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Chapter 123: Chapter 123 How can His Majesty let such a beautiful girl kneel here!
Miss Zhan Lan then added, "I have heard among the common people that Your Majesty empathizes with the people of the world, possesses the aura of a Daoist immortal, and holds compassion in his heart. Your Majesty, please grant justice to the Zhan Family people!"
This sudden flattery from Miss Zhan Lan struck right at the heart of Emperor Xuanwu.
More than his imperial identity, he preferred to be regarded as a celestial being by the populace.
At this, his anger due to Miss Zhan Lan’s daring remonstration subsided significantly.
Although his facial expression was not very pleased, his heart felt extremely relieved.
Suddenly, applause rang out from behind Miss Zhan Lan, which seemed somewhat abrupt at such a passionate moment.
"Well said, it is indeed said among the common people that Your Majesty is the reincarnation of Heavenly Master Zhang, descended from the ’Ancestor Heavenly Master’!"
Upon hearing this voice, Miss Zhan Lan knew immediately who it was!
Daring to speak out loud at the gates of Taiji Palace without kneeling before the Emperor could only be Mu Yan.
Mu Yan, rebellious to the core, would neither kneel to heaven nor earth, and certainly not to the Emperor.
Seeing Mu Yan confidently approaching the Taiji Palace, Emperor Xuanwu wondered why he had come, as he usually avoided court sessions.
Just now, Mu Yan mentioned Zhang Daoling, the founder of Heavenly Master Tao, bestowed by Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad with "the three celestial laws, ordained as the Heavenly Master", esteemed in later generations as "Ancestor Heavenly Master".
Hearing this, how could Emperor Xuanwu not be pleased? 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝔲𝔟.𝔠𝖔𝖒
He is an immortal, destined to return to the Heavenly Court one day; what does royal power or rebellious treason matter to him, when it’s only because of his benevolent heart and kindness that he should deem these as lighter issues.
Why stoop to the level of mortals!
Mu Yan bowed to Emperor Xuanwu with a somewhat reluctant demeanor, raising his eyebrows and said, "Your Majesty, how could you let such a beautiful woman kneel here!"
While speaking, he had already reached Miss Zhan Lan’s side, ignoring Qian Cheng’s dagger-like glares, and helped Miss Zhan Lan to stand.
Miss Zhan Lan was almost forcibly pulled up by him.
After steadying herself, she immediately pushed Mu Yan’s hand away.
The court officials watching Mu Yan’s carefree behavior were almost too embarrassed to look.
Although Emperor Xuanwu was quite displeased with Mu Yan, he could not help but indulge him, partly because he was his royal brother.
On the other hand, were it not for Mu Yan taking on so much of the slander meant for him and gathering so much Silver Tael to support his spiritual practice,
He would not have allowed Mu Yan to behave so recklessly.
Ignoring Miss Zhan Lan’s resistance, Mu Yan once again pinched her sleeve between his thumb and forefinger and proudly led her towards the great hall.
There was no emotion visible in Mu Yan’s eyes, but inside his heart was already churning tumultuously.
From the moment he saw Miss Zhan Lan kneeling outside the hall, rage ignited within him; he did not want to see Miss Zhan Lan so humble, kneeling like that before Emperor Xuanwu.
Emperor Xuanwu did not deserve it!
Miss Zhan Lan should not kneel before anyone, even for the Zhan Family!
Afraid that her sleeve would be torn, Miss Zhan Lan followed him for two steps, then Mu Yan suddenly turned back, looking a bit surprised, "Oh, I didn’t realize at first, it’s Miss Zhan after all!"
Miss Zhan Lan looked at his frivolous eyes and thought he had better acting skills than anyone present.
"Ridiculous!" Unable to endure it any longer, Emperor Xuanwu still scolded Mu Yan.
Zhan Beicang stared intently at Mu Yan holding Miss Zhan Lan’s clothes, wondering how such a man could disregard societal views.
