Unrivaled Miracle Doctor: The God-Defying Demonic Consort novel Chapter 539

Chapter 539: Chapter 183: A Woman’s Jealousy!

"Scoreboard, first place Qin Country with 268 points, second Di Country with 106 points, third Yu Country with 97 points, fourth Rong Country with 95 points, fifth Li Country with 93 points, sixth Yu Country with 90 points."

After seven days and seven nights of round-robin battles, the Holy Yuan Empire’s people in charge of tallying the scores announced the final scores.

It turned out Mu Qingge’s lack of concern was justified. Even when three second-class countries united in the last two days to try to stop Qin Country, they ultimately failed, only creating opportunities for Li Country and Yu Country to catch up and narrow the gap.

After the first round of competition, there were three days of rest before starting the second round.

During this time, the auction at Wanxiang Building was also about to begin.

...

"Speaking of, the young Lord Mu from the third-class Qin Country has always had delicate features, a refined appearance, soft complexion, and a voice that matches his looks. Even as a child, he was known as the most beautiful in Luodu, comparable to the princes of the Qin Imperial Family..."

In a teahouse in Tiandu, a storyteller on the table drummed his gavel as he vividly narrated tales about Mu Qingge.

The seats were packed, and many without seats squatted, stood, or leaned, listening intently.

When they heard that Mu Qingge used his beauty to sow discord between the princes, leading to the tragic death of the princess, curses immediately echoed throughout the teahouse. Patrons munching on seeds angrily threw them on the ground, their expressions intense as if they were characters in the story.

In a secluded corner of the teahouse, separated by a screen, blocking any prying eyes, yet allowing inside people to take in the scene.

Hearing the incessant cursing, a person sitting with their back to the screen lazily reclined on a chair, elbow resting on the armrest, holding a teacup and looking down.

One could only faintly see the corners of her mouth slightly turned up.

The person facing her was dressed oddly, different from the surroundings; their face, below the eyes, was covered with a veil woven with gold threads, exposing only a pair of pupils that glimmered faintly gold, watching the person opposite.

Behind each of them stood several guards.

From their attire and positioning, it could be deduced that these were their personal guards.

"I really can’t understand you. Even when people speak about you like this, you can still stay calm?" Jiang Li looked at Mu Qingge, shaking her head lightly.

Mu Qingge’s turned-up mouth deepened its smile.

She lightly placed the teacup in her hand onto the table, slowly looked up at Jiang Li, "Rumors stop at the wise. Can getting angry change anything?"

Jiang Li said, "You’re right. But in the current situation, I don’t think staying silent will cause these slanders to disappear."

"Will anyone believe if I clarify?" Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow and asked her.

Jiang Li was stumped by her question. After a moment, she sighed and said, "I can’t argue with you."

Mu Qingge smiled, leaned forward, picked up the teapot, and poured a cup for Jiang Li, "Have some tea to calm down. They’re talking about me; I’m not angry, so why are you?"

Jiang Li picked up the teacup, took a big gulp, put it down heavily, and said angrily, "If it were about me, at worst, I’d cut off the gossips’ tongues as a warning. But they’re talking about you, and I’m angry for you; yet, you act like you don’t care."

"Who said I’m not angry?" Mu Qingge’s eyebrows arched higher.

Jiang Li blinked and curiously asked, "What are you planning to do?"

She thought Mu Qingge already had a comprehensive plan because, in her mind, Mu Qingge was always someone who planned before making a move.

Yet, just as she awaited Mu Qingge’s brilliant plan, Mu Qingge shook her head calmly, "No plans whatsoever."

"What did you say?" Jiang Li nearly dropped her chin onto the table.

She stared wide-eyed at Mu Qingge, her eyes full of disbelief.

No plan, no strategy, and yet she could remain so composed? Acting like she had everything under control?

Jiang Li’s expression made Mu Qingge feel innocent.

She spread her hands and said to Jiang Li, "I’m just a mortal; it’s normal to be at a loss sometimes."

"..." What else could Jiang Li say?

Was she supposed to admit she’d overestimated Mu Qingge’s intelligence, or feel she was too dulled to be affected by such harm?

"You’ve said that ever since these rumors spread, you, the Huangfu Family, and Wanxiang Building have been investigating the source, only to find muddy waters. This indicates that behind this, it’s not just one party involved. Considering those I’ve offended and who could manage such things, it’s not hard to guess who’s pulling strings. But even knowing, what next? Hope they come forward and clarify themselves?" Mu Qingge stated calmly.

Jiang Li retorted, "Of course, clarifying themselves is impossible, but this needs to be resolved, right? If left unchecked, it won’t be long before you’re Tiandu’s public enemy."

At this moment, outside the screen, the storyteller talked about Mu Qingge entering Li Palace in Tiandu, trying to charm the Holy King Your Majesty with his beauty.

Mu Qingge’s gaze moved slightly, landing on the silhouettes faintly visible through the screen. After a few seconds of silence, she said to Jiang Li, "Since it never happened, it won’t become real. Let’s go."

With that, Mu Qingge tossed a piece of broken silver on the table and was the first to walk out of the teahouse.

