https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-91-There-s-No-Turning-Back-in-This-World/12582516/
Chapter 89: The Officers Adore Meng Qianqian
Chapter 89: The Officers Adore Meng Qianqian
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
Meng Qianqian was merely a meek daughter-in-law in the Lu family for five years, how could she have any connection to the prestigious position of Yin Hu? It was like comparing apples and oranges!
"Get lost! You're shredding the peanuts!"
Zhang Feihu slapped the back of Nie Hanshan's head.
Nie Hanshan's head buzzed as he gritted his teeth and pointed to the newly peeled peanuts in his hand. "I haven't peeled these in a few days, so my hands are out of practice. Look, aren't these nicely peeled?"
Zhang Feihu nodded and grabbed the peanuts, popping them into his mouth.
Nie Hanshan exploded, "What are you eating?! I worked hard to peel those for you!"
"Tasting them for saltiness. Xiao Jiu doesn't like it too salty," Zhang Feihu explained.
Nie Hanshan had beheaded three rebel leaders in the Yang Ancient Town battle, an outstanding achievement, and he was on par with Zhao Qingyun.
It was often said that a new ruler meant new officials, and those leading troops in battle often favored their familiar subordinates. However, Lu Yuan was different. He had no connections or personal faction at the border, and he gave opportunities to many unknown and loyal officers to showcase their talents.
The veteran Nie Hanshan and the young Zhao Qingyun were among the outstanding ones.
Zhao Qingyun brought over the snacks that everyone had been busy preparing and placed them in front of Zhang Feihu. "General Zhang, please taste them first. Are they to Xiao Jiu's liking?"
Zhang Feihu gave him a satisfied glance and tasted each one.
Zhao Qingyun immediately pushed the snacks towards Meng Qianqian. "Eat up, they're not poisonous."
Zhang Feihu's body trembled. "You brat! Are you using me as a guinea pig?!"
The table of officers burst into laughter, and a few tables nearby, who were watching the commotion, were laughing uproariously as well.
The civil officials relaxed their expressions.
So these military officers knew how to laugh too? They had been so solemn earlier that it was as if the two armies were facing each other. Those who knew said it was a celebration banquet, but those who didn't thought it was a coercion banquet.
However, that little girl was indeed Meng Xiaojiu.
Who would have thought that the new Yin Hu would be a woman?
This inevitably reminded them of another talented and exceptional woman of their dynasty—Lady Chu.
Lady Chu had experienced a tragedy in her youth and was rescued by the Chu King, who brought her back to the border. She grew up with the Chu Grand Marshal, practicing martial arts and fighting battles together, once becoming a well-known story at the border.
It was just a pity that later...
The civil officials shook their heads, and countless thoughts turned into a sigh.
"Who is Meng Xiaojiu?"
A royal guard with a sword at his waist arrogantly approached the men's table.
Meng Qianqian looked at him strangely. "That's me."
The royal guard pointed at her nose and said, "You're just a girl. Dare to have a match with me?"
Zhang Feihu folded his arms. "Who are you, kid?"
The royal guard said, "I'm Han Lin, a fourth-grade royal guard. General Han is my uncle!"
Zhang Feihu said to Meng Qianqian, "Han Ci's younger brother."
Han Ci was steady and reliable in the army, but who would have thought his younger brother would be so frivolous?
Seeing that Meng Qianqian didn't say anything, Han Lin shouted, "Scared now? Hmph, I knew you were all talk and no substance! It must have been Lu Yuan who killed Yin Hu and took the Yin Hu token to give to you. You may have deceived others, but you can't deceive me!"
Zhang Feihu kicked his chair over!
The officers all stood up!
Meng Qianqian said softly, "I'll do it."
Han Lin said, "If you can force me to draw my sword within three moves, I'll acknowledge your strength."
Meng Qianqian asked, "Are you sure about three moves?"
Han Lin arrogantly said, "Since you're a woman, then let's make it ten moves."
The officers looked at Han Lin sympathetically.
On the women's table, they were also attracted by the commotion.
