Although the emperor did not attend, the banquet's proceedings remained the same.
The Ninth Princess first rewarded all the meritorious soldiers.
Then he bestowed a large amount of gold and silver upon them.
Lu Yunxue and Pei Jianzhi were naturally among them, and the atmosphere became lively as the rewards were distributed.
After a few drinks, Pei Jianzhi and Lu Yunxue both showed signs of intoxication.
Although he was ranked last, as a hero of this great battle and a rising star, he naturally attracted the attention of many officials who wanted to befriend him.
Praise poured in, and as the saying goes, the sky cleared and the rain stopped, Pei Jianzhi felt he was doing well again.
Just as the atmosphere was getting heated, Pei Jianzhi suddenly stepped forward and spoke to Xiao Xiuning, who was sitting in the main seat.
"The atmosphere at the banquet is just right. I have recently heard that the Duke of Zhenguo is unparalleled in martial arts, so today I would like to humbly ask the Duke of Zhenguo for some pointers, just to add to the fun for everyone. I wonder what the Duke of Zhenguo thinks?"
It's here!
Everyone present was on high alert at that moment.
Although it was rumored during the day that Mu Zi'an had killed seven top experts from the Six Burial Hall by himself.
However, since no one witnessed it firsthand, its authenticity remains to be verified.
Xiao Xiuning's gaze fell on Mu Zian, who was drinking.
"What is the Duke of Zhenguo's opinion?"
Just then, a system notification sounded in Mu Zi'an's mind.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have triggered a choice!"
"Option 1: Refuse the competition and become a coward. Reward: A superior black iron sword."
"Option 2: Agree to the contest and teach Pei Jianzhi a lesson in person. Reward: a set of the Mountain Shaking Fist Technique."
"Please make a decision, host."
Mu Zian twisted his neck and slowly stood up. There was no need for hesitation. Since someone wanted to die, Mu Zian would naturally grant his wish. He looked at Pei Jianzhi, who was standing in the center of the hall, and sneered.
"Don't cry later."
"Ding! Congratulations on making your decision, host! Rewards have been issued!"
The next moment, Mu Zian felt a surge of unfamiliar boxing knowledge flooding his mind.
It was as if he had practiced these boxing techniques a million times over.
Upon seeing Mu Zian stand up, Pei Jianzhi revealed a smug smile on his face.
Pei Jianzhi had already investigated Mu Zian thoroughly. Although he came from a military family, Mu Zian had never practiced martial arts and was a complete wastrel.
He simply couldn't believe that a spoiled brat from the capital could kill a master from the Six Burial Hall.
Therefore, the person who made the move last night must have been someone else. As for why the rumor is that Mu Zi'an was the one who killed him.
It's not hard to understand, after all, Mu Zian needs a record that can convince everyone to reopen the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
His feat of slaying the assassins of the Six Burial Hall can serve as a way to publicize his bravery and demonstrate that His Majesty has not misjudged him.
Therefore, Pei Jianzhi was absolutely confident that he could defeat Mu Zian in this battle.
The thought of Mu Zian's despairing expression made Pei Jianzhi tremble.
This was trembling with excitement; how exhilarating it would be to trample the dignified Duke of Zhenguo underfoot!
Sitting in the crowd, Shen Congwu cast a sympathetic glance at Pei Jianzhi, who was still grinning foolishly.
Pei Jianzhi looked at Mu Zian and said jokingly.
"I am truly grateful to the Duke of Zhenguo for his magnanimity in giving up his engagement with the Marquis of Jinguo to make my marriage possible."
These words caused an uproar among the crowd.
Unexpectedly, Pei Jianzhi dared to provoke Mu Zi'an in public.
However, Mu Zian smiled and shrugged.
"She's just a used woman. I never expected that the young master of the prestigious Pei family would be so fond of recycling trash, especially toxic trash."
Lu Yunxue's face flushed red upon hearing Mu Zian's words.
Pei Jianzhi was even more surprised that Mu Zian's counterattack was so fierce and ruthless!
One sentence was enough to utterly humiliate them both.
Sitting in the main seat, Xiao Xiuning couldn't help but laugh out loud.
How come I never realized before that Mu Zi'an was such a sharp-tongued person?
Mu Zian spoke firmly to those around him.
"I ask all of you to bear witness today that I, Mu Zi'an, am severing all ties with Lu Yunxue from this day forward. From now on, Lu Yunxue is no longer my wife, and my Mu family has no need for an unfilial, unchaste, unkind, and unjust woman!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yunxue stood up in anger!
If Mu Zian's words from today were to get out, her reputation would be completely ruined!
Pei Jianzhi frowned and immediately retorted.
"Duke Zhenguo's words are biased! Xue'er has suffered countless hardships for the country over the years, while you only know how to enjoy yourself in the capital. Why did Xue'er choose to break with Duke Zhenguo? Can't you look for your own problems?"
Classic! Absolutely a classic!
Upon hearing this, Mu Zi'an laughed heartily! His laughter carried three parts arrogance and seven parts disdain as he asked.
"Then let me ask you, you were born into a branch of the Pei family, which means you're inherently inferior to the main family. You should also examine your own shortcomings."
"Why should you risk your life on the battlefield to secure a future for yourself, while other members of your Pei family can directly enter officialdom? You should also look at your own problems."
"Your fiancée was away fighting for three years, and you were sending her money and supplies. Now she wants to break off the engagement and have sex with other men. You should also look at your own problems."
Answer me!
Mu Zian's words were a wake-up call, leaving all the officials present speechless.
Pei Jianzhi was completely stumped by the three questions in a row and stood frozen in place.
"If there weren't countless soldiers who fought and died for their country on the battlefield, what right do you have to sit here at this victory celebration banquet and spout such nonsense!"
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