Chapter 230: The Prince's Desire to Perform

"Two..." The eldest prince was about to say, "Such a fine wine, and a unique one, two thousand taels." But the fifth prince stopped him, "We have such a close relationship, isn't it a bit awkward to talk about silver?"

Chu Ci immediately revealed a smile that couldn't be more fake, and said leisurely: "Talking about money hurts feelings, but talking about feelings hurts money!"

Even though the eldest prince had witnessed such conversations so many times, he still found it difficult to accept and his expression was full of discomfort.

He stared at the eldest prince with wide eyes in disbelief: "You are so good, big brother. I was kind enough to help you save money, but you actually sold me out at the critical moment and wanted to leave me alone to please father?"

The eldest prince looked particularly innocent at this time. He quickly waved his hands and said, "No, no, no, I'm not asking Fifth Brother for help."

The fifth prince immediately cried out in surprise, "No one can stop me today. I will avenge this vengeance today."

After saying that, he rushed towards Fan Jingrui.

Seeing this, Chu Ci immediately stopped and said loudly, "Cousin, this is not right."

So a melee began, with people throwing punches and kicks at each other, it was very lively.

In the end, even Zi Yi, who came in to deliver a letter, was involved and took the opportunity to vent the tense emotions he had been feeling for some time.

The eldest prince stopped his movements first, gasping for breath and asking, "Has the Li family taken action?"

"Yes, the 'fake' Li Jing has been recalled. The Embroidered Cloth Law Enforcement Association is making every effort to thoroughly investigate his external forces." Similarly, the Purple-Robed Envoy also switched to serious mode in an instant.

"As for Patriarch Li, he still needs the cooperation of His Royal Highness the Prince of Shu and Princess Yixin."

The eldest prince nodded, then turned to look at Chu Ci.

Chu Ci sighed helplessly and reached out from his waist to pull out an exquisite short knife: "You guys are treating me like a treasure trove. This is a treasure that can cut iron like mud. I use it for self-defense. Remember to return it after use."

"Cutting iron like mud?" Everyone present was a martial artist, so naturally they couldn't resist such temptation.

The eldest prince took the lead and quickly took over the broken knife before the fifth prince took action.

With a "swish", he chopped at the sword he was carrying. A slight sound like paper being scratched was heard, and the sword was instantly split into two.

"What a good sword! What a good sword!" The eldest prince's eyes sparkled and his face was full of excitement. He looked like he wanted to take it for himself immediately.

Fortunately, he still had some sense and, with a reluctant heart, he advised, "Don't take the knife out. It'll attract too much attention. If that doesn't work, we can think of another way."

When Chu Ci heard the eldest prince say this, he immediately reached out and forcefully snatched the dagger from the eldest prince's hand, and said with a vigilant look on his face: "Thank you."

The eldest prince looked shocked, obviously he had never seen Chu Ci like this.

The Fifth Prince curled his lips and muttered, "Why are you so stingy?"

The purple-robed emissary had a complicated expression, his brows furrowed. After a moment of silence, he only said, "Now, where on earth can we find a treasure that can attract everyone's attention?"

The Fifth Prince looked thoughtful and said slowly, "This is indeed a difficult problem."

The eldest prince sighed. He had thought Chu Ci would come to his aid, and his night-shining pearl would be safe. But now he saw it: "I do have a night-shining pearl in my hand. Although it is a little small, it must be considered a rare treasure."

Unexpectedly, everyone present seemed to have been waiting for this moment, and they all stood up and expressed their gratitude.

Fan Jingrui was pleasantly surprised and said hurriedly, "Thank you, Your Highness, the King of Shu, for your generous gift."

The purple-robed envoy bowed and said solemnly, "Thank you, King Shu, for your help. I will always remember this kindness."

The Fifth Prince nodded slightly and said sincerely, "Boss, after returning to the capital, I will inform my father of all your heroic deeds and noble actions."

The eldest prince thought to himself: If it weren't for this, would he be so serious?

But he pretended to be generous and said, "It's a small matter, not worth mentioning."

The fact was just as the eldest prince had expected. Their every move did not escape the surveillance of others, and someone specifically reported the details to the emperor far away in the capital.

Unfortunately, although the emperor felt sorry for his two sons who had to work outside, he couldn't help but pay more attention to the short knife that Chu Ci carried with him.

"Zhang Rang, do you think the dagger in Chu Ci's hand is a legacy of the Chu family? Or was it specially forged for him by Master Duanmu Lie and his apprentice?" The emperor's thoughts raced, his brows furrowed, and he asked the eunuch Zhang Rang beside him with a serious expression.

Zhang Rang had served the emperor for many years and immediately guessed that the emperor was impressed by the craftsmanship of the dagger. "I suspect it's a legacy of the Chu family."

This was not the answer the emperor had hoped for. Although his expression remained unchanged, Zhang Rang keenly sensed his inner displeasure. He quickly explained, "After all, Princess Yixin has always been generous and lavish."

"If Master Duanmu Lie and his apprentice possessed such a sophisticated technique, Your Majesty wouldn't have to bother with it, as everyone around Princess Yixin would already have one."

Sure enough, after being reminded by Zhang Rang, the emperor also remembered the good things about Chu Ci.

Before in Lianzhou, whenever there was something new and rare, Chu Ci would always give him and the queen a share.

Although it was delivered by the fifth prince.

So the emperor was in a good mood and with a wave of his hand, the King of Shu, the King of Qin, and Chu Ci all received large rewards.

Although these rewards were sealed in the mansion in the capital and could not be enjoyed for the time being, these substantial and generous rewards were enough to demonstrate the emperor's favor to them.

Especially the eldest prince, he couldn't hide the smile on his face, and the excitement that was overflowing from his body could not be suppressed. He was in extreme joy.

It also happened that the Li family affair was coming to an end, and the eldest prince's desire to show off reached its peak.

Not only did he actively discuss the strategy with the Purple-Robed Envoy, often holding candlelight talks at night to discuss the feasibility of various strategies, but he also let his trusted generals participate in it.

Not only that, in the final encirclement and suppression of the remaining stubborn forces, the eldest prince personally took part in the battle.

Although his martial arts skills and combat experience were limited, he did not provide much substantial help in the battle.

But his attitude of leading by example greatly boosted morale.

Seeing this, Chu Ci's eyes rarely showed a trace of guilt: "Did we deceive him too harshly?"

Fan Jingrui knew his wife had softened her heart again, so he asked bluntly, "Do you want a Shu king who is hostile and antagonistic, or one we can trust and rely on?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Ci rolled his eyes at Fan Jingrui and said angrily, "I'm just worried that if he keeps fighting like this, if anything happens to him, we might not even be able to get to Yazhou."