Chapter 16
Book 2 Chap 3 – The duel in the Palace
Xiang Shaolong sat down next to Wu Tingfang and she hurriedly leaned over and asked with concern, "Shaolong are you all right! I am so worried, and last night you were even at that s.lut’s place." And she pinched him hard on his thigh under the table.
Xiang Shaolong looked at the delicacies filling the table, reached his hand out and caressed her thigh and laughed quietly, "Don’t worry! Just trust your future husband!"
Wu Tingfang’s body went soft under his touch, and on one hand wanted him to be even bolder but on the other hand afraid that she may not be able to take it and let others see through her. She was so frightened that she hurriedly sat properly, and luckily Xiang Shaolong’s 5 fingered army finally retreated.
A tall and thin gentleman with a pale face seated at the 2nd table in front turned his head around and stared at Xiang Shaolong who was seated on the 3rd table at the back row, his glance filled with the intent to create trouble.
Tao Fang who was next to Xiang Shaolong told him, "That would be the Prince of Shaoyuan, Zhao De."
Xiang Shaolong looked back at him coldly, his eyes shooting out rays of ice. That Zhao De did not back down but stared back at him, and the warriors seated at the surrounding tables also turned back and stared at him angrily. The air was charged with explosives.
"Dang!"
The bell rung again.
The sounds of bamboo instruments are heard, a group of musicians blew on their instruments as they walked in and stood at the two sides, continuing with the music.
Only now did Prince Shaoyuan took back his stare and looked at the main door.
With the accompaniment of his concubines, King Xiaocheng of Zhao, aged around 30, walked into the hall, with over 100 followers walking behind him. Half of them went to stand around the tables, the other half following the King of Zhao towards the main seating area set aside for him.
The King of Zhao has a pale face tinged red from alcohol, his features quite handsome, his eyes bright and forehead broad, quite good looking overall. However he’s just a little thin, his lips are not thick enough, and looks like a young greenhorn.
On his head he wore a headgear with a board, rounded in front and squared behind, with 10 strands of pearls stringed with red and green threads hanging from the end of the board, signifying his status as King.
His dragon robe was sewn with diagrams of the sun, moon, stars, dragons etc, looking extremely grand.
He walked alone to the main table, his concubines sat at the 3 tables behind him while the guards stood protectively at the 2 sides and the back. He really exuded the aura of the King of the state.
Everyone knelt on the floor, waiting for him to be seated.
After the King of Zhao sat down, he said gently, "Please rise and take a seat."
After everyone called out greetings, they returned to their seats.
Naturally there are palace maids who will pour the wine for the guests.
The King of Zhao raised his cup and said, "King Xi of Yan thinks too highly of himself, and sent Li Fu and Qing Qin to attack us but were badly defeated by us. Now General Lian Po has brought troops to surround Yan under my orders. I think King Xi of Yan can forget about a good night’s sleep. Let’s drink a toast to us defeating Yan!"
Everyone cheered and the atmosphere was celebratory.
The King of Zhao suddenly stood up, and the rest were so startled they hurriedly stood up as well. He laughed, "The success of defeating Yan this time is due to the hard work of all my beloved officials. If Master Wu did not provide the warhorses and food supplies, Master Guo did not supply weapons and s.h.i.+ps. I’m afraid we would not have succeeded. Let us all drink a toast to both of them."
Everyone took another drink heartily.
Master Wu and Guo Zhong were both overwhelmed and ecstatic.
Xiang Shaolong who did not have a initial good impression of him, had a change of heart and secretly thought that a person who can become the ruler, his bearing is indeed different from others.
After the King of Zhao invited everyone to be seated and enjoy the dishes, his hands clapped, emitting a crisp sound.
The musicians who had retreated to both sides of the main door immediately started playing again.
A group of nearly 200 beauties with their hair combed like a swallow’s tail, wearing light veils made from translucent material danced into the hall like flying birds. The semi hidden bosoms and silken legs made various marvelous poses, capturing one’s attention.
Everyone clapped and cheered, the applause was deafening.
Xiang Shaolong watched as the dancers sang and danced daintily, and can’t help but think about Ting Fangs.h.i.+, who was given away, and think about if he defeats Lian Jin, he will be able to get her back, and can’t help but feel a gush of bravery.
Wu Tingfang whispered proudly in his ear, "Fang’er’s song and dance is a lot better than theirs. I will let you have a good look when there’s a chance."
Xiang Shaolong replied, "But you must not wear any item of clothing."
Wu Tingfang rolled her eyes at him, and gave him a sweet smile.
Zhao Mu and Lian Jin, who were keeping an eye on Wu Tingfang, was fuming at the scene, and were consoling themselves that Xiang Shaolong will be in trouble later.
The dancers retreated, leaving behind only their fragrance.
Everyone’s gaze s.h.i.+fted to the King of Zhao, holding their breath and waiting for him to speak.
The hall was huge, but it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop.
