"Alright."
Several people waited at the foot of the stone steps. Murong Liunuo had already woken up. A cold voice came from the carved bed: "What is it?"
Geng Han stood by the screen and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, Commander Hua from the palace has arrived."
"Let him in," the person on the bed moved. The two young maids who had been guarding the bed rushed forward to lift the gauze curtain and retreated to the side. Geng Han, following the prince's orders, quickly withdrew and invited Hua Lige in.
On the carved grand bed, Prince Nan'an, Murong Liuzhao, dressed in white inner garments, his black hair parted into two halves and placed on his chest, his facial skin smooth and lustrous. Having just woken up, he had shed a bit of his coldness, displaying a touch of languor. His eyes, like a cold pool, flashed with surprise. Raising an eyebrow, he waved his hand: "You all may leave."
Geng Han and the several maids in the bedroom withdrew.
"Speak, why has my imperial brother sent you here before dawn to deliver an edict?" Murong Liuzhao furrowed his long, slender brows, a fleeting sharp glint in his eyes as he fixed his gaze on Hua Lige.
"Someone attempted to assassinate Miss Mu San. His Majesty has instructed Your Highness to protect her in secret."
Hua Lige reported respectfully. Murong Liuzhao's expression flickered, his dark pupils deepening, and a cold smile curled his lips.
"My imperial brother is truly amusing. Doesn't he know I've always disliked dealing with women? He's actually ordered me to protect that damned infatuated woman."
"This is His Majesty's decree," Hua Lige faithfully conveyed the Emperor's stance. The Emperor was so shrewd; if he had ordered Prince Nan'an to secretly protect Miss Mu, he must have his reasons.
As Prince Nan'an and the Emperor's right-hand man, Murong Liuzhao was no ordinary person.
After careful consideration, it seemed he had been too hasty. The Emperor's intentions were clear.
It was widely known that Prince Nan'an detested women, treating them as if they didn't exist. Therefore, no one would suspect him of secretly protecting that woman, while everyone else remained oblivious. This approach would surely baffle any party.
Murong Liuzhao understood this, yet he still felt a sense of unease, especially since the woman he was now tasked to protect was the very woman he had almost struck to death.
Although that woman was different now.
Her beautiful appearance, intelligent gaze, and composure in the face of danger were qualities not commonly found in ordinary women.
But she was still a woman. When had he, Murong Liuzhao, stooped to secretly protecting a woman? However, since it was a mission assigned by his imperial brother, he would naturally fulfill it.
"Alright, I will send someone to protect her. You may return to the palace."
"Yes, Your Highness," Hua Lige breathed a sigh of relief. He had truly feared the prince would refuse.
Everyone in the entire Xian Yue Kingdom knew that Prince Nan'an despised women and always treated them as insignificant. It was unexpected that he would agree to protect Miss Mu, but Hua Lige was pleased to have completed his mission and swiftly exited the bedroom.
Outside the door, Steward Zhang saw Commander Hua out, and Geng Han walked in.
"Your Highness?"
On the carved grand bed, Murong Liuzhao's tall figure stirred. He leaned back against the bedpost, his brows slightly raised, his lips tightly pursed, exuding a chilling aura that enveloped the entire bedroom in frost. He remained still for a long while before finally speaking: "Geng Han, take two people and ensure Miss Mu San is well protected. Remember, not the slightest mistake must occur."
"Ah?" Geng Han was stunned, thinking he had misheard. Was the prince's order to protect Miss Mu San at the Emperor's behest? But how could the prince possibly agree?
As long as he refused, the Emperor wouldn't force him. Yet, he had actually agreed, which was truly surprising.
Sensing the prince's displeased gaze, Geng Han quickly lowered his head and accepted the order: "Yes, your subordinate will attend to it immediately."
"Hmm, don't let that woman realize it. Be careful," Murong Liuzhao cautioned.
That woman was very intelligent and knew martial arts. Any carelessness might alert her, which would be detrimental to the overall plan. Therefore, their actions must be discreet and cautious.
"Yes, your subordinate understands," Geng Han acknowledged and went to carry out the order.
Murong Liuzhao remained in the same posture on the bed. Even he couldn't understand why he had agreed to protect that woman. His mind was clouded with confusion.
At the Mu Residence, in the flower hall of Qing Yuan.
Mu Qingyao had just finished her breakfast. Mei Xin was reporting, "Miss, the silver notes have all been given to Xiao Dai. Don't worry, she said she'll sort out the Zhao family's affairs today and come tomorrow."
In the seat at the center of the flower hall, Lu'er was massaging Miss's shoulders. Mu Qingyao closed her eyes comfortably, her long eyelashes fluttering twice before she opened them: "Mmm, I understand."
At this moment, Xiao Lian walked in from outside, respectfully curtsying, "Miss, Master wishes to see you."
"Mmm?" Mu Qingyao's eyes flickered, and the corner of her lips pulled into a faint smile. She knew her Prime Minister father must be curious why she spent two thousand taels of silver to buy a maid.
Since he wanted to see her, she might as well go. It was thoughtful of him to be concerned about such matters even while ill.
Mu Qingyao stretched her arms to flex her muscles, waving to signal Lu'er to step aside. She then stood up. Having practiced martial arts diligently these past few days, she found herself becoming more attuned to this body, able to wield her martial arts with greater ease and effectiveness than before.
"Mei Xin, accompany me to see Father. I wonder if his illness has recovered."
"Yes, Miss," Mei Xin respectfully acknowledged and led the way. The mistress and maid left Qing Yuan and headed towards the main residence.
Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting a warm glow upon the earth as heat slowly began to rise.
Green moss-covered walls encircled Qing Yuan courtyard. Golden light dappled the banana leaves, and butterflies gracefully fluttered on the stone steps. A pair of cooing swallows perched beneath the eaves, while willow catkins swirled and drifted above the ancient well.
A beauty passed through the secluded path, her gossamer sleeve lifted by the wind, revealing her tender arms, evoking endless imagination.
The servants of the Mu Residence stood frozen in various corners, gazing at the elegant and captivating Third Miss as she walked by. Only after her figure had gracefully departed did they snap back to attention, murmuring amongst themselves.
"Third Miss is truly beautiful."
"Yes, I never noticed it before."
These soft whispers were gently carried by the wind to the ears of Mu Qingyao and Mei Xin. Mu Qingyao raised an indifferent eyebrow. She was dressed quite ordinarily; she didn't understand why the servants were so surprised. As for being beautiful, it wasn't that remarkable.
A confident woman is beautiful, and she possessed that quality.
Mei Xin, beside her, smiled happily, "Miss, everyone in the mansion is praising your beauty!"
"And what of it?"
Beauty couldn't fill one's stomach. In this patriarchal world, could beauty achieve anything significant? Only intelligence was important.
Women should never regard beauty as their capital. Even the most vibrant flower will eventually wither, leaving one as fragile as a wilted bloom.