Just as these words were spoken, and it seemed the group was about to fall, the guards of the Shi Mansion rushed to their rescue.
However, Shi Muyuan always remembered the promises her two elder brothers had made to her.
When her thoughts returned, Shi An looked at his younger sister with a solemn expression.
"Even if you can tell what happened back then, it doesn't necessarily mean you're our little sister. Almost everyone in the capital city of Changjing knew about the accident we had on the mountain."
Shi Muyuan had long known that the original owner's eldest brother was always scheming, and no one could outwit him. She never expected that she would almost fall into his trap today.
Shi Muyuan clenched her fists. Her mind was swirling with thoughts as she pondered what to do next to dispel the doubts of the two in front of her.
Seeing that she remained silent, Shi An's face darkened.
"It seems you're unable to prove your identity anymore. In that case, don't blame us for being merciless."
The dagger quickly slashed a wound on her neck, and blood oozed out.
Having experienced the relief of surviving once, Shi Muyuan didn't want to go through it again.
She quickly took a step back, her eyes filled with grievance.
"I knew big brother would doubt me, but I never thought you'd simply refuse to recognize me. Fine, since you said I need to prove my identity, then I'll tell you something only the two of us know."
After saying that, she slowly rolled up her sleeve. There, on her fair and tender skin, was a long scar that seemed to have been there for many years.
When Shi An saw the scar, his eyes widened in shock. For a moment, he was stunned and forgot his next move.
Shi Li wasn't as calm. He strode forward, disregarding the propriety between men and women, and pulled her arm in front of him.
"What's going on? Big brother, is there something between you and little sister that I don't know?"
Shi An didn't answer, but Shi Muyuan pulled her arm back.
"Second brother, don't worry. This happened a long time ago. I never thought that one day you two would doubt my identity. It really breaks my heart. I wouldn't have resorted to this if it weren't necessary. Big brother and I had agreed not to tell anyone about this."
Hearing this, even though Shi Li was a gentle and elegant gentleman outside, he couldn't bear it for the sake of his little sister.
He angrily walked up to his elder brother and questioned him, "What's the story behind the scar on little sister's hand? I've always wondered why the late emperor never showed affection for her. Now I know... Humph."
He was so angry that he couldn't finish his sentence. However, no one could accept such a thing, especially an emperor. How could such an outstanding man tolerate a woman with a flaw by his side?
Shi Muyuan let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that her gamble had paid off.
She had just suddenly remembered this incident. When they were kids, Shi An tried to be a hero and help someone, but he got into danger. At the critical moment, she blocked it with her hand.
However, such a painful incident definitely came at a price.
The scar on her hand couldn't be removed with the medical techniques of ancient times, even though Shi An had sought out many famous doctors later.
That time, Shi An felt guilty towards his little sister. As a young child, he was also afraid of being scolded by their parents. So, the two of them naturally kept this incident a secret.
Therefore, this was her last trump card.
Although she didn't really care about this scar.
After all, this was ancient times. There was no need to wear short - sleeved clothes, and no one would see it. But for the men and women of this era, having a scar on their body was considered a great disgrace.
Under Shi Li's questioning, Shi An had no choice but to tell the old story.
As soon as he told it, someone was furious.
"Big brother, how could you be so foolish? You've ruined little sister's life. I've always wondered why the late emperor didn't like little sister, who is as beautiful as a celestial being. Now I know the reason."
He almost fought with his elder brother, but then he remembered that his elder brother had been on the battlefield for many years. Even if he really fought, he wouldn't be able to defeat him. So, he could only sigh helplessly.
"I'll look for more medicine for little sister from now on and try my best to remove the scar on her hand. From today on, you should stop doubting little sister."
Before he said this, Shi An had already dispelled his doubts. Only the two of them knew about that incident back then, and no one else could find out even if they tried.
He coughed twice and sat down beside her, gently apologizing.
"Little sister, it's big brother's fault. I haven't been able to cure the scar on your hand all these years, and I even doubted you today. I'm such a bad brother."
"Big brother, don't say that. You're my family, and I was willing to save you back then."
The storm of doubt had finally passed. Next, Shi Li looked at Shi Muyuan curiously.
Judging from her appearance, it was really hard to believe that such a good idea had come from his little sister. He felt a bit proud.
Facing his scrutinizing gaze, Shi Muyuan blushed slightly and moved a bit to the side.
Shi An naturally noticed the strange atmosphere between them. His forehead was full of black lines, and he kicked his useless younger brother.
"What are you looking at? Shi Laoliu, I'm telling you, if you can't find the medicine to cure the scar, you can just go out and fend for yourself."
Shi Laoliu was kicked to the ground and still pouted reluctantly, "I just think our little sister looks good no matter how you look at her. And big brother, I'm already this old. How can you still call me by my nickname? If this gets out, how can I show my face in the circles of Changjing?"
"I don't care how you show your face. Just remember what you promised little sister."
Then, Shi An's serious expression disappeared, replaced by a gentle one. "Little sister, you really suffered a lot when the late emperor was alive. From now on, no matter what you want to do, big brother will support you. No one will dare to restrict you anymore."
For someone like Shi Muyuan, who had grown up in an orphanage, their words suddenly gave her a sense of home. Her heart was filled with gratitude.
"Actually, whether the medicine can be found or not doesn't matter to me. Second brother, just do your best. Don't push yourself too hard. In fact, I know that the two of you came to see me today because of the court officials' donation."
The two looked at each other. They originally didn't plan to bother their little sister with this matter.
But since she had already seen through it, there was no need to hide it anymore.
"Indeed, it's because of this matter. But your second brother and I both think you did a great job this time. Now that there's a new emperor, your position is like a piece of fat to many people. You have to do something to win the hearts of the people, or you'll easily be replaced in the future."