Everyone was stunned. Time seemed to freeze suddenly. The conversation stopped abruptly and the whole scene fell into dead silence. Only the sound of the sharp wind whistling past could be clearly heard by everyone.
Emperor Cheng Jing's expression suddenly became gloomy, just like the sky covered by dark clouds. For some reason, he could not hear Mu Nan's inner voice.
"What nonsense!" Chi Mo's face, which was originally as cold as frost and snow, was instantly replaced by anger.
"Master Mu's words are a blasphemy to the princess's piano music! I guarantee on my reputation and life that the reason the plum blossoms around this pavilion bloomed in an instant is entirely due to the princess's heavenly piano music!"
Yun Yuan, who was standing beside him, quietly took his hand and gave him a grateful look.
Chi Moruyu's face turned red, and her lips couldn't help but rise up, and she shook Yun Yuan's hand again.
He continued, "The princess's personal maid and my attendant are both outside and can testify for us."
"I can testify to this." Xiaodie bowed to Emperor Chengjing, "Lord Mu was just standing outside the pavilion. Apart from shivering in the wind, he did nothing the entire time."
"I can testify that Lord Mu didn't pray at all. The plum blossoms only bloomed after the princess played the zither."
Mu Nan pursed his lips and acted as if he was humiliated: "It was obviously me... well, since you want this honor, then take it. It's my fault, I shouldn't be unwilling, but I..."
He hesitated to speak, acting as if he was under duress.
Yun Yuan asked, "Master Zhaomu, are you saying that I've taken away the honor that you deserve?"
Mu Nan lowered his head and said, "I didn't say so, but the plum blossoms did bloom for my prayers."
Chu Yuheng, Xi Haoling and Xiao Qingxuan hurried over. Seeing the plum blossoms in full bloom, they were surprised and stood beside Yun Yuan without hesitation.
"I wonder how Lord Mu prays?" Chu Yuheng looked at Mu Nan with a sharp gaze and said loudly, "I have traveled extensively over the years, but I have never heard of anyone's prayers being able to make plum blossoms bloom instantly."
Facing Chu Yuheng's questioning, Mu Nan remained calm and composed, "Of course, it varies from person to person. Everyone's connection with the heavens is different, so the effects will also vary."
Xi Haoling, standing by, sneered and then said, "Master Zhaomu, you are the exception who is specially favored by the gods in heaven?"
Everyone suddenly looked strange.
Emperor Cheng Jing's face darkened. It was said that the emperor was the son of God. Mu Nan's words clearly showed that he had rebellious intentions.
Mu Nan didn't notice the trap in Xi Haoling's words. He bowed slightly and said, "You are all rare and outstanding people in this world. Mu Nan doesn't dare to be arrogant. Perhaps it was simply because I was sincere enough in my prayers that I received God's mercy and was granted this response."
"How shameless!" Xiao Qingxuan sneered. A hint of disdain flashed in his narrow eyes. He said coldly, "Since Master Mu has described his prayers as so miraculous, and since we are all here, why not demonstrate it again and open our eyes?"
Mu Nan looked embarrassed. "A miracle requires the right time, right place, and right people. None of these three conditions can be missing. Given the current situation, I can't guarantee that I can still summon such a miracle."
Chu Yuheng said bluntly, "You can't prove that all this was done by you. To put it bluntly, you just want to covet this reputation."
Chi Mo said, "It is said that a skilled musician can summon hundreds of birds with the sound of his zither. Princess Chaoyan's zither music is unparalleled in the world. Isn't it amazing that it can even make flowers bloom?"
Hearing this, everyone present nodded, there was indeed such a legend in the past.
Seeing that no one was on his side, Mu Nan had no intention of backing down. Instead, he defended himself righteously.
"I also pledge my future, my life, and my wealth to ensure that the plum blossoms in this garden are truly blossoming because of my sincere prayers."
Seeing his firm attitude, the people who were originally skeptical began to waver again.
After all, Mu Nan was only a minor official of the seventh rank. Logically speaking, how could he dare to openly challenge His Majesty's favorite princess? Especially in front of His Majesty?
Unless he was truly filled with endless resentment, he would certainly not take such a huge risk and kneel resolutely before the emperor.
This is exactly the situation that Mu Nan expected.
Although he had no way to prove that the plum blossoms bloomed because of him, at least these words could confuse the public.
As long as Princess Chaoyan is unable to produce strong evidence to refute him, there will always be some people who remain skeptical and choose to believe his words.
In this way, if he makes any mistakes in the future, there will surely be someone who will stand up and plead for him.
With such an auspicious sign appearing, even if Emperor Chengjing ultimately fails to marry the princess to him, he will at least restore his original official position, right?
He said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I am telling the truth not for any reward, but simply because I seek truth from facts and do not want Your Majesty to be misled."
Emperor Cheng Jing narrowed his eyes. This Mu Nan was really clueless. Did he think that he couldn't punish him since the matter was unclear? How ridiculous!
Seeing that Emperor Chengjing was about to get angry, Yun Yuan quickly spoke up, "Since Mu Nan said the plum blossoms bloomed because of him, let's compete to see who can make the plum blossoms bloom."
Mu Nan thought that it was a miracle for the plum blossoms to bloom once, and it was absolutely impossible for them to bloom a second time. Princess Chaoyan could encounter a coincidence once, but it was impossible for such a coincidence to happen every time.
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