67. The Third Farewell Banquet of the Xiongnu

This sword is excellent!

“This Xiongnu man, Alunji, is tall and strong, as robust as an ox. Zhang Dalang will have a hard time dealing with him,” Wei Xin said to Marquis Yuan Kuai of Guangshun, sitting in his seat eating grapes.

Although he said this, Yuan Kuai saw that he looked relaxed. Yuan Kuai frowned tightly with his thick eyebrows, which were as dark as charcoal. It was clear that he cared more about the outcome of the martial arts contest than Wei Xin.

Before Yuan Kuai could speak, his wife slammed her hand on the table, "This Alunji's moves are all deadly. This isn't a martial arts contest; he's trying to kill Jun'er! Those hateful Huns! How dare they ruin my sister's banquet! I will make sure they get away with it!"

Wei Xin nudged Yuan Kuai with his elbow with a mocking look, "With a tigress at home, Brother Yuan, you must be having a tough time at home."

Qu Zhouhou immediately swept his cold eyes over him, "Hmm~ Wei Gou'er, what did you say? I'll have a good talk with my sister-in-law later about how you climbed over the wall of Widow Chen's house at the village entrance back then."

Wei Xin chuckled a few times and begged for mercy, "Hahaha, sister-in-law, no, no, no! You are so perceptive and discerning, I admire you, I admire you. You are truly a model of a female marquis in our Great Jin Dynasty."

Qu Zhouhou snorted smugly, then turned his gaze back to the audience.

Seeing that the couple were nervous, Wei Xin said, "You don't need to worry. I think Brother Zhang's eldest son is quite good. Although he is not as burly as Arunji, he is agile and nimble."

What Wei Xin didn't say was that today's main event was probably only just beginning. He then turned to Sima Hong on his other side and said, "Hey, Sima Langjun, don't you think so?"

Sima Hong glanced at Wei Xin. As the emperor's trusted and favored minister, someone who had been by the emperor's side since before the emperor rose to power, Wei Xin couldn't possibly be unaware of that matter.

"I heard that Prince Yi and General Zhang are about to return to the capital. This bandit suppression seems to have gone very smoothly."

Wei Xin naturally replied, "That's right. No matter how powerful Han Zhao was in the previous dynasty, he was just a grasshopper in autumn. This time, Old Jiang and Brother Zhang wiped out Han Zhao's forces in one fell swoop, and the Great Jin can finally be at peace."

Sima Hong looked through Wei Xin to the other side of him. Marquis Guangshun, Yuan Kuai, was intently watching the situation on the field, while Marquis Quzhou stood up from his seat and leaned forward, as if trying to see the moves of the two on the field.

At this moment, everyone exclaimed in surprise, "My God, if Alan were to strike with that guitar, General Zhang might be..."

Sima Hong withdrew his gaze and looked into the arena, where he saw Zhang Jun kneeling on one knee, supporting himself with his sword in one hand. He had just been hit by Arunji!

Arunji saw an opportunity and prepared to deliver another blow, turning this young general from the Central Plains into mincemeat!

Qi Gu's palms were sweating, and her neck almost reached over the table in front of her. She looked at Zhang Jun nervously. If this attack hit, her cousin, whom she hadn't even officially met yet, would be dead!

She couldn't help but look at her mother at the head of the table. She still had that dignified expression, but her face was even colder and more solemn than usual.

If my cousin were to die at Arunji's hands today, not only would the meaning of the banquet prepared by my mother be completely lost, but the Zhang family would also suffer a severe blow as a result.

If the uncle is destined to die young as he did in his previous life, and the Zhang family loses their cousin and has no one to inherit the uncle's military power, it will be a fatal blow to the mother and younger brother.

Qi Gu's heart clenched. She felt even more nervous than her cousin on the battlefield. Cousin Jun, you must hold on!

All eyes were focused on the center of the room, including on the high platform where the most powerful couple in the world were located.

