Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 105

Chapter 105: Let’s Test the Depth and Shallow

When Mu Yunyao returned to Niyun Workshop, Su Qing did not sense anything unusual in her demeanor. She cheerfully listened as she described the scene of receiving the imperial edict.

“Yao’er, the Emperor has rewarded you with so many things. When will they be delivered?” Su Qing asked eagerly.

“It’s too late today, so it’s unlikely they’ll come. They should be delivered first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t worry, Mother, no one will dare take what’s been given.”

“Good, good.” Su Qing paced back and forth in excitement for a while before leading Si Qin and the others to prepare a room for the imperial gifts.

Once Su Qing left, Mu Yunyao’s smile immediately faded.

Jin Lan brought in some tea and snacks, carefully asking, “Miss, I can see you’re not feeling well. Should I call a doctor?”

“I’m fine. You all may leave now.”

Once she was alone in the room, Mu Yunyao stretched out her hand, carefully examining the wound on her palm. The moment she saw Su Qingwu at the Governor’s residence, she had already prepared herself for the worst. She feared that Su Qingwu had come to probe her about the embroidered screen of “Jinxiuchang” and that he might use her embroidery to confirm his suspicions.

So, when she knelt on the ground earlier, she discreetly used the golden needle she always carried to pierce her palm. Fortunately, the reading of the imperial edict took some time, and since everyone was kneeling, she had the opportunity to handle her injury without drawing attention. It didn’t look like a fresh wound.

However, the effect was minimal. Moreover, Mu Yanyao had not fully controlled her emotions earlier, which likely raised suspicion. After all, Su Qingwu was the most beloved grandson of the Su family, and his intelligence was even praised by the Emperor.

Mu Yunyao furrowed her brow. Just earlier, on Jinling Bridge, he had mentioned the “Embroidered Jinxiuchang Screen” in passing. It was clearly a test. Since she had sidestepped it, he would undoubtedly remain suspicious and investigate further. If he discovered her and her mother’s true origins, things would get complicated.

“It’s better to act first than wait…” Mu Yunyao whispered to herself, lightly pressing her forehead as her thoughts raced. After a moment, she lifted the corner of her lips. “Hán jiāng ài bì cǎo, míng fèng qī qīng wú.… Since we’ve encountered each other, we might as well test the depth and shallowness of things. After all, we will eventually clash sooner or later.”

The next morning, Mu Yunyao and Su Qing waited downstairs. Half an hour later, Jin Lan rushed in with a smile.

“Miss, the Emperor’s rewards have arrived!”

Su Qing, unable to contain her excitement, squeezed Mu Yunyao’s hand. “Yao’er…”

Mu Yunyao gently patted her mother’s hand, offering a warm smile. “Mother, don’t be too excited. The rewards will not escape.”

“Miss Mu, the Emperor’s rewards have been delivered.” Su Qingwu, upon seeing the plaque at Niyun Workshop, couldn’t help but marvel. It truly was fine calligraphy.

“Greetings, Lord Su.” Mu Yunyao hadn’t expected Su Qingwu to personally deliver the rewards. Her brow furrowed, and she immediately realized he must still be probing her. Since that was the case, she would respond in kind.

Su Qingwu took note of the plaque, but his eyes kept drifting toward Mu Yunyao. Noticing her expression, his thoughts shifted. Yesterday had indeed not been his imagination—this Miss Mu harbored hostility toward him.

After Mu Yunyao and Su Qing, along with the people from Niyun Workshop, completed their formal thanks for the Emperor’s grace, they moved the rewards into the room.

Su Qingwu, interested, surveyed the Niyun Workshop. His eyes particularly lingered on two potted water lilies in the hall. The lotus leaves were a vibrant green, the flowers pink, and golden-red koi fish swam among them, creating a lively scene.

Having already decided to engage with Su Qingwu, Mu Yunyao no longer tried to hide her intentions. “Lord Su, if you like these two pots of water lilies, I’ll have them sent to you as a gift.”

“Seeing how carefully they’ve been tended, I believe they are your favorite. A gentleman does not take what others cherish, so I’ll decline.”

