"Ha...I'm going too far? Tell me, how have I wronged you?"
"So what if I bullied you? You're just a servant."
Zongzheng Mufeng's disdainful smile and the way he looked at him like he was a clown fueled Guan Shengqing's anger.
But he maintained his integrity as a scholar and was unwilling to lose his dignity.
"I wish to have my father impeach the Prince. I beseech Your Majesty for a decision."
Xunmi no longer knew what expression to wear; she always felt that the people in this world were all mentally unstable.
I don't know if I was influenced by the time-traveling woman, but it doesn't matter, as long as I don't mess with her.
Zongzheng Mufeng chuckled, no longer looking at Guan Shengqing, stood up, and walked away with his beauty in his arms.
The old Duke looked at his two sons who had just stepped into the hall with a resentful expression, speechless.
What was originally a very small matter eventually escalated to the point of reaching the Emperor's presence.
Zongzheng Muye was both annoyed and frustrated. What exactly was going on with Guan Shengqing?
He was quite satisfied with the Vice Minister of Rites, who was usually reliable in his work, but now it seems he is not as good as he appears.
If a son dares to have such thoughts, then wouldn't the father be even more restless?
Then, recalling what happened to the Crown Prince a couple of days ago, his face darkened even more.
He's not even dead yet, and one or two of them dare to stare at the chair he's sitting on. They're really something.
*Slap!* "I've truly broadened my horizons. Lord Guan is indeed capable, raising such a fine son."
In anger, he threw the teacup at Guan Shengqing, hitting him squarely on the head.
Half a cup of water and tea leaves were poured over his head, staining his white brocade robe and making him look somewhat disheveled.
Guan Shengqing was still defending himself when he was suddenly scolded, and he was still a little taken aback.
He didn't understand what he had said wrong; he was just repeating what he had said before to prove his innocence.
How could His Majesty be so unable to distinguish right from wrong? He should be punished.
Lord Guan was already kneeling on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly and begging for mercy: "Your Majesty, spare my life! Your Majesty, spare my life!"
"I beg Your Majesty to spare Qing'er's life, considering how diligently this old minister has worked over the years."
"It is all due to my teaching of my son. I am willing to accept punishment. I beg Your Majesty to show leniency and spare my son."
He knew that no matter how he tried to deny or explain, it would be useless. Even if he didn't mean it, saying such things would still arouse the emperor's suspicion.
He just couldn't understand why his usually intelligent son would be so foolish.
It's all my fault for saying such outrageous things. I didn't care enough about my son, which led to this situation.
The pain on his face was not visible to anyone, but the anxiety in his voice and his love for his child were clearly heard by the people in the hall.
Parents' hearts are always full of love and worry!
Xunmi sighed inwardly; she wanted to help but felt powerless to do so.
If she dared to speak up now and plead for the person suspected of being a traitor before the emperor, she would not only be ruining herself, but also implicating those around her.
Zongzheng Mufeng remained completely silent, gently squeezing the beauty's hand to offer comfort.
Guan Shengqing has done many things that have hurt beautiful women; he is very petty.
If we didn't have time to protect the beauty before, we can take her back now.
"Considering that Lord Guan has devoted half his life to the well-being of Anguo, and has suffered even if he has not achieved great things, I will show leniency."
"Imperial decree: The Guan family father and son have acted inappropriately before the Emperor, framing the Princess. They are hereby removed from their official posts and will never be employed again."
Guan Shengqing is ruined. Zongzheng Muye originally intended to let him succeed his father's position, but he didn't expect that he would be a dim-witted person.
Thinking of this, I thought of my son again, and I couldn't help but feel disgusted.
The Empress is really too ambitious. If he didn't need a powerless woman to balance the harem and the court, she wouldn't have been chosen.
Xunmi finally breathed a sigh of relief after leaving the palace. Every time she entered the palace, she felt a sense of oppression.
If she could, she really wouldn't want to come.
"My beauty, the weather is lovely today. How about we go for a spring outing?"
Zongzheng Mufeng took the reins from An Yi and reached out his hand to Xunmi.
Xunmi tilted her head and thought for a moment. She had never ridden a horse in the true ancient sense before.
In her previous life, she was a daughter of a prominent family, so she naturally had to attend many social events and activities at the horse farm.
But that was all just for show, and besides, they were horses trained from a young age, so they weren't wild.
"Grandpa, Mother?" Xunmi turned her head and called out expectantly.
"Go on, go on, be careful." Shangguan Yan waved her hand and helped the old Duke onto the carriage parked to the side.
Her mindset changed after her divorce from Wenren Xiang.
There's no longer any concern about men and women traveling together alone in public.
In this dynasty, women were already weaker than men. If they didn't treat themselves well, what else could they hope for?
What if I accidentally end up like her? Wouldn't I have to wallow in self-pity for the rest of my life?
Xunmi placed her hand in Zongzheng Mufeng's large hand, and Zongzheng Mufeng pulled her close, putting his arm around Xunmi's waist, and jumped onto the horse.
Place Xunmi in front of you and let her sit at an angle. Although this is dangerous, it will prevent her from hurting her legs.
The first time riding a horse, the friction between the legs will be very painful, and he doesn't want his beautiful, delicate skin to get hurt.
He let her lean against him, put one arm around her waist to hold her steady, and pulled on the reins with the other, then spurred the horse and galloped away.
The scenery on both sides rushed past, and I tried to close my eyes and enjoy this incredible speed.
It felt wonderful; a gentle, warm breeze caressed my cheeks, and the sunlight lingered.
Occasionally, a faint fragrance wafts by, carrying a unique and rich aroma that is intoxicatingly beautiful.
The two leaned against each other quietly, without saying a word, seemingly enjoying the tranquil peace.
In the suburbs, Zongzheng Mufeng stopped under a big tree, and Xunmi opened his eyes as well, discovering that there were indeed many people out enjoying the spring scenery.
There were small groups of two or three, including men and women, and children playing around.
Laughter accompanied those dashing figures, echoing throughout the land.
Just as I was searching for the curved lips to admire, a very discordant sound came from the side.
"Brother Nangong, didn't you say there was no one here? Why are there so many eyesores?"
A beautiful woman in a red gauze dress walked gracefully in, arm in arm with two good-looking men.
"Brother Ling, what's wrong with you? You seem distracted and aren't talking to Feifei."
A pair of large eyes glared at the man being questioned, seemingly with a hint of coquettishness.
Her puffed-up cheeks made the woman look very playful and cute.
A glint flashed in Xunmi's eyes. Could this be considered a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road?
The voice on the other end continued, "Feifei, I did send someone over to say hello."
"These people must have come later, don't be angry."
The refined-looking man in the blue shirt immediately lowered his head and coaxed the woman gently.