Female-dominated society: Striving for the position of powerful minister, doting on Xiao Yunqing

Chapter 21 Mu Yunqing, I Can Marry You

Mu Yan chatted with Xiao Ran for a few minutes, then rolled up her clothes and threw herself into her work with the people.

We've encountered this situation quite often during previous missions. It's nothing more than dredging and removing silt to lower the riverbed and reduce the possibility of the river rising.

At the same time, using this silt to reinforce the riverbank not only reduces transportation costs but also achieves waste utilization, killing two birds with one stone.

The original plan was to intercept the river in the middle reaches, but ancient equipment was limited. If wooden strips or planks were used to intercept it, they would be washed away if the current was too strong.

This approach is not only ineffective but also wastes time and effort, so it is absolutely unacceptable.

Mu Yan's plan is to reinforce the dikes, narrow the river channel, increase the water speed to flush away the river sand, and remove the silt from the riverbed, thus solving the problem at its root.

Mu Yan rolled up her sleeves to her forearms, picked up a hoe, and began digging in the mud.

Perhaps fueled by her enthusiasm, Mu Yan used too much force, and when she struck with her hoe, mud and sand flew everywhere, and all that could be heard was the sound of splashing water, causing the others to turn around and look.

"This third young lady is really diligent; she works incredibly hard!"

"That's right, I've never seen a master go into the river before. This Third Miss is truly extraordinary!"

"If my daughter were just as capable as her, I wouldn't have to worry about anything for the rest of my life!"

"Hahaha!"

"She's beautiful and capable; countless men would be eager to marry her!"

"Hey, you know what, I saw the Third Miss with one the other day!"

……

The group of people kept praising her, making Mu Yan's scalp tingle. It seems that the rural women's love of gossip is a remnant of the past.

Wenzhou Prefecture (Backyard)

Mu Yunqing sat on the steps, whittling the hilt of his sword, while Su Qin watched from the side.

It was the height of summer, and the heat was intense. I had only been sitting for a short while when a fine layer of sweat began to form on my forehead.

Su Qin glanced at the wood in Mu Yunqing's hand and asked, puzzled, "Why are you carving this thing?"

"Make a sword," Mu Yunqing replied calmly.

"If you like it, I'll give you one!" Su Qin said generously.

He was truly generous, and he was incredibly generous with his gifts, readily offering gold and silver swords at will.

This young master is the third young master of the Jiang family in Kyoto. Although he is not from an official family, his status is comparable to that of a prince or nobleman.

The Jiang family has been in business for generations and possesses assets worth hundreds of billions. Half of the national treasury of Fengqi Kingdom is filled by the Jiang family.

Her mother, Jiang Yun, had a renowned reputation throughout the country for her silk business. She had chain stores all over the country, and her business was booming. All the young masters and ladies of high society wore Jiang family products.

Mu Yunqing glanced at Su Qin and sneered, "How come you've become so extravagant now that you've been placed in a good family?"

Su Qin rolled her eyes at Mu Yunqing, "Even if I don't go to someone else, I can still deliver it!"

Jiang Yun felt indebted to him, but she had given him several shops, including two in Kyoto alone, so he must have some savings.

"Haha. Changed your name?"

"No, I won't let them change it."

"Did they add a surname?"

"Of course! No, Mu Yunqing, why are you talking so much nonsense?" Su Qin replied impatiently.

"Alright, alright, I won't ask you anymore," Mu Yunqing said, lowering her eyes and smiling faintly.

"Hey, what are you laughing at!" Su Qin said, reaching out to push Mu Yunqing.

Just like when they were kids, the two of them pushed and shoved each other, playfully fighting back and forth.

Exhausted from arguing, the two slumped back to back on the floor.

"There's a case tonight," Mu Yunqing said calmly.

"The Green Slave Seal?" Su Qin's tone was somewhat surprised.

He only learned a few days ago that Mu Yunqing was investigating the Qingnu Seal, and now, only three days later, he has already found it?

