She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

Jiang Ruining continued, "The Great Zhou was able to escape the chaos of war because of the soldiers' valiant fighting, because of His Majesty's effective governance, because of the Regent's new national policies, and because of the concerted efforts of the monarch and his ministers. If the nation's fortunes had been in decline, it would have been due to the rebellion of treacherous officials!"

"Some people, however, keep linking the fate of the Great Zhou Dynasty to the life and death of a beast, and they are aggressive towards their colleagues. Their intentions are truly despicable!"

When Prince Zheng thought he was about to be punished, and even if he didn't die, he would be half-dead, he heard Jiang Ruining's words, and the hope of survival suddenly shone in his mind like a bright light: "Your Majesty is wise! This ominous beast should be killed!"

The Zheng family members bowed deeply: "The Zheng family is loyal to the court and has no disloyal intentions. We beseech the Regent to make a wise judgment, and we implore Your Majesty to decide!"

Li, caught in a veiled insult, kept a straight face but dared not retaliate in front of the Regent: "The County Princess has never seen an auspicious omen, how could she know whether it is capable of reproduction!"

Jiang Ruining picked up the tea brought by the palace servant, held the lid, and slowly stirred the foam on the surface of the tea. "Instead of asking whether this is true, Minister Li, why don't you just order the animal trainer and the imperial physician to examine it carefully? Wouldn't that tell you?"

The regent dusted off his fingers.

Someone immediately went to give the order and monitor the situation.

The Empress Dowager's people immediately followed.

The Imperial Guards quickly set up tents to keep the bloody scene of the autopsy away.

At midday in early autumn, the sun rises overhead, casting a golden glow that feels slightly warm, but a mountain breeze makes it just right.

Xiao Che picked up a pomegranate from the side, peeled it, tasted one seed, and then put the seeds into a bowl one by one.

Looking at the glistening, plump, and bright red pomegranate seeds under my fingertips, they reminded me so much of the little girl beside me.

At fifteen or sixteen, she was at the most beautiful age, with radiant eyes and skin as fair as the morning sun. Every smile, every gesture was radiant, and her beauty was flawless even under the bright sun. Her sweet, juicy, and crystal-clear appearance made one want to kiss her.

In the capital and the palace, there are countless beauties, but there is only one like her who is both intelligent and cunning, yet clear and sweet!

After peeling the fruit, he washed and dried his hands, placed a silver spoon on the table, and handed it to her. His long, slender fingers gently touched her arm: "Eat, it's very sweet."

Jiang Ruining lowered her eyes, glanced at his hand, and then moved her gaze to the bowl full of pomegranate seeds, bright red and glistening, just looking at them made her imagine their heat and their sweetness and juiciness.

After a few seconds of haughtiness, she picked up the bowl and slowly scooped a spoonful into her mouth.

Although she's still "angry," she can't let herself miss out on delicious food. And when dealing with men, you can't just be arrogant; you have to give them some sweetness and hope so they know she can still be coaxed. Otherwise, they might think she's hard to coax and then just give up on coaxing her altogether!

After a while, you get used to constantly coaxing them.

One bite and the juice bursts out between your lips and teeth, the rich sweetness instantly filling every cell. Delicious!

Since Jiang Ruining started following the Regent, she has never been without fruit. Apart from lychees, cherries, peaches, and grapes, most of them are not as good as the modern cultivated and improved ones. Now she has added pomegranates to her diet!

In a moment of joy, he unconsciously lifted his toes and lightly tapped them a few times on the footrest of the armchair.

By the time she realized what was happening and tried to control herself, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the devil beside her was staring down at her swaying skirt: "..." Oh no, he's going to get all smug now!

No!

She had to save face. The main problem was that so many eyes were on her that she couldn't eat heartily. She could only eat three or five pieces at a time, which was really not enough!

She put down her bowl and stopped eating: "It is quite sweet."

It's to tell him that his smug look has offended her again!

Just a moment ago, Xiao Che was looking at her swaying skirt and was relieved that she had eaten and was eating happily, so she probably wasn't angry enough to hate him. But the next moment, she said it was sweet and then stopped eating. When she put down the bowl, she seemed a little unhappy.

I don't quite understand, why?

For a fleeting moment, the indifference on his face cracked, revealing his true, stunned expression.

Among the many astute and capable individuals present, all were watching the two of them closely. As a result, quite a few people noticed that the Regent's emotions were constantly being swayed by the Princess of Funing County. Although he was reserved, his concern was clearly evident in his eyes.

Some people remained expressionless, inwardly mocking: "Once a woman stirs his emotions, this person is no longer invincible. With a little manipulation, his foundation will crumble like termites, and he will eventually collapse!"

