Chapter 424: There is no return!
Cui Mansion. Splashing Ink pavilion.
The Grandfather of the Cui family, Cui Xichen, was teaching the smaller grandchildren of the family to write, practicing calligraphy Master Huang Tingjian’s 'Flower adornment flow'. Master scholar Huang’s writing style was strangely thin and stiff, and extremely straight, which was suitable for teaching the young.
"Kid, keep your shoulders straight. Even when tired one cannot lower your body, or else will lose your spirit. The same with writing, when you lower your body, the words will lose their spirit."
"Nannan, this stroke should be a little longer, you're a girl, your strength is not enough and your imposing manner is lacking, so you will have to go down the graceful and beautiful style——"
"This word 'Buddha' is not written well, write another 100 today——"
"Master."
A middle-aged housekeeper stood at the door of the Splashing ink court, smiling respectfully.
"Come in and talk." Cui Xichen knew that there must be a reason for him to come at this time.
"I have cold air on me, I don't want to bring it in, lest the little masters and Miss catch a cold——" The smile on the housekeeper’s face widened, watching the little children sitting at the desk writing with the same doting expression as looking at his sons. Every one of them smiled at him, and a few also nodded to him. The children of prestigious families tend to be better behaved at certain situations.
Cui Xichen nodded, turned to warn the little demons to not slack off and that he will be back to check on their work in a moment before he came out and closed the door behind him.
"What is the matter?" Cui Xichen asked.
The housekeeper whispered a few words into Cui Xichen’s ear. The expression on Cui Xichen’s face immediately turned strange, saying, "That old man really came out?""
"Master, I have asked someone in particular to ask, it is true. It’s something that a lot of people saw with their own eyes." The housekeeper said confidently. "It is said that Old immortal also launched a sword strike with his divine thought at the Lu family’s doorway. The Lu family’s Lu Qingming mistakenly entered the sword barrier, and failed to block it successfully. But in the end that old man of the Lu family repeatedly threw out several punches and exploded the sword qi. Otherwise, the consequences would have been even more serious."
"It’s really getting more and more interesting." Cui Xichen grinned, and then asked, "His majesty is at the Lu mansion?" "
"Yes. It is said that His Majesty had no idea that Old immortal would come. He was also greatly surprised."
"Old Immortal of Still water sword school challenged Li Muyang in front of His Majesty, challenged an ignorant youngster——" Cui Xichen still had a playful smile on his face, muttering, "Interesting. It really is interesting."
"Do we need to——do something more?" asked the housekeeper, referring to something.
"Must not." Cui Xichen sternly reminded. "A lion and tiger are fighting, how do we make them bite each other more fiercely?"？"
"Beat a drum to encourage them?"
"No, don’t do anything. Quietly, let them bite without disturbance. If someone startled them, they will have a third enemy in their eyes. At that time, their anger will be indefinite and not merciless enough. They may be unable to keep tearing to the end of the battle and their fight may not last to the end."
"Understood." The housekeeper bowed his head.
"So, without my orders, do not act."
"Yes. Master."
Cui Xichen, gazing at the whirling snow in the garden, gently sighed, "this winter there really is a lot of snow compared to the past."
"——" The housekeeper did not know why Master suddenly sighed like that, did not answer, and just stood next to him with a smiling face.
In a small courtyard separated by a wall, Cui Xiaoxin was standing there motionless with a Snow swallow in her arms.
It was a baby Snow swallow, its body was fluffy with feathers, but its wings were lacking strength and the ability to fly at the moment.
Standing there waiting until the sound on the other side of the wall had disappeared, and the sound of footsteps had gradually gone far away, Cui Xiaoxin finally breathed out a long sigh, looking extremely distressed.
She put the baby Snow swallow into the arms of Liulu, and told her to put the little swallow into the nest. "How is it?" she asked, pulling Taohong over, "have you found out?"
"I have found it clearly." Taohong replied, gasping for breaths: "Today is the 60th birthday of the Grandfather of the Lu family, Lu Xingkong, I heard that even His Majesty has gone to offer birthday congratulations, and many of the ministers are also there——"
"That’s not what I’m asking." said Cui Xiaoxin, in an anxious voice.
