"Ouch--"

The man screamed and fell to the ground! He ignored the pain and got up to run away, but Wei Ting had already landed in front of him.

He looked at Wei Ting in horror, then turned back to look at the chubby girl who was walking towards him.

"You...what are you doing?"

he asked, stuttering.

"Is it him?" Wei Ting asked Su Xiaoxiao.

Su Xiaoxiao sniffed it and nodded: "Yes."

Wei Ting's cold eyes fell on the other person, who was so frightened that he fell to his knees on the ground: "Good man...you...what did you lose...I will give it back to you...please don't kill me...I won't dare to do it again..."

After saying that, he unbuttoned his clothes and poured out a lot of things from a big pocket tied on his chest.

"He's a little thief." Wei Ting said to Su Xiaoxiao.

Su Xiaoxiao leaned over and sniffed him, then reached out, grabbed his right hand, and pulled out a clean handkerchief from his sleeve.

There were a few gold bars wrapped in the handkerchief.

The thief's face changed. This small mezzanine is not searchable by ordinary people.

Su Xiaoxiao opened her handkerchief and put away the gold bars without changing her expression.

The little thief: “…”

It turns out they are in the same industry.

Su Xiaoxiao asked, "Is this handkerchief yours?"

The thief shook his head: "No."

Wei Ting threatened: "If you dare to tell a lie, I will cut off your tongue."

The thief said hurriedly: "I swear to God, I would never dare to lie to you two!"

"Where did you get the handkerchief?" Su Xiaoxiao asked, "Was it stolen too?"

The little thief nodded weakly.

Su Xiaoxiao asked: "Where did you steal it?"

The thief whispered, "I stole the handkerchief from a girl... I didn't know her... I saw she was beautiful... I fell in love with her... and stole her handkerchief..."

Su Xiaoxiao continued to ask: "What does she look like?"

The thief whispered: "I...I can't tell...she was wearing a veil..."

Su Xiaoxiao: "Where?"

Thief: "The lakeside, the lakeside with many pleasure boats."

Su Xiaoxiao looked at Wei Ting and asked, "Where did we eat last time?"

Wei Ting asked some more specific details and confirmed that they were in that area. However, the way the thief described her clothes and appearance was that of an ordinary girl, one could find many on the street, with no particularly outstanding features.

As for this kind of handkerchief, it is also the most common material on the market, and can be bought in nine out of ten cloth shops.

Wei Ting handed the thief over to a nearby official, and then sent Su Xiaoxiao back to the clinic.

…

Another day passed, and Su Cheng still hadn't woken up.

"The big competition will be held tomorrow." Qin Canglan said.

"Old Marquis!"

A black-clad guard flashed in and bowed to the old marquis, "Qin Jiang bought a group of Jianghu assassins and headed towards Qingcheng."

The old marquis was not surprised at all: "Old Qin, what did I say? This Qin Jiang is restless, right?"

Qin Canglan asked, "Mo'er has also gone to Qingcheng, right?"

The old marquis nodded: "He went to pick up Lao Wu."

Qin Canglan asked curiously, "Old Five can't handle a few assassins?"

The old marquis sighed, "Yes, he can be dealt with, but if Mo'er doesn't keep an eye on him, who knows where he will escape to. That kid is the most troublesome person in the whole family."

Qin Canglan said, "Isn't it the fourth one who is the most troublesome?"

Old Marquis: "You can choose not to speak."

After Su Mo picked up Lao Wu, he said goodbye to his grandmother and her group and returned to Beijing with Lao Wu first.

Everything went smoothly at the beginning, but at dawn the next day, they encountered assassins sent by Qin Jiang.

…

The news about the competition between Su Cheng and Qin Jiang was released a month ago, and everyone is looking forward to it.

One is Qin Canglan's own flesh and blood who was exiled to the people, and the other is his fake son and real half-brother who was nurtured by him and the Marquis of Zhenbei for twenty years. Who is more qualified to inherit the military power of the Duke of Huguo's Mansion? The competition lasted for three days, the first day was martial arts competition, the second day was horseback archery, and the last day was military tactics.

The competition was held at a competition arena in the imperial palace, not far from the Qilin Palace.

Emperor Jingxuan went to court first: "Today is a big exam. If you have something to report, please stand up. If you don't, please leave the court."

The ministers tactfully withdrew from the court.

Emperor Jingxuan then led a large group of ministers to the arena.

The ministers with high official positions were granted seats by Emperor Jingxuan, while the other officials could only stand by and watch. Emperor Jingxuan did not force them to stay here, but since it was related to the Qin family's military power, to be honest, there were few officials who were not curious.

Several princes also arrived.

The palace school was on holiday for three days, and Princess Jingning also came to watch the game.

"Jingning, come to your father." Emperor Jingxuan said to Princess Jingning with a smile.

