Shen Zhizhang had just finished drinking a glass of fruit wine when the emperor summoned him to his side.
Jiang Rong was originally waiting with her parents in the Jiang family tent to watch Yao Zhan compete. When she saw Shen Yunjiao all alone, she came over to keep her company.
He said he was accompanying Shen Yunjiao, but his attention was actually focused on General Yao, who was wiping his weapons on the training ground.
Seeing Jiang Rong nervously twisting her handkerchief, Shen Yunjiao comforted her, "Don't worry, your General Yao is a veteran of many battles, he will definitely be safe and sound."
“But the Northern Hu people look very fierce. Even if we don’t lose, I’m afraid Yao Zhan will get hurt,” Jiang Rong replied with a forced smile.
Seeing the furrowed brows of her face, Shen Yunjiao felt a surge of panic and worry.
Xiao Huaijin will be going on stage soon. He's already injured, so we absolutely can't afford to have anything else happen to him.
Soon, the sound of drums filled the air, and everyone around turned their attention to the training ground.
The diplomatic mission represented the face of a country, so the warriors of the Northern Hu were undoubtedly tall, imposing, and powerful.
Meanwhile, Dayong also dispatched a highly skilled general to meet the challenge.
Yao Zhan was the first to take the stage, facing off against the most famous strongman of the Northern Hu. After exchanging greetings, a gong sounded, and the fight began.
Although the strongman was very tall, his hands and feet were very clumsy.
Yao Zhan easily dodged his attack and counterattacked at the right time.
Finally, Yao Zhan used his sword to deflect the meteor hammer from the strongman's hand. The heavy hammer was easily brushed aside like a feather being gently blown by the wind.
Yao Zhan easily defeated the Northern Hu people.
Inside the shed not far away, Jiang Rong's eyes gleamed with excitement. She looked at Yao Zhan with pride, as if she were seeing her hero.
“I knew Yao Zhan was very capable,” Jiang Rong couldn’t help but turn around and say to Shen Yunjiao.
Subsequently, the focus of the arena shifted to the duel between Yan Shiman, the heir apparent of the Prince of Runan, and Keyu, the deputy general of the Northern Hu.
Both are young men of similar age and in their prime, making their competition quite a spectacle.
Unfortunately, at the most crucial moment, Yan Shiman suddenly lost his nerve for some reason and was kicked to the ground by Keyu.
Shen Yunjiao's heart jumped into her throat, but fortunately Yan Shiman quickly stood up and threw himself back into the fierce battle.
But it was quite obvious that after that kick, he was already at a disadvantage and was being suppressed by Keyu.
In this competition, Yan Shiman lost to Keyu. When he left the arena, his expression revealed a hint of resentment, as if shrouded in a thin layer of gloom.
Shen Yunjiao also felt it was a pity. If it weren't for what happened last night, Yan Shiman might have won.
"The strength of the Northern Hu warriors is indeed not to be underestimated."
Emperor Zhaowu was not angry when Yan Shiman lost. He smiled and said to Yelü Qi, the prince of the Northern Hu, who was standing next to him, "Yelü Qi, have you met with my son Xiao Huaijin these past few days? How about it? Are you interested in having a match with the Crown Prince of Dayong?"
Yelü Qi put down the golden wine cup in his hand and said slowly, "To be able to fight against the Crown Prince is an unparalleled honor and blessing for me, Yelü Qi."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Huaijin moved swiftly, stepping out from the ranks without hesitation. He lowered his head slightly and said, "Your subject is willing to fight for Dayong."
A deep look flashed in Emperor Zhaowu's eyes, and he said meaningfully, "For the sake of Dayong? Very well, then I will grant my good crown prince's wish."
"Yelü Qi, you should also show your true strength in your battle against the Crown Prince. That would be the greatest respect you can show to our Dayong!"
Emperor Zhaowu waved his hand, and the palace servants invited the two men who were about to fight in the imperial tent to the back to change their clothes.