"Yes, yes, yes" Taohong nodded. "I heard that the Still water sword school went to the Lu mansion today to deliver a written challenge. Their Still water sword school’s Old immortal wants to challenge the Lu family’s guest, Young master Muyang——I can’t believe it, Miss Shinian’s driver is Young master Muyang. Miss, how could we not know?"
"It is you who did not know." Cui Xiaoxin said with a serious expression.
"Ah?" Taohong gasped. "Miss——Miss already knew at the time?" "
"Prepare the carriage."
"Miss, where are we going?"
"To celebrate Grandfather Lu’s birthday."
"Miss don’t." Taohong attempted to dissuade her. "Master is in the house today, and none of the Young masters have gone, Miss will be scolded if you went."
"They are them, I am me. Shinian and I are close friends, it is her Grandfather’s birthday, it is only right that I pay a visit."
"Miss——"
"Prepare the carriage."
"Yes. Miss."
Creak——
The Courtyard door was pushed open, and Cui Xiaoxin’s mother came in with a smiling expression on her face. "Is Xiaoxin going somewhere? If you have nothing to do then can you accompany me to your Uncle’s house? He has a problem with his leg, during winter he cannot get out of bed because of the pain——"
"——" Cui Xiaoxin let out a gentle sigh, it seemed that she can’t go anywhere today—— "
Outside the city gate, the Song Family’s old mansion.
The Song family’s old Grandfather Song Gudu, clothed in a white unlined garment, was crouching under the eaves, gazing at the few plum trees in the courtyard in a trance.
Song Tao scurried over when he saw Grandfather crouching there motionlessly, hurriedly draped his black bear skin coat over Grandfather’s body and urged: "Grandfather, it is cold outside, why don’t you go into the house to rest?"
Song Gudu responded without turning his head round. "If even this blizzard can hurt me, then why should my old body continue to live?"
"Grandfather, as long as you live well, then there is a great meaning——You don’t have to worry, you can leave everything for the uncles to deal with. Although us grandchildren are not people worthy of respect, but we can also help out——You just need to live comfortably, no need to worry about anything, no need to do anything. Just let us come see you, and we will be satisfied."
"That’s a silly remark." Song Gudu shook his head, "If I just lie there and can not even get up, then what’s the point of living? Am I a statue? Or a piece of wood?"
Beauty is afraid of old age, heroes are afraid of passing their prime time.
Song Gudu was a well-known top cultivator in the world, his name shakes the Divine continent. He was the top legendary hero of the West Wind kingdom.
He had lived a free and unfettered life, moving unhindered across the world. There was no unreachable place for him, and no one that he could not kill.
However, at old age, he had turned into a useless old man who could not even eat. How could he accept it?
Song Tao looked at Grandfather’s thin face from the side, calmed himself a little and said: "Grandfather, I’ll tell you something amusing. Do you remember Old immortal of the Still water sword school?"
"Mu Dingyi?"
"Yes, that Old immortal had not showed his face for many years, and the world thought he had gone to training in seclusion. But unexpectedly he had come out from training because of a youngster, and also personally came to his door to deliver a written challenge to that young man——"
"That youngster is Li Muyang?"
"Grandfather already knew about this matter?" Song Tao asked, smiling.
Song Gudu was still staring at the courtyard of plum trees. "In the entire Sky capital, the only youngster worthy of him coming out for——is probably only that youngster called Li Muyang."
"Grandfather——" Song Tao was astonished and jealous.
Astonished, because Li Muyang, who had never met his grandfather, was judged so highly by his grandfather. If this compliment were to spread out, then Li Muyang would most likely become a famous figure across the whole West Wind.
Jealous, because they were both young people, but why was it that Li Muyang obtained such a high evaluation, and he didn’t——After all, Grandfather’s sentence was basically using the reputation of all the youngsters of the city to compliment Li Muyang.
"All right, all right, you can go do your own things. You don’t need to stay with this old man." His sight was still fixed on the plum trees, whispering, "Quietly wait for the flowers to blossom."
