Chapter 205 Meeting Enemies After Returning in Victory

Some time ago, Taizi had wanted to bribe Ke Yuners grandfather. He had ordered several officials to petition the Emperor that Mu armys successful counterinsurgency efforts were due to the efforts of the Minister of War and the Minister of Revenue. They had prepared sufficient army provisions for the army. Thus, they should be conferred a title.

At that time, Ke Yuner hadnt dared to say anything, but she had sneered. She knew that the Emperor was suspicious and liked listening to the truth. The reason that he doted on her was because she was nave and spoke what she thought without hiding anything. So, the Emperor had asked her why she had sneered. She had replied, Emperor, Nubi doesnt dare to discuss politics.

The Emperor had replied, Zhen will pardon you.

She had immediately replied, Emperor, if the soldiers pacifying the rebellion heard about these memorials, wouldnt their hearts turn cold? According to what Nubi heard, the soldiers ate whatever they could catch in the swamps. They even had to eat grass and tree roots. If Emperor confers a title to Minister of War and Minister of Revenue, then how will you reward the soldiers who suffered and worked hard to counter Nanjiangs rebellion? Isnt this posing a difficult problem for you, Emperor?

The Emperor didnt blame her and had asked her instead, But the Minister of War is your grandfather. Dont you want him to have a title?

Yes. She had pretended to righteously reply, Who doesnt want their relatives to enjoy Emperors grace and obtain a title? But that has to be because of real effort. He cant be scolded as not living up to his achievements, right?

When she had finished speaking, her old grandfathers Marquis title was immediately lost. You want to look down on my father and be partial towards my step-grandmothers children? Ill play with you to death!

Moreover, she had soon taken a leave of absence. She had returned back to Minister of Wars fu and said to her step-grandmother, Do you know what the Emperor said to me today? He wanted to confer gradndfather as Marquis Yongle. Do you know what I said? I told the Emperor that he isnt worthy, so the Emperor didnt issue a decree. So, with me here, dont ever think that you will be Marquis furen.

At that time, the vicious woman had spat out blood. Because she had kicked all the servants out, the old woman didnt have anything that she could use against her. If Ke Yuner refused to admit it, what could the darned old woman do to her?

Huh! So what if you married your daughter to Taizi? I can still steal Taizi away and tell him not to sleep with her!

On the other end, Zi You and the others finally arrived in the capital in autumn.

Mu YingYi noticed that this was the same time as when they had left the capital, whether it was going into the mountains for military triaing or the going to the battlefield. The Emperor had either personally led hundreds of officials to send them off or Taizi had led hundreds of officials to send them off. It was only last time when they were leaving to pacify the rebellion in Nanjiang that the Emperor and Taizi had made excuses that they were feeling unwell to not send them off. Second Wangzi had led hundreds of officials to send them to the gate instead.

They had obviously been treated so coldly. It was a pity that he and his father couldnt see the Emperor and Taizis sinister thoughts. They knew that he and his father would never come back, so they didnt even bother doing the superficial pleasantries.

Mu YingYi looked at the fake smile on Taizis face. He was so angry that his face turned wooden. No matter what Taizi asked, he replied very coldly and never smiled.

Taizi felt extremely awkward until Zi You pushed out Shangguan LingRan, who was disguised as Old General Mu, in a wheelchair.

Taizi quickly went over and pretended to humbly say, Old General Mu is feeling unwell. You didnt have to come out.

Etiquette should not be disregarded. Shangguan LingRan imitated Old General Mus voice perfectly. Please forgive Chen for not being able to salute you out of this wheelchair, Taizi. Chens legs were bitten by poisonous creatures in the swamp for too long. Theyre probably wasted. Chen can probably never stand up and walk again.

Youer cant treat it? Taizi pretended to look sadly at Zi You.

Sure enough, she was more beautiful now. Even if Change descended from the Moon Palace, she wouldnt be as beautiful and elegant as Zi You.

She was wearing a light blue upper garment. Her neckline and sleeves were edged with ice blue silver thread. She was wearing a light blue ombre dress embroidered with silver flowers. The light blue made her seem amiable. The ice blue was dazzling. The silver thread flashed. Plus, crystals were sewn between the flower petals. They shone in the sun and blinded peoples eyes.

Zi You didnt wear any gold or red jewelry. Instead, she had on jade-blue and emerald-green feathers that flashed a deep light. The blue clothing matched them seamlessly. She seemed elegant and leisure, but she still had a low-key refiniement and brilliance. In autumn, the world was a golden color. Her blue outfit contrasting against the gold made her even more eye-catching.

Her appearance and posture were vivid unlike the juvenile air from two years ago. Her whole body was filled with bright and dazzling brilliance. Against the bright background, her skin seemed even more like snow. Her eyes were like autumn water. Her faint smile made her eyes and teeth seem brighter.

