The soldiers were still in shock; Luo Zhiheng was simply too alluring. Even though her face was covered up so much that her original features were no longer visible, the ruthlessness and capriciousness emanating from her, along with the incomparable rage that made her smile terrifying, made her so intense and fiery that it made people's blood boil or freeze. She was so passionate and wild, and she directly infected those around her, making them fervent as well, because of her intense emotions and personality.
"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and take them away!" Murong Qianxue snapped out of her daze and ordered.
As Xu Jiushen was escorted away from the palace by the soldiers, Luo Zhiheng felt a great weight lifted from her heart, and her mood relaxed as well.
As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune are always intertwined. After this deadly disaster came to an end, Luo Zhiheng suddenly realized that she had actually gained a lot of benefits.
First, she established her authority and completely intimidated those unruly women. Even Consort Li had to shut her up for a while. This gave her time to bathe and recuperate. The biggest benefit was that she removed a potential threat from Mu Yunhe's side.
With the imposter doctor out of the palace, Mu Yunhe will no longer face those dangerous medicines. Consort Li can no longer carelessly use medicine. Mu Yunhe's safety has been greatly improved.
Although she was still shaken, she was at least temporarily relieved. She would deal with Xu Jiushen once the competition was over.
"I didn't expect you to be so ruthless." Murong Qianxue finally had a chance to speak to Luo Zhiheng, but she was no longer as casual as before, and her words contained a hint of caution and admiration.
Luo Zhiheng's methods weren't actually brutal; there were far more ruthless people out there. But the methods she used were the most appropriate and the most effective. Her actions, a combination of slashing and striking, intimidating and establishing her authority, were executed flawlessly and smoothly. What Murong Qianxue admired most was Luo Zhiheng's boldness and efficiency. This was something few women possessed; even she couldn't match it.
The two followed the soldier out. She smiled quietly and shyly, and said coyly, "Actually, it's nothing. I was just forced into a corner. And thank you for your help today."
"Can you please stop talking to me in that disgusting tone? It's so fake," Murong Qianxue said with a frown and disdain.
Luo Zhiheng immediately burst into hearty laughter, teasing, "Then can you stop talking to me in such a cautious tone? It's so pretentious!"
Two young girls with similar temperaments met and burst into laughter. Some things, though said easily, are actually the most genuine when left unsaid.
First update! There will be another update today. Hua Sha has posted 20,000 words today. If you want more chapters, you'll have to shower us with recommendation votes, comments, and monthly tickets! If you regret it, Hua Sha will keep working hard! *kiss*
Chapter 143: The Competition Topic! The Undercurrents Beneath the Cane! (Bonus Chapter for 10,000 Recommendation Votes)
Updated: 2013-07-02 13:31:29 Word Count: 3490
"But aren't you afraid of me? I'm so ruthless," Luo Zhiheng asked, raising an eyebrow with a touch of narcissism.
Murong Qianxue shook her head and said, "There's someone in my family who's even more ruthless than you, I'm used to it. But you still shock me. Just by your sharp tongue, I can tell you're meticulous. You always hit people where it hurts, so ruthless and accurate. You shouldn't be a fool, so what about the rumors outside..."
Luo Zhiheng sighed with a regretful expression, "Rumors are not to be believed. If we believe rumors, where in this world is there any truth? I am actually a gentle, lovely, innocent, kind, well-behaved, and beautiful girl. All those people outside are deaf."
"You've gone too far." Murong Qianxue was disgusted by Luo Zhiheng's incomparably narcissistic self-praise. The last sentence, "Your ears are blind," made this old lady laugh so hard she almost fell over. She patted Luo Zhiheng's shoulder and laughed wildly: "I didn't expect you to be so funny. It was definitely worth participating in this year's First Talent Competition. It's a good deal, we need to have a good chat after the competition. Let's drink and have some fun!"
"Let's drink and chat?" Luo Zhiheng's eyes sparkled as she nodded and smiled, "Alright, let's drink and chat until we're drunk!" 15458890
Murong Qianxue was even happier. Could this be considered finding a fair-weather friend? Luo Zhiheng clearly loved drinking. Murong Qianxue felt itchy inside and couldn't wait for the competition to end.
As the group left the Prince's Mansion, the atmosphere in front of the mansion was still thick with the smell of blood, and the crowd had not decreased but increased.