Princess Hui'an was not interested in fighting and killing, but when she heard that Jingning had gone there, she hurried over to join in the fun!

It’s a pity that there is no place for her by Emperor Jingxuan’s side.

She stamped her feet and went to sit next to Xiao Chonghua.

Sitting at the next table was the eldest prince Xiao Duye.

Xiao Duye smiled and took a sip of tea, then asked Xiao Chonghua, "Third brother, who do you think will win today?"

Xiao Chonghua smiled slightly: "What do you think, brother?"

Xiao Duye smiled and said, "I just returned to the capital, and I don't know much about the Duke of Protectorate who returned from the common people. I heard that my third brother once met him in Qingzhou. I believe my third brother knows his strength better than I do."

Xiao Chonghua's smile remained unchanged: "Brother, you are too kind. I am just recuperating in Qingzhou. It is not the case that I know anyone."

Xiao Duye shook the cup in his hand and said, "I heard that it was the daughter of the Duke of Huguo who cured my third brother's illness. So it seems that my third brother and Miss Su are really related."

Xiao Chonghua said with a pleasant face: "Brother has only been back in Beijing for three days, and I never thought that he has investigated me so thoroughly."

Xiao Duye paused, "How can you call it an investigation? It's just something that has already been spread."

After saying this, he drank the tea in his hand and stopped talking to Xiao Chonghua.

On the emperor's left are the princes, princesses and clan relatives, and on his right are the ministers.

Qin Canglan and the old marquis had already taken their seats.

There was a table left next to the two of them, and the two futons were empty.

The old marquis asked in a low voice: "Is Cheng'er still not awake?"

He stayed in the Marquis' Mansion last night, and Qin Canglan came directly from the clinic.

Qin Canglan said calmly: "He's not awake yet. Where's Lao Wu? Hasn't he arrived yet? The competition is about to start."

The old marquis frowned and said, "It should be time... "

Not long after, Qin Jiang came over with Qin Yanran and Xu Qing.

The two men bowed to Emperor Jingxuan and sat ten steps away from Qin Canglan and the others.

Emperor Jingxuan looked at Qin Canglan and asked, "Is Qin Che not here yet?"

He was talking about Qin Che, not Su Cheng.

Qin Canglan stood up, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please wait a moment."

However, a quarter of an hour passed and Su Cheng still did not show up.

The old marquis stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

"explain!"

"His son?"

"yes."

Emperor Jingxuan looked down and said, "Qin Jiang, do you have any objection?"

Qin Jiang stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for being blunt. Su Cheng's son just turned fourteen this year and has never been to school or practiced martial arts. Even if I win in a duel with him, it would be unfair. I heard that the Marquis of Zhenbei is planning to adopt one of his grandsons to Su Cheng. How about letting Su Cheng's stepson compete on his behalf?"

When these words were spoken, everyone was surprised.

Did Qin Canglan and the Marquis of Zhenbei actually come up with this idea? To adopt the bloodline of the Marquis Mansion into the Qin family?

Isn’t this a bit...

"Is this true?" Emperor Jingxuan asked the old marquis.

The old marquis said, "Yes, I have already adopted my young grandson to Cheng'er."

"This is ridiculous!" Princess Hui'an muttered, "How can you adopt your own son to someone else? Isn't this cheating? You can't win by yourself, so you ask for help from outside. This is too unfair to Qin Jiang!"

Xiao Chonghua said nothing and drank the tea in his hand silently.

It was originally unfair to compare Su Cheng, who grew up among the common people, with Qin Jiang, but after Qin Jiang said this, it seemed that Su Cheng had gained a great advantage.

The old marquis's face darkened.

Although they had made this plan, it didn't sound so good when Qin Jiang said it in such a sarcastic tone.

The point is, this is not the point.

Qin Jiang dared to accept Lao Wu so openly. Either Qin Jiang was absolutely sure of defeating Lao Wu, or Qin Jiang was absolutely sure of holding Lao Wu back.

The fifth child is the most disobedient child in the family, but also the one with the most talent in martial arts.

So compared to the first situation, the old marquis felt that the latter was more likely.

What on earth did Qin Jiang do to Lao Wu? Did he send out more than one wave of assassins? Did he have other tricks? Of course Qin Jiang had other tricks.

However, his backup plan was broken through by Su Mo and the youngest son of the Su family.

Qin Jiang also received the letter via carrier pigeon before entering the palace.

Although they escaped man-made disasters, they could not avoid natural disasters. Li County had been hit by heavy rains for days, causing landslides, destroyed bridges, and submerged official roads. Su Mo and the youngest son of the Su family could not come!

Even God is helping him! A guard from the Zhenbei Marquisate came over from behind and whispered in the ears of the old marquis and Qin Canglan: "My two masters, something bad has happened. The eldest and fifth sons had an accident on the road..."

The two men's expressions changed.

