Chapter 156
Su Wan’ning had been keeping to herself for over a month, probably recovering. Today, seeing her again, she looked even fresher and more radiant than before.
Under the filter of her perfect beauty, she appeared as delicate and charming as early spring flowers, pale yellow and irresistibly endearing.
The Crown Prince and she still seemed deeply in love, as if there were no Zhaoyun or attendant Lu Haozhi in the Crown Prince’s residence, only Su Wan’ning as the side consort.
The spectators’ platform at the martial training grounds was built high to prevent anyone from being injured during the fight.
Su Wan’ning sat with the Crown Prince and the granddaughter-in-law of Lord Feng’en, along with Yin Liwu’s brother’s Yin Qiuwu’s wife.
This group represented a particular faction of relationships, all gathered together.
Seeing the setup, Lu Hanzhi said, “See that? Good thing we came. Otherwise, second brother wouldn’t have a single person cheering him on.”
Yuwen Jue watched the two in the arena. Both had taken their positions, swords in hand.
In Great Zhao, men mostly used swords, and Lu Xuzhi’s situation was no exception.
But his sword was different from Yuwen Min’s heavy sword; he wielded a light steel sword.
The blade was thin and agile, yet incredibly resilient.
The craftsmanship of Great Zhao swordsmiths was extremely refined.
Lu Xuzhi’s light sword was named Jinghong. He was known for his speed, earning it the nickname “Jinghong Sword.”
Zong He’s sword was long and thin, cylindrical, almost like a sharpened iron rod.
The tip was flattened, so it was still a proper sword.
Lu Hanzhi explained, “Don’t underestimate an Eastern Sea’s sword like this. It’s known for its precision and agility. If you’re not careful, this small sword can pierce your body.”
After saying this, he felt he might be misunderstood, so he added, “I literally mean it.”
Yuwen Jue: …Actually, you didn’t need to explain.
A referee on the platform waved a flag, and the duel began.
With a sharp clang, Lu Xuzhi’s and Zong He’s swords collided.
The clash of steel sent sparks flying before they quickly separated and engaged again.
Lu Xuzhi’s sword was renowned for its speed, while the Eastern Sea sword was known for its agility.
As a result, the duel was a blur to the spectators. They could barely tell where the swords were or even where the fighters were, only seeing chaotic movements. It truly was a clash of equals.
Lu Xuzhi dodged and maneuvered, not attacking proactively, but skillfully avoiding all of his opponent’s strikes.
Zong He pressed forward with each move, his agile attacks imbued with tremendous force, creating an overwhelming sense of pressure.
Although Lu Hanzhi didn’t understand swordplay, he could tell from their exchanges that both men were masters among masters.
Yuwen Min summarized, “Second brother narrowly won.”
Lu Hanzhi turned to him and asked, “Oh? How can you tell?”
Yuwen Min said, “Zong He is strong, but he only attacks without defending. Second brother seems to retreat step by step, but his defense is flawless. The moment Zong He shows a flaw, even a fraction slower, second brother can seize the opportunity.”
No sooner had Yuwen Min spoken than Lu Xuzhi indeed noticed a tiny opening in Zong He’s stance. His light sword darted toward him.
Zong He wasn’t helpless; he quickly adjusted, evading Xuzhi’s strike, but a lock of hair was severed in the process.
The hair floated down lightly, contrasting sharply with the tense fight still unfolding in the arena.
At that moment, Lu Hanzhi heard a voice near his ear: “Prince An’s Wang Fei, we meet again.”
He turned and saw a boy with a face of ethereal beauty, almost like a celestial child.
It was Zong Yuan. Lu Hanzhi was surprised—wasn’t he knocked unconscious by the emperor? How did he even have the energy to watch the duel?
Then again, Zong He was his brother; it was reasonable for him to come watch the fight.
Despite his delicate appearance, he had recovered quickly—probably because of his youth!
Lu Hanzhi showed no dislike and nodded to him. “So it’s Young Lord Zong Yuan. I hope you’ve been well?” Zong Yuan wore a robe with a fox-fur collar that covered his neck, hiding any bruises, though the area under his eyes was dark—probably from lack of sleep.
Zong Yuan touched his nose, a bit embarrassed by his age and position.
He cleared his throat. “I’m well. I hope Wang Fei has been well too?”
Lu Hanzhi found small talk with strangers dull and asked, “Did Young Lord come to see me for some matter?”
Zong Yuan smiled. “Oh, nothing important—just to chat with you. The other day, when I accompanied my brother to visit your residence, Wang Fei said I resembled someone. May I ask… who does Your Highness think I resemble?”
Hearing this, Lu Hanzhi felt a jolt of concern.
He couldn’t let the Eastern Sea know about Mr. Mu. He had been living in hiding for years and would not want his existence exposed.
Moreover, if the Eastern Sea found out, his life could be in danger.
Lu Hanzhi smiled. “Oh, it was a portrait I saw in my Mother Concubine’s palace. Mother Concubine told me the person’s name was… something Wu or Tong. I have a poor memory, so I can’t recall exactly. When I saw you, I thought you looked just like the immortal in that painting, so I couldn’t help but ask.”
Zong Yuan nodded, realizing Lu Hanzhi’s “Mother Concubine” was Imperial Concubine Rong.
He guessed there was a cherished portrait of the emperor at her residence, so he didn’t ask further.
While they were chatting, the arena’s scene changed dramatically. Zong He had fallen from the high platform, his sword slipping from his hand, blood trickling from his lips.