Xu Jiushen had several teeth knocked out by Luo Zhiheng, making it difficult for him to speak. He could only gaze at Consort Li with unwavering, affectionate eyes. Luo Zhiheng inwardly despised both of them. Standing on the steps, she said expressionlessly, "This person is the Divine Physician Liang who hired someone to kill the young prince. I have ample evidence to suspect he's an imposter! Now his motive for killing Mu Yunhe is crystal clear. I ask everyone present to witness that I'm handing him over to the Ministry of Justice today. After I finish participating in the First Talent Competition, I will deal with him."
Luo Zhiheng looked around at everyone, then raised her voice towards Consort Li: "If this person dies or disappears during this period, I will definitely pursue the matter to the end. No matter who harmed him, I will hold them accountable! This person wouldn't harm Mu Yunhe for no reason. If anything happens to him, then no matter who harmed him, I, Luo Zhiheng, will treat that person as someone instigated by Doctor Liang and retaliate against them! It will be a fight to the death!"
This was a declaration of war and a warning, challenging Consort Li's family and the people behind Doctor Liang. It was also a warning to them: if they dared to act rashly, she would pursue them to the end!
"No one is allowed to touch or tidy up anything in front of the Mu Prince's Mansion. Just leave it here. Only clean it up when the horse's carcass rots and starts to stink. And the fate of that horse will be the fate of anyone who falls into my hands in the future!" With Luo Zhiheng's ruthless order, everyone hurriedly stepped back, afraid of stepping into Luo Zhiheng's dangerous zone.
Consort Li did not raise any objection to this.
Xu Jiushen looked at Consort Li with anger, resentment, and disbelief. Seeing that Consort Li didn't even dare to look at him, he was naturally furious and wanted to speak, but Consort Li was ruthless and had already ordered her men to gag him, saying that she didn't want to hear any explanation from him. Since he had committed such a heinous crime, he should be judged.
Xu Jiushen was extremely disappointed in Consort Li and also harbored intense resentment towards her. However, the once arrogant and domineering Physician Liang was now being pushed and dragged away like a stray dog.
At the same time, a magnificent carriage emerged from the crowd and arrived at the gate of Prince Mu's mansion. Stepping out of the carriage was Lady Wang, the steward of the First Talented Lady. The horrifying sight of blood on the ground startled her. Looking up, she saw a woman in red standing calmly with her hands behind her back on the steps.
Madam Wang sighed inwardly, thinking that this girl was loved by Loge not only because she was born into a noble family and was favored by her wife on her deathbed, but also because of her calm and composed demeanor, which was comparable to that of men who had fought on the battlefield for a long time.
Luo Zhiheng had already spotted the carriage. When she saw Madam Wang come out, she greeted her with a smile. Her sharp tongue and wit vanished in an instant, and she spoke in a normal tone: "Madam Wang, what brings you here? Is there something going on at the competition? Please come in and have some tea."
With a humble smile on her face, Madam Wang repeatedly said that she dared not be polite, but she was helped into the Wang Mansion by Luo Zhiheng. Madam Wang did not ask what had happened, and what was even more amazing was that she ignored Consort Li who was standing to the side.
Luo Zhiheng sensed something fishy was going on. It was obvious that Madam Wang and Consort Li didn't get along, and she remained calm in the face of such a chaotic and bloody scene, which was not like someone who was a low-level steward.
"Miss Luo, please don't bother. I'm here today because of something related to tomorrow's competition." Seeing Luo Zhiheng listening intently, Madam Wang smiled and said, "This is a secret of the competition, Miss Murong cannot stay here."
Murong Qianxue smiled nonchalantly and left without making things difficult for Luo Zhiheng.
"It's like this," Madam Wang said with a smile. "Those who make it to the final round of the grand finale shouldn't leave so soon, because there are requirements for the final round of the competition, and the competition events are set by the competition organizers. But Miss Luo left in such a hurry today, so the competition organizers sent me to explain it to her in detail."
"Oh? I really didn't know that. Madam, I'm all ears." Luo Zhiheng also took it seriously.
Tomorrow is her showdown with Luo Ningshuang. She knows how difficult it was to get to this point after so many matches. Tomorrow, she won't hold back. That seemingly delicate but actually cunning Luo Ningshuang will finally taste defeat.
"This competition topic is related to war. Our Mu Dynasty is currently beset by internal and external troubles. Perhaps you don't understand these things, and I won't say much to you. In the minds of girls your age, war may just be something scary and distant. But since the competition has pointed out that this time the topic for your competition is related to war, then you should think about it carefully." Madam Wang's words stunned Luo Zhiheng.
Seeing Luo Zhiheng in a daze, Madam Wang sighed inwardly. This child was probably stumped. How could a child of this age understand the meaning of war? And according to the rules of the competition, she was absolutely not allowed to say too much to Luo Zhiheng.