"Grandfather, hasn’t the plum blossoms bloomed already?"
Song Gudu let out a gentle sigh, "even when bloomed, it will bloom again."
Helpless, Song Tao got up and was about to leave.
"By the way, go and ask the young man surnamed Li if he would you like to come to the old mansion and have a cup of tea with me?"
"Grandfather——"——"
—————————-
"I haven’t agreed yet." Li Muyang howled out loud.
The written challenge had been delivered, Old immortal had appeared, there was no other reason for Elder Chengfeng to stay in the Lu mansion anymore.
He was even more reluctant to answer Li Muyang, who asked him a question that made him flustered. He turned and gave a cupped fist salute to Lu Xingkong before he turned towards the way he came.
Stone gentleman Shi Tao thoughtfully took a glimpse at Li Muyang, before following behind.
In an instant, the hundreds of white robed swordsmen were gone completely. When they announced their departure their voices were loud, but when they were leaving it was almost silent.
Lu Qingming gazed into the empty sky, and then at the long spear in his hand, a strong disappointment and sadness in his eyes.
Li Muyang went over to say consolingly, "Uncle Lu, that old guy is just unnecessarily making it complicated. As long as your spear is faster than him, a little faster than what our eyes see, theb his so-called sword barrier will naturally be broken. It looks very profound, but it’s just deceptive trick. Uncle Lu does need not take the matter to heart."
"Muyang," Lu Qingming grimly stared at Li Muyang, and said in a deep, solemn voice, "I beg you, please promise me one thing."
"Uncle Lu please tell me."
"In ten days, I will go fight on your behalf."
At this very moment, the look of Lu Qingming’s eyes was resolute, calm and incomparably determined as through there was no turning back.
Chapter 425: Forbid you to go!
Although Li Muyang said that the sword just now was a barrier of confusion, a deceptive trick. But, the fact was Lu Qingming had failed to block it.
It was because he couldn't block it that he had to take on Mu Dingyi on behalf of Li Muyang.
Since he failed to block it, he was worried that Li Muyang also would not be able block it.
It doesn’t matter if he died, he was worried that Mu Dingyi may kill Li Muyang.
Li Muyang was his son, no matter what he would not allow his son to take such a risk.
Therefore, he asked Li Muyang to agree to his request.
No matter what he had to agree.
Seeing the ashen face of Uncle Lu and him gnashing his teeth as though he was unafraid of sacrificing his life, Li Muyang was unceasingly moved.
Although he had saved his life in the bamboo forest, they had repaid him with too much already. They took great care of his parents and sister, not let the Cui family retaliates against them, and allowed them to live a comfortable and happy life.
Now he was going to die on his behalf, exchange his life for his, which was really difficult for Li Muyang to accept.
Li Muyang looked Lu Qingming in the eye, smiled and said: "Uncle Lu, this request, I cannot promise you."
"Why don’t you agree?"
"Because he wants to challenge me." Li Muyang stated with icy-cold eyes. "From the beginning the person that he wanted to challenge was me. I defeated his son Mu Yubai. I destroyed the reputation of Still water sword school——If they do not win against me, do not kill me, then how would Mu Yubai’s hatred by eliminated? How would the reputation of Still water sword school be restored?"
"No. You’re going to die." Lu Qingming firmly refused. "Mu Dingyi only released a wisp of divine sense just now and already has such a powerful strength. If he were to fight in person, how terrifying would the power of that sword be?"
"Uncle Lu, I understand your kindness. I also know that——that old guy is strong. If possible, I also want to hide as far away as possible and to not have any contact with him for the rest of my life. But have you ever thought about it——if you take on the challenge on my behalf this time, they would not be happy. There will be a next challenge, and a next, next challenge. Who else is going to battle for me then? They won’t stop until they killed me. Only by doing so can they wash away the humiliation of 'Still water sword technique' being defeated in the hands of a nobody——"
"Muyang, I have always regarded you as a nephew. This one time, please listen to me."
"Uncle Lu——"
"It’s decided."
