His eyes were fierce, as if he was about to strike at Shi An the next moment, but he managed to hold himself back.
"So you're determined to go against me today?"
"I'm just stating the facts. Even the Empress Dowager is here. The Eldest Young Master's misdeeds have been exposed in public. Is he still going to deny them?"
There was a tinge of anger in his tone, making everyone shiver.
Shi Muyuan had been deep in thought. Although she wasn't the original owner and didn't have the experience of growing up with Shi An, based on their long - time acquaintance, she was certain that this renowned general would never do such a thing.
So she stepped forward and shielded Shi An behind her.
"Could there be some misunderstanding in this matter? Maybe we should have someone investigate it first. We shouldn't wrong an innocent person. Besides, these things alone don't prove much."
Cui Qizhou frowned slightly: "What else is there to say? We have both the witness and the evidence. Does the Eldest Young Master want to use his influence to get away with this? Don't forget, the influence I hold in the court is on par with yours."
"In your eyes, Your Excellency the National Teacher, am I such a person?"
Although he knew that Cui Qizhou wasn't such a person, but he had said such things today.
In Shi Muyuan's memory, Cui Qizhou had never said such things before. He was always a man who disdained to use his power to suppress others. So why today?
After thinking for a long time, she still couldn't figure out the reason.
It seemed that everything had changed since Qiao Meng's appearance.
She raised her eyebrows and didn't respond to the man's words. After all, she didn't know how to reply.
"Perhaps Miss Qiao could say something fair. Do you really think my elder brother would do such a thing?"
As she spoke, her eyes changed from gentle to sharp.
Seeing this, Qiao Meng seemed extremely frightened and began to tremble.
"I, I don't want to pursue this matter anymore. Brother, let's just drop it. Maybe someone else framed the Eldest Young Master. He doesn't seem like that kind of person."
"No. Brother must seek justice for you today. Don't worry. I've said that no one in this world can bully you."
He protected Qiao Meng, and the atmosphere between them became even more strange.
Finally, Qin Feng rushed over late after receiving the news and quickly stood between the two sides.
"You should calm down first. No one can explain this matter clearly. The National Teacher has never lost his head. Why is he so impulsive today?"
"The National Teacher did such a thing but doesn't even admit it. Instead, he is so arrogant. General Qin came just in time. Why don't you persuade your people properly?"
He protected Qiao Meng and walked out. When passing by Shi Muyuan, he suddenly said,
"I thought the Empress Dowager had turned over a new leaf and could now tell right from wrong. I didn't expect her to be as muddle - headed as ever. In that case, it might be better if she didn't be the Empress Dowager."
After saying that, he left arrogantly with his people. Among those present, anyone with a bit of martial arts skill had heard his words.
Shi An was extremely angry. He turned his head and wanted to chase after the man to get a clear explanation, but fortunately, Shi Muyuan pulled him back in time.
"This is not the time to be angry. Big Brother, you'd better think about how to clear your name. If this matter spreads today, it might easily affect the people's hearts, and our Shi family will also lose its prestige in the court."
"You don't believe Big Brother either?"
"Just my belief alone is useless. The court officials and the people of the whole country are keeping a close eye on our Shi family. We can't be the slightest bit slack, or else it will be a doom. Moreover, the new emperor's throne is not stable yet. There must be a balance of several forces in the court, or else the Great Liang will be in chaos."
She analyzed the situation clearly. Gradually, the Eldest Young Master calmed down. He took a deep breath.
"I was really impulsive just now. Little Sister, you've seen that all the evidence points to me. How can I get out of this?"
"Maybe this is actually an opportunity?"
She said this out of the blue, leaving everyone present confused.
However, Shi An was willing to trust his sister.
"Tell me. What do you need me to do? I'll do whatever you say."
"It's very simple. Since all the witnesses were pointed out by Miss Qiao, we'll start with her."
She first sent everyone else away and then began to talk about her plan.
After the two of them heard it, they were full of admiration.
"Sure enough, Little Sister is the smartest person in the world."
"Then let's act separately."
Shi Muyuan first found Qiao Meng.
"I've already made Big Brother reflect on what he did before. He now knows he was wrong. He hopes Miss Qiao could go over. He wants to apologize to you in person."
Qiao Meng originally thought she came to pick a fight, but unexpectedly, it was to apologize. She was a bit flattered. After all, the current Empress Dowager was a person who was highly respected everywhere. She never thought the Empress Dowager would apologize to her.
"The Empress Dowager doesn't need to be so polite. Since the Eldest Young Master knows he was wrong, let's just let this matter go. There's no need for an apology. I just hope the Eldest Young Master won't make things difficult for me in the future. I'll talk to my brother and let this matter end here."
Unexpectedly, her defensive mind was so strong that she didn't follow the original plan. This wouldn't do.
Shi Muyuan slightly pursed her lips, trying her best to stay calm and show no flaws.
"Big Brother finally realized his mistake. If Miss Qiao is not willing to go over and forgive him in person, he might not be able to sleep tonight. So could you please give me a face?"
She spoke sincerely, and Qiao Meng couldn't refuse. She could only agree.
"Then I'll go right away."
"Okay, Miss Qiao, you don't need to bring your maid with you, right?"
"Why is that?" An alarm bell rang in Qiao Meng's heart. Had they noticed something? No, she had done everything perfectly. Logically, no one should have seen any flaws.
Noticing her nervousness, Shi Muyuan became more convinced that there was something wrong with this matter, but on the surface, she remained calm.
"Miss Qiao, please rest assured. Big Brother has never apologized to anyone in all these years. He's afraid that there will be too many people and he won't be able to say the words. In his eyes, this kind of thing is very embarrassing."
So that was it. Qiao Meng came from a big family. She was used to such things and quickly dispelled her doubts. She instructed the person behind her,
"Then you go for a walk first. I'll come to find you after I'm done."
"Okay."
After Qingqing left, Shi Muyuan took her to the pavilion in the middle of the lake.
"Don't worry. My big brother and General Qin are waiting for you there. There won't be any problem."