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墨書 Inktalez
"Your Majesty, please save Jiao Jiao, Jiao Jiao doesn't want to die..."
Xia Muxin's desperate call made Tian Ming Rui immediately lift the curtain of the carriage. Without caring about the auspicious timing, he jumped down and rushed over.
Indeed, Ming Peng was right; nothing seemed to pique the Emperor's interest unless it involved those two words: Jiao Jiao.
Since ancient times, heroes have struggled against the charms of beautiful women. It seemed this Emperor was no exception. However, that impulsive action had already diminished his appeal in her heart.
As the Emperor ran toward her, others followed closely behind, calling out in concern.
At that moment, Xia Muxin was distracted and was suddenly struck in the arm by a long spear. A sharp pain shot through her, and she rolled her eyes back, muttering lightly, "Damn it, it's poisoned." Then she fainted completely.
As she lost consciousness, a series of explosive sounds reached her ears. Xia Muxin's lips moved slightly, and she could vaguely form the word: "Grandfather."
Tears streamed down the corners of her eyes.
*
"Damn it, that damned Zhao Weiran! If I survive this, I will definitely skin you alive, whip your corpse, let insects gnaw at you, tear you apart, and turn you into minced meat..."
In her dreams, Xia Muxin furrowed her brows, gritting her teeth and flailing her arms and legs as she cursed indignantly.
"Is... is this really your woman?"
Tian Ming Rui paced back and forth. He saw Shen Muhan gently wiping the sweat from the woman's forehead and couldn't believe his eyes. The Emperor's imposing demeanor faltered as he spoke in disbelief.
"What are you still doing here? Get out! Don't disturb Muxin's rest."
Shen Muhan glanced at Tian Ming Rui, who looked aggrieved for not having saved her sooner. He immediately issued an order for him to leave.
Tian Ming Rui's eyebrows twitched, and he slumped his shoulders in utter grievance, throwing a bit of a tantrum as he said, "Just tell me where Jiao Jiao is, and I'll go out."
He had no interest in watching their affectionate exchanges; he feared his eyes might pop out. If word got out now, Shen Muhan would be ruined—completely ruined...
"Ming Yi, Ming Qi, throw him out."
Shen Muhan was also growing impatient. With a call, two figures shot forward, glaring menacingly at Shen Ming Rui.
"You, you, you! Am I still the emperor? Am I still the emperor?"
Tian Ming Rui clutched the edge of the table, his entire body leaning over it as he helplessly protested.
"You really don't deserve to be emperor."
At that moment, a clear and pleasant female voice rang out. Xia Muxin had been awake for some time but was uncertain about her current situation. She had kept her eyes closed to rest until Shen Muhan spoke; then she exhaled and bravely added her thoughts.
"Uh..."
"Muxin, you're awake! Does anything still hurt? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Tian Ming Rui felt humiliated being looked down upon by a country girl while being a dignified emperor. His handsome face flushed red, and he was at a loss for words. The main issue was that she was Shen Muhan's beloved; he couldn't hit her, scold her, or offend her—he could only glare in frustration.
Shen Muhan gently helped Xia Muxin lie back down, showering her with tender care and concern, which made Tian Ming Rui's heart ache.
"It's fine, Uncle. What about those villagers?"
Xia Muxin was worried about the nine villagers. She knew that Uncle had sacrificed himself to blow up the Zhao Family's dungeon. A wave of sadness washed over her heart at the thought.
"They're all alive and taken care of. Don't worry," Shen Muhan reassured her, knowing well what was on her mind as he patted her shoulder comfortingly.
"Well... I'll step out for a moment. You all chat, and when you're done, come talk to me."
Tian Ming Rui couldn't bear to watch any longer. This display of romance was bound to end badly; didn't they know that?
Wasn't Shen Muhan saying the same thing about himself? It seemed to be coming true.
"Is this really your emperor?"
As soon as Tian Ming Rui left, Xia Muxin asked in confusion.
This was too pathetic, too lacking in presence. Was this person even normal?
"Don't be deceived by his demeanor. Even if he has strategies, he is just a heartless shell, or perhaps a madman trapped by his emotions."
"Is it because of that Delicate Young Lady?"
"Yes."
"......"
"Uncle, what do you and Zhao Weiran plan to do?"
"The decision is in your hands."
