Chapter 384 - Please Play for the Monarch

Hearing Jiang Wang’s words, Jiang Wuqi did not show any anger, instead he laughed happily, “Jiang Qing adheres to both ritual propriety and principle; this palace is very pleased.”None in attendance was blind, all could see that his smile was sincere.

He wasn’t being insincere; this was truly what he thought.

Jiang Wang stated he would only accept the rewards from the Emperor—this showed adherence to propriety.

Facing Jiang Wuqi, he was neither servile nor overbearing—this was adherence to principle.

Jiang Wuqi was delighted to see talent emerge from Qi Country, even if that person might not be of use to him.

Only those who truly possessed a grand vision could consider matters in this way.

And within his praise, one emphasis lay on the words “this palace”.

Claiming solitude is not exclusively the prerogative of the king.

Princes may also claim solitude.

Both Jiang Wuyong and Jiang Wuqi had referred to themselves as such.

But only the master of an entire palace is entitled to call themselves “this palace”.

Generally, aside from the Queen and consorts with independent palaces, only the Crown Prince had the right to refer to themselves as “this palace”, as the Crown Prince is the master of the Eastern Palace.

However, in Qi Country, there were a few exceptions.

Besides the Crown Prince, three other princes and princesses possessed independent palaces, a symbol regarded as indicative of eligibility for succession.

Among them was Jiang Wuqi, the master of the Long Life Palace!

The term “this palace” served as a reminder to Jiang Wang—I am eligible for succession, so whether I reward or punish you, it is all in one thought, and you must accept it.

When Jiang Wuqi spoke in such a manner, Jiang Wang could only remain silent.

He certainly couldn’t say, what does it have to do with you?

After all, this was Qi Country, and Jiang Wuqi was indeed a hopeful for succession.

The talents of Qi Country truly concerned him.

After laughing, Jiang Wuqi thought for a moment and then said, “The insult you suffered that day in Nanyao was due to my fourteenth brother’s lack of skill.

Since Jiang Qing is confident and fearless, encountering you today by chance, why not seek another battle?”

His meaning was clear: Since Jiang Wang had taught Jiang Wuyong a lesson, today he would teach Jiang Wang a lesson in return, and they would be even.

This was not too excessive.

Though in Nanyao City, it was Jiang Wuyong who had initiated the trouble and brought shame upon himself, in Qi Country, and indeed in the whole world, the Jiang Surname Royal Family is naturally entitled to a status that does not need to be too reasoned.

Jiang Wang did not make a futile defense, but simply flicked his sword and said, “It is indeed my wish, I wouldn’t dare to ask for more!”

This was exactly what I wanted, I just hadn’t taken the initiative to say it!

Although he was not yet at the stage of those who rejoice at the sound of battle, he was nonetheless confident and unafraid of combat.

Jiang Wuqi nodded in satisfaction and did not look back at the group behind him, but asked, “Jiang Qing made his name on the battlefield, who wishes to join in this act?”

One person stepped forward from behind: “I am willing to entertain Your Highness!”

It was Zhang Song.

It seemed the catastrophe that annihilated his clan had changed him a great deal; the timidity and hesitation he once showed outside of the Heavenly Abode Secret Land appeared to have been completely stripped away.

The current Zhang Song bore the gloom of deep-seated hatred, an unabashed ambition, and the resolve to compete with anyone because of it.

“Your Highness,” Li Longchuan’s jade diadem glimmered faintly, making him look all the more heroic, “Yunwu Mountain is a place for leisure, and it might be inappropriate to engage in martial play here.”

Among those with Jiang Wang,

While the Yan family had wealth and status passed down through generations, their real rise to prominence was only with the former Prime Minister Yan Ping.

The Linhai Gao Family also gained prominence after the favored Noble Consort Jing.

When it came to heritage, none were a match for the Shimen Li Clan.

As for Xu Xiangqian, there was also no need to mention that although Qingya Academy was famous throughout the world, not everyone in Qi Country would necessarily give it face.

The only one who could stop Jiang Wuqi was him, Li Longchuan.

Of course, in terms of relationships, Jiang Wang had already visited the Marquis of Chongcheng’s estate, and naturally, he was somewhat closer to Li Longchuan than to Yan Fu or Gao Zhe.

At this moment, someone behind Jiang Wuqi spoke up, “One who is comfortable in peace should consider danger; Qi Country was not established on tolerance.

What the Li family has passed down is not just for leisure.

The more idle the setting, the more one must not forget the martial spirit!”

The person was tall with a wide belt and a high hat, exuding an ancient and elegant demeanor.

Li Longchuan recognized the man; he was a descendant of the famous Grandmaster Gongsun Ye, named Gongsun Yu.