"Hey, wait for me." Jiang Li quickly got up and followed Mu Qingge.

Leaving the teahouse, entering the bustling marketplace of Tiandu, the two of them mutually restrained their aura, diminishing their presence.

It’s not that they feared someone on the street would recognize Mu Qingge and verbally attack him.

But because their looks were too striking, to avoid unnecessary trouble and commotion, keeping a low profile was necessary.

"Wanxiang Building is on East Main Street; should we head over now?" Jiang Li caught up to Mu Qingge and asked.

Today was the start of the Wanxiang Building auction, and Jiang Li naturally received an invitation.

Mu Qingge checked the time and nodded, "Let’s head there now."

The two of them walked towards Tiandu’s East Main Street, passing some playful children, hearing them sing a song that made Mu Qingge stop and watch involuntarily.

"Lan Family’s daughter grows into womanhood, standing gracefully, envied by many. Offers to serve beside the King, yet the King shows no interest. With a wave of his sleeve, she’s rejected at the door, her beauty fading as she retreats home in tears..."

Jiang Li stopped with Mu Qingge and listened carefully, then laughed in surprise, "Could the person in the children’s song be who we think it is?"

Mu Qingge nodded almost imperceptibly, smiling, "It’s mentioned so clearly; who else could it be but her?"

Jiang Li glanced up. On the street, many children were playing, and they were all singing the same song.

Mu Qingge reached out to pull a little girl over with a smile and asked, "Little sister, who taught you this song?"

The little girl was about to cry when suddenly pulled, but upon seeing Mu Qingge’s face, she stopped, blurting out, "Brother, you’re so pretty!"

Embarrassed by the innocent child’s comment, Mu Qingge’s face showed rare awkwardness. She repeated her question, and the little girl said, "It was an uncle this morning. He said if we sang every day, he’d give us candy."

"What did that uncle look like, do you remember?" Mu Qingge asked again.

Unfortunately, the little girl’s description was of a very ordinary person that would blend into a crowd.

Choosing someone with no distinguishing features for this task showed the manipulator’s meticulousness, leaving no clue for pursuit.

Mu Qingge pondered and asked the little girl, "So... when will he bring the candy?"

The little girl shook her head, "Uncle gave money to the vendor uncle; we can ask the vendor for candy after we sing."

After the little girl’s explanation, Jiang Li came over from the other side.

She looked at Mu Qingge, shaking her head gently.

Mu Qingge smiled at the little girl, "Thank you. Go play now."

The little girl turned and left, and Mu Qingge’s smile slowly faded.

Jiang Li looked at her, "Seems you found nothing either."

"It’s not like there’s nothing to gain," Mu Qingge narrowed her eyes slightly.

Jiang Li looked at her curiously, waiting for her next words.

With her hands clasped behind her back, Mu Qingge said to Jiang Li, "This matter wasn’t done by you. If Huangfu Huan was involved, it wouldn’t be in such a subtle manner. Among the people I know, there is only one person who would make such a move. And this kind of traceless approach fits that person’s character perfectly."

"Are you saying..." Jiang Li turned her eyes in thought and gave her answer: "It’s Wanxiang Building?"

Recently, while investigating the forces slandering Mu Qingge, aside from her and the Huangfu Imperial Family, only Wanxiang Building remained. Besides, Mu Qingge had mentioned her close relationship with Han Caicai.

Mu Qingge nodded slightly to confirm Jiang Li’s guess.

Jiang Li was instantly amused and teased: "That young master Han, I’ve heard he’s always been quite proud, never getting close to anyone, let alone treating someone like this. It seems he really has true feelings for you!"

Mu Qingge shot her a glare and sneered, "He’s just forcing me to make a move."

"Forcing you to make a move?" Jiang Li said in surprise.

Mu Qingge smirked, "Han Caicai is someone who likes to watch shows. He’s probably doing this to force me to deal with those rumors."

"Is that enough to force you to make a move?" Jiang Li was confused and still didn’t understand.

Mu Qingge explained, "If you were from the Lan Family, and you heard this song, what would you think?"

"The most unbearable scar being exposed, of course one would go all out to find the person spreading it." Jiang Li answered immediately.

Mu Qingge nodded, "And when this song spreads, who would benefit the most?"

"The biggest beneficiary?" Jiang Li thought for a moment, looked at Mu Qingge, and widened her eyes.

Mu Qingge smiled, "It seems you’ve figured it out. Actually, the best way to suppress a public opinion is to create another one that’s more compelling. The previous Lan Family affair, before it could escalate to public discourse, was replaced by this rumor about me. Whether or not the Lan Family is behind it, they are the biggest beneficiaries. Now, this song’s purpose is to divert public attention, rehashing old events, and gradually diminishing the attention on the rumor about me. After all, to the residents of Tiandu City, I’m merely a passerby. The Lan Family, having existed in Tiandu for so many years, and Lan Feiyue, being seen as a woman who could enter the Li Palace for all these years, will surely garner more attention from Tiandu’s residents than me. Once public opinion forms, I’ll become a past topic, and the Lan Family will be pushed to the forefront. Therefore, the one who benefits the most from this whole affair is me, and I’ll become the Lan Family’s suspect. Whether or not I did it, I’ll be suspected of manipulating the rumors about the Lan Family."

