Chapter 399 Intentionally Making Things Difficult
Hearing that it was Zhong Hua's news, Mu Rong slowly put away her anger, pretending to be nonchalant, but actually listening attentively.
Gu Nianting was slightly stunned when he heard this.
"Not in the Zhongfu League?"
"Did Third Uncle leave any message? Where are you going and when will you be back?"
Wu Yan looked solemn and replied seriously.
"According to the allies, Alliance Leader Qi has already gathered his men and is heading to the meeting in a large group, leaving only a small number of allies to guard the bell."
He took a few steps closer and presented the letter with both hands.
"This is written by Alliance Leader Qi himself. Please have a look, Your Majesty."
Gu Nianting took it casually, feeling dissatisfied and couldn't help complaining.
"Another appointment, no rest all day. If the shopkeeper is in trouble, he rushes to protect him; if the villager is bullied, he stands up for justice. Occupying that little piece of Jianghu territory is useless, and it's not like the feudal lords in ancient times. Does he really think he is the master?"
He opened the envelope and asked impatiently.
"What appointment is this time?"
The prince suddenly became angry. Wu Yan didn't understand why and lowered his head in fear.
"Reporting to the prince, it is the leader of the Nianren League, Bai, who has invited me to compete."
Gu Nianting lowered his eyes to read the letter, which only had a few short words: What the ally said is all true, do not doubt it.
Seeing that he was perfunctory and was accused of being suspicious, Gu Nianting became furious. He crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it on the ground.
"I have asked about the date of the competition, but it is not yet time, why is he joining in the fun?!"
Wu Yan stood respectfully, trembling with fear.
"Yes, Alliance Leader Bai has been successful in teaching, and I sincerely want to learn from him. It just so happens that the time is approaching, so I might as well have the competition in advance."
Gu Nianting slammed the table heavily.
"You haven't accomplished anything great, but you only know how to deal with these gangsters? You are not doing your job properly."
Wu Yan didn't dare to respond, nor did he dare to make any comments.
If he agreed, he would be blamed by the prince, saying that he was disrespectful to the master's uncle, which was disrespectful to the master; if he spoke well of Zhong Hua, he would also be scolded by the prince, saying that he could not distinguish right from wrong and disobeyed the master's orders.
Now, if he doesn't say anything, it should be okay, right?
Just as I was thinking about it, I heard Gu Nianting scolding loudly.
"I blamed him for not doing his job, but you replied. How dare you remain silent? Aren't you showing contempt for me and refusing to speak to me?"
There are faults on both sides, and Wu Yan feels lost and depressed.
"I have absolutely no such intention."
Gu Nianting took advantage of his power to bully others and deliberately made things difficult for them.
"Then tell me, is Third Uncle lazy and unwilling to make progress?"
Mu Rong listened quietly without saying a word.
Gu Nianting was unable to help in the search for Ning Fengzhe, and he just said the wrong thing. Now he was in the wrong. Even if he was angry, he did not dare to disturb Mu Rong.
Wu Yan suffered inexplicably and regretted it deeply. If he had known this would happen, he should have stayed away from it and asked someone else to come in and report it.
"I apologize for my rude remarks. It is difficult for me to comment on them."
Gu Nianting's eyes widened, looking domineering.
"You mean, my king is being rude?"
Wu Yan's eyes became tense and he knelt down in haste.
"Your Majesty, you are wise enough to tell me that I am the one who is referring to you."
"Alliance Master Qi is from the prince's mother's family, and is considered as my master. How can I make a casual judgment?"
Gu Nianting was unreasonable and misinterpreted the meaning.
"According to what you said, he is my third uncle. It is not in accordance with etiquette for me to make a casual judgment."
Wu Yan was like a frightened bird, trembling with fear and anxiety.
"Alliance Leader Qi, the registration of civilians is for Qi Zeyi, not Zhong Hua. As far as the law is concerned, the prince and he have nothing to do with each other. The prince is noble, and the common people are humble. Even if they criticize him, how can it be said that it is 'not in accordance with etiquette'?"
