Chapter 100: Dare to Challenge?

Liu Zheng was startled; through the window, he could see the ferocity and madness on those people's faces.

Temple extremists!

This term popped into Liu Zheng's mind immediately.

"Young Master, be careful!"

Qin Zhangfeng also reacted instantly, shouting in anger. He actually jumped out of the window, reached out, caught the two flying torches, and then threw them back fiercely. Those burly men were struck in the face by their own torches and fell to the ground, screaming.

"Protect the Young Master!"

Qin Zhangfeng shouted loudly, and the group of hired Loulan guards then swarmed around the Horse Carriage, standing on high alert.

"Get out!"

"Loulan does not need Han people!"

"You weak Han people, by what right do you come to teach us people of the Temple?"

Seeing how formidable Qin Zhangfeng was, those few extremists dared not approach again; they could only roar from afar before turning and leaving.

"Young Master, are you alright?"

Qin Zhangfeng asked with concern.

Liu Zheng shook his head and smiled: "Let's continue on our way. It seems this Temple really doesn't welcome us."

Since ancient times, such religious extremists have appeared in every historical stage, but Liu Zheng had not expected that in Loulan, it had reached this degree. If this were in later generations, wouldn't they turn themselves into human bombs?

Just thinking about it was terrifying!

Just then, a troop of soldiers and horses came galloping down the road. Qin Zhangfeng felt a chill in his heart again, thinking it was another group coming to cause trouble, but when he looked back, he saw that the troop was led by Reheman of the Loulan Army. Before they even reached the Horse Carriage, Reheman dismounted and cupped his hands: "Royal Court Lieutenant, Reheman..."

As he spoke, he felt something was off. He looked up and saw two familiar smiling faces.

"Ah?"

Reheman said in surprise: "Liu... Young Master Xiang, it's actually you?"

His reaction was quite fast, and he changed his address immediately.

Liu Zheng laughed: "Brother Reheman, we meet again!"

Although Reheman did not know what game Liu Zheng was playing, he also smiled: "I am acting under the orders of the Third Prince to come and welcome you, Young Master. The situation within Loulan has been quite unstable lately!"

Liu Zheng gave a wry smile: "I just had a taste of it."

When Reheman saw the torches still burning on the ground, he was instantly enraged: "These Temple extremists are truly detestable! Even in war, one does not kill the envoy. The Young Master is a Longyan Scholar; how could they do this!"

"Investigate this for me! Find them and kill them without mercy!"

"Yes!"

Liu Zheng smiled. It seemed the situation in the Loulan capital was even more intense than he had imagined; both sides were not even planning to maintain basic appearances. Since returning from Longyan to take command of the army, Reheman had been seizing every opportunity to purge these extremists.

At the same time, Liu Zheng also felt a tightness in his chest, hoping he had not arrived too late.

"Young Master, what is this all about..."

At Liu Zheng's invitation, Reheman came into the Horse Carriage, his face full of confusion.

Liu Zheng explained with a smile: "Liu Zheng is me, and Xiang Zheng is also me. I only ask, is it appropriate to come here for a study tour at this time?"

Reheman slapped his thigh: "It is too appropriate! You do not know, Young Master. Longyan Scholars have always been honored guests of the Loulan Kingdom! Especially those with official documents, who often represent the majesty of the Great Celestial Empire. Your arrival for a study tour at this time is truly saving the Third Prince from fire and water!"

Liu Zheng was stunned; he had not thought of this layer.

But it was true; although the Loulan Kingdom was not a vassal state of the Longyan Dynasty, it naturally still held fear and reliance toward a world power like the Longyan Dynasty. At a time when the Loulan throne was changing hands, the arrival of an official scholar from the Longyan Dynasty meant what?

What was their intention?

"Speak, what exactly is the Longyan Dynasty intending?"

Kucheng.

In a tall building.

A young man with eyes like a falcon sat in the highest seat, coldly glaring at the group of people below.

