The young monk cupped his hands, respectfully leading them to the abbot’s chambers in the easternmost part of the central courtyard.
Abbot Liao Kong, a man of benevolent countenance and gentle gaze, sat before the altar, his fingers toying with prayer beads. Upon seeing them enter, he immediately walked over to inquire with concern.
"May I ask what brings you to this old monk, benefactor?"
Mu Qingyao cupped her hands, her expression serene, and gazed sincerely at the abbot. "This guest is injured and hopes the abbot can save him."
It was then that Abbot Liao Kong noticed Murong Liu Zhao's pale face. His expression moved, and he hurried to support him. "Prince Beijin is injured. A sin, a sin, to suffer such harm within the pure ground of Buddha."
Seeing the person entrusted to the abbot's care, Mu Qingyao nodded with relief. "Thank you, Abbot. This humble girl will take her leave."
Without waiting for the abbot's reply, the three of them withdrew from the chambers. Inside, Prince Beijin Murong Liu Mo stared intently at the closed door, a cold, thin smile curling his lips. "How was it?"
Abbot Liao Kong's face was placid, as if devoid of all emotion, save for his wise dark eyes, which revealed his extraordinary intellect.
"Your Highness is indeed an extraordinary person. No wonder."
Though his next words remained unspoken, Prince Beijin Murong Liu Mo understood them all.
So that was it. He had been pondering his imperial brother's intentions, wondering why he intended to marry the third daughter of the Prime Minister's manor.
Given the current situation, the Prime Minister no longer held military power. If the Emperor wished to stabilize the court, he should have married the daughter of General Ximen. Why, then, marry the Prime Minister's daughter?
As he was thus perplexed, Abbot Liao Kong reminded him of something: a comet appeared, signaling the arrival of a phoenix.
This remark made him ponder. Could it be that the Prime Minister's daughter was the phoenix maiden, and that was why the Emperor intended to make her Empress?
With lingering doubt, the scene of today unfolded. Now he finally knew how to place her within his scheme. If she could not be used, she would be destroyed. He would never allow anyone to disrupt his grand plan for eternal rule.
Murong Liu Mo's gaze suddenly turned sharp and unfathomable.
In the carriage, Mei Xin was chatting with Mo Chou. "I didn't expect that Prince Beijin to have no martial arts. What if someone tried to harm him?"
Mu Qingyao leaned against the carriage wall, her delicate eyebrows furrowed, a layer of annoyance covering her beautiful face, a coolness radiating from her.
Only then did she recall something. Prince Beijin Murong Liu Mo had no martial arts. But as a prince, he must have personal guards, so why had none appeared throughout the entire ordeal? He had even dismissed his guards. What was he trying to achieve?
He wanted their help, but what was all this for? Mu Qingyao's long lashes fluttered, refusing to open. Mei Xin and Mo Chou, sensing the chill emanating from her, asked with concern.
"Miss, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Mu Qingyao grunted. Although she knew Prince Beijin had played a trick, she still couldn't figure out what he truly wanted.
Perhaps even those two black-clothed men were his arrangement. If so, it meant he was setting his sights on her? Damn it. Whatever this man intended to do, if he crossed her, she would never passively accept it...
Prince Beijin was a formidable character. Compared to Prince Nan'an, he was likely superior.
Although Prince Nan'an was as cold as ice, he was a man of integrity, and such a man would not resort to indirect schemes.
Prince Beijin, however, was the exact opposite. His appearance was effeminate, and he was a man of great cunning.
Although Mu Qingyao had only met him once, she could sense that he was a man who hid his sharp edges beneath a gentle exterior. His refined demeanor was merely a facade, and such people were even more terrifying.
But was he doing all this for self-preservation, or was there another motive?
Mu Qingyao shifted her body, adjusting to a more comfortable position, and continued to ponder.
Prince Beijin was truly well-hidden. A man so scheming, yet seemingly unable to lift a finger in self-defense, was quite unbelievable.
However, if he could indeed use martial arts, she had probed him earlier and vaguely sensed no internal energy at all, just like an ordinary person. Moreover, the man's complexion was pale, as if he had been ill for a long time.
Perhaps she was overthinking things and had wronged him? But why did this feeling persist so strongly?
The carriage stopped. Mo Chou softly called out, "Miss, we've arrived."
"Mm," Mu Qingyao did not wish to dwell on it any longer. These troublesome matters could be pondered later.
The three returned to Green Courtyard. Miss Mu and the Second Miss Mu sat in the drawing-room, having already drunk three cups of tea and eaten two plates of snacks, all to await their third sister and show their concern.
Upon seeing their sister, the two rushed forward, one on each side, their faces beaming with warmth as they inquired.
"Third sister, did you have fun today?"
"Third sister, what fun places did you visit?"
Mu Qingyao glanced at their eager faces, a smile playing on her lips. Anyone else would think the three sisters had a deep bond.
In reality, these two were merely hoping to enter the palace as consorts, which explained their enthusiasm towards her.
If possible, she wouldn't mind letting the Emperor witness their virtues.
However, were there any? Were there? Mu Qingyao thought hard but couldn't recall anything.
If Mu Qingzhu's beauty and Mu Qingxiang's talent were considered sufficient, then the Emperor's harem would long have been filled with three thousand beauties.
"Yes, it was quite good. Thank you for your concern, sisters."
Mu Qingyao's expression was indifferent. As for these two women, they hadn't committed any grave sins. Although Mu Qingzhu used to bully her predecessor, she herself hadn't fared well either, and the eldest miss was merely excessively arrogant.
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang were taken aback for a moment, then their faces lit up with joy. This was the first time Qingyao had called them "sister." It seemed they would surely be able to attend to the Emperor after entering the palace.
"Third sister?"
"Sisters, please go back. I'm tired."
This was indeed true; after wandering for half the day, she was naturally tired. The weather was also so hot that she didn't even want to have lunch, just to lie down.
"Alright, you rest. Later, I'll personally cook some rock sugar plum tea for you and have Bao Zheng send it over when it's cooled."
"Second sister will personally prepare some snacks for you and have Xi Yu send them over to be eaten with the plum tea."
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang left with smiles on their faces.
The drawing-room became quiet. Mei Xin and Lü'er walked over to clear the teacups and snacks from the table. Mo Chou went to Mu Qingyao's side and asked with concern, "Miss, you should go rest for a while."
"Mm, it's so terribly hot today. I feel uncomfortable all over when it's hot. I'll go lie down."
Mu Qingyao rose and led Mo Chou towards the sleeping quarters.
An ivory wood chair was placed beside the screen. A breeze blew in from the open window, carrying a hint of coolness. Mu Qingyao lay down on the wooden chair contentedly to rest. Mo Chou, fearing someone might disturb her mistress, stood guard outside the door.