Chapter 275
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“Half a month from now, just a few days after the palace examination ends, it will be the New Year. Father intends for the scholars to celebrate together in Sinderin City,” Dashnell replied.
Then, he looked at Margaery. “By then, you will already be the Imperial Seal Bearer. Any matter reported to Father, you will be aware of.”
Upon hearing this, Margaery felt a surge of excitement, mixed with some nervousness. “Will the King discuss affairs of the court with me?”
“He will. Not only will he speak to you, he also wishes to hear your insights,” Dashnell explained.
He was nervous on her behalf. “Following Father this time is different from going to Inkwell Academy. In both speech and action, you must exercise utmost caution.
“Father is a man who disdains intrigue and does not scheme against others.
“However, he is well–versed in human nature. If you offend him, he will imperceptibly lead you into the pitfalls of your own character, causing you to dig your own grave.”
Margaery felt this deeply. “I will try to be as careful as possible.”
After the meal, the two did not discuss court matters further.
Dashnell merely sent people out to keep watch on the situation outside. Margaery chatted with him for a while, then offered to check Dashnell’s pulse.
‘Let me examine your pulse.” She crouched beside Dashnell, her gaze especially sincere. “Perhaps I can cure your leg?”
Dashnell was caught off guard and nearly bit his own tongue. “Umh, that…”
He wanted to refuse, but found no suitable reason. Yet if he agreed, it would expose him.
He finally sighed. “Fine, fine, I’ll give you a chance to check my pulse.”
He thought, given Margaery’s intelligence, she should be able to discern the root of the problem.
Margaery found his behavior odd that he did not seem particularly worried about his leg condition, nor did he appear eager
to seek treatment.
However, the moment her fingers touched his wrist, she understood why.
“This pulse condition is caused by the reversed application of the Thirteen Ghost Needles. You…” Margaery looked up, stunned, at Dashnell.
“Do you still have silver needles in your body?” she asked.
This pulse condition, for those unfamiliar with the Thirteen Ghost Needles, would be diagnosed as paralysis, rendering the lower half of the body useless.
However, Margaery had just learned this needle technique from Craig.
In other words, to determine whether Dashnell truly had a leg ailment, the Thirteen Ghost Needles must be removed to
reveal the truth.
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Chapter 275
Dashnell raised his hand and tapped her forehead. “Nothing can be hidden from you. This paralysis is an act.”
Margaery was astonished and stood up, saying, “I know what to do and what to say now.”
The deception would continue. However, it likely could not be concealed for much longer.
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Because Craig’s true identity could not be hidden for much longer either, rumors were already spreading outside that he was the Southcroft King.
Dashnell also claimed to be the Southcroft King’s disciple.
Thus, if the Southcroft King, as the foremost divine physician, could not cure his disciple’s legs, even if he truly could not cure them, people would still have doubts.
In matters like this, the truth was not important. Suspicion alone was enough.
Once others suspect that Dashnell’s leg ailment was a ruse, they would realize he was a formidable contender for the throne and would immediately target him.
Margaery took a deep breath, feeling her heart grow heavier.
Dashnell comforted her, saying, “You need not worry too much. Soon, I will be heading south to fight.
“Once I leave, others will not see me, and naturally, there will be far less suspicion.”
Margaery nodded and asked, “Is this war unavoidable?”
Dashnell shook his head. “Every family has its own troubles. The King of the Southcroft Empire favors the crown prince. The prince’s conduct over the years has been commendable, but he has a feud with the fourth prince.
“And the fourth prince’s mother is a princess of Frosthelm.”
Upon hearing this, Margaery understood. “In other words, once the crown prince ascends the throne, the fourth prince will have no place.
“In order to survive, he must strengthen his own power. Even if he cannot kill the crown prince and take his place, he must possess enough strength to oppose him.”
Margaery lifted her head and looked at Dashnell. “So, he wants to use me, the Eastvale Empire’s sacrificial blade, to win military merit and make the Southcroft Empire’s army submit?
Therefore, this battle will happen whether we wish it or not.”
Dashnell pressed his brow. “I have already sent word to the south and adjusted the deployment.”
Margaery understood everything now. “No wonder you allowed Prince Callum to give the deployment map to the Southcroft Empire.”
Every matter must be considered three steps ahead. In fact, preparations were made even before events occur.
Pondering the King and Dashnell’s methods, Margaery gained some insight.
Then, Dashnell glanced at her and said, “The deployment map Prince Callum gave to the Southcroft Empire also contained
a letter.
“That letter is the thing that will cost him his life.”
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Chapter 275
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He changed the topic. “However, this matter is not easy for us. As I mentioned, the fourth prince’s mother is a princess of Frosthelm.
“That means, once war breaks out in the south, we will have to face attacks from two nations at the same time.”
He looked at Margaery as he spoke. “Although I very much wish to stay and always be with you, I have no choice but to leave.”
In the Eastvale Empire, there was no one else who could handle such a situation, and Margaery got it. “There is still much time ahead. I wish Your Highness every success.”
“Yeah.” Dashnell finally smiled.
At this moment, Warren brought Russell into the palace.
It was Russell’s first time entering the palace alone to meet the King. His whole body was cold, a genuine fear sweeping hrough him.
The Wallen family is truly interesting.” Warren glanced at him, his face devoid of any smile. “I heard you changed your last name to Schneider?”
Russell’s face turned pale. “Chamberlain, the surname Wallen… is tainted.”
It is.” Warren sneered. “But that name Schneider, I’m afraid you are not worthy of it.
Princess of Glowsend is your sister, the daughter your mother risked her life to bring into this world. Yet, you treated her hat way. What right do you have to use your mother’s surname?”
Russell was left speechless.
Due to Nathaniel’s death, the entire palace was decorated with white mourning cloth.
Russell had already heard the news of Nathaniel’s death. Thinking of the deeds committed by the Wallen family, his legs rembled with fear as he approached the entrance to the Imperial Study.
Warren opened the door and led him inside, bowing to the King. “Your Majesty, Lord Russell of the Wallen family has rrived.”
As Warren stepped aside, Russell saw the monarch seated upon the dragon throne.
His legs gave way, and Russell knelt, not daring to meet the King’s gaze, his voice trembling. “This humble subject pays his espects to Your Majesty.”
Then, tears welled up unconsciously, and his voice became completely hoarse. “My father and brothers have committed grave crimes. I have come to admit guilt and seek punishment, and to return the defense map lost by the Wallen family.”
With that, he presented the defense map with both hands.
The King’s gaze rested quietly on his face; there was a depth in his gaze that Russell had never seen before, enveloping him. The Wallen family has committed heinous crimes, but in light of Lord Russell’s efforts to atone…..
The matter of the Icy Pool will not be pursued for now.”
This was a decision made several days ago. Then, he spoke it casually, without any thought. “Take him away.”
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The King did not even wish to spare Russell another glance.
“Lord Russell, please.” Warren looked at Russell, a trace of mockery in his eyes.
Not pursuing the matter for now was merely because the time had not yet come.
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When the imperial examination concluded and the tax embezzlement case was resolved, that would be the true moment to settle accounts with the Wallen family.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