"All right, all right." Lu Xingkong’s line of sight shifted back from a distance, saying in his stern voice, "I’m not dead yet, is there a need for you two to take the challenge?"
"Father——"
"Grandfather Lu——"
"The old against the old, the young against the young. Since the old guy of Still water sword school has personally acted, it is impossible for our Lu family to not treat him accordingly." Lu Xingkong grinned, clapping his hand firmly on Li Muyang’s shoulder. "Muyang, promise me one thing?"
"Grandfather Lu——"
"The young master of Still water sword school is also training at Starry Sky Academy, promise me——when you return, give him a hard beating for me."
Li Muyang nodded hard, "Grandfather Lu, that I can promise you——but let me go to meet the God of Sword Square myself——"
"Nonsense. Are you the head of the Lu family or am I the head of the Lu family? When is it your turn to be in charge? Do as I said."
"But that letter of challenge is for me——"
"For you?" Lu Xingkong snorted, "That letter is sent to my Lu family’s door, it is for my Lu family. All right, shut up, all of you. Let's discuss this matter later. Don’t forget, today is my 60th birthday."
"Yes, Father."
"Yes. Grandfather Lu——"
Li Muyang glanced at Lu Qingming, then at Li Muyang, and then stretched out his hands to grab the arms of both of them and strode into the courtyard.
When West Wind Emperor Chu Xianda saw Lu Xingkong was returning in huge strides, he fumed: "Defence minister, that Still water sword school has gone too far. Today is the birthday of Defense minister, but they came over to deliver a letter of challenge. Isn’t this bad luck?"
"Your Majesty, a little humiliation is nothing to old minister, I have fought on the battlefield for decades, what kind of battle have I not seen before? I only feared that they will hurt Your Majesty."
"Well. Defense minister wholeheartedly thinks for me, I am very reassured. Originally plan to put an end to the conflict and negotiate for peace, turn hostility into friendship, but Still water Old immortal had personally come out to send the written challenge. It is inconvenient for me to speak. Old immortal had been living in seclusion for several years, and he came out for a youngster. He said it is to help the country select talents, and to promote the younger generation. I can’t make him lose face. My difficulties, I also hope that Defence minister can understand."
"Old minister understands." Lu Xingkong said in a deep voice.
Chu Xianda nodded, "Good. In ten days, I will personally go to the God of Sword Square to cheer for Defence minister, I must make sure than this battle is held fair and square."
Lu Xingkong’s eyes flickered coldly, but still bowed his thanks, "With your Majesty present, this battle is bound to be held fairly."
With his Majesty's attendance, this meant that the fight had to be fought.
Not only to fight, but also fight well.
Chu Xianda looked 'appreciatively' at Li Muyang and with a smiling expression across his face: "A little youngster could unexpectedly alarm Still water Old immortal to personally come out to send a written challenge to you. This battle has not yet begun, but Muyang's name has already shaken the divine continent, right? My West Wind has such a young talent, I do not need to worry about the invasion of enemies?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Li Muyang knew that the emperor might stab him in the back any moment, so he tried not to say anything more to him, instead just politely bowed. Lu Xingkong turned to look at West wind Emperor Chu Xianda, smiled and said: "My West Wind has so many heroic youngsters, I must congratulate Your Majesty to congratulate——Today the Lu household is honoured to prepare this small banquet to serve you, I hope Your Majesty and everyone have fun, and enjoy the drinks."
Chu Xianda nodded. "Of course."
Lu Xingkong turned to the housekeeper, loudly commanded: "Start the banquet, today everyone drink to their heart's content, drink until we are thoroughly drunk!"
"Start the banquet." The housekeeper yelled, and nearly hundreds of servant girls and servants immediately got busy.
"Your Majesty, please." "
"Defence minister go ahead."
As Chu Jiang passed Li Muyang, he thoughtfully studied Li Muyang, then smiled, "Last time we met, I did not have the chance to say hello. In the future we should get to know each other."
"Yes, second Prince."