"Well, if nothing unexpected happens, we should be able to get it tonight."

Mu Yunqing spoke casually, even somewhat subtly.

Others may not understand, but Su Qin knows very well: if Mu Yunqing says he can win, then he can win.

No surprises, no mistakes, it's always been like this since I was a child.

His brother has always been a legendary figure.

"Where do you sleep?" Su Qin looked up and asked him.

Mu Yunqing coughed lightly, her face suddenly flushing slightly, and then said, "...Uh, I'll come find you then, just leave the door open."

"What's this, hiding a beauty in a golden house? And you won't let anyone in!" Su Qin said with a look of disgust.

Look at his brother's pathetic state; he's blushing with embarrassment.

Mu Yunqing's eyes darkened, and he coldly replied, "That's utter nonsense. There's no such thing as keeping a mistress in a golden house; it's just a charade."

"Hahahaha!" Su Qin almost burst out laughing like a pig.

"Look at your worthless appearance, oh my, I'm dying of laughter!" Su Qin said, clutching his stomach.

This made him laugh until his stomach hurt.

He and Mu Yunqing were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since birth, but they grew up together.

With just a glance, a gesture, or even the sound of footsteps, he could clearly know what he was going to do next.

Perhaps noticing her own indecent behavior, Su Qin raised her eyes and glanced at Mu Yunqing.

Ugh, his face looks really sour.

Looks like we'll have to use our ultimate weapon.

Su Qin thought about snuggling into Mu Yunqing's arms and said in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Brother~ my dear brother, don't be angry anymore~"

Mu Yunqing, who had been keeping a straight face, couldn't help but burst out laughing when he heard Su Qin's sweet and coquettish voice.

"Hey, you're laughing. Laughing means you're not angry anymore," Su Qin said cheekily.

It was worth it for him to keep making funny faces to amuse Mu Yunqing.

Thankfully, he hasn't changed over the years.

Wenzhou River

Mu Yan and her group had been digging in the mud all day, and now they were all carrying hoes and hurrying back. There were more than fifty of them, and not one of them was clean.

His clothes were covered in mud, his face was smeared with mud, he carried a hoe in his right hand and shoes in his left.

Mu Yan and her companion mingled with the group of Wenzhou residents, and the group hummed folk songs as they headed home.

They carried heavy hoes on their shoulders and walked on winding roads.

Despite all the hardships, happiness still shone on her face.

The afterglow of the setting sun illuminated their smiling faces.

A gentle breeze blows, and her black hair dances lightly.

A thousand words echoed through the mountains.

A bright laugh filled the air.

Like the most simple and honest farmers of the 21st century, they do one job and then dedicate their entire lives to it.

They are not on the list of high-ranking officials, do not need to weigh the pros and cons, and are not bound by fame and fortune; they can simply live their lives in peace.

Whether one is penniless or ignorant, it doesn't matter.

Even fame and fortune could not disturb them in the slightest.

When the two returned to Wenzhou Prefecture, it was already dusk.

The servants in the manor ran around lighting lanterns, and when they saw Mu Yan, they hurriedly ran over to take the hoe from her.

The young girl bowed to the two of them and told them to go and bathe and change first.

After a busy day, Mu Yan felt like her bones were about to fall apart, and she needed to take a good bath.

This body is still weak.

Xiao Ran was quite quick-witted and let the little maid lead her to the other side of the bath.

"Please, Miss Third," the maid said respectfully.

"Okay." Mu Yan said as she walked into the clear water pool.

I had long heard that Wenzhou's bathhouses were excellent, and seeing them today, I can confirm that they truly live up to their reputation.

The bathing process involves three steps. The first step is to wash with clean water to remove dirt from the body.

The second step is a relaxing bath, also known as a flower bath. Flower petals are added to the water, along with a special essence prepared by the bath therapist.

The third step is similar to a sauna today, combined with massage techniques, which is very comfortable.

After bathing, Mu Yan sat in front of the mirror, while the maid behind her gently dried her long hair.

