Chapter 308 Disposal
The guard, who looked like he had been on the battlefield, already had a murderous look on his face. After being provoked by the people around him, his face became even gloomier, as if water could drip out of it.
He glared at Chu Ci and the others and shouted in a stern tone, "We're going to collect food and fodder, not go on a picnic!"
Then, ignoring the Crown Prince's grim expression, he continued to scold him sternly, "Also, can you guys be more serious? This is not a joke. There are dangers everywhere along the way. If you are not careful, you will lose your life. How can you be so relaxed!"
Chu Ci raised her eyebrows, her expression instantly cold. Her clear voice cut through the air like a sharp sword, "This princess would like to ask this guard, what did the people around you say to you that made you suddenly glare at me, the princess who was willing to help your Highness the Crown Prince raise food and fodder at a critical moment?"
Chu Ci's eyes were as sharp as torches, staring at the guards without any retreat.
Without waiting for the guards to reply, she turned her ire on the Crown Prince: "Your Highness, your men acted this way. Didn't you instruct them? I, Chu Ci, have worked tirelessly with my family to raise food and fodder for this mission, yet you are being accused of this without cause. You must give me an explanation!"
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's expression also turned slightly cold. He gave a direct and solemn order, "Take the man away and hand him over to the Xiuyi Enforcement Officer. I believe they will give me an explanation."
As soon as the prince finished speaking, the guards who had been silent as a background suddenly took action and quickly arrested the guard who spoke nonsense and several guards around him.
However, Chu Ci did not intend to give up.
She knew that if she didn't get to the bottom of this matter, there would be more trouble in the future. With a firm gaze, she faced the Crown Prince and said, "Your Highness, this is no accident. If we don't investigate thoroughly, I'm afraid it will affect our mission to raise food and fodder."
The prince frowned slightly, his handsome sword-like eyebrows were tightly furrowed, a hint of fierceness flashed in his eyes, and his gaze towards the guards immediately became unfriendly.
At this time, the guards who were captured finally became anxious.
"Your Highness, it's Mu Chengze. He's been complaining the whole time. Unexpectedly, we didn't take it seriously at first. But Lieutenant General Luo witnessed General Zhenxi being stabbed in the back, and he's had a trauma in his heart, so he overreacted this time!"
"Yes, yes, it was Mu Chengze. He also complained that you, the Crown Prince, were too eager to make achievements and were deceived by a woman."
…
Except for Lieutenant General Luo and the accused person Mu Chengze, the other people who were arrested spoke one after another, frantically trying to explain themselves like ants on a hot pan, and soon they came up with the whole story in a flurry of words.
Mu Chengze didn't expect these people to sell him out so easily, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes.
But perhaps she had been warned before, and even at this point, she still kept biting Chu Ci: "Your Highness, you can't do this to us."
"I just couldn't stand Princess Yixin's inability to distinguish between public and private matters, so I just complained a few times. What's wrong with that?"
"She's clearly carrying a bunch of insignificant stuff, which could potentially slow down the trip and affect the mission. We were so focused on this mission, but we're the ones being blamed?"
Chu Ci sneered, her beautiful eyes frosty as she sarcastically said, "Mu Chengze, don't think this is just a few casual complaints. Your few words have shaken the morale of the army! It's even very likely to jeopardize the important task of raising food and fodder. How dare you claim you're innocent?"
"Furthermore, you keep accusing me of not distinguishing between public and private matters. Why don't you explain in detail how exactly I've failed to distinguish between public and private matters?"
Mu Chengze was speechless for a moment, stammering and unable to say anything.
Chu Ci didn't pause, but continued, "This time, raising food and fodder is a matter of national security and the lives of the people. I, Chu Ci, took the risk and followed with my family, just to do my bit. And you, here, are making groundless accusations and undermining unity. What are your intentions?"
The prince's face grew increasingly gloomy, like a gathering dark cloud. He glared at Mu Chengze, his voice as cold as ice: "Tell me, what is your motive for acting this way? Who is behind this? If you tell even a single lie, I will not forgive you!"
Upon hearing this, Mu Chengze's eyes flashed with fear. "Your Highness, I know I was wrong. I was just confused for a moment. Please spare my life, Your Highness!"
He seemed to be begging for mercy with tears in his eyes, but if you looked closely you would find that his words were evasive and vague, and he actually didn't reveal any useful information.
The prince was silent for a moment, his eyes slowly sweeping over the people present, his expression solemn and majestic. "Do you think I should spare Mu Chengze?"
His voice was low and oppressive, as if casting a huge rock on everyone's hearts.
Everyone avoided looking at the prince, and no one dared to look at him. It was obvious that they had their own thoughts in their minds.
Vice Admiral Luo, on the other hand, held his head high, stepped forward, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Highness, procuring grain is of paramount importance. We cannot afford even the slightest loss."
"Mu Chengze's actions this time, whether intentional or unintentional, may bring hidden dangers to this mission."
Seeing this, the others chimed in. "Yes, Your Highness, this matter cannot be forgiven lightly."
"If he's hiding something and something happens in the future, it'll be troublesome."
Upon hearing this, the prince's face darkened. He waved his hand fiercely and shouted, "Drag him away!"
The guards received the order and rushed forward without hesitation, smashing Mu Chengze's legs mercilessly with the sticks in their hands.
Mu Chengze howled miserably, then fainted. The guards then dragged him away like a dead dog.
When the others saw this, they fell silent, not daring to make a sound, for fear of getting into trouble.
But the Crown Prince still felt it was not enough. His sharp eyes swept around like a hawk. After a long moment, his face became solemn and his tone was cold as he said, "Remember this, the collection of food and fodder this time is related to the survival of the country and the lives of the people. We cannot afford to lose anything."
"If anyone dares to harbor evil intentions and cause trouble again, Mu Chengze will be your fate."
Everyone was startled upon hearing this, their faces instantly filled with awe. They straightened their backs and quickly responded loudly, "Yes, we will live up to the trust of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and go all out to complete the important task of raising food and fodder. We will not dare to slack off or have any second thoughts!"
At this point, the prince slowly turned his gaze towards Chu Ci, his expression slightly relaxed, and his tone was somewhat questioning: "Princess Yixin, are you satisfied with this treatment?"
Chu Ci bowed slightly, his expression dignified, and spoke slowly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is fair, decisive, and strict in his conduct. This is a very reasonable approach, and Chu Ci is naturally satisfied. I only hope that this grain-raising mission will be successful, living up to Your Highness's expectations and the trust of the people."
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