This is not a matter of past times; what matters now is how to get back the money from those usurers.
Otherwise, that bitch would notice as soon as she got her hands on it, and by then, I might not even have half the authority I do now. If that happens, I'm truly finished.
Mu Qingyao's lips curled into a cold smile. She wasn't entirely seeking revenge against the First Madam.
When someone holds power for too long, they inevitably amass a pile of unmanageable debts that only grow larger. It’s possible that the Mu Manor would be ruined by her hands.
Since she regarded Prime Minister Mu as a father, she certainly wouldn't let him be harmed by anyone else.
"Father, your daughter takes her leave."
"Good, go," Mu Hen said, gazing affectionately at his daughter as she withdrew.
Now, everything about Yao'er pleased him. Her disposition and character were both first-rate.
Thinking this, the regret of not having a son over the years had vanished.
Prime Minister Mu's mood improved. He instructed the First Madam, "Later, give Yao'er a thousand taels of silver to purchase some jewelry. How can a young lady have nothing?"
"Master—"
The First Madam's voice, conveying a pain akin to constipation, echoed out.
The young maids at the door all chuckled. They had heard everything that had happened in the inner chambers. The Master truly doted on the young lady; whatever she said, he agreed with.
"Miss?"
Mei Xin called out. Mu Qingyao nodded and instructed the young maids outside the door, "Go inside and attend to Master waking up."
"Yes, Third Miss."
From this moment on, everyone in the Prime Minister's manor knew that the Third Miss was the most formidable and carried the most weight in the household.
Not only was the Third Miss beautiful, but she was also very astute. No one dared to be careless in her presence.
As a result, the Mu Manor appeared harmonious. The Second Madam Mu also became involved in the Mu family's major and minor affairs. To avoid losing her half of the influence, the First Madam became much more low-key, no longer daring to act presumptuously.
The next day, Xiao Dai indeed appeared. Mu Qingyao handed Xiao Dai a contract of indenture, which she had spent the night writing.
"From today onwards, you are my person. We will be formal, and you must follow procedures."
Mei Xin and Lu'er listened, bewildered. They didn't know what these procedures were, but since their young lady had said it, they didn't dare to ask further. Xiao Dai then wrote her name on the contract.
"Yes, Miss."
"Xiao Dai, from now on, you are my maid. You have no further connection with the Zhao family. I will give you a new name."
Xiao Dai respectfully lowered her head, "Please bestow a name, Miss."
Mu Qingyao thought for a moment, her lips curving as she said faintly, "From now on, Miss wishes you to be carefree and without worry. You shall be called Mo Chou."
Xiao Dai, no, from this day forward she was Mo Chou. Warmth welled up in her heart. She responded steadily, "Thank you, Miss, for the name."
Mei Xin and Lian'er, who were standing nearby, came over and surrounded Mo Chou, "Mo Chou, we are sisters from now on. We will serve Miss together."
"Yes, we will serve Miss together," Lian'er said with a smile. The flower hall was extremely lively. Mu Qingyao deliberately put on a stern face and snorted. The maids released their hands and looked over together. Mo Chou felt a little uneasy, "Miss, is it all me?"
Mei Xin had already taken her hand and comforted her, "Mo Chou, don't be nervous. Miss is just teasing you. Don't let Miss's cold expression fool you; her heart is actually very kind, and she usually protects us very well. You'll know soon."
Lu'er and Xiao Lian echoed her sentiments. The flower hall was lively for a time. Mu Qingyao couldn't be bothered with these young maids. However, the voice of the steward, Uncle Zhong, rang out from outside, "Miss, the imperial edict has arrived. Master asks Miss to go to the front hall to receive it."
"Understood," Mu Qingyao's voice held a hint of indifference. Without needing to think, she knew this imperial edict would confirm the date of her wedding and the time for the betrothal gifts.
"Mei Xin and Mo Chou will accompany me to the front hall. The others will remain in the courtyard."
"Yes, Miss," the young maids bowed and accepted the command.
In the main hall of the Prime Minister's manor, a group of people were kneeling, led by Prime Minister Mu himself.
As Mu Qingyao walked in, she saw Eunuch A Jiu, who was delivering the imperial edict, waiting in the center of the hall, holding a bright yellow silk imperial decree. Eunuch A Jiu was fair-featured, dressed in a deep blue eunuch's robe, and possessed the demeanor of a dashing young scholar.
"A Jiu pays his respects to Miss Mu."
Eunuch A Jiu bowed respectfully. Facing this imposing young woman, who was soon to be the Empress, how could he, A Jiu, offend her?
Therefore, even though Mu Qingyao was late, Eunuch A Jiu showed no sign of displeasure, which made Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang envious.
It's good to have power. Eunuch A Jiu was a favorite of the Emperor. How many princes and nobles in court fawned over him, yet he showed no lust.
But when he met his third sister, he was so respectful. The reason was none other than his third sister was about to become Empress.
"You are too kind, Eunuch A Jiu."
Mu Qingyao's expression was calm. She nodded slightly, maintaining a demeanor of neither subservience nor arrogance, speaking without anger or haste, and remaining composed.
Eunuch A Jiu felt a sense of admiration. Few people could remain so calm and collected in such a situation. It seemed the Emperor had not misjudged her.
Mu Qingyao walked to the empty seat beside her father, the Prime Minister, and knelt.
Eunuch A Jiu scanned the people of the Mu family and, confirming that everyone was present, unfurled the silk decree and began to read in a clear voice.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prime Minister Mu is virtuous and highly respected, upright and incorruptible, serving as a model for all officials. He has a daughter named Mu Qingyao, who is virtuous, dignified, and possesses both talent and virtue. She is hereby bestowed the title of Empress. Betrothal gifts will be presented on the twenty-eighth of June, and the fifteenth of July, a propitious day in the imperial calendar, is designated for the grand wedding. By Imperial Command."
After Eunuch A Jiu finished reading, the kneeling individuals in the Mu Manor displayed varied expressions.
Mu Qingyao's usual detached expression showed no excessive joy. If she could, she would have refused the marriage, but that was unrealistic, so she faced the matter with composure.
Prime Minister Mu beside her, however, let out a sigh of relief. This was because the Emperor's edict did not mention including Zhu'er and Xiang'er in the palace, which was actually a blessing for the Mu Manor. Their temperaments were not suitable for the palace.
However, the First Madam and the Second Madam did not think so at all. Their faces were filled with disappointment and a jumble of sour emotions.
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang's faces had already turned pale. They bit their lips lightly, tears welling in their eyes, their faces etched with grievance.
Didn't the Empress Dowager say that day that all three sisters would enter the palace together? Why did the imperial edict only mention establishing the third sister as Empress and not the two of them?
After reading the imperial edict, Eunuch A Jiu respectfully handed the silk decree to Mu Qingyao.
"Congratulations, Miss Mu."
The four eunuchs behind him spoke in unison, "Congratulations, Miss Mu."
Mu Qingyao accepted the imperial decree and looked at Eunuch A Jiu with her deep, enigmatic eyes. Her insight pierced through Eunuch A Jiu's false smile, causing his smile to freeze.