As dusk fell, the crescent moon could be seen through the window, and a bird perched on a branch beneath the moon, chirping intermittently.

It sounded like a mournful cry, yet also like a joyful leap; it was truly difficult to guess.

"Third Miss~" the maid called softly.

"Hmm?" Mu Yan turned to look at her.

"Are you looking at that bird?" the maid asked, her voice still tinged with excitement.

Because that bird was hers, she could give it to the Third Miss if she liked it.

Someone as wonderful as Miss San deserves to have the stars plucked from the sky.

"Look at it, it's so agile!" Mu Yan watched the bird flying back and forth on the branch, her eyes filled with joy.

"To be honest, this bird is my pet. If Miss likes it, I can give it to you."

"Hey, since you're raising it, you can keep it. I just want to take a look," Mu Yan said softly.

Just as the maid was about to speak, she caught a glimpse of Mu Yunqing entering from outside the door.

"This servant greets Young Master Mu."

"No need to be polite."

Mu Yunqing responded lightly and, as always, sat at the table drinking tea.

The maid was clever; upon seeing Mu Yunqing arrive, she quickened her pace, quickly drying his long hair halfway before bidding farewell to the two and hurriedly leaving.

Mu Yunqing looked up at the window.

Mu Yan was facing away from him, her long hair loose, with some water droplets still dripping from the ends.

She stared motionlessly at the birds on the branches, her silhouette both beautiful and forlorn.

It took him a long time to come to his senses.

"Why are you so late today?" Mu Yan asked him.

"Just catching up with a friend," Mu Yunqing said casually.

His tone remained lukewarm, a far cry from the cheeky manner he used when speaking to Suqin.

Wow, this man's face changes so quickly.

"Oh," Mu Yan responded casually, picking up a cloth from the table to wipe her hair.

I was thinking that I would dry my hair and go to sleep.

[Beep, System 7028 is now online!]

Mu Yan was startled by the notification sound and cursed the damn system in her heart.

"what."

[Host, your main quest hasn't progressed at all. The main system has sent me to urge you on it.]

Mu Yan rolled her eyes.

Well, now they've all learned to use their bosses to intimidate others.

"I'm busy with secondary tasks, I don't have time to worry about anything else!"

"Besides, the male lead is completely unyielding, what can I do?"

Mu Yan kept complaining, not afraid of offending the dog system, since they were all brainless robots anyway.

The real Mu Yunqing has emotions and desires; he only has hatred in his eyes.

Oh no, now even hatred is gone.

She's practically a two-dimensional character, how can she possibly win her over!

[Host, the male lead's favorability has increased to five points. We'll level you up five times.]

"Is this really true?" Mu Yan's eyes sparkled; she desperately needed a system with brains.

[A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. The host may wish to give it a try.]

"Got it!"

Mu Yan hurriedly sat down in front of Mu Yunqing, and suddenly sleeping no longer seemed appealing.

Increasing favorability by five points is difficult, but it requires effort.

For the sake of the system, let's go!

"Mu Yunqing, I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I feel that continuing like this isn't a solution, nor is it good for your reputation. Hmm... how about I marry you?" Mu Yan spoke with deep affection, her eyes still carrying a hint of timidity.

It seemed she really wanted to marry him, but he didn't believe it.

She clearly didn't dare to look at him.

She is lying.

Mu Yan noticed that his hand paused, and a hint of panic appeared in his eyes. He almost spilled the tea.

Suddenly his eyes darkened, and when he looked up again, that expression was gone.

"If you truly care about my reputation, why would you mock me like this?" Mu Yunqing said coldly.

Mu Yan stayed in Bengbu for the entire time. Where was the heartbeat, blushing, and shyness she had imagined?

That last sentence probably earned me a negative fifty points in favorability rating.

Mu Yunqing waited for a long time, but Mu Yan did not say anything to explain, so he got up and wanted to leave.

Mu Yan hurriedly stopped him.

Never mind, let's try anything!