"I want to arrest the bullies and landlords from each village and uncover their true identities. If any death row inmates were secretly released, I hope we can investigate thoroughly and act according to the law. The common people are suffering too much. I used to think my family had it the worst, but that's not true at all. Losing loved ones, having your family destroyed, with nowhere to go—that's the real suffering. Even if they are alive, their lives are worse than death, just like that old man..."
Remembering the old man with only his upper body, tears streamed down Xia Muxin's face, but who could she blame?
Shen Muhan gently pulled her into his embrace, patting her back and softly comforting her:
"Muxin, there are many injustices in this world. What we encounter is just a fraction of them. The help we can provide is merely the tip of the iceberg. The main issue lies within the political system. Tian Ming Rui could be a good emperor; he just hasn't found the right moment yet. Some ministers should have stepped down long ago, and he is merely waiting for the right opportunity."
This was all due to the previous emperor's indulgence in cruelty. Even the Retired Emperor couldn't change this situation because those law-breaking officials were veterans who had contributed to the Li Kingdom. If he were to remove them all at once, it would likely lead to chaos; thus, it had to be done gradually. Hadn't the Retired Emperor removed four or five of them back then?
Moreover, in "The Emperor Is Far Away," these "Old Thieves" have become quite adept at avoiding direct involvement. Instead, they let distant relatives form factions to participate. Even if the matter is exposed, the scapegoat has already committed suicide out of fear of punishment before they can even speak.
Once this memorial is submitted, how many will go back to investigate thoroughly?
“Uncle, does this count as a great achievement for me?”
Shen Muhan's statement held some truth. After all, how much could one person really help? On the streets, innocent people could be wrongfully sentenced to death. So, were there any of those who went to the capital to complain still alive?
Xia Muxin's sudden question caught Shen Muhan off guard. After thinking for a moment, he replied:
“I suppose so.”
“Will the emperor reward me?”
“If he dares to say no, I’ll shave his head and send him to a monastery.”
After lying down for a day, Xia Muxin's poison was cured. She took a comfortable bath and had a hearty meal before going to bed early.
The next day, however, she woke up very early.
Shen Muhan took her directly into the palace for an audience.
In the vast Golden Throne Hall, all the civil and military officials stood in an orderly manner. Tian Ming Rui sat on the dragon throne with an imposing presence, looking entirely different from the previous day.
Xia Muxin and Shen Muhan were among the last to arrive.
Their entrance inadvertently drew the attention of all the officials.
Shen Muhan boldly led Xia Muxin to sit at Tian Ming Rui's lower seat. Seeing this action, Tian Ming Rui frowned. Brother, at this moment you’re not giving him face; it truly makes him feel powerless as an emperor.
“Your Majesty, this Regent is too audacious; he clearly disregards Royal Dignity by bringing a woman to court. Don’t you think this is an insult to us?”
The crowd below had already begun to murmur among themselves, with civil and military officials whispering and pointing fingers in disapproval.
It was Lord of the Prefecture Liu Guang who spoke up.
"I have brought my woman here to identify the murderer. Does Lord of the Prefecture have any objections? Should I command someone to bring your useless nephew here for a proper chat?"
The Liu Guang family had served in the court for three generations, establishing their own influence and looking down on ordinary officials. The only exception was the Shen Family. The Shen Family had formed a marriage alliance with the Su Family, and Lord Shen was a devoted husband. If Su Tian shed a few tears, he would turn the world upside down to please her. The Su Family held significant power; although not as strong as the Shen Family, their influence in the court was considerable. The two Old Immortal families fought fiercely against each other daily, yet they were secretly bound by a deep friendship.
However, both the Su and Shen Families valued filial piety above all else. If these two families united, not only would he, as a mere prefect, be powerless, but even the combined forces of the Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of History, and Ministry of Revenue would be no match for them. When Shen Muhan rebuffed him without any regard, Liu Guang's face turned red, and he retreated quietly.
"Your Majesty, may I speak?"
At this moment, seeing how formidable Shen Muhan was, Xia Muxin raised her tail proudly and glanced at the silent Zhao Weiran, then addressed Tian Ming Rui.
With your man in such a state, how could you remain silent?
If you don't speak, how can I save face?
Tian Ming Rui rolled his eyes and awkwardly cleared his throat twice. In the past, no matter how arrogant these Old Thief officials were, they never saw Shen Muhan come out to say a word or two. But now that he had a wife, things were different; this show of authority was quite effective, even catching him in its web.
After pausing to steady his fragile heart, he wearily waved his hand to signal Xia Muxin to speak.
- End of Chapter -
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