“I don’t particularly care for them. They’re only here to please the madams who enjoy lotus flowers.”

Su Qingwu was surprised. Water lilies, especially the sleeping variety, were generally admired for their delicate beauty. It was rare for a woman to not like them, and even if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be so blunt about it. “Then, what does the young lady like?”

“I run an embroidery workshop, so naturally, I like money.” Mu Yunyao knew that the gentleman before her had a proud personality. Her straightforward admission of liking money was sure to discomfort him.

As expected, Su Qingwu’s expression didn’t change, but a flicker of displeasure flashed in his eyes. “Miss Mu, your directness is rather rare.” He studied her. The young woman before him had skin as white as snow, lips like flowing vermilion, and eyes sparkling with mischief. There were times when a lively light shone from her, but had he not noticed her slight frown, he might have thought she truly welcomed him.

“If one can’t even speak freely and live a life of pretense, then wouldn’t it be rather stifling? Besides, who doesn’t like money?” Mu Yunyao’s words carried an undertone of sarcasm, yet her smile remained innocent and untainted. “What does Lord Su think?”

Su Qingwu’s gaze swept over her face. He was certain that she held hostility toward him, but why? Where had it come from?

“I’ve only just arrived in Jingling City, and I’d like to visit around, but I’m unfamiliar with the roads. I wonder if Miss Mu could guide me?” Su Qingwu asked, his tone still calm.

“Lord Su, that’s difficult for me. Although I am a commoner, my mother has always been strict in my upbringing. If I were to accompany you, my reputation would be tarnished,” Mu Yunyao replied.

Su Qingwu paused, an amused glint crossing his face. “I’ve been inconsiderate, it seems. But Miss, you’re still unmarried, and I have my servants with me. It shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”

Mu Yunyao knew full well it wouldn’t be an issue, but she deliberately made it seem so, wanting to irritate him. After all, years later, Su Qingwu would be praised by the Emperor and become the model of etiquette for the entire capital. If rumors started spreading about him hastily inviting women, she wondered what kind of expressions he would wear.

“It seems I’ve worried too much. In that case, I’ll inform my mother and accompany Lord Su on your tour,” Mu Yunyao said.

Su Qingwu nodded and watched as she went upstairs. His smile slowly faded, replaced by an expression that carried a hint of coldness.

Mu Yunyao informed Su Qing, took her time changing clothes, and finally descended with Jin Lan and Jin Qiao.

Su Qingwu was seated at the table, his gaze following the people passing by the door, a faint smile lingering at the corner of his lips.

“Lord Su, I apologize for the delay. I forgot to have the maid serve you tea earlier…” Mu Yunyao said.

“It’s no trouble.” Su Qingwu had been displeased, but his demeanor didn’t show it. When he saw Mu Yunyao descend, her new outfit catching his attention, his expression faltered for a moment. The anger within him dissipated as he stared, captivated. She wore an ancient-style green robe embroidered with misty patterns, paired with a flowing skirt. Her hair was pinned up with a pearl hairpin, and her smile, radiant like a blooming flower, made her look younger than her years. If this was her appearance now, what would she be like when she reached maturity?

“Thank you, Lord Su, for your understanding. Now, let’s go. It’s a perfect time for a walk,” Mu Yunyao said, her voice as sweet as ever.

Su Qingwu suppressed the strange emotions flaring in his chest and rose to follow her.

As they walked, many women greeted Mu Yunyao warmly, their demeanor affectionate. After all, they had all learned embroidery from her. While they had no formal teacher-student relationship, gratitude and respect remained.

Mu Yunyao responded to each one, occasionally stopping to admire the embroidered goods on display, her expression relaxed and content.

Su Qingwu followed her, unhurried, as though he were the one accompanying her.

After a long while, Mu Yunyao suddenly seemed to remember Su Qingwu’s presence. She picked up a piece of embroidery and asked, “Lord Su, what do you think of this handkerchief? It’s embroidered with orchids, quite lifelike, don’t you think?”

“After seeing Miss Mu’s embroidery skills, I find this piece rather ordinary,” Su Qingwu replied.

Edited by Little Kitty on 07/06/20

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