Chapter 349: Knock Out Front Teeth and Swallow Blood

Dadada...

On the spacious streets of the capital, Xue Shence attracted countless attention as soon as he led a group of military officers into the city.

In the past, military officers rarely wore armor in public, let alone parading around like they did today?

When Xue Shence followed the letter given to him by Zhao Duan and approached the residence of Prince Heng, he finally spoke slowly and narrated what had happened in general so that the group of people would not be confused about the situation later.

"Prince Heng has detained Zhao Chenshi's men?"

The military officers looked at each other and instinctively wanted to evacuate.

I didn't want to get involved in this mess, but I forced myself to hold back.

The Privy Councilor led his men here, and his intention was too obvious, that is, to support Zhao Duan and show the outside world that the military officers' group stood together.

Anyone who dares to leave at this time is clearly seeking death.

"When Lord Zhao learns that you have helped him like this, he will surely be grateful." Shi Meng, the commander of the Shenji Camp, said seriously.

Xue Shence shook his head and said:

"This trip is to help him and also to help Prince Heng, but ultimately, it's to help relieve His Majesty's worries."

This was worth pondering. Although Shi Meng looked rough, he was actually very careful. After a little thought, he suddenly understood:

Given Zhao Duan's previous temper, it would be very easy for a conflict to occur if he went to ask for someone. Although Xu Zudi was of noble status, this was the capital after all, not Qingzhou Road.

If Zhao Duan is really angered, the prince will definitely be the one who suffers.

Zhao Duan’s past “battle record” has long proved that he is someone who dares to poke the sky and beat anyone.

But Xu Zudi is the empress's brother after all. If this matter becomes a big deal, the empress will still have a headache.

Therefore, if Xue Shence takes people with him, he can control the situation within a certain range, resolve small matters, and prevent them from becoming big ones. This will relieve His Majesty's worries.

Shi Meng looked at him with admiration and said, "Your Excellency is very thoughtful. If Zhao Chenshi knew..."

Xue Shence smiled and said:

"Of course he knows. Otherwise, why would he go ahead alone and leave me waiting behind? It's nothing more than giving him some time to stir up trouble and talk. Our deputy official is still angry and wants to vent."

If Zhao Duan wanted to resolve the issue, the best option would be to go directly to the house with Xue Shence.

Xu Zudi dared to provoke Zhao Duan, but did not dare to offend Xue Shence.

The former was just a favorite of the empress, and was hostile to the Eighth Prince in terms of stance, so he was not afraid of offending them.

However, the military honor group represented by Xue Shence is the target that the eight kings also want to win over.

"Zhao Duan went in alone to make a fuss, just to save face, and we followed behind to control the situation, just like on the stage, there must be someone who plays the good guy and someone who plays the bad guy. Shi Meng, you are good at commanding the army, but you should learn from him how to make strategic moves." Xue Shence said lightly.

At this time, a group of generals had arrived outside the gate of the house.

The injured guard had been carried away, and a new guard was sent to stand guard. When he saw a group of generals coming in a mighty manner, his face changed immediately.

…

…

"ah!!"

In the hall, when Zhao Duan turned his wrist and threw the flying knife at the Prince of Hengwang, the sharp scream of the beautiful maid was heard in the house.

Accompanied by Li Lang's wide eyes and Mrs. Xiao's stunned expression.

Woo!

Even Xu Zudi was stunned for a moment, as if he had not expected that Zhao Duan would suddenly take action.

At this distance, he had no time to react, and his pupils only widened like the tip of the knife!

However, a second before Zhao Duan took action, the old man who had been standing quietly in the corner of the house with his head bowed had already taken a step forward.

In an instant, the old man stood in front of Xu Zudi like lightning. His hands were over his knees, and he leaned forward slightly, with two iron-like fingers on his right hand extending out.

In a flash, he caught the flying knife with two fingers!

"bite!!"

