Chapter 0.57: The Empress
The Marriage by martial contest for the Sword-bearing Princess had become the talk of the town. The common folk, having enjoyed their fill of food and drink near the Imperial City, eagerly awaited the news of which outstanding young cultivator would rise to prominence, enter the imperial family, leap over the Dragon Gate, and win the hand of the beauty.
The preliminary selection phase was a motley crew, with participants of various types and varying quality. Each participant had engaged in several rounds of combat within the day, leaving them exhausted in body and mind. Finally, the names and records of those with the highest skill levels were posted by the soldiers in the bustling Imperial City market.
Most conspicuously on the list, two individuals were tied for first place, both achieving a perfect record and looking down upon the masses.
Xu Wen, Xu Jin.
The two brothers hailed from the Marshal’s Mansion, born of the same mother. They were truly worthy of their reputation as sons of distinguished generals.
“Xu Wen, Commander Xu, wouldn’t it be understandable for him to be so outstanding? But this Xu Jin… isn’t he the Third Young Master of the Marshal’s Mansion? Wasn’t he born with crippled meridians, unable to cultivate?”
“That’s ancient history! Young Master Xu Jin recovered his health several days ago. This matter caused quite a stir! You truly didn’t know, sir?”
“Several days ago? You mean to say that just a few days ago, Young Master Xu Jin was still an ordinary person? And in such a short time, he could already be on par with his older brother, Xu Wen? How is that possible? Commander Xu is known as the most outstanding person among the younger generation of the Great Liang Dynasty.”
“Perhaps he’s a late bloomer? Someone who achieves greatness later in life?”
“I don’t believe it. When something is abnormal, there’s always a reason. There must be something going on here.”
“Heh heh, for common folk like us, all we can do is wait and see. I heard that starting tomorrow, we’ll even be allowed to watch the Marriage by martial contest. If Young Master Xu Jin is truly a false dragon, he won’t be able to act smug for long. Besides, the opponents will only get stronger from here on. Perhaps he’ll even face his own brother. That will surely be a fierce battle.”
…
That evening, after learning of Qin Gou’s dominance in the Martial Arts Arena, Liu Fuyun, who had been living a life of pampered luxury, happily took to the kitchen herself to prepare a lavish and diverse feast for her family.
This deeply moved both Qin Gou and Xu Shuangshuang. According to Xu Shuangshuang, it had been many years since she had seen her mother so happy, let alone personally enter the kitchen.
After dinner, Xu Chengfeng called Qin Gou aside privately and asked him the first question: “Did you see your older brother today?”
“Yes, I saw my elder brother early this morning.” Qin Gou nodded.
Xu Chengfeng asked, “Did he say anything to you? Is he displeased that you are also participating in the Marriage by martial contest?”
Qin Gou chuckled and replied, “Father, haven’t you already guessed? What pleasant words could he say to me? First, he made second sister cry, and later he said he would make me thoroughly understand what it means to have an elder brother act as a father in the Martial Arts Arena.”
Xu Chengfeng pondered for a moment, then sighed and didn’t pursue the previous topic. “The reason you’ve been able to win repeatedly today must be due to the support of some noble person, right?”
“It should be an order from His Majesty the Human Emperor. Manager Ji Wu also spoke with me, saying that Princess Sword-bearing has great expectations for me, so he has already made some behind-the-scenes arrangements.” Qin Gou didn’t hide anything and answered truthfully.
Xu Chengfeng frowned. “This honor was not earned through your true abilities. Do not become arrogant. I, your father, remember that the fundamental reason you wanted to enter this competition was to fight Rui’er. However, your realms are vastly different. I, your father, have been worried sick about this matter these past few days. Why don’t I inform Rui’er and ask him to show you some mercy when you fight?”
“No need, Father.” Qin Gou declared confidently, “I will win.”
“Win?”
A hint of surprise flashed in Xu Chengfeng’s eyes. He genuinely couldn’t understand where his third son’s courage came from to say such a thing.
“Furthermore, Jin’er now knows some hidden secrets… a major event is likely to occur in our Great Liang Dynasty soon. I hope Father can get closer to the soldiers under your command recently, foster some camaraderie, and ensure that at the critical moment, with a single rallying cry, they will gather in large numbers. It will be useful.” Qin Gou said meaningfully.
To completely overthrow the Great Liang Dynasty, it wouldn’t suffice to simply eliminate a few leaders. This decaying kingdom needed to welcome a new ruler.
A new monarch with ample prestige and beloved by the people. The Xu family would be an excellent choice, with their long heritage, top-tier connections, and reputation. Moreover, the Cultivation World valued freedom and power, without so many tedious rules. Even if a female emperor were to ascend the throne, mimicking the Great Liang Dynasty, no one would complain.
As long as she was obedient.
Xu Chengfeng listened, utterly bewildered. “What exactly is this major event? Jin’er, you’re being too vague. I can’t understand you at all.”
“Forgive me, Jin’er cannot elaborate.” While speaking, Qin Gou made an ‘upward’ gesture.
Xu Chengfeng indeed stopped prying. He nodded with sharp eyes and took Qin Gou’s words to heart.
The next day, Xu Shuangshuang, like a clingy little bug, followed Qin Gou to the new Martial Arts Arena, saying she wanted to witness her little brother’s heroic display.
Upon arriving at their destination, Qin Gou immediately noticed that the spellcasting arena here was far superior to the simple bluestone platform from yesterday. Spectator seats had also been added, and many commoners were already seated.
“Go, Third Young Master Xu!”
As soon as Qin Gou arrived, someone shouted enthusiastically.
At this moment, Xu Zimu, clad in gleaming silver armor, apologized profusely as he pulled Qin Gou aside. “Young Master Xu Jin, today’s competition may not allow you the same ease as yesterday.”
Qin Gou said indifferently, “No harm done. I’m not some scholar who can’t even lift a chicken. This level of competition can be easily won with my own strength.”
Unexpectedly, Xu Zimu burst into laughter, lightly pushing Qin Gou’s chest. “Young Master Xu Jin, you’re actually believing that? You’re not that kind of person! You must be joking with me, right? It’s just that there are more spectators. How could that trouble me? I’ve already made all the arrangements. Young Master Xu Jin, just watch! We’ll stick to the old rules: no bias, fair and just! I guarantee you’ll win honorably!”
In another Martial Arts Arena.
Xu Wen stomped on his opponent’s chest, crushing the bone and rendering him unable to get up. He ended the match with extreme speed.
“Commander Xu, where are you going? We’ll arrange your next opponent as soon as possible.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be right back. It won’t take too long.”
Xu Wen walked with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep, and his tone playful. “My foster brother and I share a deep bond. I want to see how his match is going. Don’t spoil our mood.”
“So that’s how it is. As expected, it’s brotherly affection.”
“Precisely.”