No one knows what the two were thinking at that moment, but neither of them wanted Zhang Jun to lose the competition like this.

However, Madam Guo, standing behind them, had the opposite idea from the couple. At this moment, she was clutching her handkerchief, her hands trembling slightly; she was excited!

If she weren't a person who was good at disguising herself, she probably would have clapped and cheered for the Hun.

Her gaze passed through the Emperor and landed on Zhang. "Zhang Ling, Zhang Ling, you wanted to steal the limelight, but if your nephew dies, the position of Crown Prince will undoubtedly be mine! You've really shot yourself in the foot! Serves you right!"

The eldest prince and the second prince were also watching the scene closely. The second prince comforted the eldest prince, saying, "Brother, don't worry. General Zhang is brave and skilled in battle. He will be fine. Don't worry too much."

The Second Prince, Chu Xiaocheng, said to the eunuch behind the First Prince, "Can't you see that Your Majesty is not feeling well? Why don't you pour him a cup of hot water?"

The eldest prince was pale and looked like he was about to faint, but he waved his hand and said, "No need, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, second brother."

At this moment, the Crown Prince's eunuch Cao Zhong exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness, look!"

In the arena, Arunji's powerful hammer swung towards Zhang Jun's face, while Zhang Jun raised his five-foot-long greatsword with both hands.

With a loud clang, the iron hammer and the giant sword collided in mid-air, sparks flying. And Zhang Jun's halberd actually withstood Arunji's two iron hammers, which weighed a hundred pounds in total!

What kind of divine weapon is this? It actually survived being struck by a hundred-pound iron hammer without breaking in two!

After blocking the attack while kneeling on the ground, Zhang Jun gained an opening and stood up again.

Arunji seemed surprised that Zhang Jun could withstand his two hammer blows, and he involuntarily took two steps back.

Before Arunji could react, Zhang Jun leaped up and appeared behind Arunji, the massive sword gleaming coldly protruding from behind his neck.

With the hammer in Arunji's hand and his already clumsy build, he had no time to react before Zhang Jun's sword came to a steady stop at his neck.

“Arunji, you’re too kind,” Zhang Jun said, standing behind Arunji.

Arunji believed that if this sword were on the battlefield, it would have already pierced his neck, and his blood would have gushed out on its own.

He lost, Arunji thought.

He turned around with his hands down, "General Zhang, I didn't lose to you, I lost to the sword in your hand."

Zhang Jun smiled and was about to sheathe his sword when everyone thought the contest was over. Unexpectedly, Arunji swung an iron hammer in his hand. Zhang Jun was caught off guard and his wrist was jolted, causing his sword to fly into the air.

However, Arunji, taking advantage of Zhang Jun's lack of weaponry and his failure to realize Arunji's intention to launch a sneak attack after the competition, aimed at Zhang Jun's head and prepared to deliver another blow!

Zhang Jun had no choice but to back away, and before he knew it, a tall and elegant figure appeared on the field. Arunji had his back to this figure and did not notice it, as all his attention was on Zhang Jun in front of him.

The figure caught the sword Zhang Jun threw into the air in mid-air. He was standing behind Arunji, and Zhang Jun, who was retreating rapidly, also noticed the person behind Arunji.

After exchanging glances in the air, the two nodded slightly. Zhang Jun then drew Arunji's attention, saying, "Arunji, are all of you Huns as despicable as you? Do you know how shameful your behavior would be in the Central Plains? I've heard that you Huns call you the First Warrior, but after today, regardless of victory or defeat, I think you will no longer be called a warrior, hahaha!"

Arunji was enraged by Zhang Jun's words. Today, Lord Helan's task was to kill this man from the Central Plains at all costs. He knew that no matter what method was used, he had to die.

"Go to hell!" With that, he was about to smash Zhang Jun's head with his two hammers once again.

How long it was! For Heland and the others, as long as Arunji was faster than the figure behind them, Zhang Jun would not survive, and the Emperor and Empress of the Great Jin who wanted to intimidate them would suffer the consequences!