"Mu Yunqing, I'm serious. I'm not teasing you. I really can marry you!"

"Trust me! I really...can do it."

After finishing her sentence in one breath, Mu Yan looked up and met Mu Yunqing's light blue eyes.

"It's because they're concerned about my reputation..."

No! It's because of you!

Mu Yunqing stared at Mu Yan for a few seconds, then said calmly, "Marriage is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly. We've only known each other for a few months, how can we talk about romantic feelings?"

Oh right, we've only known each other for a few months.

What good family's son can get married in such a short time?

Mu Yan suddenly realized.

However, if she rushes through the process, Mu Yunqing's impression of her might worsen.

"Mu Yunqing, we can take it slowly."

“No need,” he said. “There’s no need for us to take things slowly.” After saying this, Mu Yunqing lay down on the couch, his back to Mu Yan.

Inside the room, all was silent once more.

[Ding! Congratulations, host! Favorability increased by six points!]

[You will be assigned a system shortly.]

[Beep, System Adin has joined.]

Oh wow, what a pleasant surprise! Mu Yan thought she was doomed.

[Hello, Master, I am Aladdin.]

Mu Yan looked up and saw a small, light blue thing flying in the air.

"Holy crap, they really changed the system."

[Of course, Master, we'll be working together on missions for the next few years. Hope we can cooperate successfully!]

"Happy cooperation!"

[Although it's not appropriate to say this since it's our first meeting, I have to admit, you're the host with the worst data I've ever managed.]

[Master, how did you manage to get all the data to be 0?]

Aladdin said, putting his hand to his forehead, "This is really terrifying."

Oops, I'm in big trouble.

"Hehe, isn't it because of you?" Mu Yan said in a flattering tone.

Stop flattering me and go lie down!

Aladdin waved his hand, signaling Muyan to leave.

Mu Yan was secretly delighted. Ah, finally, she had a system with brains.

Mu Yan approached the bed. Mu Yunqing was already asleep, and he looked quite peaceful.

Sigh, she was exhausted, so she went straight to sleep.

Nightfall

Mu Yunqing went to find Su Qin right on time, and the two of them quickly arrived at the Qingnu Market using their light-footed skills.

It's peak season now, with lanterns and decorations everywhere, and vendors boldly hawking their wares.

The cages, big and small, were all filled with children.

Su Qin clenched her fists, cursing inwardly, "You beast."

“The shops with smoke are where the branding is done; there are a lot of people there,” Mu Yunqing said softly.

"The Empress wants to capture them alive. Be careful when you move out, don't kill them." Mu Yunqing reminded him.

"They all have to live?"

Su Qin was somewhat surprised. They all had to live? Did the Empress intend to kill them all herself?

"Hmm, killing one or two isn't out of the question," Mu Yunqing said, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

“Okay,” Su Qin replied softly.

"Come back as soon as the lights go out, and be quick! Oh, and the ones in red are our people!"

"Okay, got it!"

After the two finished communicating, they immediately split into two groups.

Mu Yunqing walked into a shop, sat down at the table, and tapped the cup three times.

The busy shop assistant immediately called out the shop owner.

I was thinking to myself that I'd met a big client today, who immediately asked for three hundred.

The boss walked up to him with a smile, but before he could speak, Mu Yunqing grabbed him by the throat.

Then a demonic sound rang out. Those who heard it first felt dizzy, then had a splitting headache, and felt as if a thousand arrows were piercing their hearts, driving them mad.

Upon hearing the noise, all the shop assistants collapsed to the ground, struggling on their stomachs.

At this moment, Ling Qi led three women in red into the room, each carrying a bamboo basket filled with medicinal powder.

This drug is colorless and odorless, and takes effect upon contact with air; it is a hallucinogenic drug.

It can induce the illusions that people fear most deep in their hearts, causing them to die of terror.

Of course, taking the antidote will ensure you are safe and sound.

"The big boss has been captured, and the smaller ones... are to be killed!" Ling Qi said coldly.

"Yes!"