CHAPTER 101: CHAPTER 69: INVITATION FOR TEA_2

"For an ordinary martial artist’s family, taking two or three years to advance from Half-step Ninth Rank to an initiated rank is already considered exceptionally talented. Yet, look at you. You’ve achieved it in such a short time."

"I am flattered, my Lord. Before, your subordinate only knew how to fight with brute force. After becoming a Zheng Colonel, I received guidance from martial artists in the army, which led to this progress."

"Such progress? Can it truly be this significant?"

"Yes. That instructor in the army said your subordinate is a martial arts prodigy, the likes of which are seen only once in a century!"

Zheng Fan puffed out his chest as he said this.

Actually, Zheng Fan hadn’t expected to lose consciousness. He also hadn’t expected the Sixth Prince to actually bring him back to the estate, and he certainly hadn’t imagined the Lord would visit him the moment he regained consciousness.

The urgent task now was to dispel any suspicions she might have about him. He absolutely could not let her suspect him of having ulterior motives.

Even though he truly did have ulterior motives.

"Seventh Uncle, what do you think?"

"Reporting to the Lord, this young man’s qi and blood are surging powerfully, which is indeed characteristic of someone who has just entered an initiated rank. However, his qi and blood are also exceptionally abundant, proving his foundation is very solid."

"Oh?"

The Lord looked at the sword-bearing old man with some surprise. Adopting a girlishly curious demeanor, she asked, "Listening to you, Seventh Uncle, does this mean you’ve taken a fancy to this young man’s talent?"

"Disciple Zheng Fan pays respects to Master!"

THUD!

He dropped from one knee to both, his forehead touching the ground!

Siniang wasn’t by his side. He guessed something must have happened while he was unconscious, making it inconvenient for her to stay and care for him. True, her Face-changing Technique could fool ordinary people, but it would be difficult to deceive the numerous experts in the Earl of North Border’s estate.

So, once again, he was left to face this situation alone.

Kowtowing and acknowledging a master at this moment? Zheng Fan felt it was a worthwhile move.

If Blindman or A Ming were here right now, they would probably gang up and force his head to the ground in a kowtow.

After all, My lord’s dignity wasn’t important to them. Heaven knows, if My lord were to be beheaded, would their existences be erased?

"Heh, just look, Seventh Uncle. Look how quickly this lad seizes an opportunity to climb higher."

Seventh Uncle merely smiled reservedly.

"You want to become Seventh Uncle’s disciple? That’s fine. But there’s something I think we need to discuss thoroughly. The incident in Mei Village a few days ago, was that your doing?"

"Yes!" Zheng Fan admitted without hesitation.

"And you did it under the banner of my Earl of North Border’s estate?"

"Yes!"

"Why?"

"Because your subordinate wishes to expand his influence, recruit soldiers and buy horses, acquire territory, gain power, achieve glory and wealth, obtain much more gold and silver, and sleep with many, many more beautiful women!"

"Vulgar!" The Sixth Prince suddenly pointed at Zheng Fan and rebuked, "You oaf! How dare you utter such crass words in front of my elder sister?"

The Sixth Prince appeared to be rebuking Zheng Fan, but in reality, he was trying to cover for him.

Just a simpleton who only understands gold, silver, and jewels. Those in high positions aren’t afraid of your greed; they’re afraid of you being incorruptibly righteous and fishing for fame!

"You are refreshingly honest. In that case, I must ask you: back then, when I invited you to become a retainer in my Li family, why did you refuse?"

"Because at that time, your subordinate only thought of returning to my hometown in glory, becoming a local official, and raking in silver."

"That’s a good answer. Airtight."

The Lord rose, walked over to Zheng Fan, and bent down.

Zheng Fan slowly raised his head.

At that moment, his face and the Lord’s were very, very close.

"My intuition tells me you’re not that simple. Last time, your meritorious deed could be attributed to luck. But saving the Prince this time? I truly don’t believe it was mere luck."

"Then it must be that your subordinate colluded with the Left Valley King of the barbarians. The Left Valley King agreed to help me stage a show to grant your subordinate a great merit."

"Heh heh heh..."

The Lord straightened up, covering her mouth as she giggled.

Seventh Uncle also chuckled, and the Sixth Prince laughed as well.

Clearly, they all thought it was an outrageous joke.

Zheng Fan laughed too, but only inwardly. It seems that sometimes, when you tell the truth, people refuse to believe it.

"Seventh Uncle, this young man is not simple," the Lord cautioned.

Seventh Uncle nodded. "I know."

The Lord then looked at the Sixth Prince and said, "I’ve heard that in recent years, the capital has started to be influenced by the customs of Qian Jin. The number of noblemen who prefer male company is increasing. Ji Chengjue, what about you?"