"Your Highness, this matter is indeed suspicious!"

"They don't come early, they don't come late, but they come at exactly this time. Could it be that the Third Prince is seeking aid from Longyan?"

The group of advisors looked at each other.

This was still possible; after all, the Third Prince, Halike, had always been a hostage in Longyan. Longyan knew him very well, and considering all aspects, helping Halike obtain the Loulan regime was a matter of course.

The Seventh Prince, Hemuti, had a cold look in his eyes: "It is precisely because he was a hostage in Longyan for many years that I am unwilling to hand the throne over to him! Returning to inherit the throne this time, who knows what benefits he promised the Longyan Dynasty? A mere child, he might even sell out Loulan!"

The crowd echoed his sentiments one after another.

In reality, they all knew this was just an excuse for Hemuti.

But this excuse did indeed hold water.

"Your Highness, regardless of anything else, this matter cannot be taken lightly!"

"Once the Longyan Scholar arrives, the Third Prince's side will surely push the boat with the current and seize the initiative!"

Hemuti sneered: "How do you advise me?"

The crowd looked at each other, then said: "This matter should be discussed with the Temple Envoy!"

A sharp glint flashed in Hemuti's eyes: "Granted!"

Hearing Reheman's explanation, Liu Zheng also instantly understood the situation in Loulan City at this time. In short, it was about what he had predicted. The Third Prince, Halike, had just returned to the country only to be questioned by the Seventh Prince, Hemuti, for suspected treason in Longyan, deeming him unfit for the responsibility.

The Temple side naturally supported the Seventh Prince.

And the Empress, who controlled the Kucheng Guard Army, was of course on the Third Prince's side. But now, the Temple Army had already set out and was vaguely surrounding the capital, which made many people hesitate to act.

The Third Prince was in an absolute disadvantage.

At this moment, the appearance of a scholar from the Longyan Dynasty seemed to break the deadlock at once, shattering the situation where the Seventh Prince and the Temple held the upper hand. After all, Liu Zheng at this moment represented the majesty and will of a great power!

How would the Temple dare to provoke the Longyan Dynasty so casually?

Those Loulan officials who were originally wavering were almost about to weigh the situation and abandon the Third Prince, but now, it was as if the Third Prince had given them a reassurance pill.

The scales began to tilt toward the Third Prince once again.

In the end, Reheman laughed heartily: "It's just that I didn't expect that Young Master Xiang was actually Young Master Liu! How will you instruct me this time, Young Master?"

Liu Zheng looked at Reheman, knowing that this man was highly favored by the Third Prince and had previously been a friend, but at this critical juncture, business must be discussed as business. He smiled faintly: "Brother Reheman, you should first tell me, if the Third Prince ascends to power, how will he thank me?"

"What?"

Reheman gasped; he had originally thought Liu Zheng was only coming to cheer for the Third Prince out of respect for him, but he never expected him to say something so shocking, claiming he wanted to help the Third Prince ascend to power? He could not help but be shocked, because right now, no one was optimistic about the Third Prince!

Liu Zheng smiled without a word.

Reheman took a deep breath and smiled bitterly: "Young Master Liu, this matter, this matter..."

Qin Zhangfeng, standing to the side, could no longer hold back: "Answer whatever the Young Master asks you; when did you become so coy?"

Reheman said: "Fine, since Young Master Liu is straightforward, then Reheman is also a forthright person!"

He looked deeply at Liu Zheng: "If the Third Prince can truly ascend to power, you shall be the Protector of the State of Loulan, Young Master!"

Liu Zheng's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

This Protector of the State was a rather special official position in Loulan, intended for foreigners. In reality, it did not hold much real power; although it was comparable to a third-rank high official and was an honorary title, regardless, having this status would still provide many conveniences in Loulan. Especially in trade, it enjoyed the preferential treatment of a third-rank official, including tax exemptions and a series of other policies.

"Good!"

Liu Zheng smiled slightly, feeling confident of success.

