In the midst of the Langya Wangfu, the Ninth Princess was screaming in a frenzy, smashing porcelain bowls and chopsticks onto the ground.
"This must be Jiang Han's doing! How could Su Qianxue possibly create such exquisite border poems?" The Ninth Princess continued to shout, her mind racing back to the humiliating moment before she left when Su Qianxue forced her to remove the Bai Yu Bracelet from her wrist.
Throughout her life, even her father had never treated her this way!
"Ninth Princess, calm down; it's just a Bai Yu Bracelet!" Langya Prince tried to soothe her. "This isn't a significant loss for you. As for Long Mingkun's death, I express my condolences."
"Just a Bai Yu Bracelet? Langya Prince, do you hear yourself? No one in the entire Xia Kingdom—no, in the whole world—dares to humiliate This Palace like this! Forcing This Palace to take off the Bai Yu Bracelet from my wrist!" The Ninth Princess shouted. "Su Qianxue, Jiang Han, I will never forgive you!"
Langya Prince fell silent, choosing not to engage with this madwoman. She couldn't even bear this little humiliation; truly, she was the lofty Ninth Princess.
"A Jiu, I will personally take part in tomorrow's competition!" Mu Jinkun stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the Ninth Princess's waist. His gaze was resolute as he declared, "My junior brother died in the Great Zhou's palace; I will avenge him myself! But the bet cannot just be three thousand finely crafted weapons; it must also include Jiang Han's head!"
"Long Mingkun, rest assured; I will avenge you!"
Looking across the entire Great Zhou Dynasty, whether in the court or within temples, there were no unparalleled talents. That border poem could only have been crafted by Jiang Han; had it been anyone else, they would have already gained fame throughout the world!
"Mu Jinkun!"
"Ninth Princess!"
"In my opinion, it would be better to concede tomorrow and cancel the bet; let’s meet as friends instead." Hong Qianjun slowly walked in and sighed. "I have already arranged for Long Mingkun's funeral. My purpose here is simply to stabilize the entire Great Zhou Dynasty and ensure that its Keju is presided over by our Xia Kingdom."
But you all have started gambling one after another, leading to the demise of my student in the Da Zhou Court. I truly cannot bear to continue this any longer!
"Master!" Mu Jinkun suppressed the anger within him and said, "Long Mingkun was my junior. He died in the Da Zhou Court, and no matter what, we must avenge him."
Upon hearing this, Hong Qianjun's weathered face revealed a look of helplessness. He glanced at everyone, thought for a moment, and sighed, choosing to sit aside.
The Langya Prince and the Ninth Princess were both of higher status than him and would not heed his words. Moreover, his student Mu Jinkun had already become involved with the Ninth Princess; with her backing, he felt powerless.
Seeing this scene, the Langya Prince couldn't help but speak up, "Tomorrow, if Mu Jinkun participates personally, he will surely die. I believe this is unwise! Tomorrow is Su Qianxue's turn to set the topic; she will undoubtedly choose something she excels at! If Mu Jinkun competes personally, there is a risk of failure. If he truly fails, I would have to sacrifice my own reputation to protect him! However, it is unnecessary to confront him directly!"
Upon hearing this, the Ninth Princess's eyes darkened as she scrutinized the Langya Prince and asked, "Langya Prince, you were once a renowned general who roamed freely; do you still wish to avoid Jiang Han's prowess?"
This question left the Langya Prince speechless.
Beside them, the fallen Che Chengyun noticed the three brothers who had just returned. After some thought, he saw an opportunity and spoke up: "Ninth Princess, Father, in a few days it will be Piao Xue Princess's birthday. Your Majesty will surely choose Jiang Han's restaurant for the banquet!"
The Ninth Princess regarded Che Chengyun with curiosity upon seeing him take the initiative to speak. Although puzzled, she replied, "Continue!"
At that moment, they could deliver a fatal blow to Jiang Han! Tomorrow, they could have other students take his place. When Piao Xue Princess's birthday arrives, Mu Jinkun could personally confront Jiang Han.
Upon hearing this, Mu Jinkun immediately retorted, "Revenge should not wait overnight! I will personally compete in tomorrow's court!"
Indeed, since Mu Jinkun bravely stepped forward, we should fight Jiang Han to the end!" The Ninth Princess clenched her fists as she spoke.
Che Chengyun and the Langya Prince exchanged glances and sighed; they did not wish to say more.
Seeing this, Hong Qianjun stood up with a sigh. "Let’s prioritize stability for now."
"Stability?" Hong Dajia exclaimed. "Is it possible for me to remain stable? If I can hold my ground, how can I face Long Mingkun? How can I face Su? They are waiting for Jiang Han's head as an offering!"
The Ninth Princess’s three statements left Hong Qianjun speechless.
The Langya Prince thought to himself that perhaps he should consider finding a new ally. The Ninth Princess was not lacking in strength originally; however, it was clear that her emotions were getting the better of her now!
This ally is likely unreliable!
At night, the Ninth Princess and Mu Jinkun discussed how to deal with Jiang Han.
Within the Lin Manor in the capital, Lin Qingyue was alone, facing various pressures that brought her to the brink of collapse. She had never imagined that she would find herself in such a situation. Even after her family had been nearly exterminated, she was not accepted by the other prominent families in the capital. Instead, they acted like ferocious wolves, eager to pounce and devour her remaining forces.
General! The military has sent urgent news; we are running low on supplies!
Currently, it was not just food that was lacking; weapons and armor also needed replenishing! Deputy General Zhou Chong came to report. The previous deputy general had already perished. Lin Qingyue's ten thousand troops were not stationed in the capital but were instead at the border, holding back the Barbarians' advance.
General, our troops are not part of the court's organization, so we are not eligible to receive supplies and military funds from the Ministry of Revenue! Without food, without weapons, if this continues...
The ten thousand troops will either scatter or be completely annihilated by the Barbarians!
Zhou Chong sighed and said, "General, you must find a way!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Qingyue's mind drifted to Jiang Han. In the past, whenever she needed something, all she had to do was ask Jiang Han, and it would be provided. Now that she had lost Jiang Han, it felt as if she could accomplish nothing.
General, our soldiers are injured and have no medicine for treatment. They are still waiting for military pay, for new swords and food supplies. Should we perhaps plead with Shopkeeper Jiang?
Zhou Chong took a deep breath and then knelt down in supplication. If this continues, I fear that within half a year, my ten thousand troops will be destroyed!
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