The contest between the Crown Prince of Dayong and the Prince of Beihu was naturally the most exciting part of this martial arts tournament.
The onlookers were all eager to see whether the current crown prince or the Northern Hu prince was stronger in this contest.
Deep down, everyone naturally hoped that His Highness the Crown Prince could prevail over the barbarian northern barbarians and achieve victory.
Emperor Zhaowu held a crystal-clear glass cup, gently swirling it. A mist seemed to shroud his brows, and his gaze was lowered, making him appear deep and complex.
He slowly lowered his head and whispered to Consort Shu beside him, "Did you hear what my beloved consort just now? The Crown Prince actually wants to represent the entire Dayong in the war. Is he planning to take my throne?"
Consort Shu was slightly taken aback. She quickly glanced at Shen Zhizhang, but his face remained calm.
She turned to Emperor Zhaowu, her smile as gentle as a spring breeze, yet unable to conceal the profound depth behind it: "Your Majesty, human greed is insatiable."
After saying that, she drank the wine in her hand in one gulp.
Emperor Zhaowu and Shen Zhizhang, who were present, both understood the unspoken meaning in her words.
The murderous intent in Emperor Zhaowu's eyes intensified instantly.
Even if it were his own son, if he dared to covet the throne, he would still kill him without mercy.
With three deep and powerful drumbeats, Xiao Huaijin and Yelü Qi emerged from both sides of the training ground.
Xiao Huaijin changed into a black, close-fitting outfit, wearing a pair of black-faced, white-soled deerskin martial boots. He stood tall and elegant, with starry eyes sparkling beneath his sword-like eyebrows.
In terms of appearance, Xiao Huaijin can be called the most handsome man in Dayong. His appearance caused a series of exclamations of amazement from all around.
Jiang Rong leaned on Shen Yunjiao's shoulder and said, "Look, the moment His Highness the Crown Prince appears, I wonder how many girls he has charmed."
Shen Yunjiao looked around and, sure enough, all the young women from the capital city in the various tents looked excited, craning their necks to look in one direction, which was where Xiao Huaijin was.
Among these girls, Shen Yunjiao's gaze lingered particularly on one person: Xiao Huaijin's cousin, Chu Xiyue.
She was leaning against the railing, almost sticking half her body out.
Chu Xiyue's gaze inadvertently swept over the shed next door, and her eyes met Shen Yunjiao's in mid-air.
She was taken aback at first, but then the confusion on her face was instantly replaced by a sharp look as she glared at Chen Yunjiao.
His eyes were full of warning and dissatisfaction.
Shen Yunjiao frowned slightly, but then heard a loud shout from the arena: "The competition begins."
She instantly sat up straight, focusing her attention on the training ground.
Yelü Qi, dressed in a brown short jacket, held his curved sword and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, although the duel is inconclusive, I still wish to have a showdown with you. If I accidentally injure you, please forgive me."
His arrogant and disdainful tone was so obvious that it successfully angered all the Dayong generals present.
Even Emperor Zhaowu, upon hearing his provocation, slammed down his wine cup, his lips slightly pursed.
Yelü Qi glanced at Xiao Huaijin with a flippant look. "I've heard that the Crown Prince is extremely skilled in martial arts. If I win this time, may I discuss the stakes with you?"
Xiao Huaijin remained calm and replied in a low voice, "What prize do you want?"
Yelü Qi smiled slyly, "We'll talk about it after we win." He looked around, finally fixing his gaze on Shen Yunjiao. He raised an eyebrow and deliberately raised his voice, "I will definitely win."
As soon as he finished speaking, the whole place erupted in cheers.
Yao Zhan frowned, and he and the soldiers around him exuded an indescribable anger.
They knew that this was not only a provocation against His Highness the Crown Prince personally, but also a provocation against the Great Yong Kingdom.
Some even shouted, "Your Highness, teach him a lesson and let him know that Dayong is not to be trifled with!"
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