She wasnt as cold and aloof as she was to him two years ago. Instead, she smiled more flirtatiously. Even when she bowed to him, Taizi felt that Zi You deliberately moved elegantly and beautifully, like a dance and like floating clouds.

Her voice was like a warbler and sweeter than it was two years ago. It was as clear and moving as spring water in the mountains. Chennu pays respects to Taizi. Wishing Taizi good fortune!

Please rise, Youer. Taizi smiled gently and kindly as usual. Its been really hard on you! Youve made great achievements this time. This Taizi will ask Fuwang to reward you greatly.

Thank you, Taizi! Zi You slightly bowed again. Chennu doesnt dare to ask for a reward. Chennu is also part of Great Yan. It is Chennus duty to contribute to the country and the government and share the Emperors worries. Chennu doesnt dare to claim any credit.

Zi You smiled at Taizi as she spoke. Her beautiful eyes shimmered, as if they chould hook out his soul.

Taizis heart rate increased. He asked somewhat unfomrotably, Youer Youer, why are you looking at me like that?

Like that? Zi You deliberately tilted her head mischievously. She smiled vividly and cutely. Thats because brother-in-law is looking at me. Otherwise, how can you know that Im looking at you, brother-in-law?

Taizi was overjoyed! He had never given up on Zi You. Now, he saw that she was more beautiful than two years ago and her personality was livelier and more open.

Two years ago, he had thought that she was indeed very beautiful, but she had lack some vividness, like an unattainable fairy. Now, this fairy had fallen into the mortal world and was within his reach. So, how could he not be excited?

He thought: If you were so easy to get close to now and not kept people a thousand miles away, would I need to expend so much thought and effort to coax Liu Ruixue to invite you to the fu? I would have just done it myself.

Taizi immediately pretended to smile warmly. Oh, right. Your Xue jiejie was thinking about you this morning. She said that she really misses you and wants to invite you over. Do you have any time?

I also miss Xue jiejie. Zi You replied very straightforwardly. Please tell jiejie that I dont have time right now, brother-in-law. Ill go visit her when I get everything settled. Besides, I have to prepare a decent gift for my little nephew before I can visit her. Im a little aunt at the very least.

Taizi didnt expect that Zi You would get close to him. He became more and more happy. He was originally worried that Darong Ka had given him up. Now, this concern completely dissipated.

It seemed that what they wrote in their letters were true. When they found Darong Ka, Darong Ka was already dead. Otherwise, Mu Junyuan was so ill that they could have found a reason to prevaricate and stay in Nanjiang.

As if to confirm his guess, Zi You said, Chennu thank you for your kind regards to Xue jiejie, Taizi.

Then she playfully shook her head and mumbled to herself, Eh, look at me. Why am I thanking you? You are Xue jiejies husband, so you should treat her well. Ive said the wrong thing, brother-in-law. Dont take offense.

Taizi had originally wanted to ask after Old General Mus condition. He had even arranged for some imperial doctors. But Zi You repeatedly joking made him forget about everything else.

Zi You had been joking only with Taizi. Second Wangzi and Third Wangzi were extremely jealous.

Third Wangzi was originally angry that Taizis limelight had been suppressing him. Now, he saw Zi You smiling brilliantly at him, unlike when she was closer to him two years ago.

So, he instantly walked over and said tartly, It seems that Taizi gege is too dazzling and blinded Mu Xiaojies eyes. Second brother and I are here, but Mu Xiaojie didnt even see us.

Zi You didnt get angry and went over to bow to Second Wangzi and Third Wangzi. She still had a leisure smile on her face. Chennu pays respects to Second Wangzi and Third Wangzi! Wishing Second Wangzi and Third Wangzi good fortune!

Please quickly get up, Mu Xiaojie. Compared to Third Wangzis publicly expressed dissatisfaction, Second Wangzi didnt make things difficult for Zi You. His eyes burned as they looked at her with a deep yearning.

Zi You slightly smiled at him. She then looked at Third Wangzi and said, Third Wangzi, you cant blame Chennu or Taizi. You can only blame you and Second Wangzi. We havent seen each other in two years, but Third Wangzi has grown so tall. Chennu didnt dare to recognize you because Chennu was afraid to be wrong.

Then you can only recognize Taizi gege? Third Wangzi still asked, still unwilling to give up.

Zi You deliberately looked at all three of them. She shook her head desolately. Thats because Taizi is wearing a bright yellow brocade robe or Chennu wouldnt dare to recognize him. After all, Chennu has left the capital for more than two years. Everything in the capital has changed. Its normal for Chennu not to recognize you, right? Please forgive Chennu, Wangzis.

