Chapter 374: 374: Si Jun is infuriated by Mu Yan's words!

Words : 1447 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Chapter 374: Chapter 374: Si Jun is infuriated by Mu Yan’s words! Si Jun glanced at Bai Lu, then at Zhan Xuerou. In his heart, it didn’t matter who was responsible for this matter; what he cared about was weighing the value of the two women. All the evidence in this matter pointed to Bai Lu. Si Jun looked at Bai Lu and said, “This matter cannot be completely separated from the Princess, but it’s just an ignorant maid who died—dead is dead. However, as the family’s Madam, if this incident were to spread, it would damage the reputation of the royal mansion. A minor punishment for now: ten days of confinement to reflect on your mistake.” Bai Lu wanted to plead her innocence, but upon thinking that her morning sickness might occur during these ten days and that she wouldn’t have to see Si Jun, it seemed like less trouble anyway, so she could only swallow her grievances. Si Jun resolved the matter and departed, leaving Bai Lu and Zhan Xuerou alone. Bai Lu glared fiercely at Zhan Xuerou, but Zhan Xuerou lowered her gaze, avoiding her stare. Back in her room, Zhan Xuerou sat in front of her bronze mirror, her lips curling into a faint smile. Meng Ling, that traitorous wretch, was finally dead! She caressed her cheek, inspecting herself in the mirror. Besides her talents, while her beauty had yet to fade, she still had value. She had to use Si Jun to secure benefits for herself. Those vile men—if they could be exploited, so be it! Zhan Xuerou pondered: By all accounts, she should have conceived Si Jun’s child by now, yet there was no sign. Her scalding tears fell. As she had feared, the injury she sustained during the assassination of Zhan Lan likely ruined her body. Perhaps she would never have children again in this lifetime. ... Hei Yu followed Si Jun into the study and said, “Master, there might be more to this matter than meets the eye.” Si Jun gazed out at the falling leaves outside the window, his eyes deep. “This King is aware; it’s the Side Princess who orchestrated this.” Hei Yu was somewhat surprised, but Si Jun continued, “Are you curious why I didn’t expose her publicly?” Hei Yu nodded. Si Jun sneered, “Zhan Xuerou is quite to my liking. She appears fragile, but she dares to kill. When Meng Ling disdained serving her Master and refused to share her hardships, if it were I, I would also eliminate such a servant!” “Besides, she framed Bai Lu for this matter. This King finds her clever enough—keeping her might be more useful than that fool Bai Lu!” Hei Yu mused aloud, “How could a weak woman like the Side Princess silently kill someone? Does she have an accomplice?” Si Jun stood and said, “Do you think she spends her days drinking with those martial world guests for nothing?” His gaze grew increasingly cold and menacing. “The less literate the man, the more fascinated he is by her so-called talent...” He had placed Zhan Xuerou among them precisely to draw those martial guests and strategists into his fold! He was in a precarious position. Mu Yan, the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, Prince Xian—none of them were easy opponents. Thus, anyone who could be used must not be wasted! From the day in the carriage, when he had forced himself upon Zhan Xuerou, she had become nothing more than a tool for his ascension. Hei Yu remained silent, but he understood clearly: King Wei had married Zhan Xuerou as his Side Princess to gain support from the General Mansion, sending Zhan Xuerou to accompany guests was simply extracting her worth. The Master’s ambition to seize the throne was growing stronger by the day. Si Jun turned to Hei Yu and asked, “That matter, is it done?” Hei Yu nodded and said, “Yes, Master, rest assured. By tomorrow, you will see the results.” ... Zhan Lan had just finished practicing archery and returned to his room, when Dugu Yan arrived stealthily. “Main General, there’s news from Qiuyue.” She recounted everything that had happened during the day to Zhan Lan. Sitting casually in a chair, Dugu Yan added, “Also, I’ve learned something. Si Jun has placed Zhan Xuerou among those martial world guests. Zhan Xuerou seems entangled with them, and one of them, named