Heland stared intently at Arunji. "Hurry! Bring the hammer down on Zhang Jun's head!"

Just as the hammer was about to fall, with a soft "thud," the newly crafted greatsword sliced ​​through iron like mud, let alone a human arm. The cold, sharp blade struck the sword even before Arunji's hammer swung down.

"Ah ...

No one cared about the hammer and the fallen behemoth anymore; everyone was shocked by Sima Hong, whose arm had been severed from Arunji's.

Is this still the same Sima Hong, born into a family of upright and honest civil officials? Is this still the same refined and elegant gentleman, as clear and bright as the moon?

Although I heard he was skilled in both literature and martial arts, I never imagined he was this skilled!

This is outrageous! Qi Gu thought that God was being too unfair, creating someone who had no shortcomings whatsoever!

"What a pity about that kid from the Sima family. Grandfather Sima had such a good talent for martial arts, but he made him a civil official. What a waste, what a waste!" Wei Xin clapped his hands. If only this child were his own, how much more impressive it would be to take him to the battlefield.

Qu Zhouhou stood up early. Her heart had been pounding in her throat just now, and she almost thought her nephew was going to die under Arunji's hammer. Unexpectedly, he blocked it. Just as she was relaxing, she was frightened again by the despicable Arunji and was ready to personally take action. If Arunji dared to launch a sneak attack, she wouldn't care about anything else!

Unexpectedly, Sima Hong was much faster than her. Almost as soon as she was about to make a move, Sima Hong had already arrived off the field.

Sima Hong's physique wasn't exactly weak, but compared to his nephew and Alunji's martial arts training, he could only be described as lean and wiry. It's surprising that he possessed such excellent martial arts skills.

Her understanding of the Sima family was too narrow before. No wonder her elder sister valued this person so much. Even her brother-in-law, the emperor, went to great lengths to persuade the Sima family to come out of seclusion, agreeing to all sorts of demands from Sima Taigong and making three or four requests before finally getting them to come out of seclusion.

With his literary and martial talents and handsome appearance, Marquis Qu Zhou's opinion of the Sima family completely changed.

Chu Pei clapped his hands and said, "Great! That was truly wonderful!"

Everyone then realized from what had just happened that today's banquet was no ordinary banquet.

The Emperor looked at Helande and said, “Lord Helande, after losing the contest, Alunji attempted a sneak attack, violating the rules between our two countries and almost ruining the marriage alliance we had just formed. I wonder if, according to your Xiongnu rules, cutting off one of his arms would be enough to punish him?”

Emperor Jin Yuan smiled, but his tone was threatening. Heland stepped forward, glanced at Arunji who was lying on the ground struggling in pain, and closed his eyes. "Your Majesty, Arunji's breach of diplomatic relations is a serious crime that cannot be forgiven."

Heland drew his longsword from his waist and thrust it into Arunji's neck. Arunji's eyes widened, and before he could utter a word, he was lifeless.

"Your Majesty, the diplomatic relations between our two countries remain as strong as ever."

No one expected Heland to be so ruthless. Although Arunji had broken the rules, he had already been punished by losing an arm, but Heland went and took his life.

Seeing this scene, Qi Gu felt a chill run down her spine. The Xiongnu were so brutal; would they really give up so easily?

At this moment, the Empress stepped forward and ordered people to carry Alunji's body away. "Although Alunji did something wrong, according to the rules of our Central Plains, all sins are absolved upon death. We in the Central Plains believe in returning to one's roots. So, let's have Alunji's coffin provided by our Great Jin as a favor to him. As for whether to take him back to the Xiongnu, Lord Helan, you can decide for yourselves."

Qiu Linhuan, who was behind her, quickly stepped forward to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your magnanimity. We will take Arunji back to his hometown for burial."

Heland glanced at Qiu Linhuan, who lowered his head and avoided Heland's gaze. In any case, Arunji died for his country and should be taken back for a proper burial.

