Chapter 1781: The Dog-Loving Couple

Under these circumstances, the Zhao clan members began to split into two factions. One faction supported Zhao Yunyang, believing he was the most suitable heir. The other faction opposed Zhao Yunyang, believing he was unfit to inherit the position of clan head.

The dispute between the two factions grew increasingly fierce, even escalating into physical fighting. The entire Zhao clan plunged into chaos.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Qingxue could not help but feel her heart ache. She knew she could not stop this from happening, yet she did not want to see the Zhao clan fall into such chaos.

"Stop it all!" Just then, a clear voice suddenly rang out.

Everyone turned to look and found that the speaker was none other than Zhao Qingxue. At this moment, her face was cold, and her eyes shimmered with determined light.

"If you continue to argue like this, the Zhao clan will only become more chaotic. Do you want the Zhao clan to decline right here?" Zhao Qingxue demanded loudly.

Hearing Zhao Qingxue's words, everyone fell silent. They all knew Zhao Qingxue spoke the truth; the Zhao clan could no longer remain in such chaos.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" a clan member asked.

"I believe the matter of the heir should be decided by everyone together," Zhao Qingxue said slowly. "We can select a person of both virtue and talent to inherit the position of clan head, rather than letting one person decide alone."

Hearing Zhao Qingxue's words, everyone nodded. They all felt this was a good idea, after all, this could avoid many unnecessary disputes and conflicts.

Thus, the Zhao clan members began to discuss how to select the heir. After a heated discussion, they finally reached a consensus.

They decided to select the heir through a competition. Anyone wishing to inherit the position of clan head could participate in the competition, and the ultimate winner would become the new clan head of the Zhao family.

As soon as this news broke, it immediately caused a sensation. Many people began to prepare actively, hoping to stand out in the competition and become the new clan head of the Zhao family.

Before the competition began, Zhao Qingxue found a participant. This participant was named Zhao Yunfei, the younger brother of Zhao Yunyang. He had always lived in Zhao Yunyang's shadow, possessing no presence. However, he did not want to live like this forever. He hoped to prove his strength through this competition and make everyone look at him with new respect.

"Young Lady Zhao, is there something you need with me?" Zhao Yunfei asked.

"I heard you also participated in this competition, is that right?" Zhao Qingxue asked.

"Yes." Zhao Yunfei nodded. "I want to prove my strength through this competition and make everyone look at me with new respect."

"Do you know how your brother died?" Zhao Qingxue suddenly asked.

Zhao Yunfei's face changed; he shook his head: "I don't know."

"He was killed by me." Zhao Qingxue said lightly.

Zhao Yunfei's face changed drastically, and he exclaimed: "What? You killed him?"

"Indeed." Zhao Qingxue nodded. "He tried to kill me many times; I simply could not bear it any longer."

Zhao Yunfei fell silent for a moment, then said: "Although my brother treated me poorly, I do not want to see him die like this. Did you kill him to avenge yourself?"

"Not entirely." Zhao Qingxue shook her head. "I also did it for the good of the Zhao family. Zhao Yunyang was too ruthless and was not a qualified heir. If he inherited the position of clan head, it would only plunge the Zhao family into even greater chaos."

"I understand." Zhao Yunfei nodded. "I also think my brother was not a qualified heir. However, I will not let you succeed easily." Zhao Qingxue smiled calmly: "Then we shall see if you have the strength."

The competition began very quickly. As Zhao Yunyang's younger brother, Zhao Yunfei naturally attracted much attention. Many people believed he was not a qualified heir, but some believed he might be able to create a miracle.

In the first round of the competition, Zhao Yunfei performed exceptionally well. With powerful strength and outstanding combat skills, he defeated his opponent and successfully advanced to the next round.

Seeing this result, Zhao Qingxue could not help but feel somewhat surprised. She did not expect Zhao Yunfei to possess such strong strength; it seemed he was not a simple character.

In the following rounds of the competition, Zhao Yunfei performed even better. With astonishing speed and strength, he defeated opponent after opponent, making people look at him with new respect.

Finally, Zhao Yunfei successfully advanced to the finals. His opponent was a martial artist of tall stature and powerful strength, looking very difficult to deal with.

Before the finals began, Zhao Qingxue found Zhao Yunfei. She hoped Zhao Yunfei would give up the competition and not make an enemy of herself.

"Young Lady Zhao, why are you doing this?" Zhao Yunfei asked. "Are you afraid of me?"

"No, I am not afraid of you." Zhao Qingxue shook her head. "I simply do not want to see the Zhao family fall into chaos again. If you become the clan head, I fear you will treat the Zhao family just like your brother did."

"Rest assured, I will not treat the Zhao family like my brother did." Zhao Yunfei said solemnly. "I swear, if I become the clan head, I will certainly govern the Zhao family well and make the Zhao family more prosperous and flourishing."

Hearing Zhao Yunfei's words, Zhao Qingxue could not help but hesitate. She did not know whether Zhao Yunfei spoke the truth or lied, and she dared not believe him easily.

"Very well, since you say so, I will trust you once." Zhao Qingxue sighed and said. "But if you break your word, I will absolutely not spare you."

"I understand." Zhao Yunfei nodded.

In the finals, Zhao Yunfei performed exceptionally well. With astonishing speed and strength, he defeated his opponent and successfully achieved victory.

Seeing this result, Zhao Qingxue could not help but feel somewhat disappointed. She had originally hoped Zhao Yunfei would give up the competition, but now he had achieved victory and become the new clan head of the Zhao family.

After the competition ended, Zhao Yunfei walked up to Zhao Qingxue. He bowed deeply to Zhao Qingxue, thanking her for her support and trust in him.

"I hope you will keep your word and govern the Zhao family well." Zhao Qingxue said lightly.

"I certainly will." Zhao Yunfei said solemnly.

"I take my leave first."

Zhao Yunfei left the Zhao family, preparing to return to the imperial palace. As soon as he walked onto the street, he was suddenly surrounded by a fragrant breeze.

"Young Master, may this humble one invite you for a cup of tea?" a beauty said in a coquettish voice.

Zhao Yunfei looked up and found a woman of beautiful appearance standing before him.

"Miss, please!" Zhao Yunfei nodded lightly, then walked into the nearby restaurant with her.

"Waiter, bring a pot of Longjing tea." After sitting down, Zhao Yunfei ordered.

"Yes, both of you wait a moment, it will be here immediately!" the waiter responded and went away.

"Who are you? Why did you call me over?" Zhao Yunfei said coldly. He smelled a particularly strong scent of rouge from the woman before him, and he also saw a dagger placed on the table.

"You are Zhao Yunfei?" the beauty smiled charmingly.

"Who are you? How do you know my name?" Zhao Yunfei's face changed, and he looked at her warily. He felt this woman seemed very familiar with him, and even knew his background in advance. This made him feel very fearful. Because before this, he did not know the woman before him at all.

"Who I am is not important. I called you here today to tell you that I like you." The beauty smiled seductively and slowly approached Zhao Yunfei.

"You..." Zhao Yunfei was startled. When he reacted, he had already hidden behind the table and said nervously: "Who exactly are you? Do not do anything rash."

"Young Master Zhao, actually my name is Li Shiqing." Li Shiqing smiled.

"Li Shiqing? Could you be Li Qingluo's younger sister?" Zhao Yunfei looked at the woman before him in shock. He had met Li Shiqing a few times before and had some impression of her.

"Indeed! I am indeed Qingluo's younger sister." Li Shiqing smiled, "Young Master Zhao, do you think I am beautiful?"