The King of Zhao sat alone at his dragon throne, overlooking his subjects. He laughed long and loud and said, "The State of Zhao started with a military background, and we have a lot of famous generals, Zhao Shuai, Zhao Dun, Zhao Wu were our distinguished forefathers, their military exploits unparalleled at their time. After they established the country, those without military contributions cannot be appointed officials. If not for their advocating of military strength, our country would have been long gone."
Everyone voiced their agreement.
The King of Zhao looked at them with pride, and his gaze settled on Lian Jin, and said happily, "I did not expect that such a tiny state of Wei, would actually produce an invincible swordsman."
Lian Jin hurriedly went to his table, knelt down and bowed his head, "There is only Great Zhao in my heart now. As long as your Majesty gives a command, I am willing to lay down my life without a word."
Master Wu secretly gave a cold snort, obviously he despised him because he defected to Zhao Mu’s side.
Maybe the King of Zhao has been influenced by Zhao Mu, his att.i.tude towards him changed greatly and he said joyfully, "We must use the talented, as long as you’re loyal to me, I will certainly treat you well."
Lian Jin as ecstatic and hurriedly voiced out his promise.
The King of Zhao raised his voice to ask, "Where is Xiang Shaolong?"
Xiang Shaolong gave a slight smile and answered as he walked out and knelt opposite Lian Jin. He greeted loudly, "Xiang Shaolong pays respect to my King."
The King of Zhao’s eyes brightened, and said, "You single handedly defeated 800 horse thieves with your wits, and you’re loyal and brave. For your comrade’s sake, you risked your life to stay behind and fight the enemy. This act has brought up the fame of Great Zhao, I am very impressed with you."
Xiang Shaolong hurriedly voiced his grat.i.tude and modesty, but in his heart he was secretly laughing that the story is getting more and more exaggerated.
The King of Zhao smiled with satisfaction, "The two of you are the dragons among men. I want you to come into the Palace for a duel, because I want you to become our country’s role model, and spread the spirit of martial arts so that they will have the ability to kill our enemies to repay the country."
The two of them agreed unanimously.
The King of Zhao laughed loudly and said, "I, as well as my officials, are all impatient to watch your display of legendary swordplay. But you must remember that this is just an exchange of pointers, you must not endanger each other. I will appoint the winner as imperial swordsman immediately, and he will be able to lead an army into battle."
Zhao Mu raised his voice, "Your Majesty, I have a suggestion."
The King of Zhao replied in surprise, "Marquis Ju Lu, please speak."
Zhao Mu stood up and said respectfully, "If your Majesty decrees that they cannot endanger each other in this duel, they will certainly not dare to go against your orders and will control themselves in the duel. That way, it’ll be difficult for them to fully show off their sword skill, would your Majesty please reconsider."
On hearing this, Lady Ya’s body trembled. She stood up and fluttered, "Knives and swords are emotionless, if a life is lost, won’t it turn a joyous affair into a sad one."
The King of Zhao looked at Lady Ya in bafflement and said, "Imperial Sister, Official Zhao please take a seat, I know what to do."
Zhao Mu stared coldly at her before returning to his seat. He was feeling secretly overjoyed, because Zhao Ya’s reaction tells him that Xiang Shaolong was really drugged, and she is clearer about that more than anyone else.
By now everyone in the hall knows that there is something wrong with Xiang Shaolong.
The King of Zhao looked at Master Wu and asked nonchalantly, "Does Master Wu have any thoughts about this?"
Master Wu secretly thought to himself, if Xiang Shaolong lost because of women, he can only blame himself and he’ll be better off dead. But if he can kill Lian Jin, he’ll be able to help appease this anger he felt, and he nodded in agreement, "Shaolong once told me, he only knows how to kill, and is not well versed in performing swordplay at all. So if you want to see his real skills, we should not limit him at all."
By saying that, he’s obviously means that this is going to be a duel to the death.
Lady Ya’s body trembled, and finally wept over her own stupidity. Xiang Shaolong saw this, and his despise for her lessened a little.
Everyone in the hall became excited and were talking amongst themselves eagerly.
"Dang!"
It was the sound of the cup shattering, and the atmosphere was immediately serious.
After the King of Zhao threw the cup onto the ground, he said coldly, "To kill the enemy, is to use your life as a stake. The way of battles, is the way of life and death. Fine! I will not impose any restrictions, the winner will be my imperial swordsman."
Xiang Shaolong and Lian Jin who were in front of the dragon throne agreed at the same time.
The King of Zhao cried out, "The duel begins."
The hall was deathly quiet, silently waiting for a good show to start.
Lady Ya fell into the arms of her sister Lady An, who was next to her, unable to witness the horrific scene where Xiang Shaolong will be killed.
Wu Tingfang’s face turned pale and she leaned towards her father and asked, "He won’t lose, right!"
"Clang!"
Lian Jin pulled out his famed Golden Ray Sword and stood steadily in the middle of the hall