The rough joints collided with the blade, producing sparks. The flying knife, which was carrying a huge force and almost leaving an afterimage, was forcibly stopped by the old man. The blade was only a millimeter away from the old man's wrinkled eyebrows.

"How dare you!"

The old man's deep eyes revealed indifference. He turned his wrist and reflected the flying knife that was struggling frantically and trying to escape towards Zhao Duan's face like a meteor!

The speed is even faster than when we came!

“Buzz!!!”

The Golden Crow Flying Knife seemed to have a spirit, frantically adjusting its direction in the air to avoid accidentally hurting its owner. It passed by Zhao Duan's ear, narrowly avoiding the slightest touch, lifting a strand of hair.

With a "bang", a jade ornament at the back was smashed to pieces with a terrifying sound.

"Sir, be careful!" Hou Ren suddenly realized what was happening and wanted to draw his sword and step forward to stop the old man who was running towards him.

But in an instant, the pondering old man had closed in on Zhao Duan to within a foot of him, and he thrust out his fist like a heavy artillery, wrapped in wind and thunder, as if he wanted to punch Zhao Duan through with one punch.

However, Zhao Duan remained calm and composed, not dodging or evading.

The old man raised his eyebrows slightly, as if surprised, and was about to retract his strength, but the next second, he felt a force of energy locking onto him. His hair stood on end, as if he would end up dead if he took another step closer.

Danger!

The old man retreated violently at the cost of internal injuries, and in the blink of an eye, he flashed back in front of Xu Zudi.

The next second, that sharp aura dissipated, and Zhao Duan's eyes showed a little disappointment.

I heard a lot of messy footsteps outside the house, and Xue Shence's loud and clear voice:

"Your Highness, I'm sorry for disturbing you by coming to your house."

Xue Shence is here!

At this moment, Hou Renmeng was the first to show a look of relief, and his palms were already wet with sweat.

The rest of the people in the room just came to their senses.

Everything that just happened happened so quickly that the entire process of fighting and stopping was completed in the blink of an eye.

Even for a cultivator, it would be difficult to react if they are not paying attention, let alone a mortal?

"ah--"

Li Lang only realized it at this moment, shouted out, and almost fell backwards, his face pale with fear.

Mrs. Xiao slowly came back to her senses. At first, she looked at Zhao Duan in surprise, and then she was attracted by the voices outside the house, and became even more surprised.

When Xu Zudi came to his senses, a layer of cold sweat had already appeared on his back, and a surge of anger suddenly surged in his heart.

He was shocked and angry. He didn't expect that this pretty boy named Zhao was so bold.

But as soon as the anger hit his heart, it was suppressed by a group of armored generals who walked into the hall!

"Envoy Xue?" Xu Zudi's expression froze. "Why are you here?"

Xue Shence seemed oblivious to the tense situation in the room and laughed loudly as he said:

"Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival military performance, and we had a banquet with the generals. On the way back to the city, Zhao Chenshi hurriedly said goodbye and ran away. We had no choice but to chase him, but we didn't expect that he had an appointment with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Hey, what are you doing..."

Zhao Duan looked guilty:

"I'm so sorry, there was something small going on here that made you all come all this way. There was a misunderstanding between the prince and me, but it's been resolved."

Ah, this... isn't it you, sir, who asked me to follow you... Hou Renmeng muttered in his heart, but didn't dare to speak.

I feel sad that all the military generals are acting like drama queens. They were said to be straightforward, unlike the cunning civil officials.

People’s hearts are no longer the same as they used to be…

"Haha, what Envoy Zhao said is true. These are all misunderstandings, misunderstandings."

Xu Zudi's expression changed several times, but he finally laughed out loud, "It's all said and done."

Xue Shence smiled and said, "That's good. Let's choose a day. It's been a long time since I've met His Royal Highness. How about we have a simple meal together?"

