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墨書 Inktalez
Xia Muxin sincerely bent down and calmly said, but the mention of "Regent" made Shen Muhan feel weak.
He looked at Xia Muxin with a pitiful gaze, his small eyes resembling those of a wronged woman who had been bullied. However, Xia Muxin completely ignored him, her gaze fixed on the court. Seeing that several Imperial Physicians had not reached a conclusion for a long time, she humbly remarked:
"You are all esteemed Imperial Physicians, undoubtedly the most trusted by the royal family. This prescription from a commoner is merely a trivial skill. I am grateful that you have not allowed me to embarrass myself in this court. I believe the Regent's grandfather would not use such a 'local' prescription from me, so let’s proceed with it."
After speaking, Xia Muxin confidently walked towards the Imperial Physicians. When she reached them, she bent down and extended her arms with her palms facing up. Their respectful demeanor made Shen Muhan's brow twitch.
The faces of the Imperial Physicians turned red with embarrassment as they became flustered. The package indeed had a medicinal fragrance, but they could not discern its ingredients. Now that Xia Muxin had given them an out, they were at a loss for what to do.
"If that is the case, then let it be as she says."
Seeing this, Tian Ming Rui wearily decided to back down and signaled for them to return the items to Xia Muxin.
Xia Muxin took the package of medicinal powder and moved to a corner, keeping her head down and silent, her gaze fixed on her toes.
Meanwhile, Su Rong, who had been called out by Xia Muxin for having foot odor and itchiness, felt his face flush red. His mustache bristled with anger as he gritted his teeth but chose not to retort. This only raised Xia Muxin's suspicions—could it be that she was actually right?
Not mentioning his bad breath was already doing him a favor.
"Having worked together for many years, I did not know that Old Su had such an ailment. I truly feel remorseful," said Liu Guangzhi, the Grand Tutor.
Liu Guangzhi was over ten years younger than Su Rong and had worked alongside him for decades. However, due to issues concerning their descendants, tensions had gradually escalated. Since the day the new emperor ascended the throne and made his appearance in the palace, Shen Su had not seen each other again. Back then, they had blushed when the Retired Emperor praised the Su Family; after all, Liu Guangzhi's sons were rather useless—spending their days drinking and marrying concubines while he handled all serious matters himself. Even Su Xiuning was more capable than them, which was quite embarrassing for him. Today presented an opportunity; how could he not take a jab at him?
"Utter nonsense."
Su Rong glared at Liu Guang, who dared not mention Shen Muhan as a brother. Given that both families had caused a stir in the court today, his laughter was particularly cold.
"It turns out that woman was just talking nonsense. My apologies, my apologies."
With this statement, the blame was shifted onto Xia Muxin. They say trouble comes from the mouth, and at this moment, all the officials were looking at Xia Muxin.
Xia Muxin remained unafraid, observing with calmness. After a moment of silence, she clasped her fists and said, "Your Excellency, I have a remedy for bad breath here; I wonder if it would suit you."
Pfft...
As soon as Xia Muxin finished speaking, Tian Ming Rui burst into laughter, covering his mouth as he shook with mirth for quite some time.
Liu Guang, upon hearing Xia Muxin's words, immediately covered his mouth. When he noticed everyone turning their amused gazes toward him, it took him a moment to realize he had been played. He glared at Xia Muxin with eyes like those of a rat.
Yet Xia Muxin remained composed, as if her words had not come from her at all.
Having already offended one person, she thought it better to offend enough and get everything off her chest. She wasn't afraid of anyone anymore.
At this moment, Shen Muhan found himself in a mix of laughter and tears. With a sigh, he approached Xia Muxin, his star-like black eyes fixed on her.
Xia Muxin shot him a glance and gave him a look that said she wasn't done playing yet. Then she straightened up and turned away from him. Shen Muhan rubbed his nose and quickly lowered his head, quietly standing beside her as her protector. If things went awry, he would handle it...
Seeing Shen Muhan so indulgent and lenient towards Xia Muxin made Su Xiuning's heart ache. Despite her own plight, he remained indifferent and even had the mood to comfort that woman. Suddenly, tears streamed down her face like a flood breaking through a dam, unstoppable.
Su Rong felt a surge of frustration as he tugged at his beard. Having lived for over half a lifetime, this was the first time someone dared to disrespect him so openly in the court. A woman like that must never be allowed to marry Shen Muhan; otherwise, the relationship between their families would be irreparably damaged.
After a pause, he knelt again before Tian Ming Rui.
"Why are you doing this again, Su Qing?" Tian Ming Rui asked, his amusement fading as he noticed Su Rong kneeling once more. His brows furrowed in irritation.
"I implore Your Majesty to grant marriage for Han Er and Xiuxiu."