"I get it!" Jiang Li suddenly said, "That guy Han is trying to tell you that, in any case, you’re going to be blamed. So, rather than waiting passively, you might as well take the initiative and fan the flames."

Mu Qingge nodded.

"But why is he doing this?" Jiang Li was puzzled again.

If Han Caicai liked Mu Qingge and didn’t want her to suffer, he should step in. So why push her to the forefront? Why not considerately help her resolve everything, maybe Mu Qingge would even feel touched.

To this, Mu Qingge wasn’t surprised. "That’s just the kind of person he is. He sees everything as a game or distraction. This matter is no exception; he views it as a chess game. He’s made his move, and now it depends on how I respond. Whether to follow his arrangement or make an unexpected move."

Is that really what he thinks?

Jiang Li thought to herself. She always felt that Mu Qingge over-complicated Han Caicai’s intentions.

However, without evidence, Jiang Li wouldn’t say anything recklessly. Besides, she didn’t know Han Caicai, so why speak on his behalf?

So, she discarded this dilemma and asked Mu Qingge, "What do you plan to do next? Still ignore it, or take action?"

Mu Qingge chuckled, "Despite being told how to proceed, which annoys me. However, his provocation reminded me."

She looked at Jiang Li, smiling meaningfully, "Sometimes, turning the tables isn’t just about defamation."

After speaking, she beckoned her accompanying Dragon Tooth Guards and whispered a few words to them.

After that, the Dragon Tooth Guards dispersed into the crowd.

"What did you send them to do?" Jiang Li asked quietly, walking beside Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge mysteriously smiled, "You’ll soon find out. Let’s go, we still need to visit Wanxiang Building."

"Why speak in riddles?" Jiang Li grumbled discontentedly, following Mu Qingge.

...

On East Main Street, the sign of Wanxiang Building was particularly eye-catching.

Today was Wanxiang Building’s auction, and the major families and forces in Tiandu City had received invitations.

When Mu Qingge and Jiang Li arrived, the exterior of Wanxiang Building was already crowded. Carriages lined up, entering through the gate of Wanxiang Building.

"We should have come by carriage too," Jiang Li said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge simply smiled and said nothing.

Suddenly, a carriage stopped beside them.

They turned their heads and saw Hua Qinxin’s pretty face behind the lifted carriage curtain.

"Little Lord Mu, why did you come on foot? Why not take my carriage!" Hua Qinxin invited Mu Qingge, ignoring Jiang Li beside her.

Hua Qinxin had never hidden her intentions from the start.

Mu Qingge naturally avoided her.

"Thank you, Miss Hua, but that’s not necessary," Mu Qingge declined.

Just as Hua Qinxin was about to persuade further, another carriage approached, stopping in front of Mu Qingge and Jiang Li.

The curtain lifted, and Huangfu Huan leaned out, giving Mu Qingge and Jiang Li a courteous smile: "Little Lord Mu, Empress Jiang. What a coincidence, how about joining us?"

He spoke as if he had just noticed Hua Qinxin, nodding politely at her: "Oh, Miss Hua is also here."

"Crown Prince," Hua Qinxin’s smile froze upon seeing Huangfu Huan.

"Then, thank you, Crown Prince," Mu Qingge readily agreed, pulling Jiang Li along to board Huangfu Huan’s carriage.

Hua Qinxin bit her lip, watching dejectedly as Mu Qingge boarded Huangfu Huan’s carriage, reluctantly lowering the curtain.

Inside the carriage, Hua Family Head, who had been resting with closed eyes, slowly opened his eyes, looking lovingly at his daughter, "It seems Little Lord Mu doesn’t have interest in you."

"Mother, I won’t give up!" Hua Qinxin insisted.

Hua Family Head sighed softly but did not persuade further, closing his eyes again to rest.

Mu Qingge and Jiang Li boarded Huangfu Huan’s carriage, discovering he was the only one present.

Before they could inquire, he explained that he was representing the Imperial Family at the auction. The three chatted casually for a while and soon arrived at the entrance of Wanxiang Building.

After handing over their invitation cards from the carriage, they were surprised to hear an unexpected statement from outside.

"Is Little Lord Mu in the carriage? My young master said Little Lord Mu is an honored guest of the building, and specially prepared the best room. Please, Little Lord, step down so I may escort you."

Mu Qingge frowned, the first thought being, ’What’s Han Caicai up to?’

"So Little Lord Mu also has ties with the young master of Wanxiang Building," Huangfu Huan smiled meaningfully.

"You should go and see what he’s up to. If there’s any trouble, just scream, and I’ll come to rescue you!" Jiang Li said to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge’s mouth twitched, feeling a bit speechless towards Jiang Li.

Of course, she didn’t hesitate. After disembarking from the carriage, under the watchful eyes of the public, she followed the person from Wanxiang Building into the building.

Mu Qingge was led down a secluded path, growing quieter the further they ventured, seemingly away from the auction hall ahead.

"I’m here for the auction," Mu Qingge reminded.

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