Some people frowned slightly, a worry creeping into their hearts: It's not a good thing that the prince is putting too much thought into women!

Some people's eyes sparkled with envy: It's not easy to find someone you love in this lifetime, it's truly enviable!

Watching the interaction between the two, Shao Yunting saw one willingly indulging, and the other arrogantly taking advantage of their favor... They didn't even make eye contact, yet they were both certain that they would be the special one. It was hard for him not to understand such feelings!

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Regent, the animal trainer and the imperial physician have completed the examination of the liger."

The Imperial Guard's reply interrupted everyone's various thoughts.

The animal trainer and the imperial physician stepped forward, bowed, and waited to be questioned.

Jiang Ruining clasped her hands together, placing them on her smoky-colored silk dress, and deliberately reminded them: "Have you all taken a good look at who's here today? If you lie or talk nonsense, no one can guarantee what will happen to you!"

Li Shilang's questioning voice was tinged with a sneer: "Is the county princess threatening them?"

"Yes!" Jiang Ruining smiled, "I'm afraid some people with bad intentions, standing a million miles away from the truth, won't just stay silent and watch the show. Instead, they're eager to jump out and be aggressive. It's not impossible that they might do something shady like threatening blood behind the scenes!"

"I've finished speaking. Would Vice Minister Li like to say a few words as well?"

Vice Minister Li thought she would be forced to prove herself, but to his surprise, she admitted it quickly and decisively, even mocking him. Despite his more than twenty years of experience in officialdom, he was still infuriated: "I hope the county princess isn't just spouting nonsense to exonerate Prince Zheng!"

Jiang Ruining looked at him with exaggerated incomprehension and doubt on her face.

Having spent over three months with her, the Regent knew her quite well. Seeing her staring at someone like that meant he was about to punish her, so he immediately played along: "Why are you looking at Minister Li like that?"

Jiang Ruining's eyes and tone were very serious: "When you're on duty and dealing with your subordinates, do you always act arrogantly and do not ask about the process or look at the evidence, relying on your official position and age?"

This is an accusation.

It's not a serious matter, but if the Regent and Grand Secretary Jiang seize the opportunity to make a fuss, Vice Minister Li's year-end performance evaluation will definitely not look good. Nowadays, officials are promoted based on their political achievements, so it will be difficult for him to get promoted again!

"Your Highness, watch your words! I don't even know you; don't you dare slander me!"

Jiang Huai slammed his teacup down on the table with a bang, his face smiling but his eyes icy: "Minister Li, let's talk this out. The county princess is timid and can't be intimidated by your fierce face!"

He threatened me?

Is she timid?

Li Shilang almost laughed out of anger.

This woman's insults were thrown right in his face, yet Grand Secretary Jiang had the nerve to say such things!

"Did I say something wrong?" Jiang Ruining looked innocent and naive. "The beast tamer and the imperial physician are standing right here, just waiting to report the truth. You didn't listen and interrupted in front of the nobles, making your baseless and sarcastic speculations. What is that if not arrogance and haughtiness?"

"Just as you said, we don't know each other at all, and you know nothing about my knowledge. What right do you have to despise the position of Yin Yang Venerable?"

Li Shilang was speechless.

The venue was packed with hundreds of people, three or four layers deep, watching the spectacle with a variety of expressions.

Some people think Jiang Ruining is too arrogant, some think she is humorous and doesn't suffer losses, and some think her sharpness can kill without leaving a trace.

The Regent and Grand Secretary Jiang looked on with admiration and satisfaction: "...Ningning is so clever!"

Xiao Qing's eyes lit up: "..." He wanted to be her husband, even if it meant marrying into her family!

Jiang Ruining, who was in the spotlight, sighed softly, with a magnanimous expression that said, "Although you lack manners, I won't hold it against you: Since Vice Minister Li has realized his mistake, he should go back and properly kowtow to Grand Tutor Cui, and not let down the high hopes that the old man has placed on you!"

Li Shilang's glossy beard trembled incessantly.

Meanwhile, Cui Taifu, who was involved, had a gentle expression, even a smile, as if he were watching a child's unreasonable tantrum. But deep in his smile was a hidden sharpness and apprehension.

Jiang Ruining secretly praised him, "An old fox is an old fox, with a good mentality and thick skin!"

However, no matter how indifferent he pretended to be, he couldn't hide the anxiety he and the Empress Dowager were feeling. Otherwise, the young emperor wouldn't have been able to seize the opportunity and scheme against them like this!

Seeing that the little girl had calmed down, the Regent raised his chin, signaling the imperial physician and the animal trainer to respond.