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Taking a moment to steady her fragile heart, she wearily waved her hand, signaling Xia Muxin to speak.
Xia Muxin bowed respectfully before looking at Shen Muhan, who returned her gaze with an expression that seemed to say, "I will support you no matter what," before casually sipping his tea.
A smile crept onto Xia Muxin's lips. Having someone backing her was certainly advantageous, especially since this person seemed to command even the emperor's respect. How could she not enjoy herself this time?
She then glanced at the civil and military officials below, noticing Zhao Weiran's calm demeanor, completely devoid of tension or shame. She knew that this old fox must have already paved a way out for himself, so instead of being direct, she smiled innocently and said, "I heard that Lord Zhao's daughter has gone missing!"
Zhao Qiushui was the daughter of the Deputy Minister of Revenue, and such news would definitely not be made public. As soon as Xia Muxin spoke, the court erupted in murmurs. After all, the emperor had previously intended to grant Zhao Qiushui the title of princess and arrange a marriage for her, which Zhao Weiran had not refused but rather expressed gratitude for. Wasn't this tantamount to deceiving the emperor?
Zhao Weiran had not anticipated that Xia Muxin would pose such a question right off the bat. He thought she was just a country girl who knew nothing of political maneuvering; if anything, she would be direct and reckless, providing ample entertainment for others. But unexpectedly...
He paused for a moment, his face flushing with anger as he cast a pitiful glance at Tian Ming Rui and Shen Muhan. Leaning forward in agitation, he exclaimed, "Miss Xia, how can you say such things? My little girl is a refined young lady who excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She hardly leaves the house and is currently at home learning proper etiquette from her nanny. How could you tarnish her reputation like this? What will become of her marriage prospects as an unmarried young lady?"
Xia Muxin was taken aback by his performance; it was so dramatic that she felt he deserved an Oscar for it.
It seemed that in his eyes, Zhao Qiushui was nothing special—or perhaps there was more than one Zhao Qiushui in this world.
Xia Muxin furrowed her brows in contemplation for a moment before suddenly shaking her sleeve in frustration and saying, "People these days are too arrogant! Just a few days ago, I went to Town to sell my homemade wine-pickled fish. A beautiful girl in her teens got into an argument with someone while waiting in line, and they ended up fighting. That girl even pointed at her opponent and declared that she was Zhao Qiushui, the beloved daughter of the Deputy Minister of Revenue! She threatened to have her father seek justice for her. I should have slapped her across the face right then! Since she’s using Lord Zhao’s name to bully others, if I encounter her again, I’ll make sure to teach her a lesson—she must be someone who hasn’t been properly raised! Don’t you agree, Lord Zhao?"
As Xia Muxin spoke passionately, gesturing animatedly with her hands, it was clear she was letting off steam.
Her words made Tian Ming Rui chuckle; historically, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue had always been in cahoots with each other. The strongest reactions when he ascended had come from them. Today, it was amusing to see a country girl fluster him so much that his face turned red. He struggled to suppress his laughter as his shoulders shook with mirth while Shen Muhan looked on with sparkling eyes. Tian Ming Rui covered his trembling chest with one hand while giving him a thumbs-up with the other.
After a long while, Zhao Weiran forced a smile and said, "What the young lady says is quite right."
Upon hearing this, Xia Muxin became displeased and retorted, "Lord Zhao, your position must be quite high, right?"
Zhao Weiran paused at her words, glancing at Liu Guang and the others with a look of confusion in his eyes. He then replied with humility, "Miss Xia is overpraising me. Compared to the Regent, I am but a small figure."
Was he trying to curry favor? However, Xia Muxin nodded in agreement and threw a flirtatious glance at Shen Muhan. What she wanted was to create a diversion and stir up trouble.
"Then the person in the dungeon who shamelessly claimed that I would die without a burial place isn't Lord Zhao, is it?"
At this, Zhao Weiran felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest but still managed to nod calmly.