Gu Nianting was arrogant and seemed to be the only one who was superior to others.
"According to what you said, you are a son of a minister, and you are a fourth-rank guard, and your job is to work for the Tongshitai. It is not wrong for you to comment on him as a civilian."
His breathing was rapid and almost stagnant, sweat dripped down Wu Yan's forehead. He was extremely cowardly and tried to beg for mercy.
"I am really exhausted, I beg Your Majesty to show mercy and let me go."
Gu Nianting smiled with satisfaction and started eating grapes again.
"Well, you are smart."
He deliberately emphasized the word "knowing what's appropriate" and looked at Mu Rong intentionally or unintentionally, testing whether she had calmed down her anger.
In Mu Rong's opinion, such words and actions were undoubtedly a criticism of her for not knowing her tact. The open and hidden sarcasm, coupled with his arrogant attitude, was even more infuriating.
Mu Rong turned a deaf ear and just drank her tea.
Wu Yan was unaware of these details, heaved a sigh of relief, and thanked the emperor respectfully.
"Your Majesty is so kind and generous, I am willing to bow down to you."
Gu Nianting leaned back slightly, half lying and half sitting, somewhat relaxed but still proud.
"Get up and answer the question. When will your third uncle be back?"
Wu Yan stood up as he was told, still feeling frightened.
"The allies said that the leader will return tonight at the earliest and tomorrow at the latest."
Gu Nianting made the decision immediately.
"Then we'll discuss this tomorrow."
At this time, the servant knocked on the door and reported: "Your Majesty, Lord Mu and Master Mu are waiting in the guest room."
Gu Nianting glanced at Wu Yan and gave the order in a deep voice.
"Tell them to go back and come back tomorrow."
As he spoke, he smiled and turned to Mu Rong, taking the opportunity to show his goodwill.
"Please also ask Auntie to come over to chat with me tomorrow."
Wu Yan responded and quickly fled.
Mu Rong's eyes were indifferent, with only a hint of indifference in them.
From the conversation, it is known that Zhong Hua was indeed lured away by Feng Zhe. She did not point it out, but just calmly declined.
"I'm afraid I'm too busy to leave, so please allow me to take a leave."
Thinking about maintaining the relationship, Gu Nianting lowered his attitude to the lowest level and tried his best to be lenient to others without causing any offense.
"Well, that's fine. Please ask Lord Mu or Master Mu to let my aunt know after we finish discussing this matter."
Mu Rong chuckled and continued to decline.
"We are all busy as a family."
Seeing something was wrong, Gu Nianting frowned slightly, but still maintained a smile on his face.
"It's a family gathering, so it's fine. We can discuss it another day. What do you think, aunt?"
Mu Rong stood up slowly and prepared to leave.
"It's not a reunion. We are busy, it may take a few days or a few months. When we are done, we will come to visit again."
Gu Nianting's smile gradually became unnatural, leaving only his gentle tone.
"I wonder what you are busy with?"
Mu Rong imitated his usual attitude, looking down on everyone and treating them coldly.
"It's a private matter, so I can't tell you."
Gu Nianting was furious inside, but he tried to be polite on the surface.
"Aunt, are you still upset about what happened just now? I said it was just a joke."
Mu Rong curled the corner of her mouth, glanced at him with a sidelong smile, then turned and left.
"Farewell."
Gu Nianting temporarily saved his face and chased after her for a few steps, trying to keep her.
"Auntie...Auntie, please stay..."
Mu Rong left without even looking back.
Gu Nianting could no longer bear it and became furious.
"Wu Yan, where is Wu Yan? Someone come here!"
Mu Rong stopped a servant and asked where Lord Mu was. She went to the guest room herself to take them back and informed them of the current situation.
Before I even reached the guest room, I met them halfway.
Seeing that it was their sister, they came forward and bowed.
"I wish you the best of luck, second sister."
Mu Rong helped them up in time.
"Third brother, fourth brother, no need to be so polite."
She gestured in the direction of the main entrance.
"Let's go, let's take the carriage together. I have something to tell you."
The two brothers responded in unison and followed their sister out of the palace.