Volume Three, Chapter 22

Is this considered currying favor with her as an elder sister on Xiaojiu's behalf? Her mood felt a bit complicated...

"Lord Long, Lord Nian, with all due respect, you two are just watching such a sycophantic thing acting like a clown and talking nonsense in the Golden Hall? As academy students appointed by the Holy Emperor himself during this year's autumn examination in Dongxu Mansion, don't you feel ashamed?"

"The Holy Emperor's reputation has been ruined by this greasy, fair-faced gigolo. He doesn't even look at what he is before trying to emulate Young Master Chenjing and sleep in the same bed as the Holy Emperor, causing endless gossip in the Inner Palace!"

"That's right, don't hold me back, let me beat this fellow!"

"My lords, this humble official is not trying to associate with her, but... I advise you lords, Minister Zhu's pretty face is very important right now, so please show mercy and had better not touch him." Long Ang forced a smile and cupped his fists.

"What does Lord Long mean?" Lord Pan stood to one side and sneered coldly.

Long Ang raised an eyebrow. He did not want to play the good guy; he merely felt that Lord Pan was utterly vile. Though he himself would not throw a punch, the several officials carrying out deeds for him were completely kept in the dark and were truly pitiful. If this punch landed and they later learned that they, dignified scholars and officials, had actually beaten a woman—and a woman residing in the Holy Emperor's heart—then their future days would be beyond spectacular. He had never heard of any dynasty or generation where court ministers were rumored to have beaten the empress with their fists. "The Holy Emperor has already instructed the Ministry of Rites to set