"Dragon Manor Lord?!
Quick, look, it's Dragon Manor Lord?"
"The Xuanming Sect Leader versus the Dragon Manor Lord of Wolong Villa?
This will definitely be exciting!
But I wonder who is more skilled?"
Compared to the murmurs of the crowd, Lin Qingge was not surprised by the appearance of Long Xiaotian, the manor lord of Wolong Villa.
As early as the last martial arts conference, Lian Chengyi had been colluding with that Manor Lord Long, and the latter had almost personally delivered the sheepskin scroll as a prize to Lian Chengyi.
Therefore, the relationship between Wolong Villa and the Northeast Great Camp was self-evident.
On stage.
The Dragon Manor Lord stood with one hand behind his back, facing the wind, exuding an imposing aura. He said:
"Xuanming Sect Leader, make your move!"
Ling Han was not one for many words and immediately drew his weapon.
Following Liu Chenfei's command, he was already on the balls of his feet, darting towards the Dragon Manor Lord.
However, just as Ling Han's sword was about to touch the Dragon Manor Lord, the latter suddenly raised the hand that was behind his back.
Under the puzzled gazes of the crowd, he uttered two words in an overbearing tone:
"Forfeit."
As if afraid that his third disciple, whose jaw had nearly hit the ground, hadn't heard clearly, the Dragon Manor Lord repeated in an even more defiant tone:
"I declare that I am voluntarily forfeiting this match!"
...
Even Lin Qingge was bewildered by the Dragon Manor Lord's actions.
Although she didn't know why the Dragon Manor Lord had done this, in terms of the outcome, it was so delightful that she wanted to spread the news!
At this moment, the two figures sitting at the main table on the high platform presented a stark contrast.
One was beaming with joy, the other looked as if he had lost his parents.
Hua Jinrong, who was happily fanning himself, cupped his hands towards Prince Wucheng beside him and said sincerely:
"Imperial Uncle, I have wronged you before~
I never expected that to ensure my victory, Imperial Uncle would not let Manor Lord Long forfeit, allowing me to win without a fight~
Your Imperial Uncle's great kindness is truly beyond repayment. I can only accept the subsequent two matches without hesitation~"
Upon hearing Hua Jinrong's words, Prince Wucheng's already ashen face turned a purple-black.
But with so many people present, he couldn't question the Dragon Manor Lord about defecting at the last moment. He could only glare at the latter with a gaze so fierce it seemed he wanted to flay him alive.
However, the Dragon Manor Lord seemed oblivious. He walked up to Prince Wucheng and cupped his fists:
"Reporting to Your Highness, I am old. Since my last ordeal, my health has not been as good as before. Yesterday, I even strained my waist.
In contrast, the Xuanming Sect Leader is young, strong, and his attacks are ruthless.
Most importantly, the Xuanming Sect never leaves survivors when they strike.
I am not someone who fears death and clings to life, but it is better to forfeit with dignity than to be slaughtered unilaterally. This way, my title as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader will not be disgraced."
...
Prince Wucheng looked at the Dragon Manor Lord, who was making the most cowardly statement in the most arrogant tone, and said irritably:
"So, regardless of who you were fighting, you had already decided to forfeit from the beginning?"
"Precisely!"
"If you were incapable, why didn't you tell this prince earlier?"
"Your Highness, it's not that I am incapable, but rather I am not as I used to be.
Moreover, Your Highness never asked if I was still the same as in those days. You only ordered me to fight on your behalf."
"Are you implying that this is my fault?"
"I dare not, I am overwhelmed with apprehension."
The weary Prince Wucheng no longer bothered with the man before him. He summoned an attendant and whispered a few instructions.
After the dramatic second match concluded, Liu Chenfei raised the command flag into the air. It swayed erratically, signaling the start of the third match.
It was supposed to be Prince Wucheng's side to call out the opponent. However, Prince Wucheng, citing two consecutive losses, requested a day's rest and a change in the calling order for the next two rounds.
Although no one knew what Prince Wucheng was up to, he had won the previous round without a fight, so this courtesy had to be extended.
However, when Lin Qingge returned to the separate courtyard where they were resting, she saw that imposing, elegant figure standing in the courtyard, and her whole being felt uneasy.
"I say, Brother, why are you here instead of staying within the palace walls of the capital?
Do you want people's blades to find their target more easily, or do you want to die faster?"
"I missed you all, so I came to see."
Although Lin Moyuan's words were directed at Lin Qingge, his gaze remained fixed on Leng Ningyue the entire time.
Even though Lin Qingge desperately wanted to say, 'Brother, do you still remember Feng Yujie who was diligently writing at the imperial desk?'
The words that came out of her mouth were, "How is the situation in the capital?"
Forget it, human joys and sorrows are not shared.
Feng Qingchen's exhaustion had nothing to do with her.
As Lin Moyuan walked inside with everyone, he recounted the events that had transpired after they had left to Lin Qingge and the others.
The Xiao Family Army, led by Xiao Zhanbei, advanced like a broken bamboo. In just two days, they had suppressed the rebels and captured the Fourth Prince alive.
The Fourth Prince had instigated rebellion, and his crime deserved death, his heart deserved to be punished.
Despite the former emperor's dying decree to spare the lives of Concubine Xing and her son, after this incident, Concubine Xing was relegated to the cold palace, and the Fourth Prince was executed. His body was not permitted to be buried in the imperial mausoleum.
As for those who followed the Fourth Prince in the rebellion.
Although all the generals were beheaded, due to the tens of thousands of soldiers, most of whom acted under orders and were not in control of themselves, they were spared the death penalty and exiled to the border.
At the same time, the governance of the floods and the rectification of the court were also urgent.
Feng Qingchen was too busy to handle everything, so she had the arrogant Yongning take the donation list and visit each household to collect debts.
Yongning was close friends with Xu Siyun and handled the matter with utmost dedication.
If any household dared to not cooperate, she would bring out the Empress Dowager's imperial edict, asking the Empress Dowager to summon them to the palace for tea.
Since it was for raising funds for disaster-stricken areas, it was not considered interfering in government affairs.
She even called upon the noble ladies from prominent families with whom she was usually close to help organize and purchase supplies.
These noble ladies each had a few shops as their dowry.
Thus, by sourcing directly from the origin, not only was the quality guaranteed, but the procurement price of the supplies was also directly suppressed to the lowest possible level, saving a significant amount of money.
However, the downside was that once women excelled in a certain matter, there would always be questioning voices around them.
Some said they were taking advantage of the situation to make a profit for themselves, some said they were deliberately showing off and seeking attention, and even more said that their frequent public appearances were immodest and indecent.
Yongning was so angry upon hearing this that her lungs almost exploded.
In the end, it was the Empress Dowager who issued an imperial decree, bestowing rewards upon several noble ladies.
At the morning court the next day, Feng Qingchen specially commended the noble ladies and their respective families, which managed to quell those unfounded rumors.
However, the reason Lin Moyuan appeared here, besides his intense longing, was another.