Lu Xuzhi pointed his light sword at him like a sovereign standing over a defeated subject.
The referee struck the gong and announced loudly, “This round of the duel goes to Lu Xuzhi, Great Zhao’s martial champion. The Eastern Sea warrior is defeated.”
Lu Xuzhi withdrew his sword and cupped his fists toward Zong He. “Well fought.”
Zong He’s eyes were full of shock. After standing up, he concealed his surprise and returned the gesture with a warrior’s bow. “Great Zhao’s number one fighter is truly worthy of the title.”
Lu Xuzhi felt a headache coming on—he couldn’t even beat Yuwen Jue, so how could he be considered Great Zhao’s number one fighter?
Probably, this Eastern Sea warrior had never encountered someone even stronger.
Zong He said nothing further and left the arena.
Cheers erupted around the arena. Lu Xuzhi cupped his fists toward the crowd and then walked over to Lu Hanzhi and the others.
Ah Chan ran toward them on his little legs, clomping along while shouting, “Second Uncle! Second Uncle! Second Uncle is so amazing!”
Lu Hanzhi: …
Yes! Second Uncle really was incredible.
Lu Xuzhi saw a rolling little bundle charging at him, followed by a nimble young boy.
The little boy seemed worried the bundle might fall, yet the bundle moved like an eel—impossible to catch.
Lu Hanzhi sometimes wondered if Ah Chan knew some kind of light-footed martial step; Xiao Liuzi often couldn’t keep up.
In reality, Xiao Liuzi wasn’t slow—he just didn’t want to catch up too quickly and risk hurting him.
Lu Xuzhi picked up Ah Chan and continued toward them.
Meanwhile, Zong He had walked over to Zong Yuan, nodding and shaking his head, leaving Zong Yuan perplexed.
Zong Yuan knew some things couldn’t be said here, so he said, “Then I’ll go see Sister Wan.”
Zong He stopped him. “Wan’er cannot recognize us now. Don’t be too familiar with her yet. Wait until you become empress, then you can see her openly.”
Zong Yuan looked unhappy. “Why must I wait until then?”
Zong He explained, “You’re still a foreign prince. You cannot get too close to Great Zhao’s Crown Prince’s Consort. Once you become the emperor’s concubine, you can meet her properly.”
Zong Yuan pouted. His pink, plump lips looked adorable as he said sulkily, “Can’t I even speak a word with Sister? If she hadn’t saved me back then, I’d be dead long ago. How could I have survived till now?”
Zong Yuan spoke sternly, “That’s exactly why you must behave and listen to your sister. Whatever she asks of you, you must do. If she wants you to become Great Zhao’s empress, then you will become Great Zhao’s empress. Understand?”
Though still unhappy, Zong Yuan obediently nodded. “I’ll listen to my sister.”
The two of them left the arena, walking one after the other. As they departed, Zong He glanced once at Lu Xuzhi, his eyes still full of puzzlement.
The spectators on the stands also began preparing to leave, including the Crown Prince and his entourage.
Su Wan’ning walked beside the Crown Prince. As they passed Lu Xuzhi, the Crown Prince unexpectedly stopped and said, “Lord Lu, you truly deserve the title of Martial Champion of Great Zhao. Watching this battle stirred my blood with excitement.”
Lu Xuzhi politely bowed to the Crown Prince. “Just a friendly duel, Your Highness. You flatter me.”
Whether out of genuine admiration or politeness, the Crown Prince continued to lavish praise. “It is a blessing for Great Zhao to have someone like Lord Lu among its talents.”
Lu Xuzhi felt slightly awkward. He wasn’t close to the Crown Prince. Even as a child he had been a palace study companion, he still avoided the second prince.
Not for any other reason, but because the prince was always so self-important—something Lu Xuzhi could never stand.
By contrast, a few words of praise from his own eldest prince could make him float on air—adorable in its own way.
Yet, since the speaker was the Crown Prince, Lu Xuzhi had no choice but to endure the flattery.
Fortunately, the Crown Prince didn’t linger long, soon departing with Minister Zou and Young Master Yin.
Several ladies quietly glanced back at Lu Hanzhi and Yuwen Jue, whispering among themselves.
“That’s Lu Hanzhi, giving birth out of wedlock. No wonder he knows how to seduce men so well.”
Lu Hanzhi: tsk.
“And that’s Prince Chu, who turned himself into a Xiao Langjun for a man. I hear his child has already been born.”
Yuwen Jue: tsk.
The corners of their mouths twitched simultaneously as they muttered in unison, “Gossips.”
Lu Hanzhi had wandered the Jianghu for years—was he afraid of rumors? Not at all.
Instead, he tried to comfort Yuwen Jue, but then realized Ah Shu was missing.
Lu Hanzhi’s heart skipped a beat. Looking around, he spotted Ah Shu running after Su Wan’ning’s retreating figure.
He thought urgently, This is bad. They absolutely cannot meet.
If Su Wan’ning discovered Ah Shu was still alive, who knew what mischief she would cause?
Lu Hanzhi hurried forward and stopped Ah Shu, blocking her path. “Ah Shu, where are you going? It’s time for us to go home.”
Ah Shu pointed toward where Su Wan’ning had disappeared and, in a muffled voice, said, “Chou… Chou Nu.”
Note: Chou Nu= ugly servant.
Your favorite BL chaos wouldn’t be possible without coffee… lots of coffee….
Support Ciacia’s translation temple on Kofi—and if the cliffhanger demons are haunting you, join the Han’er Tier to purge them with advanced chapter access (up to 5!) before the masses even blink.