This time, the challenge was personally set by the master, and only those who meet the master's expectations will win. Luo Zhiheng's chances of survival are slim. But seeing Luo Zhiheng's bewildered expression, Madam Wang couldn't bear it and couldn't help but add, "You can focus more on your musical skills. Although the competition is self-selected, with the element of war involved, music will be easier to express. Don't be too nervous."
Luo Zhiheng wasn't nervous at all, but she couldn't say much to Madam Wang. In any case, her expression was strange, and she said gratefully, "I understand, I will try my best to prepare for the competition. When I win first place and receive the reward, I will treat Madam to a delicious meal."
Madam Wang was amused by her, secretly thinking that Luo Zhiheng was finding joy in misery. She couldn't help but sigh, what a twisted fate this was, to have twins meet and compete against each other; hurt feelings were inevitable, and even more tragically, Luo Zhiheng was destined to lose to Luo Ningshuang. Over the years, the name Luo Ningshuang had practically become a legend. An undefeated legend!
Success or failure hinges on tomorrow's battle!
"Then you should prepare well. I'll be leaving now. I'll pick you up tomorrow." Madam Wang got up to take her leave, and Luo Zhiheng saw her to the door.
As the carriage drove further and further away, Luo Zhiheng did not show any expression, leaving those who were guessing what the people who came to the competition were doing completely baffled.
However, a large number of people had already gathered outside the Prince's Mansion, including high-ranking officials, nobles, princes and nobles, as well as some elderly people and insightful individuals. Their eyes were all fixed on the special cane at Luo Zhiheng's waist.
Luo Zhiheng carries the cane not to show off, but because she knows that what she did today was too bloody and dangerous. She needs something to save her life before she can reason with others, and this cane is the first choice.
Luo Zhiheng herself didn't know that from the first day she held the cane in her hand, this cane had never left her for the rest of her life!
Some elderly people recognized the walking stick, but couldn't identify it. Some young noblemen, upon seeing it, couldn't help but feel greed. But could they just casually covet something from the royal palace? So they went home and told their ancestors that they hoped to obtain one or two such items from their ancestral treasures to satisfy their yearning hearts.
Those families with ancestors in their eighties, nineties, or even a hundred years old would all change their expressions drastically upon hearing their descendants describe Luo Zhiheng's cane. They would tremble and sternly warn their family members to stay away from Luo Zhiheng from now on, and no one was allowed to provoke her or covet that cane!
That very night, the old folks who hadn't left their homes for decades all gathered together. All the nobles and officials of any status came to the palace. Dozens of these old folks, whose combined age was several thousand years, came to pay their respects to the old emperor, creating a somber atmosphere throughout the palace.
In the Weiyang Palace, the frail old emperor lay on his dragon bed, listening to the reports from his servants. A look resembling a cry appeared on his lips: "He still doesn't trust me after all, actually bringing that thing out. Very well, I'll see if the person he entrusted can truly suppress that treasure!"
"Your Majesty, the Pharaohs are all kneeling outside the gate, waiting. They are too old, so you see..." the chief eunuch said cautiously.
What major event has occurred that has mobilized these old fogies who were previously living in seclusion and waiting to die? The old bones of the Mu Dynasty have never worked together so unitedly before!
The emperor chuckled strangely, "Let them in. I've missed these uncles and elders. I'd like to hear what they have to say about Mu Yunhe's wife."
Second update! There's an extra chapter today, my darlings! Please leave lots of comments, vote with your recommendations, and send me your monthly tickets—that'll give me lots of motivation! Love you all, big kisses!
144 The anger, joy, and shock of a centenarian minister!
Updated: 2013-07-02 14:09:25 Word Count: 5537
In the majestic imperial palace, the Weiyang Palace, with its flickering candlelight, felt more lively, but also more desolate.
At a glance, rows of white heads stood in neat rows, and elderly men dressed in simple, ancient attire sat on the ground, exuding an air of mastery. At this age, each of the old men looked much the same, with wrinkled faces and white hair; their only differences were their weight and height.
The old emperor, now quite advanced in years, with half-white hair, sat casually on his dragon bed, barely managing to muster the energy to deal with these old geezers.
"How have you all been lately? I have been thinking of you all very much." The emperor's words were polite yet warm and approachable. Among these elderly men were his teachers from his childhood, key ministers who had assisted him throughout his life, and even his own blood relatives. It could be said that the longevity of these elders was a blessing for their families and the nation. Regardless of any past disagreements or distractions, at this stage of life, competition and calculation had become laughable luxuries; these old men now cherished their relationships even more.