Engaging in a verbal argument with him was almost impossible to win.

Especially since his words when referring to the Shimen Li Clan were not particularly respectful.

Li Longchuan’s brows raised as he said bluntly, “Why don’t we battle it out here, to show that your Gongsun family has not forgotten the martial spirit?”

“Not at all, not at all,” Gongsun Yu said with a chuckle, shaking his head.

Such aggressive language could easily be defused, which he found rather amusing.

But Zhang Song couldn’t resist chiming in, “Since young master Li Longchuan is so eager to step up…”

He turned and sought permission from Jiang Wuqi, “Back then, the Feng Xian Zhang Clan and Shimen Li Clan were both renowned.

Now, the descendants of the Feng Xian Zhang Clan have lost their way, and their household has declined.

In memory of the courage of my ancestors, I wish to battle with young master Li Longchuan!”

For Zhang Song, making a name by fighting Li Longchuan would be far more effective than battling Jiang Wang.

The most important point was that as long as people remembered the history, they would subconsciously compare the Feng Xian Zhang Clan with the Shimen Li Clan.

For the now desolate Feng Xian Zhang Clan, this was undoubtedly the best way to elevate their status.

However, given Li Longchuan’s status, he might not normally deign to engage with him.

Gongsun Yu glanced indifferently at Zhang Song, but said nothing further.

This was merely a man who, after surviving the destruction of his clan, was desperately trying to restore his family’s glory; it wasn’t worth fussing over.

There was no reason for Li Longchuan to shy away from the fight; he stepped forward, ready to proceed.

But Jiang Wang held him back, “The Eleventh Prince intends to teach someone Jiang a lesson.

Jiang Wang isn’t physically disabled nor swordless.

Why should brother Li fight on my behalf?”

With a stride, he stood beyond the balustrade amidst the sea of clouds.

Facing the clouds, he held his own grand stature.

“Come then, Zhang Song!

We might have fought in the Heavenly Abode Secret Land, or maybe not.

Today, let’s renew our past encounter on Yunwu Mountain!”

Those who went to explore the Heavenly Abode Secret Land were all formidable figures within the Tongtian Environment.

Zhang Song was the only one with Circulation Realm Cultivation who participated, and also the only one to emerge victorious with just that level of cultivation.

To this day, many still think he was just incredibly lucky.

But Jiang Wang never underestimated him.

Not when Zhang Song was at the Circulation Realm, and certainly not now at the Ascending Dragon Realm, after he had pushed open the Heaven and Earth Gate.

However, this battle offered nothing but disadvantages to Li Longchuan.

If he lost, Zhang Song would rise by stepping over him.

If he won, there was nothing to boast about—wasn’t it only natural for a young talent of the Shimen Li Clan to win against a nobody?

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Li Longchuan’s strength.

Even he wasn’t certain he could beat Li Longchuan.

But Li Longchuan treated him as a friend and stepped forward on his behalf.

He couldn’t possibly let Li Longchuan take such an unnecessary risk.

Zhang Song turned to look at Jiang Wuqi.

Perhaps the wind was strong on the mountain, for Jiang Wuqi coughed several times before stopping and then nodded.

For Jiang Wuqi, teaching Jiang Wang a lesson and teaching Li Longchuan a lesson had entirely different meanings; there was no need for unnecessary complications.

He wasn’t a narrow-minded person.

Li Longchuan stood up for a friend, and there was nothing that needed admonishing.

With Jiang Wuqi’s permission, Zhang Song stepped into the sea of clouds to face Jiang Wang in mid-air.

Everyone turned around to look at the sea of clouds.

At their current location on the high reaches of Yunwu Mountain, looking down all one could see was a vast expanse of clouds, with houses and terraced fields no longer visible.

Onlookers on both sides stood on the pavilion.

By now, those who were going up and down the mountain had also gathered.

Of course, few were distinguished enough to approach Li Longchuan or Jiang Wuqi’s circles.

Yan Fu watched the billowing sea of clouds and asked as if offhandedly, “Why is your Highness so inclined to this matter today?

Your pressing manner doesn’t seem like you.”

For someone like Yan Fu, known for his usual manner, “pressing” was quite a strong choice of words.

Jiang Wuqi mused that they had been getting along quite well lately.

Feeling somewhat cold, he tightened his fur coat and said clearly, “One must know there is always someone better and mountains beyond mountains.

Youth should not be too arrogant.

This serves both as a punishment and a reward for him—it’s good for him.”

“Your Highness has a point,” said Xu Xiangqian, “but I’m afraid…” his voice unexpectedly interjected, “it might not be so easy to do.”