Lu Laofu and her entourage were secretly thrilled, eager to see that brat's face beaten and her true colors exposed publicly!
Zhang Feihu shouted, "Be gentle!"
Han Lin assured, "Don't worry. As long as she begs for mercy, I won't take her life!"
Meng Qianqian said, "Attack."
Han Lin coldly replied, "You attack, I defend..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Han Lin felt a hurricane-like figure rushing towards him at lightning speed.
Too fast! That was the only thought left in his mind.
Before he could comprehend what was happening, his vision went dark, his knees throbbed in pain, and he found himself kneeling heavily on the ground, the floor cracking under the impact with two winding fissures.
His precious sword had somehow been drawn by Meng Qianqian, now coldly pressed against his neck.
A surge of killing intent washed over them, causing Meng Qianqian's clothes to flutter without any wind. Han Lin's hairs stood on end, and even his robe was shaken!
Everyone who witnessed Meng Xiaojiu's move for the first time was left dumbfounded.
General Zhou stared, wide-eyed, the cup in his hand falling from his grip and clattering onto the table.
The border soldiers who had returned from the front lines shook their heads as they shelled sunflower seeds, knowing that challenging Xiao Jiu to a duel was like bringing a lantern to a latrine—completely unnecessary.
Zhang Feihu, hands on his hips, chastised, "I told you to be gentle, and look what you've done! You've damaged the floor!"
"Oh," replied Meng Qianqian.
Meng Qianqian held the sword with both hands and returned it to Han Lin, asking sincerely, "Does this count as forcing you to draw your sword?"
Han Lin trembled like a sieve.
Meng Qianqian thought for a moment, recalling that he had said something about forcing him to draw his sword, not necessarily drawing his sword, "If that doesn't count, we can go again."
Han Lin: "......!!!"
"Hey, doesn't she look a little familiar?"
At the ladies' table, a young lady spoke softly.
Another young lady agreed, "Yes, I feel like I've seen her somewhere before. Linglong, you—eh? Where did she go?"
Lu Linglong had already slipped away.
At that moment, the young emperor entered with Lu Xingzhou and Lu Lingxiao.
The crowd bowed to greet the emperor.
"Rise," said the young emperor.
"Thank Your Majesty!"
The crowd stood and returned to their respective seats.
The young emperor approached the table where the most meritorious officers were seated and noticed several unfamiliar faces. He smiled and asked, "You've all worked hard. Please be seated."
Nie Hanshan was about to sit down but was subtly pulled up by Zhao Qingyun, who whispered, "The emperor hasn't taken his seat yet."
Nie Hanshan: Great, so many rules!
The young emperor inquired, "Who is Meng Xiaojiu?"
Meng Qianqian returned the sword to Han Lin and walked towards the young emperor.
Lu Xingzhou recognized her, his brows furrowing in confusion, "What are you doing here? Your attire is inappropriate and brings disgrace to our family! This is outrageous!"
Meng Qianqian stopped in front of the three of them, Lu Lingxiao staring intently at her with a complex expression.
Meng Qianqian didn't even spare a glance at the father and son.
Since Zhang Feihu hadn't mentioned that Meng Xiaojiu was a woman, and Lu Lingxiao had remained silent on the way here, neither Lu Xingzhou nor the young emperor knew who Meng Xiaojiu truly was.
The young emperor glanced at Meng Qianqian and asked Lu Xingzhou, "Lord Lu, is she a relative of your family?"
Lu Xingzhou waved his sleeve dismissively, "The Lu family doesn't have such fortune!"
Lu Lingxiao: "Father!"
Lu Xingzhou rebuked, "You shut up! A woman who brings shame to our family and disgraces the Lu name has no right to be called a member of the Lu family!"
He continued, his eyes cold as he looked at Meng Qianqian, "Meng, regardless of your intentions, this is not a place for you. If you know what's good for you, leave now!"
Meng Qianqian cupped her hands and bowed to the young emperor, "Meng Xiaojiu, greetings to Your Majesty."
Lu Xingzhou froze.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
