This is not only the case with Jingchao, but also with Beihu.

There is even a saying that the gentry and the emperor ruled the world together. You can imagine how great the influence of the gentry was. They were the top class of this era.

Therefore, even though Xiao Cheng did not like the gentry very much, he still wanted Xiao Zhiruo to marry into the gentry. Both of his sons married daughters of the gentry. With the support of those gentry, he could be more comfortable as the King of Bashu.

Of course, he was also subject to some constraints, and it can only be said that there are pros and cons.

Now that Pei Yun had responded to those nobles, Xiao Cheng felt quite happy. He thought about how these nobles had also given him trouble when he first came to Yizhou.

Although many years have passed, Xiao Cheng still feels a little unhappy when he thinks of these things.

However, as a prince, he had to pay attention to his image, and naturally could not openly confront the nobles. He did not expect Pei Yun to have the courage to do so, which made him feel interesting, but he also felt that Pei Yun had some temper towards him.

However, since these nobles asked him to come forward, he still had to say a few words.

"Pei Yun, it is indeed wrong for you to call someone a mad dog. Let's not make the celebration banquet so unpleasant. It is better to apologize and let the matter go."

Some of the young masters from the noble families could not believe their ears. What they wanted was to drive Pei Yun out, not an apology. If an apology was useful, what would they want from you, the prince?

A nobleman spoke angrily, "Your Highness, you are clearly biased towards Pei Yun. Although we, the nobles, did not fight in the battlefield, we also contributed money and effort. You cannot favor Pei Yun just because he has made contributions. We have also made contributions."

"A mere captain dared to insult us like this. We must teach him a lesson. Since the prince will not uphold justice, we will seek justice on our own."

Xiao Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly. The man who spoke was from a noble family in Shudu named Xie Chen. The Xie family was the top family in Shudu, and Xie Chen's father was an official in the court, holding a high position.

Others don’t dare to contradict the prince, but he does!

Xie Zhaoyuan, Xie Chen's brother, said hurriedly: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I am drunk."

"I'm not drunk." Xie Chen shook off Xie Zhaoyuan's hand and looked at Pei Yun. "Do you dare to bet with me?"

"What's the bet?"

"Don't you have guards with you? Let her compete with my guards. If she loses, your guards will belong to me and you will get out of the palace!"