"Hahaha, you and I are of the same generation, you do not need to be so polite. It would make us seem not close." Second Prince Chu Jiang very graciously patted Li Muyang on the shoulder. "Our Tiandu has many talents, it really is worthy of celebration. Later on you and I must have a few more drinks."
"Yes, Second Prince." Li Muyang bowed again.
Chu Xun went over to Li Muyang, and said with a smile, "You deserve to be called a student of Starry Sky Academy. You have only been studying there for less than a year but already can compete against Old Immortals and exchange moves. If this matter were to spread out, Brother Muyang most likely would be known across the Divine continent? Our Academy classmates will certainly be proud of you when they hear about it. As your classmate, I must congratulate you."
Pa!
Li Muyang slapped Chu Xun across the face.
The slap was too abrupt.
Also too loud.
The people who were chatting and laughing quieten down, the people whispering to one another’s ear froze, and even the servants, who were busy preparing the wine and dishes, came to a standstill.
Everyone stared in wide eyes astonishment at Li Muyang, and at Little Prince Chu Xun, who had been slapped by Li Muyang.
Chu Xun himself was stunned, his eyes fixed fiercely on Li Muyang like a mad beast.
He did not expect Li Muyang to dare to hit him in public, let alone do so in front of the Emperor and his Father.
Beating a member of the imperial family, isn’t he afraid of being beheaded?
Prince Fu was first in disbelief, then in shock, and finally in anger.
His son was hit in public. The slap not just struck the face of his son Chu Xun, but also his own face.
His elegant cheeks were red with vicious tendencies, and the killing intent that blossomed within a split second could simply crush someone to ashes.
Prince Fu glowered threateningly at Li Muyang, waiting for him to give him an answer, but also an explanation to all the people present.
The shock on Lu Qingming's face instantly faded.
With his understanding of Li Muyang, Li Muyang must have acted this way because Chu Xun had said something that offended him.
On the other hand Lu Xingkong remained calm and collected, there was not the slightest hint of surprise or worry across his face. No one knew what he was thinking.
Chu Xianda was burning with murderous intent upon seeing this scene.
Who was Chu Xun? A member of the West Wind imperial family, a person of the Chu clan——
Li Muyang’s slap, not only hit Chu Xun’s father the idle Prince, but also the Emperor.
The smile on his face froze, before faded away. Chu Xianda coldly looked at Li Muyang, and warned: "What does this mean? If you do not give me a suitable explanation, hitting a member of the Imperial family is a serious crime——and I must not let you off lightly."
Indeed, this matter cannot be tolerated.
If Li Muyang were treated leniently this time, then the other people would do the same. How many times would the west Wind Chu clan be slapped on the face? What about the face of the imperial relatives?
"I forbid you to go" Li Muyang’s face was pale, his eyes filled with a mix of complex emotions including gratitude and resentment. His eyes were reddish, brimmed with tears, and his thin lips clamped together, as though he was speaking to the woman he loved the most. "I forbid you to hurt yourself."
The crowd was even more stunned. What was going on?
This little couple——are quarreling?
Chapter 426: Prince Fu is blessed!
Prince Fu looked at Li Muyang’s angry and upset expression, and then at his son's aggrieved and hurt appearance, and asked in a whispered tone, "What happened?"
In the past ten thousand years, there was a practice that was suddenly popular among the influential officials of the Kingdom, keeping a boy to entertain them. There were also some young people who followed the trend. Looking each other in the eye, it was not the right way, but they still embarked on the crooked path.
Prince Fu felt his heart pounding violently, fearing that his son, Chu Xun, have been seduced by the flirtatious bastard.
Looking at the appearance of these two people, one incomparably handsome, and the other charming and confident, such a thing really could happen.
"You tell him." Li Muyang exasperated as he pointed to Chu Xun.
Prince Fu took his son’s arm, greatly repressed the anger inside and shouted, "Chu Xum, tell me, what is going on? Why did he hit you?"
"———" Chu Xun was about to cry.
Why did he hit me, how do I know?
He only said a few sarcastic remarks, and the bastard hit him without saying a word. Who should he reason things out with?