Reheman smiled bitterly: "It's just, Young Master, this matter is easier said than done..."

Liu Zheng said: "Whether this matter is difficult or not, Brother Reheman, you need not worry; I have my own arrangements. You only need to provide assistance and cooperation from the side."

Reheman knew of this Young Master Liu's capabilities, but he still felt there was little hope, so he could only sigh deeply, thinking to himself that he would just have to treat a dead horse as if it were a living one!

Kucheng was indeed much larger, more magnificent, and more prosperous than Shancheng.

The unique earthen architecture here always made Liu Zheng feel very delighted. Loulan was also a place that loved singing and dancing, so from time to time, the sounds of string and bamboo instruments and bursts of singing would drift from the streets, showing that the degree of openness in Loulan society was still quite high.

Sure enough.

The arrival of the Longyan Scholar still caused quite a sensation in Kucheng.

After all, for hundreds of years, the royal family had promoted Han culture, and it still had an influence on the common people. Although there was a conflict between two ideologies in Loulan, those who had truly received higher education actually had a rather clear view of religious beliefs.

Therefore, as soon as the Horse Carriage arrived, the roadside was full of people curiously watching the scholar's carriage, shouting and welcoming them enthusiastically.

There were even many young masters and young ladies in the city who followed the trend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the demeanor of this official Longyan scholar.

Seeing this atmosphere, Liu Zheng smiled faintly.

There was still much that could be accomplished.

Of course, among the crowd, there were still those who believed in the Temple who would cause trouble, curse, or even throw things in the street, but they were quickly taken away by the Guard Army. The so-called study tour was, in itself, an exchange; this "Xiang Zheng" would be in Loulan for a seven-day study tour, where he would face off against various literary giants of Loulan for discussions, which could be considered a grand event. The Third Prince's side naturally took this opportunity to vigorously promote Han culture to strengthen his own popular support and ruling power.

Therefore, the formation was quite large.

Liu Zheng indeed saw many Arabs, Kazakhs, Turkmen, and so on, black people, and even white people on the streets of Loulan... This was a city inclusive enough; Liu Zheng thought to himself, if possible, Yinzhou would look like this in the future!

Walking through the long, bustling streets of Loulan.

From afar, he could already see the Third Prince's royal carriage waiting there, surrounded by a group of guards carrying swords.

Generally speaking, even if a scholar from the Longyan Dynasty came, it would not warrant the Prince coming out to greet them personally, but the situation was different now; the Third Prince, Halike, surrounded by the crowd, got off his carriage to greet Liu Zheng personally.

Liu Zheng naturally did not dare to be negligent; since people treat others with respect, he also respectfully stepped down from the Horse Carriage.

As soon as Halike saw Liu Zheng, joy appeared in his eyes, and he almost blurted out "Young Master Liu"!

Who would have thought that at this very moment, there was another commotion among the troops, and the arrogant and domineering Seventh Prince, Hemuti, came galloping over; not far from Liu Zheng, he pulled the reins sharply, causing his War Horse to neigh with its front hooves in the air—this humiliating gesture made Qin Zhangfeng almost draw his weapon.

Only then did Hemuti look at Liu Zheng with a cold sneer: "Does a mere Longyan Scholar require such a grand formation?"

"Third Brother is truly becoming more incompetent as he ages!"

Liu Zheng looked over with a smile.

He had heard that this Third Prince and Seventh Prince were both sixteen years old, but the Third Prince, Halike, appeared slightly thin and had a cowardly personality. Yet this Hemuti was tall and sturdy, arrogant and domineering.

Liu Zheng had to admit that if he were the King, he would definitely choose Hemuti to inherit the throne, as only then would there be a possibility of achieving great things.

Halike's face turned red from Hemuti's words, but he did not dare to retort.

Hemuti snorted coldly and looked at Liu Zheng under the gaze of everyone.

"Young Master Xiang, since you have come for a study tour, do you dare to accept a challenge?"