Xu Zudi smiled and said, "Thank you, Lord Xue, for your kindness. Unfortunately, I have another invitation and cannot attend the banquet. How about another day?"

Xue Shence looked regretful, but did not continue the invitation. Instead, he looked at Zhao Duan.

Zhao Duan also smiled and said to Xu Zudi:

"Your Highness, I will take my leave first. As for my few useless subordinates..."

"Please do as you please, Envoy Zhao." Xu Zudi bit his back teeth and forced a smile.

In this situation, the most honorable outcome would be for both sides to call it a day. If the quarrel continues, he will definitely be the one who suffers.

"Thank you very much."

Zhao Duan clasped his fists and gave Hou Renmeng a look. The latter drew his sword and cut the ropes of the three brocade-robed captains tied to the ground.

Although they were severely beaten, they were still able to walk. They followed without saying a word.

Both sides said goodbye, and the large group of people left the mansion in a mighty procession.

It came quickly and went even faster, and in the blink of an eye, only a mess was left.

…

After seeing everyone off, the smile on Xu Zudi's face, who was standing at the gate, gradually disappeared and turned gloomy.

His hands hanging in his sleeves were clenched so tightly that the joints cracked, his breathing became rapid, and he stared at Mr. Zhao in the distance.

What does it mean to "swallow one's teeth and blood"? In today's conflict, not only did he not gain an advantage, but he was actually outmaneuvered.

I can only swallow my anger.

"Your Highness, I..." The old man opened his mouth to explain.

Xu Zudi shook his head and interrupted:

"It doesn't matter. Xue Shence is known as the God of War, so he's definitely not someone you can easily mess with. You were right to stop right away. I miscalculated. I didn't expect Xue Shence to follow me."

"Cousin, are you just going to let him get away like this?"

At this moment, Li Lang couldn't help but say that he felt a little aggrieved. He thought he could use his cousin's hand to avenge himself today, but he didn't expect that he got nothing in the end.

Xu Zudi was also troubled by this useless and dissolute cousin. He sighed and said soothingly:

"You go back first. Revenge will not happen overnight. I will go to the palace to discuss the matter with my aunt later."

Li Lang opened his mouth, but could only walk away dejectedly.

"Your Highness, this Zhao Duan is no ordinary person. He could have come with Privy Councilor Xue. Instead of putting on such a show in the hall, it was us who helped him win people's hearts."

Madam Xiao had already taken the apple from her mouth and spoke calmly at this time.

Her focus is another point.

The officials of Lihuatang are indeed generally arrogant and domineering, and the lower the level, the more so.

It was originally a well-known gathering place for troublemakers, and with the support of Zhao Duan, it was difficult for Zhao Duan to control it before. Forcing it to be restrained would definitely make his subordinates dissatisfied and lose the "people's support."

But today's incident gave him an excellent excuse. It can be imagined that Zhao Duan will use this opportunity to rectify discipline after returning today.

Just now, he deliberately humiliated himself in front of his three subordinates and took the initiative to "bow down" and drink a glass of wine to apologize to the prince.

With this gesture, the three subordinates' minds were completely won over. After returning, no matter how much Zhao Duan punished them, the three of them would not feel resentful, but would only feel ashamed and blame themselves.

It will also serve as a model and example, allowing Lihuatang to complete a round of rectification without attracting much complaints.

This is what is meant by the art of controlling subordinates.

"You don't need to remind me."

Xu Zudi's heart became increasingly unhappy. As if to vent his anger, he placed his large hands on Madam Xiao's round, perky buttocks, squeezing and kneading them, and sneered:

"Let's put him aside for now and wait and see. Ha, we've been in the city for a few days. If nothing unexpected happens, Mr. Zhengyang should have made a fuss. Maybe there will be a result today. It depends on how my imperial sister, our Majesty, responds."

Madam Xiao lowered her eyebrows, her eyes like the East Lake in Qingzhou, without a single ripple.

(End of this chapter)