Emperor Jingxuan said calmly: "Since Qin Jiang has no objection, then we will follow the request of the Zhenbei Marquis' Mansion and let Su Cheng's son compete on his behalf... His stepson is also fine. Bring him up."

What to bring?

They're all gone! It's over. It's all over.

I planned everything, but I didn't expect natural disasters. What should I do?

"My dear ministers, the time has come. If Su Cheng's party refuses to fight, then I will declare Qin Jiang the winner."

"Father, just one fight?" Princess Jingning asked.

Emperor Jingxuan was quite gentle towards his daughter: "Three games, but if no one comes..."

Princess Jingning said, "Father, this is the first match, best of three."

Emperor Jingxuan accepted Princess Jingning's proposal: "Then wait another quarter of an hour. If no one shows up after a quarter of an hour, Qin Jiang will be declared the winner of the second match as well."

There is no suspense anymore.

The natural disaster blocked people on the road and it was impossible to get there in a quarter of an hour.

It looks like I’m going to lose today’s competition.

What a pity, Qin Jiang was injured by Wei Ting and was originally at a disadvantage. If he wins even in his disadvantageous position, the situation will be very unfavorable for Su Cheng.

Time passes by little by little.

The officials began to whisper.

"Why hasn't the young grandson of the Marquis of Zhenbei come yet?"

"Are you unhappy?"

"He is obviously the legitimate son of the Marquis's family, but he is suddenly adopted by a cousin he has never met. I'm afraid no one will easily agree..."

"The young grandson of the Marquis of Zhenbei has always been disobedient, and has caused great headaches for the Marquis of Zhenbei and Minister Su at home."

"Why doesn't Su Cheng come in person? I understand if you can't win, but you have to come and take a look. A real man shouldn't be a coward!"

"Something happened to him. I heard he was frightened! When he heard he was going to compete with Qin Jiang, he was so scared that he dared not get out of bed—"

"Ah... If he is really such a coward, wouldn't it be too hasty to hand over the military power to such a coward?"

"So, let's just hope Qin Jiang wins..."

Qin Yanran listened to everyone's discussions and couldn't help but feel overjoyed.

After days of gloom, the clouds finally cleared up.

Su Cheng didn't even dare to leave the house. How could such a coward be worthy of being his father's opponent? The flesh and blood of a coward can only be cowards.

She touched her cheek. She would give that girl a slap in the face sooner or later! "Boring!" Princess Hui'an frowned her beautiful brows in frustration.

If I had known this earlier, I wouldn’t have followed Jingning to join in the fun.

Eunuch Fu glanced at the hourglass beside him.

When the quarter-hour came, he pretended not to notice.

Eunuch Quan, who was serving tea on the other side, saw that he didn't say anything and realized that his chance had come.

Eunuch Quan said in a flattering tone, "Your Majesty! It's the quarter hour!"

Princess Jingning glared at him.

Qin Jiang was so happy that he almost went crazy.

Wei Ting, so what if you break one of my ribs?

In the end, Su Cheng had no chance to compete with me! Xiao Duye picked up the teacup and leaned slightly towards Xiao Chonghua: "Third brother, congratulations in advance."

Xiao Chonghua sipped his tea expressionlessly.

Emperor Jingxuan was also losing some of his patience. He glanced at the empty seat next to Qin Canglan and said indifferently, "The second round..."

Before he could finish his words, a powerful voice was heard not far away.

"The Duke of the Protectorate requests an audience—"

Qin Jiang's hands trembled.

Who wants to see you? The Lord Protector of the Country? He straightened up strangely and turned his head to look in the direction he came from. He saw a man wearing silver armor and carrying a big sword on his shoulder, walking towards the arena in a mighty and domineering manner.

If it’s not Su Cheng, then who is it?

At this moment, Su Cheng was not the commoner he had seen on the street for the first time, nor was he the furious father a few days ago in the middle of the night. He was wearing armor that shone with cold light.

Just like a general heading to the battlefield.

His temperament changed radically.

If Qin Jiang hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have hardly believed it.

Su Xiaoxiao and Wei Ting also came over.

They didn't talk to each other, they just "happened" to meet at the palace gate.

The three of them saluted Emperor Jingxuan.

This was the first time that Emperor Jingxuan met this father and daughter who were living among the people.

The little girl is chubby, with delicate features, round and cute, but her eyes are very cold.

Although she grew up in the countryside, she was not petty at all. She behaved in a dignified, calm and measured manner, and had a touch of heroism that was rare in women.

Su Cheng is worthy of being Qin Canglan's biological son. He looks much more like Qin Canglan than Qin Jiang, and also has some shadow of the Marquis of Zhenbei. The nephew looks like his uncle.

Emperor Jingxuan asked, "Are you Qin Che?"

A big chapter is coming, with two words.

Remember to vote for the monthly ticket, muah~ 　　 　 (End of this chapter)