Chapter 751 – You’ve Been Cursed! (1)
“No way I’m putting up with this!”
The Xu family owes its current predicament entirely to the blessings of their ancestors and the continuous efforts of the generations that followed.
Insult an ancestor? Not even a Wu Ma Shang could get away with it; even the current Emperor would have to pay the price when the Xu family comes to collect.
Xu Pei grumbled, “That old rascal Wu Ma,” and Xu Fei quickly chimed in, delivering a sharp blow—his official insignia slapped right across Wu Ma Shang’s face. In just a few breaths, a swollen red mark blossomed on that face, freezing the entire court in shock.
All eyes were on the Xu brothers and Wu Ma Shang, but Jiang Pengji’s gaze was fixated on the elderly Zhao Jiasi.
She noticed an amusing detail.
When Xu Fei swung the insignia at Wu Ma Shang, the latter didn’t move in time and took it right on the chin.
At the same moment, Zhao Jiasi, still kneeling on the floor, instinctively raised her hand to shield her face.
Jiang Pengji smirked, her eyes sparkling with interest as she looked at Zhao Jiasi.
Just as the situation spiraled into chaos, resembling a flurry of punches from the Xu brothers against Wu Ma Shang, officials close to Wu Ma Shang stepped in to mediate.
“Gentlemen, please calm down. Governor Wu Ma is not targeting Master Xu, but merely going after Liu Xi.”
Xu Pei’s eyes turned icy as he flicked his sleeve with disdain, clearly disregarding this peacemaker.
What a drama queen! Trying to steal the spotlight for no reason!
Xu Fei, impulsive by nature, didn’t bother with any social niceties.
“Were you deaf or just daydreaming? That old man had the gall to say ‘this wayward woman’—he’s not just attacking Liu Xi, he’s also dragging in the glorious Xu ancestors! If I can put up with such insults, then I’m unworthy of being a Xu! Old man, listen well! If you don’t give us an explanation today, you won’t get out of this hall, and you certainly won’t leave the palace!”
The officials paled at his words.
Wu Ma Shang seemed dazed by Xu Fei’s sudden outburst, taking a while to gather his wits.
He attempted to turn the situation, “I thought the Xu descendants were something special, just two kids being used as pawns. This is obviously Liu Xi’s scheme to create trouble. Master Xu is a revered figure, far beyond the comparison of mere women and children! That scoundrel Liu Xi, with her slick tongue, has stirred up conflict between the two of you and me—what an utterly despicable act!”
Upon hearing this, the Xu brothers didn’t grow any calmer; they both snorted in disdain, shooting Wu Ma Shang scornful glares.
Did he really think he needed to spell it out?
It’s clear to everyone that they were just dragged into this mess by Wu Ma Shang looking for trouble!
“Old man, stop beating around the bush! If you don’t provide an explanation, this matter will not end here!”
Wu Ma Shang sneered heavily, “Master Xu and Liu Xi are separate matters. You two Xu brothers should stay out of it and not interfere with Liu Xi’s affairs. Once I reveal the traitor’s deceit, I’ll come personally to explain and apologize. How does that sound?”
Xu Pei was about to argue against it, but Jiang Pengji had pulled them into this mess to attract Wu Ma Shang’s attention and divert his anger. If they slipped away now, it’d seem downright dishonorable. Friends don’t help each other for free; after this, Liu Xi would owe her a big favor.
Xu Pei had his clever plans, but unfortunate for him, Xu Fei’s brain wasn’t on the same wavelength, ruining his brother’s strategy.
Xu Fei glanced at Jiang Pengji and boldly declared, “Fine! I want to see what pearls of wisdom can come from that dog’s mouth!”
Oh, foolish cousin!
Xu Pei maintained his calm facade but internally berated Xu Fei viciously.
Not only was Xu Pei frustrated with his brother for jeopardizing him, but the audience in the live stream was also annoyed at Xu Fei for being such a lousy teammate.
【A Streak of Deep Red】: Wow! What is a pig teammate, if not someone like Xu Fei!
【Midnight Epilepsy】: The advantage the host worked so hard to create is all ruined by that silly pig!
【Fallen Dust Not Morning Mist】: I take back what I said; Xu Fei isn’t cute anymore, just plain dumb. This was a perfect opportunity! With our powerful host in the mix, even the brothers just needed to hang back and quietly assist to snag a kill. Now? They’ve just been brushed off by that old rascal!
【Little Penguin Meow Meow】: I disagree with you upstairs. Our host is a powerhouse, capable of carrying the entire scene!
Without the Xu brothers to back her, Jiang Pengji felt herself slipping into a tough spot.
Wu Ma Shang coldly mocked her, “No wonder you’re Liu Zhongqing’s offspring; your ability to argue is impressive. But sadly, the eyes of the officials are sharp—no matter how you twist your words, a blatant argument is still an argument. Don’t think you can hide behind your ancestors; frauds like you are hardly worthy to be compared with great heroes! Liu Xi, what more can you say?”
Unexpectedly, Jiang Pengji observed the red mark on his face and let out a light snicker, dripping with mockery.
“Governor Wu Ma, do you know why the two sons of the late Emperor fell?”
This question caught Wu Ma Shang off guard, leaving the other officials baffled too.
Why would the fate of the late Emperor’s sons matter now?
“You’re rambling nonsense!” Wu Ma Shang spat, disgust written all over his face.
Jiang Pengji replied, “You’re wrong. I’m not rambling on aimlessly. The late Emperor’s sons were executed because they were discovered trying to scheme against him and the Empress with sorcery, which led to their doom and brought disaster upon their maternal family. I suspect you’ve fallen victim to a similar curse!”
The officials gasped—
This plot twist was shocking; they felt their brains were failing them.
Wu Ma Shang’s face darkened, nearly jumping out of his skin.
“Absurd! Utterly absurd!”
“Governor Wu Ma, don’t be so quick to deny it. I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t have proof. Just as you managed to find Zhao Jiasi as a witness, I have evidence. However, I’m not asking you to strip down in public. I only need you to do one little thing.” Jiang Pengji smirked coldly, “You and that woman will each say ‘Green bamboo snake tongue, needle on the bee’s tail’ in Langya dialect, while one of you will say ‘Long live our Emperor, may he reign forever’ in Zhangzhou dialect.”
When she made this odd demand, the ministers were left bewildered.
After a moment, the old woman awkwardly uttered the phrase in Langya dialect, followed closely by Wu Ma Shang in Zhangzhou dialect.
Jiang Pengji scoffed, “It seems you misunderstood—I said, together! Not one after the other!”
Wu Ma Shang stepped forward, fuming, “You wench, don’t push your luck!”
Jiang Pengji’s voice suddenly rose, radiating an aura of mental pressure.
“Are you unwilling or unable to do it—what’s your excuse?”
Wu Ma Shang turned as pale as a ghost, stepping back, while the old woman’s eyes glinted with a murderous intent as if laced with poison.
