Mu Hen, as the head of all officials and a man of strategy, gazed at his radiant daughter and was stunned. Such thoughts, how could they be known to a mere lady of a noble family? Regardless of who hid beneath Yao'er's body, this wise mind was not comparable to ordinary people.
After Mu Qing Yao finished speaking, she waited for a while and, seeing her father say nothing, curiously raised an eyebrow, "Father, what's wrong?"
Mu Hen returned to his senses, shook his head, and his eyes were filled with admiration. Although the person before him was his daughter, it was only now that he truly understood one thing.
Why would she appear here?
Perhaps it was predestined. She was a crucial figure in the grand scheme of the world, and she was his daughter. Mu Hen felt some pride and honor, his gaze flickered with affection, and his face was full of smiles.
"Alright, Father will attend to this matter as soon as it gets dark."
"Mm," Mu Qing Yao nodded and called out towards the door, "Mo Chou."
Mo Chou walked in gracefully, her footsteps landing silently, and in an instant, she stood before them, respectfully cupping her fist, "Miss?"
"Tonight, the master is going out of the manor to handle a matter. You are to protect the master's safety."
"Yes, Miss, this servant will surely protect the master."
"Mm," Qing Yao nodded with satisfaction.
Mo Chou was becoming increasingly restrained, but those destined for greatness would undoubtedly become her right-hand helpers in the future.
Prime Minister Mu listened to his daughter's words and looked up at Mo Chou.
This young girl was very thin, as if a gust of wind could blow her over. However, upon closer inspection, there was a touch of heroism in her eyebrows, her eyes were stubborn and strong, and her demeanor was self-possessed, neither humble nor arrogant. It seemed her daughter had not misjudged her.
"Is it her?"
"Yes, Father. Her name is Mo Chou," Mu Qing Yao understood the implication in Prime Minister Father's question: had she bought this maid for two thousand taels? xxs1
"Mm, good, good. Seeing that you have gained such a person by your side, Father's heart is much more at ease. By the way, your Aunt Su sent a letter. She will definitely rush over for your wedding," Prime Minister Mu recalled Aunt Su Ge's letter.
Su Ge was still Mu Qing Yao's maternal aunt and the current wife of the leader of the martial arts alliance. Qing Yao had lived by Su Ge's side since she was young and their relationship was as close as mother and son. Her martial arts were also personally taught by Su Ge.
"Aunt Su?" Mu Qing Yao was stunned for a moment, and a beautiful young woman immediately appeared in her mind, along with some scenes of her doting on her.
Although that woman did not love the current her, the thought of her gentle and doting gaze inexplicably brought warmth to her heart, and her lips curved into a smile.
"Father, are you referring to Aunt Su?"
"Mm, she will rush over to attend your wedding," Prime Minister Mu nodded. Thinking of his beautiful and intelligent daughter about to marry into the palace, he felt a sense of reluctance.
"I understand," a smile graced Mu Qing Yao's pretty face. Although this marriage was merely a temporary measure, she had no one to confide in. If Aunt Su came, she would have someone to talk to.
"Mm, then you rest for a while. Father will come to handle this matter tonight."
"Alright, Father, you go ahead and be busy," Mu Qing Yao nodded. Prime Minister Mu rose and left the flower hall. In the flower hall, Mu Qing Yao looked at Mo Chou with a cautious expression, "Tonight, you must be very careful. Go out through the back door and absolutely do not let anyone find out."
"Yes," Mo Chou nodded calmly. She knew that this matter was of great importance, which was why Miss was so cautious. For the first task Miss assigned her, she naturally had to complete it well.
As soon as the two finished speaking, the young maids outside the door walked in, "Miss?"
Mu Qing Yao frowned in thought for a moment, her dark, bright eyes gazing at the few young maids, and slowly gave her orders, "Lü'er, Xiao Lian, do not touch anything except the phoenix coronet and robes. Place all other items in the two large chests."
"Yes," Lü'er and Xiao Lian acknowledged the order and walked over. Mei Xin and Mo Chou stood still, awaiting Miss's instructions.
"Mei Xin, you and Mo Chou, go out and buy some things for me." Mu Qing Yao's long eyelashes fluttered like beautiful butterfly wings, but her face was covered with a faint layer of frost, as if something was about to happen.
Mei Xin and Mo Chou dared not say more, bowed their heads and accepted the order, "Miss, please tell us."
Mu Qing Yao beckoned and motioned for Mei Xin to lean closer, whispering a few words. Mei Xin's face showed extreme surprise, and slowly a few beads of sweat began to appear. However, seeing Miss's serious expression, not like she was joking, she naturally dared not speak carelessly and nodded.
"Alright, this servant will go and do it now."
"Go. We don't know if it's available yet. Go early and come back early. Miss, I'm also tired. You woke me up this morning, so I'll go back to sleep for a while."
Mu Qing Yao stood up, clapped her hands, and walked out in a leisurely manner. Mei Xin behind her widened her eyes, looking at her retreating figure, and sighed. Mo Chou curiously asked, "What's wrong? What did Miss ask you to buy?"
Mei Xin tiptoed, leaned over and whispered a few words into Mo Chou's ear. Mo Chou's expression remained unchanged, and she moved her body to walk outside.
"Let's go. Since Miss has ordered it, it's best to handle it early."
"Yes, you are truly different from others. No wonder Miss likes you," Mei Xin followed the figure ahead helplessly, and the two walked out together.
Night fell. Outside the jade-curved railings, the bright moon climbed above the willow branches, casting down its watery, soft radiance, illuminating the glazed roof ridges of the painted beams and carved eaves of Qing Yuan, making them sparkle.
Mu Hen led a few capable subordinates into Qing Yuan. Mu Qing Yao was waiting in the flower hall.
"Father, everything is arranged."
"Yao'er, don't worry. No one would have expected us to send this batch of goods out on the night of the betrothal. Surprise and seize the initiative. What about the Emperor's side?"
Mu Hen was worried about this. Sending it to the bank, he worried about the Emperor father. Not sending it to the bank, he worried about those ruffians in the martial arts world. If they broke into the Mu family, he feared the people of the Mu family would suffer. It was truly a dilemma.
Mu Qing Yao smiled arrogantly, "Father, since it's a betrothal gift, of course I have the final say. If anything happens, I will resolve it. You can rest assured."
"Good."
At this point, what was the use of saying so many unnecessary words? In any case, keeping these items in the bank was safer than keeping them at home.
If the bank's silver was not used, the items would be considered as deposited. They would only need to pay some interest later. If a certain amount of money was used, they would handle items of equivalent value at market price, so the Emperor would not be able to touch them for the time being.
Mu Qing Yao turned to look at Mo Chou behind her and carefully instructed, "Mo Chou, you must protect the master well."
"Yes, Miss."
Mo Chou received the order. Mu Hen had already instructed the four servants behind him to carry the two large chests of items out. Mu Qing Yao followed them out. Seeing her father descend the stone steps, she remembered something and called out to Prime Minister Mu, "Father, wait a moment."