damp and carrying a cool breeze.
Mu Qingyao stood fixedly on the stone steps outside the long corridor, gazing at the crescent moon overhead.
This scene and this moment were truly worthy of a song sung between heaven and earth. The thought filled her chest with a surge of emotion. She cleared her throat.
"Rowing the covered boat, with the current and the wind, on your eighteen-year-old face, like lotuses reflecting the sun, you are exceptionally radiant. Passing through the bluestone alleys, lighting up red lanterns, your eighteen years of waiting are a pure smile..."
In the quiet, vast night, this sweet singing voice flowed like a mountain spring, murmuring along. Though it was a simple acapella, it carried a magnetic tone, resonating leisurely under the dark moonlight, captivating the listeners.
Mei Xin, Lv'er, and the other maids were drawn out by the clear and pleasant singing voice. They stood mesmerized under the long corridor, lost in the beautiful melody.
The most peculiar thing was the song the young lady was singing. They had never heard it before. The rhythm was so strange. Not only was the young lady's singing voice beautiful, but the lyrics themselves carried a mellow fragrance, like aged wine. Listening to her song, it felt as if they could smell the rich aroma of wine.
As the song ended, Mu Qingyao exhaled, feeling truly comfortable. This was one of her favorite songs. She used to practice singing it when she had nothing else to do, and eventually, she developed her own unique style. When singing this song, she possessed a special charm, as if carrying the fresh fragrance of wine.
*Snap, snap.* Applause sounded from behind her. Mu Qingyao turned with a smile, knowing without a doubt that it was the few young maids alerted by her. Lian'er ran over excitedly and took Mu Qingyao's hand.
"Miss, what song did you sing? It's so beautiful! We've never heard you sing it before?"
Mu Qingyao pursed her lips and smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She reached out and pinched Lian'er's cheek. "Your Miss just sang it casually. How could you have heard it?"
Of course, she couldn't tell the young maids about the song's origin, that it was a modern song. They wouldn't believe her even if she did.
"Wow, Miss is getting more and more amazing! You can even compose such beautiful songs casually," Lv'er said with admiration.
Mu Qingyao's cheeks felt warm. Fortunately, it was dark and her face couldn't be seen clearly. Her face must be very red right now. In truth, she didn't intend to deceive these young maids.
"Let's go back."
Mu Qingyao turned and led the way up the stone steps, preparing to return to her chambers to rest.
Suddenly, the moonlight dimmed, and a shadow drifted over her head. She immediately became alert, her body enveloped in a cool, thin chill. She stared coldly into the sky and asked in a low voice, "Who's there? Since you've come, why not show yourself?"
As soon as her words fell, the sound of a brocade paper fan being fanned echoed from the air, followed by a deep, pleasant voice.
"Third Miss Mu, you truly possess both talent and beauty. Not only are you beautiful, but you also sing well and are agile. It seems the Emperor has exceptionally keen eyes."
As he spoke, a flash of white light appeared in the air, and in the blink of an eye, a man landed before them. A fragrant breeze wafted by, and on the stone steps below the railings at the entrance, a man stood with his hands behind his back.
His hair was tied up with a jade crown, and he had a tall and slender build. He wore a white robe, with dark hair falling to his shoulders. His face was sculpted like jade, and in his handsome eyes, two small sparks of fire flickered, making him incredibly captivating. His sensuous lips were slightly curved into a charming smile, and within three feet, there was a faint, elegant fragrance.
The person who arrived was none other than Chu Qianyi, the son of the Right Prime Minister, the eldest young master Chu.
He stood with a dashing air at the foot of the stone steps, showing no guilt for trespassing into someone's residence. Instead, he was entirely at ease, smiling in a way that could captivate all.
Upon seeing him, the few young maids of the Green Courtyard blushed, pursed their lips, and stared at him with shy smiles.
Young Master Chu is so handsome! His handsomeness was not like that of generals or princes, which carried an oppressive dominance. His handsomeness was natural, like any beautiful flower or plant in nature, making people involuntarily drawn to him.
"Young Master Chu?" Mei Xin and Lv'er called out, their voices still tinged with shyness.
Mu Qingyao's expression turned cold. This man had broken into the Mu manor in the middle of the night, all to flaunt his good looks and seduce her maids?
"Eldest Young Master Chu, what business do you have breaking into the Mu manor in the middle of the night? It's not to show off how handsome you are, is it?"
Mu Qingyao showed no leniency, her voice cold and sharp.
She detested these men who thought themselves so important. Why were all ancient men so self-important?
"I was merely curious. How could an infatuated girl like you be worthy of such an astronomical betrothal gift from the Emperor? It turns out there's more to you than meets the eye. Tonight, I have indeed reaped quite a harvest."
"Since you've seen what you wanted to see, get out immediately."
After speaking, Mu Qingyao turned to go back inside, too lazy to bother with the man with darkened pupils outside.
The sparks in Chu Qianyi's eyes not only did not extinguish but rather leaped more vigorously. The corners of his lips curved into a tempting smile. As the Prime Minister's son, he had never received such treatment since childhood.
Now that he had encountered a different kind of woman, he truly wanted to challenge her. Although he was annoyed that the Emperor had taken her, based on his understanding of the Emperor, the Emperor would never favor her.
The Emperor merely sought a way to exert influence. Because she came from the Mu family, he would let her enter the palace.
Now that he was interested in her, he would not let her off the hook.
A fleeting trace of dominance crossed Chu Qianyi's face, completely devoid of his previous charming softness. He moved, his long arm blocking Mu Qingyao's path, his face wearing a sunny smile.
"Since I have come, won't you invite me for a cup of tea?"
"Is that necessary?" Mu Qingyao looked up at his face.
There was a hint of teasing and slyness in his eyes. This man seemed to be interested in her.
However, don't expect her to become anyone's plaything. Damn it, she even had to look up to speak to him. Mu Qingyao took a step back, a playful glint flashing in her dark eyes, and smiled meaningfully.