"Elder Sister, listen to yourself! I’m just an idle young prince. My mission in this life, much like a stud boar, is simply to sire children for our Ji Family and ensure our lineage continues. If I can’t even accomplish this task, who knows how Father Emperor might deal with me."

"That would be a real pity. Ji Chengjue, take a look. Our Zheng Colonel here not only has flourishing prospects but is also excellent material for martial arts. If you could take him into your service... it would bring you great fortune."

"Elder Sister, you’re joking. That’s quite impossible, quite impossible."

Just then, a bluebird flew in through the window, landed on the Lord’s shoulder, and seemed to whisper in her ear.

"Elder Sister, has something happened?"

The Lord nodded. "Someone from the barbarian Royal Court has come. They say they want the Left Valley King’s body back."

"Heh, so they’ve come to collect the body. What do you intend to do, Elder Sister?"

"If I don’t make them wait a good seven days and seven nights, outsiders will think the estate of the Earl of North Border is easily bullied."

As the Lord said this, her gaze was fixed on the Sixth Prince.

"But what if the barbarian Royal Court refuses to let it go? He was, after all, their Left Valley King."

"Ji Chengjue."

"Your younger brother is here."

"Let me put it this way. If Father hadn’t instructed the seven great Chief Commanders before he left for the capital, thereby preventing me from mobilizing more of the North Border heavy cavalry, do you think only the Shatuo tribe would have been annihilated? If Father had entrusted me with full command of the North Border Army before his departure, I would have likely led the troops to wipe out the barbarian Royal Court directly. Would I be waiting for them to send someone today demanding an explanation?"

"Yes, Elder Sister, you are truly formidable! A heroine in no way inferior to any man. This younger brother is thoroughly humbled."

In fact, her words carried another layer of meaning: a warning.

Had their father not ordered restraint, she, even as a woman, could lead an army of three hundred thousand to attack the barbarian Royal Court. She could even march south and attack the capital of Great Yan!

"Alright, today is Mother’s birthday, and I don’t want her to be overtired. I’ll go deal with the envoy. Ji Chengjue, you can stay here and entertain your lifesaver."

Saying this, the Lord turned her gaze back to Zheng Fan. "Once your injuries have properly healed, you can go find Seventh Uncle. As for whether he’ll be willing to accept you then, that will depend on your own destiny."

With that, the Lord left the room. Seventh Uncle followed closely, not sparing Zheng Fan another glance.

...

"Whew... She’s finally gone."

The Sixth Prince sat down in a chair and poured himself some tea.

Zheng Fan also slowly rose, one hand pressed to the wound on his abdomen.

"I am very curious. Why did you save me?"

"Because ever since I was young, my mother taught me to be loyal to the Yan Emperor, to serve the Yan State, to be utterly loyal..."

"Stop, stop. I want to hear the truth."

"Because you are a prince. Otherwise, why didn’t I step in to shield those guards from the Royal Mansion when they were being cut down?"

"HSSS... Tsk, tsk, tsk. So brutally honest, are we?"

"It’s what Your Highness requested."

"Fine. I like your straightforward way of speaking. Let’s keep things direct and uncomplicated; it makes for a more enjoyable conversation. How about this: since you’re my lifesaver, from now on when we chat, let’s address each other by age. What do you say? Otherwise, we won’t be able to speak our true thoughts."

Why do these lines sound so familiar?

"Don’t hold back at all. Just like how you were speaking to me earlier. That was good, really..."

"My good younger brother."

The Sixth Prince was rendered speechless.

"Good younger brother, this elder brother of yours..."

"Enough, enough! Alright, alright, forget it, forget it! Stop, stop! I take back what I just said. I really can’t stand it."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I’ve seen it just now; you’re an ambitious fellow. It’s a pity. If it were my Eldest Brother or Second Prince you had saved, you might have soared to great heights by now. Unfortunately, the one you saved is just a useless, idle prince. The only place I have any authority over is the Shanglin Imperial Garden. If you want me to help you secure an official post, the best I could do is get you a position there looking after dogs or horses. ’Dog Official’ or ’Stable Master’—neither sounds very appealing, and frankly, I’d be embarrassed to offer them."

"Actually, your subordinate also realized something just now, Your Highness. You are no mere fish in a pond."

Hearing this, the Sixth Prince’s expression suddenly calmed. He said,

"You must be mistaken. My greatest ambition in this life is to live peacefully as an idle prince for all my days."

"That’s usually what princes who eventually ascend the throne say."

"Oh?"

The Sixth Prince let out a sound of intrigued surprise and couldn’t help but point at Zheng Fan. "Tsk, tsk. Now that was cleverly said. You deserve a reward for that."

Then, the Sixth Prince pushed the teacup he had just brewed over to Zheng Fan, saying,

"I offer you this tea."