A competition has taken so many unexpected turns, but fortunately, the Empress has achieved half of her goal in holding this banquet. As for the other half, it is not over yet.

The Queen's words eased the tense atmosphere.

Everyone watched as the Empress, as the mother of the nation, transformed from her previous cold and stern demeanor to one of kindness. Those who knew the Empress well understood that while she was fine when she wore a serious expression, a kind expression was not necessarily a good sign.

Qi Gu shivered, her arms crossed. It was getting dark, and the evening breeze was getting chilly. Her mother's laughter sent shivers down her spine.

All Heland heard was the empress, who had been the one who insisted on holding this farewell banquet for them, say with a smile, "Lord Heland, do you know where Arunji lost today?"

Helande cupped his hands and said, "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty the Empress."

The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly, maintaining a smile on her lips. "The sword in Jun'er's hand was forged using a new iron-casting method that our Great Jin has recently acquired. Today, I let him try out the newly made sword. Unexpectedly, this batch of new weapons is indeed more durable and less prone to breaking than the previous ones. Otherwise, Jun'er would probably have been defeated by Arunji's iron hammer just now."

"Haha, how can such a fine sword be given only to Zhang Dalang?" Wei Xin walked from his seat to the center of the arena.

He said to the Emperor and Empress, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, seeing such a fine sword, I can't resist the urge to try it out. May I try it?"

Seeing Wei Xin's expression, Chu Pei smiled and said, "Don't worry, you'll get your share. There are plenty in the armory. Why don't we let Jun'er try it out first?"

Wei Xin walked up to Sima Hong, rubbing his hands together, "Hehe, Master Sima, may I borrow this sword to try it out?"

Sima Hong threw the five-foot-long giant sword in his hand with one hand. Wei Xin's eyes lit up. The sword was so heavy, yet Sima Hong lifted it so easily. You really can't judge a book by its cover.

Wei Xin held the sword, his index and middle fingers together, feeling the power emanating from its blade. He thrust it through the air, splitting the air in two. Anyone in front of him would never be able to intercept this lightning-fast strike.

Indeed, it was a fine sword. After only a few simple moves, Wei Xin was reminded of the giant wooden sword of the Prince of Yan. It was said that the Prince of Yan named it Dingxuan. Unfortunately, after the Prince of Yan was defeated and committed suicide, the Dingxuan sword sank into the Lanjiang River along with his body.

The iron casting method and iron ore that Her Majesty the Empress obtained are indeed extraordinary. If such refined iron can be produced in that iron ore in the future, and such weapons can be forged with such technology, what would the Great Jin have to fear from the Xiongnu?

He sheathed his sword and said to the Emperor and Empress, "Your Majesty and Your Majesty, this sword is excellent! If all the soldiers of our Great Jin can use such fine swords in the future, we will surely be invincible in every battle."

The Empress said, "Your Majesty, we were able to obtain this cast iron Fahai thanks to Qi Gu. Qi Gu has done a great service this time."

Chu Pei understood the Empress's meaning. After all, she was her own biological daughter, and Qi Gu had indeed played a part in the accidental acquisition of that mine.

He waved his hand and said, "Qi Gu!"

Qi Gu hurriedly stepped forward, saying, "Father, Mother."

Chu Pei said without blinking, "You have made a great contribution this time. Your father will grant you Yang County as your fief and give you an eight-chariot carriage. How about that?"

Qi Gu hurriedly knelt down to express her gratitude, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty and Empress Dowager for their reward!"

Thus, the banquet may seem to be incomplete, but in the hearts of the Emperor and Empress, it has already come to a perfect end. What follows will be the usual singing, dancing, food, and wine.

The Xiongnu dared not cause any more trouble, and only hoped to get through the day safely and leave the Jin Dynasty.

[Author's Note]

The ancient version of "Bright Sword" has finally come to an end.

I delayed again today, but it's just Fat Chapter [sunglasses]