He had thought that even if Li Muyang was in a bad mood, he must suppress the resentment inside him.
"How can he not play by the rules? Beating the imperial family in public, are you not afraid that my Uncle Emperor will execute you?"
When Prince Fu saw Chu Xun's upset expression, he was more convinced with his speculation.
But he was also worried that a big scandal will break out. At that time, he would be bringing shame to the West Wind Chu clan————no, throwing dung.
Even if Emperor Chu Xianda forgave Chu Xun, he still will behead the boy to put his household in order.
He forcibly grab Chu Xun's arm, "Go back. Go back home and shut yourself up and ponder over your mistakes. If you do not reflect on what you did wrong then you are not allowed out the house."
Chu Xun refused to go.
If he were unwilling to go, then Prince Fu would not be able to drag him along.
Chu Xun fiercely glowered at Li Muyang, grunted: "You dare hit me?"
"Not only do I have to hit you, I also want to break your leg." said Li Muyang, gnashing his teeth. "What realm is Old Immortal of Still water sword school in? You’re going to take him on my behalf? You're just going to die? Can I stand and watch you die? If you die, what face would I have to go outside in the future? I, Li Muyang——how can I stand proudly under the starry sky?"
"Right. It is my Brother’s battle, why do you have to take his place? In that case, what would the people of Tiandu think of my brother? They will think that my brother is inferior, so he had to ask for help———" Li Shinian although did not hear clearly what Chu Xun just said, she knew that it must be very bad.
So, after Li Muyang made that slap, she had already deftly readied her dagger, aiming at the face of Chu Xun.
"I see." Prince Fu finally settled down a little.
And then wanted to slap his idiotic son too. My little brat, did you not see what level is the opponent that Li Muyang was messing with, you want to take the battle on your friend's behalf with your mediocre martial arts? Do you know how the word 'death' is written?
However, Prince Fu in the end did not slap his son. Because from what he knows about his son, he shouldn’t have done something like that, should he?
He may find someone else to take a battle for him, but for him to take a battle on behalf of someone——————was the sun rising from the West?
"Muyang is right." Chu Xianda’s expression also softened down, he shifted his eyes to Chu Xun, saying sincerely: "Chu Xun, the person that Old immortal wants to challenge is Li Muyang, the person he thinks highly of is Li Muyang. How could you take the battle on behalf of Li Muyang? You think Old immortal will agree to compare skills with you? If everyone had such a thought, wouldn’t Old immortal be too busy? He will have his hands full trying to deal with challengers who want to become famous after one battle."
After a pause, Chu Xianda continued to say: "Not to mention that this is a written challenge that Old immortal came to personally deliver. I already said that I will personally go to the God of sword Square to watch over the battle. If you stand in the way, disturb the battle, or prevent Old immortal from testing the younger generation, and make me break my promise then———"
Prince Fu's face turned ashen, and 'plopped' to his knees in front of Chu Xianda. "Brother, Chu Xun is young and wilful, and acts impulsively. Please forgive him."
Chu Xianda stooped down to support Prince Fu up, "What are you kneeling for? He’s my nephew, would I get angry at him? As a member of the imperial family, one should be careful with his words, how can he be so reckless?"
"Yes, yes, Brother is right." Prince Fu smacked Chu Xun in the back, urging: "Hurry, say thank you."
Chu Xun licked the blood at the corners of the mouth, shot a piercing glare at Li Muyang, and then bowed to the West Wind Emperor Chu Xianda. "Chu Xun had said something wrong, Your Majesty please punish me accordingly."
"Never mind." Chu Xianda motioned with his hand. "Just a youngster, how can I really blame you?"
After all this had happened, Prince Fu had no mood to stay for dinner, and right away bid farewell to Lu Xingkong.
Lu Xingkong repeatedly urged him to stay but Prince Fu insisted, so he had no choice but to allow him to leave.
Prince Fu grabbed Chu Xun’s arm and led him away, completely ignoring the gossip and peculiar gazes of the countless people present.
Chu Xianda chuckled heartily, "Everything about my brother is good, just a little too timid."
