“Ah?”
Mei Xin’s mouth fell open, staring at the young lady walking gracefully ahead. Didn’t women all like handsome men?
“Let’s go, don’t just stand there,” Mu Qingyao called out from a distance to the little maid. Mei Xin quickly hurried to catch up.
Outside the east wing of the main house, several young maids stood in a line. Some held basins, some held towels, and others held cups, all waiting cautiously.
As Mu Qingyao appeared, they all respectfully greeted her, “Miss.”
“Mm,” Mu Qingyao nodded and walked towards the east wing.
Mei Xin stepped forward and lifted the beaded curtain, following her lady into the room. From behind the screen, the First Madam’s voice could be heard.
“Master, when Qingyao arrives, ask her why she spent two thousand taels of silver to buy a little maid. There are plenty of maids in this mansion. If Mei Xin and the others aren’t satisfactory, we can simply replace them. Why buy another?”
Upon hearing the First Madam’s words, Mei Xin’s face turned pale. Had her lady truly found them unsatisfactory, and that was why she bought Xiao Dai?
Mu Qingyao turned and shot Mei Xin a cold glare. Always overthinking things. Why believe that woman’s words? Mei Xin flinched, not daring to think further. If she displeased her lady, she might really be sent away.
The mistress and servant duo passed the screen and entered. They saw Prime Minister Mu leaning by the side of the spacious carved bed. The First Madam was tidying things on the bed, chattering incessantly, completely unaware that Mu Qingyao was standing behind her.
It wasn’t until a chill permeated the room, sending shivers down one’s spine, that the First Madam stopped her tirade in surprise.
Turning around, she saw Mu Qingyao standing there with a somber face, her dark pupils flashing with a sharp, blade-like glint. Startled, she trembled and sat down by the bed.
“Yao’er, when did you arrive?”
“Just now, while Auntie was speaking so enthusiastically.” A chilling voice echoed in the room. The First Madam immediately lowered her head guiltily, not daring to say another word. This woman was the future Empress. She couldn’t afford to offend her.
Besides, her own daughter would be working under her in the future. At this moment, the First Madam wished she could bite off her own tongue. Walking too often in the dark, she had encountered a ghost. And that wretched maid outside, why didn’t she cry out loudly?
Actually, she didn’t know that the little maid had cried out, but she was too engrossed in her speech to hear.
Mu Hen’s intelligent gaze fell upon his daughter. His daughter now was entirely different from before. He felt something was amiss but couldn’t pinpoint it.
However, he liked his current daughter. He, Mu Hen, had no sons, which had always been a regret. It wasn’t due to an old-fashioned preference for males over females, but because women couldn’t achieve greatness. Their spirit, courage, and thinking were too rigid.
But now, his third daughter had completely broken free from these notions. She was now more than capable, surpassing even a man.
“You may all leave. I wish to speak with Yao’er alone.”
“Yes, Master.” The First Madam breathed a sigh of relief and quickly led Mei Xin out. Lingering any longer might bring her no good fortune.
The Master clearly favored this young lady. Whatever she did, it pleased him. Even when Mu Qingyao spent two thousand taels of silver, the Master didn’t seem too angry.
The wing fell silent.
Mu Hen beckoned Mu Qingyao to sit beside him.
“Yao’er, tell your father, why did you spend two thousand taels of silver to buy a little maid?”
Mu Qingyao sat next to her Prime Minister father, a gentle glow illuminating her face. Her eyes sparkled with wisdom, and she curved her lips into a smile. She truly felt her Prime Minister father’s care.
It was precisely because of the man before her that she was entering the palace to become Empress. Otherwise, she could have simply left and not bothered with their lives or deaths.
“Father, do you truly believe the Emperor wants daughter to enter the palace as Empress? I fear he has other intentions. Therefore, that position is not an easy one to hold. Daughter spent two thousand taels of silver because Xiao Dai is worth that price.”
Upon hearing Mu Qingyao’s words, Prime Minister Mu’s eyes lit up. He reached out and clasped his daughter’s hand.
“Yao’er, I didn’t expect you to see through this. Father is relieved. I was truly afraid you would suffer losses in the palace. Since that maid is worth the silver, then buy her. Father heard you pawned your jewelry and clothes. That won’t do. Go to your Aunt’s and get some money. We’ll replenish your things.”
Those deep, emotional words stirred a ripple within Mu Qingyao’s heart. She looked up at Prime Minister Mu. He was the one who genuinely cared for her, so everything she had done today was worth it.
“Thank you, Father.”
“Yao’er, Father has thought about it all night. No matter who you were before, you are now Father’s daughter, and always will be. If there is anything you want Father to help you with, tell me, and Father will surely help you.”
“Mm,” Mu Qingyao felt a warmth in her heart.
She hadn’t expected that after going through so much, she would experience what fatherly love truly was from this man.
In her past life, although she had her grandmother’s affection, her father’s love for her was much more distant.
They were often apart, so even though she knew her father loved her, she couldn’t feel it most of the time. Now, she truly felt fatherly love, so rich and mellow like aged wine.
“Don’t worry, Father. I’m fine. You should get better quickly, or we’ll all be worried.”
Prime Minister Mu smiled, his whole demeanor seemingly more relaxed. He sat up straighter and stretched his limbs. “Don’t think Father is old. I can still live for twenty or thirty more years!”
Laughter immediately echoed from the wing. Everyone outside the door breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the storm had passed. The Master didn’t blame the third young lady. It was wonderful.
The third young lady was so beautiful and kind-hearted. They were sure the Master wouldn’t blame her. Everyone began to smile.
“Yao’er, go ahead. Let the maids outside come in to help Father get up. I’m mostly recovered.”
“Alright,” Mu Qingyao agreed and stood up. She paused as if remembering something and looked at Prime Minister Mu. “Father, the Mu mansion is a large household. The First Madam managing such a vast estate alone must be very tiring. Why not let the Second Madam help her?”
The moment she said this, the First Madam’s expression outside instantly soured.
With a displeased look, the First Madam feared the Master would agree to that brat’s request. She quickly rushed in, putting on a smiling face.
“Master, I’m not tired. It is my fortune to do more for the Mu mansion.”
Prime Minister Mu glanced at the First Madam, then looked at Mu Qingyao. Since Yao’er said so, she must have her reasons. Her shrewdness now was not what it used to be. He spoke sternly.
“You have been too tired all these years. From now on, let Xian Ya help you manage the Mu mansion together.”
“Master!”
Madam Mu’s face turned ashen. She shot a sidelong glance at Mu Qingyao but dared not reprimand her.