After rebirth, I became a treacherous minister Black Moonlight

Lu Yuan bowed respectfully to his father-in-law and said, "Father-in-law, why don't you go back to your room and rest for a while? I will handle this matter."

What could Shang Jue say? He could only clear his throat, appear calm and composed, and turn to leave.

In fact, he was also very curious. He knew the abilities of the Twelve Guards, and this kid's ability to fight alone was indeed superior to that of the Twelve Guards. However, it was not him who made the move, but the young boy under him.

When did that young boy acquire such extraordinary abilities that he managed to capture them all at once?
Don't tell him that Duan Mingyue's appearance was a coincidence. Although the process is unclear, he suspects that this kid is involved.

Shang Jue guessed correctly; everything was part of Lu Yuan's plan.

Duan Wenliang yawned, his eyes bulging with dark circles, and mumbled, "Brother, we've been traveling for so many days, can I go back and rest now?"

Duan Mingyue smiled slightly, but did not answer her brother's question. Instead, she greeted Lu Yuan: "It's been a long time. How have you been, Grand Commander?"

Lu Yuan looked at him casually and said lightly, "It's only been half a month, how can it be that we haven't seen each other for many days? Young Master Duan seems to miss me too much, making it seem as if you two have a very close relationship."

Duan Mingyue smiled and said, "Third brother still loves to joke around as much as before."

Lu Yuan snorted.

In fact, since Prime Minister Xun died, the brothers had almost fallen apart. Duan Mingyue always called him "Third Brother" and teased him about their past relationship, as if Duan Mingyue was the only one who didn't mind that past.

It seemed that only Duan Mingyue was not afraid of upsetting Lu Yuan.

Duan Mingyue smiled slightly and said, "I've brought the person you wanted. I've now repaid the favor I owed you."

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow and said, "I don't recall Young Master Duan owing us any favors."

Duan Mingyue smiled helplessly: "You little rascal, are you trying to make me owe you another favor?"

"Since that's what you say, elder brother, I'll reluctantly accept it."

"So now you're willing to admit you're my third brother."

"Hey, you two, are you done yet? Have you finished acting? If you're done, then let's get down to business!"

The one who was being sarcastic was the Ugly Ox that Duan Mingyue had brought with her.

His real name is Zheng Bai. Don't be fooled by his loud voice. If you only look at his face, you would think he is a handsome scholar. He has a delicate face and wears a long gown. He once swaggered into the Imperial Academy and no one stopped him. They clearly thought he was a student of the Imperial Academy.

The opportunity that led him to become one of the Twelve Guards was quite simple: he played a game of pitch-pot with Marshal Chu, and the outcome was decided in one go.

He lost, so he willingly served the Grand Marshal of Chu.

As for loyalty, it's hard to say.

Zheng Bai is very capricious. If he thinks something is right, he will do it even if it means being struck by lightning. He is not a man of keeping his promises. But once he develops a dislike for someone, he will not care even if he has sworn an oath to the heavens or if he is struck by lightning.

Duan Mingyue raised her hand towards Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan said, "Oh, you're done talking?"

Ugly Ox said, "That's all, that's all. Let's get down to business!"

Lu Yuan asked, "What important matter is it?"

Ugly Ox: "No, weren't we supposed to see the Holy Maiden?"

"You're here to see the Holy Maiden too?"

"You're here to see the Holy Maiden too?"

The Horse (午马) and the Rat (子鼠) spoke in unison.

Ugly Ox asked, "Are you also here?"

The two nodded, and Wu Ma said, "If it weren't for wanting to see the Holy Maiden, why would we willingly be captured?" At this, Wu Ma frowned: "Oh no! We've fallen for this kid's trap! This kid is deliberately using the Holy Maiden to lure us in!"

He exchanged a glance with Zishu, but it was too late—they had already been taken to the Governor's Mansion. At this time, Shang Jue had all the troops and experts of the Great Zhou, so they had no way to escape.

When Lu Yuan realized that his scheme had been exposed, he stopped pretending.

He raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Tell me first what your purpose is in seeking the Holy Maiden. I will consider whether to introduce you to her."

"Lu Yuan, I advise you not to be so arrogant!" Wu Ma shouted angrily.

Lu Yuan's lips curled slightly: "So what if I'm arrogant? Do you think I can't do anything to you just because the Snake isn't here? This is the Governor's Mansion, my territory. I have plenty of ways to torture someone."

Seeing that the situation was gradually getting out of control, the Rat hesitated for a moment before acting as a peacemaker: "Alright, alright, stop arguing! Since we all have the same goal, let's talk things out."

He looked at Lu Yuan and said, "Grand Commander, to be honest, your men are no match for us. We came here voluntarily to ask the Holy Maiden to fulfill our wish."

Lu Yuan: "What wish?"

Zishu said, "We can only speak when we see the Holy Maiden."

Ugly Ox said, "Me too."

Lu Yuan stroked his delicate chin: "Yu Zichuan, see the guest out."

"I want to save the Grand Marshal!"

"I want to save the Grand Marshal!"

Lu Yuan was slightly surprised. He looked at Wu Ma, then at Chou Niu, and then his gaze fell on Zi Shu's face: "What about you? You also want to save the Grand Marshal?"

Zishu said, "I have said that I can only speak when I see the Holy Maiden."
-
"I heard you want to see me?"

Inside the greenhouse, the saint picked a peony and gently placed it in her basket.

The basket was already filled with many flowers and herbs, vibrant and lush, but none could match her beauty.

To others, all things in heaven and earth are scenery, but to her they are nothing more than gentle, ethereal energy.

Zishu gazed at the stunningly beautiful woman before him, but lowered his eyes after only a moment—he felt that even looking at her for a second would be a desecration of the saintess.

This was a woman who was almost divine, and she inspired even greater awe in him than the Grand Marshal.

He couldn't help but think of the goddess of Wushan.

In his youth, he had the good fortune to visit Wushan and catch a glimpse of the goddess from afar. He was deeply moved, as if he had truly seen a celestial being descend to earth.

At that moment, he once again felt the arrival of destiny, and even his breathing became lighter.

Zhong Liyuan did not urge him, but simply picked flowers and plants in the greenhouse on her own.

She was going to make medicinal porridge for her daughter and also promised to knit a pretty little flower hat for the little one.

After an unknown amount of time, the rat finally regained its voice.

He took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a devout gesture, and bowed respectfully: "Holy Maiden, please save my people!"

Having said that, he lifted his skirt, knelt on one knee, and bowed deeply to the saintess.

This is a grand ceremony performed only when the clan worships the gods, and no one has ever performed it to this day.

The saint paused slightly, then said, "Very well. I thought it would be the Serpent who begged me to save his people, but it turned out to be you. Who exactly are you?" (End of Chapter)