Third brother, dont be so obstinate. Taizi reprimanded Third Wangzi in dissatisfaction.

Third Wangzi immediately glared at Taizi like he was an enemy. He asked mockingly, What? Taizi gege even wants to control me making a joke now? Youre overreaching your authority!

You Taizi was very angry. He hated this Third Wangzi who went against him on everything and everywhere.

Now that he saw him wanting to fight with him for Zi You, he was so angry that he hated that he couldnt punch his handsome face.

They were like two roosters fighting as they glared at each other. But they suddenly heard someone shouting nauseatingly, You meimei, youre finally back.

The two of them, no, they along with Second Wangzi, Shangguan LingRan, and Zi You looked towards the sound.

They saw a man wearing a lake blue satin embroidered robe. A wide Hetian jade patterned belt was around his waist. A jade hair crown decorated with gold and red was on his head. He draped on a silver silk plain brocade cloak. If he didnt limp or had swollen eyes, he could be a prominent familys elegant gongzi. This person was the slag male Zhao HongXiang.

Zi You secretly sneered. He was here putting on airs and he really wasted his wolf skin.

Everyone saw Zi Yous fianc come over. Their hearts were stifled. Their faces instantly sunk and they no longer spoke.

Zhao HongXiangs eyes popped wide open when he saw Zi You. But he knew that he couldnt go overboard. He quickly went over to greet Old General Mu. This junior pays respects to grandfather. Wishing grandfather good fortune!

Zhao HongXiang thought that he was elegant and refined. Although he had a limp, that didnt prevent women from liking him.

Especially now that he had entered the Ministry of War under Taizis arrangements. He was a fifth-rank minister and his career was on the rise.

One reason was because he was young. He would also be a titled Duke in the future. He was from Taizis camp and he was Old General Mus future grandson-in-law. His future was limitless.

Otherwise, why would Yu Lanxuan wholeheartedly want to marry him and affectionately confess to him? Xiang gege, I just want to be with you. Im willing, even as a maidservant or a concubine!

And what about the maidservants in Duke Yongnan fu? Which one didnt want to become his woman? It could be seen that he was very charming. Other than his slight limp, he was good in all aspects.

Old General Mu should be very pleased to see his outstanding grandson-in-law. He should be very polite to him. Otherwise, if he was aloof like before, Zhao HongXiang wouldnt bother serving him.

Shangguan LingRan was angry as soon as he saw Zhao HongXiang. He had already decided to make things difficult for him, so he didnt speak when he saw Zhao HongXiang bow to him. He just looked at him with eyes that burned like a torch, which gave Zhao HongXiang nowhere to hide.

Zhao HongXiang was originally a lustful and fickle person. He was almost always in a state of excessive lust, so his waist and legs were always sore. He was angry being stared at by Shangguan LingRan and straightened up.

Shangguan LingRan instantly and coldly snorted. Huh! Did this old man tell you to get up? It has been six months since weve seen each other. Did you forget how to respect your elders?

Zhao HongXiang immediately lost all of his patience. He sneered in dissatisfaction. Even his address changed. Is Old General Mu dissatisfied with this junior? If this junior did something wrong, you can point it out another day. You and You meimei just came back. Arent you tired?

It could be said that the only thing Zhao HongXiang was satisfied about Zi You was her appearance. As for everything else, if he was interested in Old General Mus prestige before, he didnt care anymore now.

That was because Zhao HongXiang had submitted to Taizi and found a larger backer. Moreover, according to what Taizi had privately told him, Taizi seemed to want to seize Old General Mus military power. Old General Mu had nothing worthy of his respect or fear anymore. There was a saying that a hairless phoenix was inferior to a chicken. If Old General Mu didnt have his military power, he wouldnt even be as powerful as Yu Lanxuans father. So what did Zhao HongXiang have to be afraid of?

Xuaners father used to be the Minister of Revenue. But he was demoted two ranks because of Yu Meilians involvement in Fourth Gongzhus matter. But Old General Mu would be inferior to him if he didnt have his military power.

Besides, his mother had said, That Mu Zi You was saved by some expert and had her injuries healed. But who knows if that expert did something to her? If shes defiled, then well suffer a loss!

His mother was right. If Mu Zi Yous Shifu really took advantage of her, then wouldnt he be a sucker?

Would she still think that she is still so outstanding? Therefore, Zhao HongXiang dared to be so arrogant today.

You Cough, cough Shangguan LingRan pretended that he was angered and coughed.

Zi You hated that she couldnt go slap the slag man a few times. But she remembered her plan and bowed to Taizi, Second Wangzi, and Third Wangzi. She said apologetically, Please forgive us, Taizi, Second Wangzi, and Third Wangzi. Grandather is too ill. He cant stay out in the wind too long. Im bringing him into the horse carriage.