A profound and inseparable affection for family, relatives, future generations, and the nation. The centenarian's century-long history is not just a legend, it surpasses it. Such deep emotion is truly awe-inspiring.
"Your Majesty, let's not waste time with pleasantries. We old folks have come out to ask you one thing. May Your Majesty answer truthfully?" The old man sitting at the front slowly extended his withered hand, which resembled the bark of an old tree, and shook it a few times. He looked at the emperor with piercing eyes and an unyielding air.
The emperor unconsciously straightened his posture and softened his tone: "Yes, if the teacher has any questions for me, I will answer them truthfully."
The old man squinted and waited quietly for a while, seemingly forgetting what he was going to say. So for a long time, no one dared to speak, and even the emperor had to sit and wait patiently.
Finally, the old man spoke, asking, "What did the emperor eat last night?"
The emperor's lips twitched slightly, but he answered truthfully, "Now I can only eat some smooth and easily digestible liquid food, such as eight-treasure porridge."
The old man nodded and then slowly raised his head. His loose skin, covered with age spots, seemed to have two veins bulging on his neck as he pulled it. The old man's attitude was serious and solemn, with a hint of sharpness: "Then did the emperor give that treasure to Prince Mu?"
Instantly, the group of old men who had been sitting to the side as if dozing off all raised their heads, their eyes surprisingly bright, and when they looked directly at the emperor, they exuded an unstoppable and domineering aura.
The emperor's heart skipped a beat, and he coughed a few times. These coughs successfully softened the old men's sharp gazes. The emperor then slowly said, "Yes. A few years ago, I was always worried that Prince Mu was too young and would cause trouble. I was also worried that if my father passed the throne to me, Prince Mu would feel cheated when he grew up. So I took it upon myself to bestow that treasure upon Prince Mu, hoping that it would bring him good fortune and peace."
"The emperor is foolish!" The previously calm old man instantly erupted in fury!
Suddenly, a hot-tempered old man kicked over the teacup in front of him, pointed at the emperor's nose, and angrily cursed: "He's more than just confused! He's getting worse with age! Is that thing something you can give away as a life-saving charm? Even if King Mu is of noble status, can he be more noble than the rest of the world? I said you were soft-hearted back then, but now it seems you're utterly hopeless!"
The entire Weiyang Palace was deathly silent!
Even though the eunuchs had already prostrated themselves on the ground when the old man flew into a rage, they still wished they could shrink even tighter, all fearing the old man's imposing presence.
In the entire world, the only one left who dares to point his finger at the emperor and curse him is the ancestor of the Duke of Zhenguo's family! Murong Qingcheng! This man was the emperor's mentor back then, risking his life countless times, protecting the young emperor until he was unable to move before letting go, fighting countless bloody paths for the young emperor! This old general has the strength and the right to dare to curse the emperor.
Normally, the old general would never show such disrespect to the emperor, but today, with the lifeline of the Mu Dynasty at stake and the lives of hundreds of millions of people in the entire Mu Dynasty at stake, the old general's fiery temper simply couldn't be contained.
"No matter your reason, you must get her back! We must get her back immediately! We absolutely cannot allow the hopes of the Mu Dynasty to fall into the hands of that bastard Luo Zhiheng!" General Murong roared.
The emperor looked embarrassed, but then he found it funny. He was old and the most honored person in the world, yet someone dared to point fingers at him and scold him. Wasn't that a blessing in disguise?
"Master, please don't be angry. How can you just take back something that's been given away? Besides, it was entrusted to Luo Zhiheng by King Mu. If anyone wants it, it should be King Mu." The emperor was telling the truth.
But General Murong's temper couldn't wait. Upon learning that the item was in Luo Zhiheng's hands, and after learning of Luo Zhiheng's 'glorious deeds,' the old general was so enraged that he fainted on the spot. After waking up, he immediately rushed into the palace. If he weren't too weak to fight, he would have loved to slap the emperor a few times. What a fool he was!
"If you can't get it back, then steal it! I don't care about anything else, before anyone even knows what it is, we have to take it back!" the general roared domineeringly.
Everyone remained silent. The old men were more united than ever before, determined not to let that treasure fall into the hands of the common people, especially not into the hands of someone as infamous as the nude photos!
The emperor fell silent, then suddenly asked, "Are the pharaohs so adamant in opposing the treasure being in Luo Zhiheng's hands because of those unpleasant rumors about her?"
The old people sighed, not for Luo Zhiheng's sake, but for how the Mu Dynasty could have produced such a scoundrel, especially a little girl. It was truly shameful.