Chapter 173: Caiyue Pavilion’s Illustrious Merit
Yue Wang’s expression seemed momentarily dazed. Only when the bowl and chopsticks were set before him did he come back to himself. The bowl was large; the noodle broth was clear and bright, the strands of white noodles pale as snow, fragrant and elegant. In the center lay scalded emerald-green vegetable leaves. It was simple and plain, yet the aroma rose invitingly.
Yue Wang took a bite. His eyes brightened faintly. Without a word, he quickly finished the entire bowl of noodles, leaving not even the broth behind.
Mu Yunyao watched him the whole time. His expression remained cool and detached; even while eating the most ordinary bowl of noodles, every movement carried an elegant nobility, as though what he held were some rare delicacy. Yet his eyes were especially pleasing to look at. Beneath the candlelight, they seemed like a night sky hiding thousands upon thousands of stars, drawing one to sink into them and seek what lay within.
Yue Wang hesitated for a moment and was just about to speak when several birdcalls suddenly came from outside the window. It was Yu Heng passing him a message, proof that Cao Yunnian, Eunuch Li, and the others had already left.
Mu Yunyao smiled. “Those birdcalls are quite realistic. Only, in this season, there absolutely should not be birdsong.”
“It is Yu Heng.”
“Then I will not keep Fourth Master any longer.” Mu Yunyao rose and saluted, the meaning of sending off a guest especially clear.
Yue Wang stood. He glanced at the empty bowl and said, “Thank you.”
“Fourth Master is too courteous. It was only a bowl of noodles, hardly worth mentioning.”
Yue Wang shook his head, but said nothing more. He opened the door and left.
At the side gate, Steward Qin was already waiting with a lantern. By now, Jinxiu Garden had also closed. The earlier crowds had gone, leaving only lanterns throughout the garden. Though they were still exceptionally beautiful, they carried an added trace of loneliness.
“I did not expect there would be so many people. Once things became busy, I actually forgot to send food to His Highness. You must be starving now. Food has already been prepared; His Highness may eat as soon as you return.”
“No need. I have already eaten.”
Steward Qin understood at once. “Miss Mu is still the thoughtful one. But it is fine if His Highness eats nothing else—only, this old servant personally made a bowl of longevity noodles. You should at least taste a mouthful. After all, today is your birthday.”
Yue Wang lifted the corner of his lips slightly, yet the smile carried an indescribable chill. “I fear only you and Uncle Cheng still remember my birthday.” His imperial father had long since forgotten him as a person, let alone his birthday.
Looking at him, Steward Qin’s heart tightened as well. His Highness had truly suffered too bitterly. If it had been an ordinary person, his spirit would likely have shattered long ago, and he would never have risen again. He only wondered when Miss Mu would come to share His Highness’s heart. Perhaps then she could help shoulder a little of the bitterness he carried.
“His Highness should return. The noodles will not taste good once they grow cold.”
After returning to the room, Steward Qin quickly brought the noodles over. Yue Wang ate a bite, then raised his head and said, “I also ate a bowl of noodles just now. Her skill is better than yours, Uncle Qin.”
Steward Qin froze for a moment before his smile spread. “This old servant’s skill is coarse. Naturally, it cannot compare with Miss Mu’s.”
Yue Wang’s lips lifted again, and this time the smile was much warmer than before. Earlier, when he thanked her, Mu Yunyao had only said it was merely a bowl of noodles and hardly worth anything. Yet she did not know that, to him on this day, that bowl of noodles held extraordinary meaning.
After resting for a night, Mu Yunyao rose the next morning without the slightest discomfort remaining. Early in the morning, she began bustling about, asking Su Qing to choose the dishes so she could have them prepared.
Su Qing was busy counting the items bestowed by the Emperor. Pestered until she had no other choice, she casually named a few dishes. By noon, however, she discovered the table was full. Jin Lan, Jin Qiao, and the others stood nearby with smiles on their faces. From the moment she entered, they served her with particular attentiveness; even after she washed her hands, someone came forward to dry them for her.
Mu Yunyao brought in the final dish. “Mother, I am in a good mood today. I have decided to give Jin Lan and the others an extra month’s wages. Do you think that is good?”
Su Qing understood that she wished to use this method to accumulate blessings for herself and would naturally not refuse. “Good. Whatever you say shall be so.”
Mu Yunyao turned toward Jin Lan and the others. “After receiving your monthly wages, you must put in effort during this next stretch. Niyun Pavilion has rested for so long; it is time for it to reopen. When the time comes, there will be plenty to keep you busy.”
“Yes. Please rest assured, Miss.”
After the lively meal, Mu Yunyao began embroidering the new beauty catalog.
A few days later, news began arriving one after another from Caiyue Pavilion. Tan Lin had already begun teaching embroidery techniques in various places. Once the matter spread, Caiyue Pavilion’s reputation surged so high that no one could rival it.
On this day, Mu Yunyao was chatting with Ding Yuelan and thinking about which patterns to design for the next round of garments when Jin Qiao hurried in. “Miss, Madam Ding, the previously sealed Caiyue Pavilion has reopened. They have even invited many people to come support the occasion.”
Mu Yunyao and Ding Yuelan exchanged a glance, then smiled without concern. “If they wish to open, let them open. It will not affect us.”
“Miss, many commoners are now saying that Caiyue Pavilion’s merit is even greater than Niyun Pavilion’s. They are also saying that before long, His Majesty will surely write a golden-lettered plaque and bestow it upon Caiyue Pavilion.”
“If they can receive His Majesty’s reward, that is their fortune. We cannot control such things. We need only watch quietly as matters unfold.” Mu Yunyao’s emotions still showed no fluctuation.
“Miss, how can you not be anxious? We have old grudges with Caiyue Pavilion. If they rise to great success, will that Tan Bawang not come back and make trouble for us? Caiqing, Nan’er, and the others will surely be punished by him under some excuse.”
Mu Yunyao smiled. “Then for these next few days, pay close attention to news from Caiyue Pavilion. If something truly happens, we can also take precautions in advance.”
Heavy with concern, Jin Qiao nodded. “Very well. If anything happens, I will report it to Miss at once.”
After the New Year passed, the commoners who had relaxed for a few days all threw themselves back into work. Caiyue Pavilion’s reputation for spreading embroidery techniques quickly spread outward, and within only a few days, everyone knew of it.
Jin Lan entered. “Miss, Steward Qin came just now seeking an audience. He said he wished to invite you to Buxian Tower to take a look at newly purchased tea wares.”
Mu Yunyao set down the embroidery needle and nodded faintly. “I understand. I will change clothes and go over.” It seemed Yue Wang had also received the news and likely wished to ask her about this matter.
“Yes.”
After she changed clothes and arrived at Buxian Tower, Steward Qin led her directly to Yue Wang’s study.
With a gentle smile on her face, Mu Yunyao saluted respectfully. “Greetings, Fourth Master.”
“No need for ceremony. Please sit.”
“Has Fourth Master called me here to ask about Caiyue Pavilion?” Since the latter arrangements had already been made, Mu Yunyao chose to speak plainly.
“Caiyue Pavilion? Have you not already begun handling it? There should be no need for my help.” Yue Wang looked at Mu Yunyao, his gaze warm.
Mu Yunyao appeared slightly surprised. “I thought Fourth Master had called me over in such haste because you wished to ask about Caiyue Pavilion. It seems I misunderstood.”
Yue Wang was silent for a moment, then slowly said, “Tomorrow, I must leave. I wanted to go to the Su Residence specifically to take my leave, but felt it would be too abrupt. Therefore, I had Steward Qin invite you here. I wished to bid you farewell.”
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