Everyone put on a smiling face to welcome this not funny joke.
Leaving the Lu mansion and sitting in his own carriage under the escort of several guards, Prince Fu headed in the direction of his mansion.
Prince Fu looked at the bruise on his son’s face, asking in his calm voice, "Does it hurt?"
"No." Chu Xun shook his head.
"It really doesn’t hurt?"
"The face doesn’t hurt, just——the heart aches." Chu Xun said fiercely. "Being hit across the face in public, this humiliation, I have suffered several times, and every time it had something to do with that Li Muyang. Every time, I do not feel the pain on my face, but a pain in the heart. My whole body is in pain."
"There is an old grudge between you two?"
"As I have said in the letter I sent to Father before, his presence has changed things a lot." Chu Xun once again felt the feeling of heartache, like a sharp dagger ruthlessly stabbing hard into his heart. He blankly watched the blood flowing out of the wound, but there was nothing he could do. "Lu Qiji treats him in a very special way, and the feeling at the first meeting was unusual, as if——they had known each other many years ago."
"What's strange is that, I later looked into the information of Li Muyang. He has never walked out of Jiangnan city, let alone came to Tiandu. Lu Qiji often travel but I have never heard of her visiting Jiangnan. If they had never seen before——how could there be such a close connection between them?
"What close connection?"
"It’s like——love and hate. I can feel that Lu Qiji really dislikes Li Muyang, and had even showed a desire to kill him several times. But when someone was really harming Li Muyang, she was the first to risk her life to save him."
"Silly boy, that is love." Prince Fu said with an awkward smile.
"What?"
"Love." Prince Fu repeated in a low voice, "she wants to have it, and she wants to destroy it. Besides love, what emotion is like that?"
"——" Chu Xun felt his Father had lunged another blade into his chest.
The snow crunched under the wheels.
The father and son were silent for a moment, until Chu Xun broke the peace in a loud voice, "What Father ordered me to do, I can’t finish it."
"It’s just a game of chess, I also don't think there would be anything to gain." Prince Fu's attitude was incredibly carefree, not at all trembling with fear like he was moments before in front of the West Wind Emperor Chu Xianda. Looking at his son Chu Xun, he continued, "All that should be prepared is ready, everything is in place, and the rest shall be left to the will of the heavens."
"Father——"
"What?"
Chu Xun wanted to say something but then hesitated. In the end he whispered: "Perhaps, I can give Father a little surprise."
"You are my son." Prince Fu clapped Chu Xun encouragingly on the shoulder and smiled. "The moment you were born, I realised what the feeling of surprise is."
"Father——" "
"All right. Sort out your girly behaviour and open your eyes wide. Look at Tiandu surging like a gathering storm, the old city is about to change its face."
"Yes. Father."
"I am Prince Fu, of course I am blessed——"
Li Muyang drank a lot of wine.
Chu Xun had run off after being slapped across the face in public, but the second Prince Chu Jiang did not avoid Li Muyang, instead repeatedly toast to Li Muyang and said that he needs to salute the hero of Tiandu on behalf of his father. Even Chu Xianda wore a glad and smiling expression. Unable to refuse, when Second Prince toasted him, he could only drink one cup after another.
Fortunately, he had a good alcohol tolerance, and was not drunk even after drinking so much.
By the time the guests had completely dispersed, the Lu household resumed its former quietness, Lu Xingkong called Lu Qingming and Li Muyang into his study.
Uncle Lu helped serve up hot tea, then left the study on his own initiative, not forgetting to close the door behind him.
Clasping the cup of steaming hot tea, Lu Xingkong looked at Lu Qingming, then at Li Muyang. Suddenly his mouth widened in the shape of a grin.
Li Muyang's face was crossed with puzzlement, at this time the old man still had the mood to laugh like this?
Lu Xingkong pointed to Lu Qingming, then to Li Muyang. "I don’t have a mirror in this study, otherwise you will find that———the anxious and frowning look on your faces are exactly the same."
Lu Qingming looked at his father in surprise, thinking: "Could it be that Father is going to uncover the truth to Li Muyang?"