"How did you offend so many people? Women want to call you 'father' and use your name to swindle others, while men claim you as their brother and also misuse your name to kill innocents and harm common folk. I say, Lord Zhao, we in the countryside believe strongly in ghosts and spirits. Why not invite a priest back to exorcise some evil? Or perhaps it's been too long since you've burned paper money for your ancestors; maybe they no longer bless you."
Zhao Weiran's face turned a deep shade of purple with rage, his body trembling as he glared fiercely at Xia Muxin.
"Miss Xia, I know you've suffered injustice this time and that you are important to the Regent. However, I've lived most of my life; how can I maintain my authority over those beneath me when you, a mere junior, slander me like this?"
Seeing his reaction, Xia Muxin quickly waved her hands in surrender. "Oh, Lord Zhao, please don't get worked up! It's just that I'm inexperienced due to my sheltered upbringing! Besides, my family has always said that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I haven't fully adapted yet! These are just customs from my hometown. If a family is poor and cannot prosper, they burn paper money for their ancestors to ensure safety at home. But you see, that person impersonating you is one thing; he even found someone who looks exactly like you! Could it be that there are truly extraordinary people in this world? Or do you have a long-lost brother or perhaps even a twin?"
Zhao Weiran clutched his chest in pain, breathing heavily as his complexion drained of color. His tall frame swayed unsteadily; after so many years in office, it was the first time he had faced such humiliation. Even the Retired Emperor had never treated him this way—yet this was just a wild girl from the countryside...
Seeing this, Xia Muxin panicked. Afraid that the crowd would not believe her, she quickly clarified, "I truly did not lie or fabricate a story. The nine villagers are still waiting outside the palace. Although we country folks may lack education, we never speak nonsense. If you don't believe me, please have the Emperor summon them to see for yourselves whether I have lied."
As soon as she finished speaking, the officials in the court exchanged glances, each holding their own opinions. After all, being officials of the same dynasty, there were bound to be disagreements. A few military generals immediately stepped forward to request the Emperor to summon the nine villagers from outside the palace.
"Your Majesty, Lord Zhao is likely unwell today. If not, it would be better to postpone this matter for another day. We ask for Your Majesty's permission to allow Lord Zhao to retire and rest," Minister of Personnel Shang Qiang said as he bowed.
Tian Ming Rui understood that uprooting this group of Old Thieves would not be an easy task and that some favors needed to be preserved. He cleared his throat and waved his hand, saying, "Very well, we will follow Minister Shang's suggestion. This matter will be discussed another day. Court dismissed."
"Wait, Your Majesty! I have an uninvited request. These villagers have been away from home for a long time; there may have been changes in their families. I would like to ask Your Majesty to issue an order for guards to escort them back home to reunite with their families," Xia Muxin said as she suddenly knelt down and bowed her head in request.
Upon hearing this, Tian Ming Rui felt that her reasoning was sound and raised his hand, saying, "Granted."
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."
*
"Hahaha! Oh, Xia Muxin, you are truly amazing! I admire you greatly! The faces of those Old Immortals just now were so pale; it was hilarious! You made me laugh so hard!"
In a private room on the second floor of Mingxiang Tower sat Shen Muhan, Xia Muxin, and Tian Ming Rui, each in their respective places.
At this moment, Tian Ming Rui lounged back with his legs crossed in a relaxed manner, sipping tea while laughing heartily and continuously praising Xia Muxin.
This was the first time he felt such exhilaration in court; it was a refreshing release of pent-up frustration and a chance to reclaim his dignity.
"Uncle, whose name is on this Mingxiang Tower? And why do you have Wine-Pickled Fish and Moldy Tofu here?"
Xia Muxin completely ignored the childish emperor, took a few bites of the flavorful dishes, and then turned to Shen Muhan with a question.
She had already seen that item at the front desk when she entered, advertised prominently. She couldn't believe that in such a short time, Moldy Tofu had become popular even in the capital; Wine-Pickled Fish might still be possible.
Shen Muhan was also savoring his tea. Upon hearing Xia Muxin's words, he set down his teacup, looked at her with his starry eyes, and slowly said, "It's under your name."
"Ugh... cough cough cough..."
