Chapter 604: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 604: Accusations (1)
Emperor Huian continued to ask Mo Yan various questions, particularly about the origin of the five beasts and the art of beast control. He inquired if she had received guidance from a master. Mo Yan answered cautiously, truthfully sharing what she could without implicating the secrets of her spatial abilities. She denied having any mentor and attributed the beasts' obedience to her as a matter of their intelligence and a special bond they shared.
Emperor Huian seemed convinced by Mo Yan's explanation, his demeanor relaxing and his tone becoming more amiable. Seeing this, Mo Yan quietly breathed a sigh of relief, resisting the urge to wipe her sweaty palms.
Facing the ruler of the land for the first time, it was impossible not to be nervous. Even knowing that Emperor Huian was a just and benevolent ruler who did not kill indiscriminately, she dared not step out of line. This was not a society governed by modern law; in the rigidly hierarchical structure of a feudal dynasty, the ruler at the top of the pyramid could destroy a person or even a family with a single word.
Moreover, Mo Yan had trespassed into the royal hunting grounds, an offense regardless of her intentions. If the emperor chose to pursue the matter, she wouldn't be able to escape punishment. However, given the current situation, it seemed she wouldn't be held accountable.
Just as Mo Yan was feeling relieved, believing that Emperor Huian would not pursue the matter and that she might even make it home in time for dinner, the atmosphere suddenly changed. A wave of authority and pressure descended upon her as the emperor's voice rang out sternly: "You can control beasts, coincidentally appearing in the Beast Forest and saving everyone by yourself. This beast attack was clearly a trap you set with malicious intent. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Mo Yan looked up in shock, stunned by the sudden change in Emperor Hui'an's attitude.
Xiao Ruiyuan's expression darkened, and he stepped forward to defend Mo Yan, but Emperor Hui'an sharply rebuked him: "Han Zhang, hold your tongue! I'll deal with your 'good' deeds later!"
"Your Majesty, you..."
Xiao Ruiyuan couldn't bear to see the woman he loved wronged and accused unjustly. As he opened his mouth to speak, he felt a tug on his sleeve. Looking down, he saw Mo Yan shaking her head, signaling him to stop. "The emperor is a wise ruler; he won't accuse without evidence. Don't worry!"
Concern had clouded Xiao Ruiyuan's judgment, causing him to lose his usual composure. Now, at Mo Yan's prompt, he regained his calm. He lowered his eyes, fists clenched, and when he looked up again, his expression was once more composed, though the worry in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
Seeing this, Mo Yan felt a slight relief. Now was not the time to challenge imperial authority. Provoking Emperor Huian could lead to disaster before they had a chance to explain.
Upon hearing the term "wise ruler," Emperor Huian eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, though his face remained stern, maintaining his imperial majesty.
Under the emperor's intense gaze, Mo Yan, if not for the circumstances involving her life and safety, would have been tempted to roll her eyes at him.
Accusing her of orchestrating the attack simply because she could control beasts and happened to be in the Beast Forest seemed like quite a leap. Mo Yan silently critiqued this logic, while striving to conceal her fear. She walked to the center of the hall, knelt respectfully, and met the emperor's gaze with calm, clear eyes. Her voice steady, she spoke, "In the twenty-seventh year of Emperor Huian's reign, the southern region suffered natural disasters and warfare. Seeking refuge, my family fled to the capital, settling in Liuyang Village, forty miles north of the city, thanks to Your Majesty's benevolent decree. My family has always been law-abiding and holds no grudges against the royal family or the Chu clan. My father often praises Your Majesty as a heaven-sent ruler, bringing blessings to countless people—a rare and wise emperor. Today, I have acted improperly and offended Your Majesty. If you wish to punish me, I will accept it willingly. However, as a mere woman, I lack the capability to challenge the heavens. I implore Your Majesty to see clearly the truth of the matter."
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