"You people are so boring!"
Seeing that many were hesitant to voice their opinions, a young man standing behind Prince Mu stepped forward, his eyebrows raised.
The young man was originally quite handsome, but a pair of beady, triangular eyes marred his overall appearance, making him seem sinister and defiant.
However, he had the right to be arrogant. He was Prince Mu's treasured only son, the young heir Mu Ma!
Mu Ma glared with his triangular eyes, sweeping coldly over those who remained silent, and said sinisterly.
"Do you think my father craves being the leader of the rebel army? Hmph! To tell you the truth, the Great Xin Dynasty had already promised my father that if he were willing to defect to the court, he would immediately be enfeoffed as the Grand General of Yunnan... Isn't being a Grand General better than being a weary rebel leader?"
What?
Prince Mu had actually contacted the court!
Everyone present changed their expression slightly upon hearing this.
Mu Ma's words carried a great deal of information, laden with unspoken threats.
If you know what's good for you, and don't let my father be the rebel leader, he'll defect to the court and become a Grand General!
Several upright "rebel leaders" immediately showed signs of anger.
Their brows furrowed, and they glared fiercely at Mu Ma.
Mu Ma sneered, his triangular eyes flashing with cold light, confronting these upright "rebel leaders" without backing down.
At this moment, Prince Mu stood up, feigning an attempt to smooth things over.
"My son, do not speak nonsense! Your father's heart is with the rebel army, and the will to restore the Great Xia Dynasty has never changed. I would never defect to the court!"
Old ginger is spicier.
Prince Mu's words immediately eased the atmosphere.
At the same time, many "rebel leaders" thought to themselves, let's just let Prince Mu be the "rebel leader," after all, he has made such "sacrifices"...
Only a few particularly upright "rebel leaders" remained stubborn, their necks stiff, unwilling to relent.
Seeing the obstinate look on these upright "rebel leaders," a cold killing intent flashed deep in Prince Mu's eyes.
Those who stand in my way of ascending shall die!
Just as Prince Mu was about to employ some "special means," two uninvited guests arrived from outside.
"The Princess has arrived!"
Several guards shouted excitedly.
The last descendant of the Great Xia Dynasty, Princess Yin Lihua, who had been missing for two months and was presumed dead, had suddenly returned.
This was like a "booster shot," instantly lifting the rebels' spirits from their lowest ebb.
So happy!
The guards surrounded Princess Lihua, protecting her meticulously, fearing she might encounter danger again.
As Princess Yin Lihua entered the main hall of the Mountain God Temple, most of the "rebel leaders" stood up and excitedly bowed to her!
"Greetings, Your Highness! It is wonderful that you have returned safely!"
A minority of "rebel leaders," led by Liu Dahong, looked at Prince Mu, awaiting his reaction.
A cold glint flashed in Prince Mu's eyes. He hid it well, so few noticed. The next moment, Prince Mu displayed an expression of "excited elation."
"Your Highness, you have finally returned safely! Your old servant is guilty, it is my fault for not protecting Your Highness's safety!"
Saying this, Prince Mu feigned an attempt to kneel.
His movements were slow, very slow, and he happened to be close to Princess Yin Lihua, so the princess could easily reach out to support him...
As expected, Princess Yin Lihua reached out and supported Prince Mu, who was about to kneel!
"Uncle Mu, there is no need for this. This attack was not your fault!"
Prince Mu used the opportunity to stand up and chuckled.
"Princess, it is good that you have returned. Your old servant has always been worried about you... Mu Ma is also incredibly worried about you!"
As he spoke, Prince Mu winked at Mu Ma beside him.
Mu Ma immediately understood.
His previous arrogant demeanor vanished, replaced by immense enthusiasm.
Mu Ma, with a smile all over his face, stepped forward, intending to take Princess Yin Lihua's hand.
"Princess, I missed you so much..."
Just as Mu Ma's hand extended halfway, Princess Yin Lihua's delicate hand was clasped by another gentle yet firm hand.
Liu Xiuer!
Liu Xiuer had made his entrance!
He stood by Princess Yin Lihua's side, a perfect match of handsome man and beautiful woman, like a divine couple!
Mu Ma's triangular eyes shot out cold light, his gaze instantly becoming fierce.
Who is this penniless country bumpkin daring to hold the princess's hand?
Princess Yin Lihua's eyes were gentle. She looked at Liu Xiuer, her beautiful eyes filled with an unshakeable tenderness.
"Esteemed uncles, this is Young Master Liu Xiuer. He saved me... We have already pledged our lives to each other, and he is now my husband!"
The entire hall was shocked by this declaration!
No one had ever dreamed that the princess would return with a husband!
This...
Mu Ma flew into a rage, his triangular eyes filled with resentment that almost materialized.
Princess Yin Lihua was the woman he desired. Why was she snatched away by a country bumpkin? He couldn't stand it!
Mu Ma took a step forward, preparing to smash Liu Xiuer's head. How dare he compete for the princess? He's seeking death!
The next second, something unexpected happened!
Mu Ma tripped over his own right foot. He lost his balance and stumbled forward...
Thump!
A dull thud.
Mu Ma "knelt" heavily before Liu Xiuer.
Liu Xiuer looked at the scene and felt a bit embarrassed.
"Brother, this is our first meeting, and you're offering such a grand bow. I can't accept it, I really can't!"
Go to hell!
Do you think I'm kneeling to you?
Dream on!
I'll spit on you to death!
Mu Ma's rage erupted, and he opened his mouth to curse...
The next second, something unexpected happened!
Crack!
For some reason, Mu Ma suddenly bit his own tongue, severing half of it. Blood flowed profusely!
Everyone present was bewildered.
What was the young heir trying to do?
Commit suicide by biting his tongue?
Liu Dahong reacted the fastest. He lunged forward and shouted.
"Young heir, no!"
Liu Dahong was a "Foundation Establishment cultivator" with considerable strength.
He covered the five or six meters in a single stride.
However, as he reached Mu Ma's side, something unexpected occurred.
Liu Dahong stepped on a small stone.
His foot slipped, and by sheer bad luck, he collided with the back of Mu Ma's head.
Mu Ma, already in tears from the pain of his severed tongue, was suddenly struck forcefully on the back of the head, causing him to lurch forward.
Thud!
Another dull thud.
Mu Ma's forehead slammed heavily onto the ground.
With such force that the bluestone floor of the Mountain God Temple cracked!
Liu Dahong
o(⊙o⊙)o
Prince Mu
o(⊙o⊙)o
Everyone present
o(⊙o⊙)o
Stunned and dumbfounded, they were all speechless!
After a long while, Liu Xiuer's voice rang out.
"Princess, are your rebel army's courtesies so thorough? They're bowing and kowtowing upon meeting... Look at this brother, his head is broken from kowtowing, how tragic..."