She ordered someone to bring Shangguan LingRan into the horse carriage. Then she turned to look at Zhao HongXiang and coldly smiled. We havent seen each other in more than two years. Shizis temper has grown, but your manners have not.

She then lowered the curtain and blocked everyones sights.

On the way into the capital, the streets were filled with people welcoming the Mu army.

They knew that Nanjiang was now a county of Great Yan. They knew that when the Mu army was trapped in swamps, the female medical team Commander and Old General Mus granddaughter Mu Zi You saved the Mu army at the most critical moment. Hence, everyone wanted to see Zi You.

The people were very excited. It could be seen that Zi You and Old General Mu were deeply respected and loved by the citizens.

I heard that Old General Mus granddaughter is an immortal now. When she got to the swamps, she waved her hand and saved the soldiers.

A military familys descendant wouldnt be bad of course. Just take a look at Old General Mu.

But I heard that Old General Mu is ill. He was trapped in the swamps for more than ten days! I heard that there were all sorts of demons and ghosts in the swamps.

It would be great if we could see Mu Xiaojie and her immortal Shifu.

The noise of the crowd outside poured into the horse carriage like a wave. But Zi You and Shangguan LingRan didnt smile at all.

Zhao HongXiangs arrogance and insolence made them detect something abnormal.

Zi You thought about it and said, We should take a two-pronged approach. At the same time I dissolve the engagement with Zhao HongXiang, we have to ruin Zhao HongXiang and Yu Lanxuans reputations. I want them to wish that they are dead!

Shangguan LingRan could see deep hatred in Zi Yous eyes. It was the same as when he saw her resentful and vicious gaze at Zhao HongXiang when they were in Zhao HongXiangs study that time. If she didnt have a deep hatred for him, YouYou could never dislike someone like this.

He had known her for so long now and really understood her. She was actually a warm, but cold-faced person. As long as you treated her well, she would dig her heart out for you. Otherwise, she wouldnt have rushed over without even thinking about it to save Mu YingYi and the soldiers when they were in danger of the flash flood.

Shangguan LingRan reached out in distress to tightly hold Zi Yous hand. Why do you hate them so much?

Zi You was shocked! She then realized that she had no more defenses in front of Shangguan LingRan. All of her emotions were seen by him. This was something that she never even did in front of her grandfather and uncle.

She was a little nervous. She didnt know how to tell Shangguan LingRan because she couldnt guarantee what he would do to her after she told him the truth. She was a ghost who had died unjustly!

Shangguan LingRan was even sadder to see her frown with her eyes full of grief. He thought of how she didnt have her mothers care and how her father was such fickle scum. Even if her grandfather and uncle doted on her, they were military men who fought in wars. How could they be attentive and understand a girls thoughts? Although her aunt also cared about her, how could she compare with Zi Yous biological mother?

Shangguan LingRan then thought about Zhao HongXiang and Yu Lanxuan. One was the son of her grandfathers friend. One was her stepmothers niece. YouYou must have been humiliated by them and couldnt tell her grandfather. That was why she wanted to seek vengeance on her own.

Shangguan LingRan pulled Zi You into his arms and comforted softly, Dont say it if you dont want to say it. YouYou, I will never abandon you no matter what! I will always protect you and never let you suffer any little grievance with me here.

Shangguan LingRans appearance of Theres me for everything made Zi Yous cold heart warm up again. She snuggled into his arms, as docile as a kitten.

She said cowardly, Its not that I dont want to say it. When the time is right, I will definitely tell you. I just want to say that those two are not good people!

I think so too. Zi You hadnt finished speaking when Shangguan LingRan said, Then well let those two hateful pests wish that they are dead. I will support you no matter what you do, YouYou!

Theres also that Wang Yiping. Zi You thought of her uncles desolate appearance and couldnt help but say rensentfully, I suspect that its her plan that that maidservant climbed onto the bed. Only if uncle and aunt are in conflict could she take advantage of the chaos to get the household management back.

Only when she has power can she embezzle money from the thousands of acres of farmland and more than a dozen shops in the bustling areas. Duke Yingguo furen is also a moneygrubber. I think that half of Wang Yipings sixty-eight dowry boxes are empty.

Isnt that easy enough to check? Shangguan LingRan smiled confidently. Find the real dowry list and it will all become clear. Leave it to me. I will take care of Duke Yingguo furen.

Zi You looked coquettishly at him and wanted to speak, but couldnt.

Shangguan LingRan couldnt help but reach out to poke her pretty nose. He asked dotingly, What is it? What cant you say to me? Is it something difficult to say?