Zhan Xinzhang also frowned deeply at Mu Yan; the disdainful stares of the four elders seemed to scream, "Don’t lay your hands on our prized disciple," as they glared at him.
"Your Majesty, please forgive your humble subject, as I’ve recently been troubled by a flare-up in my leg and cannot perform the kowtowing ritual," Mu Yan said as he released Miss Zhan Lan’s hand and stood still.
Emperor Xuanwu’s lips twitched slightly; Mu Yan was clearly in better shape than anyone present, robust and muscular.
Ever since coming to court, he claimed he had a leg disease and could not kneel.
"What matter do you wish to discuss?" Emperor Xuanwu asked, his expression calm.
Mu Yan nodded slightly, "Your Majesty, today I was suddenly reminded of my time in the Western Rong camp, where I encountered Miss Zhan. She alone infiltrated their camp and even took their battle plans. If it hadn’t been for Miss Zhan Lan’s assistance, I couldn’t have so swiftly replaced the real plans with the fake ones. Moreover, while in the Western Rong camp, I spoke highly of you to Tuoba Hong while he was drunk. Young Master Si, you orchestrated this mission; you cannot place all the blame on the Zhan Family."
Mu Yan had reported to Emperor Xuanwu before sending the fake battle plans to Western Rong; it was a premeditated conspiracy, unlike Si Jun’s rebellion, which was of a different nature.
Mu Yan looked towards Si Jun, his gaze calm yet piercing, making Si Jun shudder from head to toe.
Even when facing Emperor Xuanwu, he didn’t feel as overwhelmed as he did under Mu Yan’s gaze.
Si Jun felt powerless to argue or defend himself.
Upon hearing Mu Yan’s words, Zhan Xinzhang and Zhan Beicang both heaved a sigh of relief.
It seemed this man wasn’t unreasonable.
Si Jun was cornered; it was indeed him who had directly conspired with Tuoba Hong of Western Rong, and he had framed Prince Yu.
Mu Yan continued, "Prince Yu has been very compliant in Ding’an City. Your Majesty, if this case is to be investigated, it should focus on the interactions between Young Master Si and Prince Yu. The Zhan Family is known for their loyalty, even the Seal Keeper greatly respects them. We must not let loyal bones carry wrongful accusations!"
The four elders, upon hearing Mu Yan’s words, withdrew their murderous glares.
This young fellow is quite something; although corrupt and libertine, his words now seemed fair.
Prince Yu looked at Mu Yan with gratitude, relieved that someone finally spoke up for him.
Si Jun once again felt Mu Yan’s animosity.
He couldn’t understand when he had offended Mu Yan to warrant such targeting.
Mu Yan’s gaze at him was like King Beast staring at a small animal, seemingly ready to pounce and tear him apart at any moment.
Of course, Mu Yan was furious, partly because that day Miss Zhan Lan had called Si Jun "Senior Brother!"
First, he was annoyed!
Secondly, today Miss Zhan Lan was clearly trying to help the Zhan Family, and since Si Jun was no saint, Mu Yan decided to make the most of the opportunity to further implicate Si Jun.
Emperor Xuanwu mistook Mu Yan’s intentions, thinking he was pleading for Prince Yu. He sternly said, "Minister Mu is right, hence, I will keep Prince Yu in Ding’an City to observe the developments."
Mu Yan respectfully responded, "Your Majesty is wise, and today I wish to bring up another matter, regarding Miss Zhan Lan. Has no one informed Your Majesty of Miss Zhan’s performance on the battlefield?"
Mu Yan suddenly turned his gaze to Zhan Beicang and the four elders.
As the five of them looked puzzled, Mu Yan said, "Since Your Majesty appointed me as the supervising officer, let me be the one to report!"
Miss Zhan Lan’s clenched fist relaxed slightly inside her sleeve; had Mu Yan come today to support her?
She was finding it increasingly difficult to understand him.
