Everyone in the imperial court was in a difficult position.

The difference is that some people feel uncomfortable because they are trying to hold back their laughter, while others feel uncomfortable because they are angry.

Qi Junguang undoubtedly belongs to the latter category.

Why should I, a prince of Southern Qi, get angry with a commoner?

After calming himself down, Qi Junguang looked at Jing Zhe with a hint of disdain and repeated his previous statement.

"Heh, what kind of skill is it to just talk the talk?"

"Alright, let's get down to business, stop talking and start fighting!"

Jing Zhe leaped in front of Qi Junguang, startling not only Qi Junguang but also Emperor An.

Although I quite like his unconventional personality, this is just too damn unconventional!

If we were to actually beat up the prince of Southern Qi in the imperial court, the two countries would be locked in a bloody war the very next day!

Fortunately, Qi Gulong was quick enough to step in front of Jing Zhe, thus preventing a tragedy.

Logically speaking, Jing Zhe should have been submissive and silent on his first court appearance, especially since he was facing the third prince of Southern Qi. However, Qi Junguang should never have made a move on his second sister.

Damn it, he wants to marry my second sister?

I immediately launched a powerful counterattack!

That's why there were several scenes of him wanting to fight Qi Junguang to the death, but unfortunately Qi Junguang was too cowardly. It was obvious who was male and who was female.

"Heh, you're a scholar, you don't think that on the battlefield, it's all about individual combat, do you?"

Qi Junguang hid in the back, a cold smile on his face.

"It seems the Third Prince has a lot of confidence in his army. Is it because of that thing? What's that wild knot or what kind of clothing?"

"Silver-threaded robe!"

"Yes, yes, that's it! What is it?!"

If someone hadn't reminded him, Jing Zhe would have completely forgotten about the silver-threaded robe. After all, in his eyes, it was just a slightly more powerful suit of armor. What use was it?

But Qi Junguang was furious!

What does "that thing" mean?

What does "something" mean?

The silver-threaded garment was the proudest invention of the Southern Qi, coveted by other countries. How could Jing Zhe not be angry and furious at such contempt?

If it weren't for Jing Zhe's internal strength and his own status, he really wanted to go up and beat him up...

His eyes darted around, and Qi Junguang suddenly had an idea.

"Young Master Jing, you look down on our Silver Thread Robe so lightly, hehe, you must have a more exquisite weapon, right? If so, why don't you let me take a look!"

While uttering words of "admiration," his eyes were filled with contempt. Qi Junguang was extremely arrogant at this moment, all in an attempt to provoke Jing Zhe and make him lose his temper.

But Jing Zhe remained calm and unaffected.

"The weapon isn't exactly high-end—but it's far superior to that Silver Thread Armor. It can be easily broken!"

"Don't spout nonsense!"

Even Qi Gulong could not suppress his anger. The silver-threaded robe was something he had presented to Southern Qi. How could he bear being humiliated by Jing Zhe time and time again?

Jing Zhe merely glanced at him, showing no interest in replying, and muttered to himself—

"What is that?!"

"you!"

"Stop being so rude!"

Qi Junguang interrupted Qi Gulong, winked at him, and then looked at Jing Zhe and smiled, "Since Young Master Jing is so confident, I wonder if you dare to make a bet with me? Of course, we won't compete in personal martial arts or divination, so you don't need to be afraid."

"Then what should we compare?"

"Since Young Master Jing says he has a weapon that can break through our Silver Thread Armor, let's make a bet. If Young Master Jing can use the weapon you mentioned to tear through the defenses of ten Silver Thread Army soldiers, I will concede defeat and never mention the marriage alliance again!"

If not, well, then Anguo has lost, and Lady Zhu will have to marry into Southern Qi. What does Young Master Jing think?

"Zhe'er, you mustn't..."

"How could this be? Nephew, don't be fooled..."

"How dare he even mention such an unfair bet!"

Ten Silver Thread soldiers can form a team, and with the blessing of the Silver Thread Armor, they are incredibly sharp in both defense and offense.

Even someone as strong as Liu Jinghong couldn't say she was absolutely certain she could tear through their defenses in an instant, let alone Jing Zhe.

In the eyes of most ministers, Jing Zhe was still the talented scholar who won the poetry contest the night before, and they could not associate him with the army or martial arts competitions.

So as soon as Qi Junguang finished speaking, some ministers in the court began to object!

However, people like Bai Qingyuan and Xiang Wang stood there calmly, observing the situation quietly, as if everything that was happening had nothing to do with them.

Jing Zhe smiled and shook his head.

The ministers breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, thinking how fortunate they were that he hadn't fallen for their trick.

Qi Junguang and the others frowned, somewhat disappointed.

But what Jing Zhe said next drove them crazy!

"Ten people? Who do you think you are? Fifty people, that's the most you can do!"

"..."

Qi Junguang was initially stunned, but after fully understanding the meaning of these words, he was overjoyed.

"You mean you can break through... a fifty-man Silver Thread Army all by yourself? Is that right or wrong?"

Jing Zhe nodded, somewhat disdainfully.

"Is the Third Prince not smart enough, and also hard of hearing?"

"..."

Qi Junguang was not angry at Jing Zhe's sarcasm. Instead, he looked at Emperor An excitedly and asked, "Your Majesty, does what he said count?"

Emperor An wanted to shake his head, after all, Jing Zhe was not a god. It was already very difficult for him to be proficient in poetry and calligraphy, so how could he be proficient in weapons?

If Liu Jinghong couldn't guarantee a win, Emperor An didn't believe he could either. But before he could refuse, he saw Jing Zhe nod to him, his eyes seemingly pleading for his agreement.

In that instant, he wavered.

The trust I had in him during the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering returned instantly, so I nodded.

"Very well, since Jing Zhe has agreed, then I agree!"

Qi Jun was overjoyed. Although he had won against Liu Jinghong, it was far less easy than the bet he had made with Jing Zhe.

Most importantly, he wants to win back everything he lost the day before yesterday!

Then he asked, "When will this competition begin?"

Jing Zhe thought for a moment and said, "How about... three days later? We can use this time to have His Majesty find a spacious, quiet, and deserted place, otherwise I'm afraid I won't be able to perform properly!"

Keep bragging!

Qi Junguang sneered inwardly, but still nodded in agreement.

Since Jing Zhe has agreed, what difference does it make if we wait three days or even ten? In his opinion, the result will be the same anyway!

A cold smile also flickered across Jing Zhe's lips.

Laugh! Laugh!

You'll have your day to cry later!

Qi Junguang was very satisfied with his trip to the palace. Although he was humiliated by Jing Zhe several times in the early stages, he gained unexpected joy, which he had not expected before the trip.

Too lazy to stay here any longer, he glanced at Jing Zhe and said, "Young Master Jing, let's settle this in three days!"

Jing Zhe pursed his lips and didn't answer.

So he bowed to Emperor An and took his leave, then strode out of the palace with Qi Gulong.

————