Wu Qing, helped her commit murder. Now, that martial guest serves under Si Jun himself.” Zhan Lan’s smile curved. “Si Jun always loves to exploit people!” In her past life, she had been used by Si Jun; in this life, it was Zhan Xuerou’s turn. But neither of them were good people—it was only a matter of time before they turned against each other! Dugu Yan continued, “And another curious matter—Bai Lu seems to be pregnant. Our people tracked her to the medical hall, then later to a meeting with the Crown Prince.” “Alright, I understand!” Zhan Lan smiled faintly. It seemed Bai Lu was carrying the Crown Prince’s child. In truth, Si Jun had countless spies, but he simply didn’t care about Bai Lu. If he had paid the slightest attention, he would’ve discovered Bai Lu’s involvement with the Crown Prince. Zhan Lan stroked the teacup in her hand, her inner thoughts concealed: Things were becoming far more interesting! ... The next day, something utterly shocking happened during court assembly. The ministers stammered, reluctant to speak. The Crown Prince, his expression darkening, rebuked, “What is the matter? Speak!” Imperial Censor Zhong Xuanliang raised his tablet and declared, “This old servant shall speak. Rumors among the people claim: The Crown Prince is unworthy of his position, and the Regent King molded the situation, calling the Crown Prince a hopeless fool who cannot be salvaged even by the Regent!” The Crown Prince’s face turned ashen, his grip on the armrest tightening, his expression growing icy in an instant. The ministers lowered their gazes, avoiding Mu Yan’s and the Crown Prince’s enraged faces. Though the rumors were true, to speak of them openly was highly offensive to the Crown Prince’s dignity. The Crown Prince looked at Lu Zhong; Lu Zhong averted his gaze thoughtfully. Then he turned to Wang Qingchen; Wang Qingchen subtly shook his head, signaling him not to act rashly. The Crown Prince understood—an impulsive outburst at this moment would only belittle himself in the eyes of the court. With a calm smile, he said, “It’s astounding such absurd rumors exist among the people. This Crown Prince shall investigate thoroughly and uncover the slanderers!” Mu Yan raised his gaze. The implications of these rumors were clear: someone sought to undermine the Crown Prince through public opinion, while sowing discord between himself and the Crown Prince. Si Jun kept his focus on his hands, inwardly pleased—Hei Yu was indeed competent. By pitting Mu Yan and the Crown Prince against each other, distracting their attention from him, his plans would run smoother. Mu Yan scanned the room, his gaze landing on Si Jun. Without a word, he walked directly toward Si Jun, staring him down. Si Jun raised his eyes, and Mu Yan’s icy demeanor finally softened to a smirk. Leaning close, he whispered something by Si Jun’s ear that only the two of them could hear. Si Jun’s previously composed face stiffened, his expression changing drastically; his cheeks flushed with rage, then paled in mere moments. His hand tightened in his sleeve, his gaze shifting to the Crown Prince, then lowering helplessly to his own hand. The Crown Prince was bewildered, unaware of what Mu Yan had said to Si Jun. The courtiers were equally dumbfounded—imagining countless scenarios in their minds. Could this matter implicate King Wei? What exactly had the Regent King said to King Wei, and why did he appear struck by such an enormous blow? Mu Yan smirked and returned to his seat. Addressing the Crown Prince, he remarked, “This King sees the Crown Prince as a dragon among men, though still young and in need of tempering. He will surely not disappoint His Majesty in the future!” For the first time, the Crown Prince was praised by Mu Yan and sat up straighter. The Crown Prince assumed the Regent King had just warned Si Jun—otherwise, Si Jun’s reaction wouldn’t have been so grim. Clearly, these rumors were orchestrated by Si Jun. The Crown Prince nodded slightly to Mu Yan, before fixing his steely gaze on the ministers and declaring, “This matter will be thoroughly investigated. Whoever is found spreading slander shall face severe consequences!”

Chapter 374: 374: Si Jun is infuriated by Mu Yan's words!

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