Upon hearing this, the atmosphere around them subtly shifted, and many people frowned as they looked at Deputy Liu.
However, Deputy Liu himself didn't seem to care at all, and continued to berate Su Mu, "The servants came to report that you disappeared, and I have to come out to look for you. My time is very precious, and I can't waste it on this kind of thing!"
Hearing his deliberately loud reprimands, Su Mu remained calm and gently said to the children, "It's alright, you can eat slowly."
The children nodded immediately, wolfing down their food, their eyes filled with wariness as they looked at Deputy Liu.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed by such hostile stares, Deputy Liu coldly questioned, "What kind of behavior is it for you children to pester the city lord like this?"
The surrounding people frowned as they watched, feeling dissatisfied, but no one dared to speak out.
After all, Deputy Liu is a figure second only to the emperor, and if one speaks out rashly, he might be targeted by Liu.
But children are innocent and simple-minded, and many of the little ones immediately retorted with dissatisfaction, "Who are you? Why are you pointing fingers at the city lord!"
"That's right! The city lord is good to us and feeds us. I won't allow you to talk about him like that!"
The children chattered excitedly and made faces at Deputy Liu.
"you!"
Deputy Liu was immediately enraged and was about to order his men to drive them away when Su Mu spoke up leisurely.
"Kids, don't be angry, he's one of my men."
He carefully wiped the rice grains from the corners of the child's mouth and patiently explained, "I was sick a few days ago, and it was this subordinate of mine who helped me accomplish a lot of things."
"Although I originally intended to do everything myself, he did most of what I wanted to do. Although many things were not very mature, he was already quite good as my subordinate."
With tears streaming down his face, Su Mu praised Deputy Liu in front of everyone, while also subtly revealing some information.
The results of Deputy Liu's swift and decisive actions these past few days were all approved by him and facilitated by him.
"I didn't expect Deputy Liu to be so capable, but this is also thanks to the city lord's excellent guidance."
"That's right. Even when the city lord was sick, he still cared about us and did so many things to help us. He's just too outstanding."
The people praised Su Mu and also complimented Deputy Liu.
However, Liu, the deputy, felt something was amiss and clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth.
Isn't Su Mu's statement basically him trying to take all the credit for himself?!
Having figured this out, Deputy Liu took a step forward in a fit of rage, staring at Su Mu with a fierce gaze.
Su Mu, however, looked back calmly, his eyes full of smiles, clearly confident that Deputy Liu wouldn't dare to make a move.
As expected, although Deputy Liu was very angry, he reluctantly put down his hand when he saw the crowd of people gathering around.
Although he was able to give Su Mu a good beating, his image would undoubtedly be tarnished, and he would be criticized for whatever he did in the city in the future.
Thinking of this, Deputy Liu became even angrier; this feeling was just too frustrating!
Seeing his expression, Su Mu unconsciously curled his lips into a sneer.
Xu Nian is right. He is the eldest son of the current prime minister, with a noble status. How can he be manipulated by a mere dog of the third prince?
He has thought a lot these past few days and has made thorough preparations.
"By the way, if possible, I hope you can distribute porridge; I will give you enough money."
Su Mu turned to look at the vendor and patiently instructed, "The main thing is to make sure these children and elderly people who can't afford to eat have enough to eat, okay?"
Upon hearing this, the vendor was so moved that he burst into tears. "Lord, what are you saying? I will naturally obey such a kind act!"
The children cheered and screamed, and the people praised the city lord's magnanimity and generosity. Only Deputy Liu had a gloomy face, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.
Back at his residence, Su Mu felt a sense of triumph.
He hadn't felt this pleasant comfort in a long time.
Before he could tell Su Wanting about it, Xu Nian burst into the room.
"Your antidote is ready!"
Immediately, Su Mu's eyes lit up, and he couldn't wait to walk up to Xu Nian, staring at the small medicine bottle, his heart trembling.
This is the medicine that can restore his health!
Su Wanting was equally excited and hurriedly asked, "Are there any precautions when taking the medicine?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Nian thought for a moment and shook her head, saying, "There's nothing special about it, but you have to keep eating it every day, and you'll see results in a week."
Upon hearing this, Su Mu took the medicine without hesitation and drank it. Feeling the warm sensation all over his body, he unconsciously hummed, "Ah, I feel much better."
Standing beside Xu Nian, Gu Zhan said casually, "Deputy Liu was about to inform the Third Prince that I was here, but I intercepted the message."
Su Mu paused for a moment, then nodded in understanding.
"So I hope you won't reveal my whereabouts to anyone," Gu Zhan added, a cold glint in his eyes.
Instantly, Su Wanting's palms became damp with a fine layer of sweat, and she tugged at Su Mu's sleeve.
Facing Gu Zhan, Su Mu was clearly under a lot of pressure, and he forced himself to assure him, "Don't worry, we definitely won't say anything."
Xu Nian patted Gu Zhan's strong forearm, "Look at you, why are you scaring them?"
Then, she slowly continued, "This drug is a slow-acting medication. Yours is fine, but naturally it was Deputy Liu who administered it. However, you should thoroughly investigate who administered the drug to Wan Ting."
Xu Nian spoke tactfully, but Su Mu and Su Wanting understood what she meant.
This medicine must have been administered by someone close to Su Wanting, and it must have been administered over a long period of time; otherwise, it would never have had such an effect.
"I understand, I will remind my family." Su Mu nodded, pondering for a long time before speaking.
After discussing for a long time, the sky gradually darkened.
Just as Xu Nian and Gu Zhan were about to leave, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.
Pushing open the door, the servant, looking flustered, suddenly collapsed to the ground.
"Oh no! Thieves have suddenly arrived! The people of the city are in a panic and are fleeing in all directions!"
Upon hearing this, a serious look flashed across Xu Nian's eyes, and she pressed on, "And now, how are the people?"
"Those thieves are extremely brazen. It seems they've even taken some hostages, saying they won't release them unless we hand over the grain!"
The servant reported anxiously, his face full of panic.
"Get all the soldiers out!" Su Mu slammed his hand on the table, his eyes fierce.
"this……"
The servant stammered for a while, then forced himself to say, "Not long ago, Deputy Liu transferred all the soldiers who could fight, saying he wanted to train them."
"There are no soldiers left in the city that can be mobilized..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
