15 Did You Think of A Miracle? 6 (1/2)

The servants all trembled, struggling to keep themselves upright as they sent furtive looks towards each other. Observing such a sight, Wei Xuan released a cold breath before placing down the joss stick onto the table.

With a wave of his right hand, a ghoulish, blue-grey flame burst on the tip of the joss stick.

”The time for introspection has started,” the minister mused, surveying the kneeling servants.

Sitting in his chair, he then withdrew a book from his chest pocket, proceeding to read with great relish. The servants' eyes riveted onto the joss stick, watching the unearthly fire slowly gnaw away at their lifeline.

However, the servants refused to capitulate, their hearts teetering between the magnitude of the minister's influence and someone else.

The Eldest Young Master.

Other than Wei Xuan as the rightful head of the Wei Family, only one person could ever match him in influence and prowess, Wei Chang Feng. The First Madam's first son, the legitimate future master of the Wei Family.

To summarize his achievements in a single sentence would be to call him one of Jiang'an's Esteemed Young Scholars.

Mastering the Eight Strokes of Great Yong Calligraphy in six years, achieving consecutive wins in the younger generation's annual debate for the fifth year in a row, accompanied by a swift speed in cultivation, having entered the third division of the Profound Enlightenment Realm at the tender age of eighteen. As a natural star envied by the citizens of Jiang'an, the servants in the Wei Household had acquiesced to his authority and presence with great ease.

The pagoda of the Eldest Young Master had already taken root in these servants, displaying equal influence as the minister himself.

They were confused as to why Wei Xuan was suddenly displaying such rage and coldness to them after three years of a warm relationship of master and servant. After all, all they had done was to introduce a few young and adorable maidens to serve alongside the fellow maidservants to gain experience.

...were the Master and Eldest Young Master in a cold war?

Silence enveloped the courtyard, the only sound being the occasional giggle of the flames as it eagerly consumed the joss stick, a small pile of ash beginning to accumulate on the table. The two Madams, two Young Misses, and the guard stood in silence as they gazed at the minister with various emotions displayed on their countenance, from apprehension, acceptance, and an indifferent servitude.

Suddenly, Wei Xuan raised his head to glance at the burning joss stick, a cold voice resounding throughout the courtyard.

”It seems, this minister does not have any loyal servants-”

”Lord Minister, this servant will speak! Lord Minister, please spare our lives!”

A servant in the middle of the group abruptly kowtowed, his terrified voice directly interrupting Wei Xuan. As the minister raised a disapproving and inquiring eyebrow, he rushed out of the group to kneel before Wei Xuan's feet.

”…why did you wait until so long to confess?” Wei Xuan asked, a hint of disappointment and sorrow hidden within his voice. ”Is the influence of mutilation heavier than this minister's own words?”

”This servant doesn't dare, this servant had no such intention!” the servant hastily responded. ”It's just that…”

”Just what? What is this secret matter you speak of? Do you think this minister is interested in your hidden love towards the beautiful, elegant little palace maids?”

”This-this servant doesn't dare!” the servant panicked upon hearing the minister's sarcasm. Bowing his head low until it rested against the cold cobblestone ground, the servant quickly reiterated the events that had transpired, his voice diminishing in volume with each sentence until a deafening silence had enveloped the courtyard once more.

”It-it was Eldest Young Master who had presented us with the additional servants. Senior-senior Maid Ke was informed that they were to obtain experience at the Flowing Wind Residence as per the First Madam's order. All we know is that they were in charge of maintaining the decorations…this servant truly has no idea of what had happened following that…”

”Nonsense! How dare you slander your own master!”