As soon as Xia Muxin heard this, she choked on her food. Seeing this, Shen Muhan gently patted her back and said helplessly, "Can't you keep your composure?"
Xia Muxin's cheeks turned red from coughing. She lifted her head from the bowl and glared at him with wide eyes. When she saw Shen Muhan looking at her with amusement, she hesitantly asked, "Is it really mine?"
Shen Muhan nodded firmly. Xia Muxin then smiled slyly. Tian Ming Rui, unable to hold back any longer, interjected, "Hey, are you really planning to send those villagers back home?"
He had felt something was off when Xia Muxin first made that request. Zhao Weiran would definitely send people to hunt them down and wouldn't stop until they were dead; it would be no different from having their heads chopped off.
"Then why didn't you think it was inappropriate at that time and stop it?" Shen Muhan countered.
Xia Muxin rested her chin on her hand, watching the two speak with a smile in her eyes. She thought it was strange how they seemed less like subjects and more like brothers who shared a deep bond.
"I was just wondering what good plans you all have."
Tian Ming Rui's eyes flickered as he muttered weakly.
"Hehe, isn't it true that a few officials' family members are being exiled for breaking the law? Isn't the Ministry of Personnel in charge of this custody work? Since that's the case, why not leave it to them? But..."
Xia Muxin smiled slyly, then leaned closer to the two and whispered. Upon hearing her words, Tian Ming Rui looked at Xia Muxin with sheer admiration.
He never expected she could come up with such an idea.
He was utterly impressed.
"Miss Muxin, today this young master has gained new insights and humbly bows to your wisdom. I wonder if you would be interested in securing an official position?"
As long as he could keep Xia Muxin occupied, he believed Shen Muhan would no longer leave. After all, facing that group of Old Immortals alone every day would surely shorten his lifespan.
"The nation is yours; what does it have to do with me, Muxin?"
Shen Muhan coldly shattered his beautiful fantasy. He knew that both Xia Muxin and Shen Muhan were aware of his ulterior motives. However, Xia Muxin had always been indifferent to fame and fortune; what she cherished were the beautiful landscapes of the fields and the clear fragrance of the soil.
As for Shen Muhan, it was even more unnecessary to mention. The title above his head was something they had forced upon him. Whenever there was a chance to avoid it, he would take it. Moreover, as long as there were no issues at the borders, he preferred not to enter the court. After all, there were still two old Old Immortals at home.
Uh, speaking of which, he had forgotten why Shen Su and the others hadn’t come to court today.
Thinking about this, he glanced at Tian Ming Rui, who was trying a piece of wine-pickled fish that had just been served. Before he could even taste it, he felt a cold glare directed at him. He paused and helplessly said:
"The two old gentlemen got into a fight over chess the day before yesterday and ended up injuring each other. Now they are lying at home nursing their wounds. Naturally, as dutiful sons, Prime Minister Su and Lord Shen didn’t come to court either."
He had known Shen Muhan would ask this question; holding it in for so long had been quite difficult for him. After thinking for a moment, he felt something was off and pointed out:
"Hey, you're back! Didn't you even take a glance? That... um... that... it's just heartbreaking..."
Tian Ming Rui glanced at Xia Muxin with some concern, then hesitated as he spoke.
He wanted to get involved in the matters between the two families, but it was impossible. Besides, the tempers of those two old men were fiercer than bulls; who could tame them? He would gladly kneel and knock his head three times for anyone who could.
However, Xia Muxin was exceptionally clever. Even if you only said a word or two, she could piece it together. Moreover, Tian Ming Rui had made himself quite clear. She immediately leaned closer to Shen Muhan, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Uncle, are you hiding something in Kyoto?"
Shen Muhan's brow twitched, and he redirected the conversation.
"What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Xia Muxin scrutinized him for a moment before concluding,
"Well, you have neither the heart nor the guts for anything sneaky."
At her words, Shen Muhan smiled while Tian Ming Rui felt like he was about to spit blood in frustration.
"Hey, hey, hey... everyone, this private room is already occupied. You can't just barge in like this..."
- End of Chapter -
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