Marriage...
Tian Ming Rui nearly leaped from his dragon throne, glancing at the icy gaze directed at him. Panic surged within him.
His eyes then fell upon Xia Muxin, who remained silent with her lips tightly pressed together, causing a shiver to run down his spine.
"I do not agree," Old Master Shen interjected, kneeling as well and speaking firmly.
Since the matter of the marriage alliance, Old Master Shen had refrained from involving himself in court affairs. His relationship with Su Rong was complex—both adversarial and friendly—making it difficult for anyone to discern their true stance. They fought daily without any clear victor.
Now, with his voice raised, the entire Golden Throne Hall erupted in commotion.
Most were simply eager to watch the unfolding drama.
The power of the Shen Family was soaring, especially when combined with the Su Family, making them an unmeasurable force. With the two families now embroiled in internal strife, it was only natural for others to reap the benefits, and who wouldn’t welcome that?
“Marriage is a significant matter, and it requires the words of a matchmaker. I advise both of you to return home and discuss it thoroughly before I make a decision. Besides, with such a handsome man and beautiful woman, why rush? It could harm the harmony between you.”
Seeing the two begin to glare at each other, their sleeves raised as if ready to brawl in the court, Tian Ming Rui helplessly pinched his brow. After pondering for a while, he finally spoke up.
“I ask Your Majesty to decide for my daughter.”
Just as the two old fellows had cooled down, Su Xiuning cried out dramatically, fearing chaos would ensue.
“Uh, by the way, how did you fall from the tree? And what were you doing at the Shen Family’s place so late at night, climbing trees?”
If she hadn’t mentioned it, Tian Ming Rui wouldn’t have been so blunt. It was crucial to send these people away before Shen Muhan lost his temper completely; otherwise, he might never see Jiao Jiao again. His expression turned cold as he questioned her.
Su Xiuning hadn’t expected the emperor to speak to her in such a tone. Her face paled instantly, and she shamelessly replied, “I saw Qin Matron fall at Shen Manor and worried she wouldn’t adjust well there. I wanted to keep her company. However, while strolling around the estate, I found a little bird that had fallen from its nest and thought to return it home. That’s why I ended up climbing the tree…”
Upon hearing this, Xia Muxin scoffed; truly, her shamelessness was thicker than tree bark. She realized just how bold Su Xiuning was. At that moment, Shen Muhan held her small hand gently and gave her a calming look, but Xia Muxin ignored him entirely.
Feeling defeated, Shen Muhan lowered his head. Now he understood that the hardest thing in this world was to appease one’s wife.
“And what about your poisoning? Why did you accuse Xia Muxin of being the one who poisoned you?”
Tian Ming Rui had decided to go all out; at this point, he was willing to address any issue that arose. However, with arrows already released, there was no turning back now. He could only hope that Shen Muhan would be satisfied with whatever happened next.
Who allowed him to control his own "happiness"?
Su Xiuning's face turned pale once again. They had grown up together, akin to siblings, and he had always given her face. She never expected him to be so aggressive today. Biting her lip in grievance, she looked at Shen Muhan with tearful eyes. Seeing the depth in his gaze without a hint of remorse, her tears finally fell.
After a long moment, she seemed to muster the courage to speak:
"The entire Shen Manor is filled with acquaintances and relatives of mine. Moreover, the security here is tight; outsiders cannot enter. After I fell, I lost consciousness and woke up only to be told that I had been poisoned... Wuwu... That person has such a cruel heart. Since they have given me such a despicable poison, how can I live with any dignity in this world? Since the Emperor is unwilling to take responsibility for me, then let me die."
Su Xiuning hesitated to reveal what kind of poison it was, leaving everyone curious. By the end of her speech, she was sobbing uncontrollably and even attempted to crash into a nearby dragon pillar. Fortunately, Suo Ao acted quickly; otherwise, she would have truly collided.
"Minister Shen, what kind of poison has Su Xiuning been afflicted with that she would rather give up her life?"
Tian Ming Rui watched Su Xiuning's earnestness and couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat for Xia Muxin. He wondered if it was something like Foolish Spring or some drug that Shen Muhan had given her. Otherwise, why would the old master of the Su Family request such a thing? If that were the case, it wouldn't be classified as a deadly poison.
Upon hearing this, Suo Ao sighed deeply but remained silent, which left everyone anxious.
Xia Muxin looked at the heartbroken girl crying and felt nauseous. She truly didn't understand how Suo Ao had managed to maintain his position in the court for so many years; she couldn't fathom how he had survived this long. Seeing that no one else dared to speak up, she took it upon herself:
"Your Majesty, she has been poisoned with Severing Child Scatter."
- End of Chapter -
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