Chapter 144: First Volume, Chapter 144: Purification Ritual with Incense

First Volume, Chapter 144: Purification Ritual with Incense

Li Ninghui curled her lip and spoke with hidden barbs: "Sister, what's so surprising? In this Jingdu, who doesn't know the Qin Family has no discipline? Especially that Qin Feng—always acting mad and reckless. It's no wonder the son is just as bad as the father."

Gao Yulan let out an "Oh?" with thick amusement: "Indeed, a lady sitting with her maid—looks like they're equally lowly in status!"

Xiao Xiangxiang's face turned pale; she bit her thin lips and quickly turned to leave, but Shen Qingci grabbed her arm.

Shen Qingci pointed to the Tengyi Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair and said calmly: "You don't need to go anywhere—sit here. Let them gossip if they want. Don't take it personally."

Liu Hongyan refused to be outdone, sniffed lightly: "Our Qin Family's affairs don't need outsiders pointing fingers. Other noble families' daughters are used to luxury—they never treat servants as human beings. But our Qin Family is different: anyone who steps through our gate becomes one of us!"

Xiao Xiangxiang never expected the young ladies would defend her so fiercely—her heart swelled with emotion. But she understood: they weren't defending her face, but Qin Shaoye's.

Gao Yulan shot Liu Hongyan a venomous glare, her face full of contempt: "I heard recently Qin Feng debated a crowd of Confucian Scholars, accusing them of talking nonsense on paper? Today, let's see who's really just talking on paper—and who'll pick up a stone only to drop it on his own foot."

At these words, Liu Hongyan's delicate brows twitched slightly.

The Qingyi Ceremony has always been a coveted ritual among the great clans—those who earn a military post can go to the Border to gain prestige, and their future prospects are boundless.

Precisely because of this, the Qin Family's rivals will never let Qin Feng win easily—they'll surely sabotage him behind the scenes.

Qin Feng is indeed clever, but only in commerce and literary talent; commanding troops is a different world entirely.

Liu Hongyan clenched her fists in silent worry.

Meanwhile, within ShiZhen, troops surged and banners fluttered.

Eighteen young candidates participated in this Qingyi Ceremony: apart from a few scions of Military Clans, the rest were nominated by senior civil officials. Each Candidate Vice-General led three hundred men, standing in strict formation. Though none had ever set foot on a Battlefield, they were young and fiery—and carried a certain momentum.

The Liang Emperor sat on the high seat, gazing at the fine young men of Shedynasty, his heart filled with pride.

Chang Princess sat to the right; the Second Prince and Seventh Prince sat to the left, followed by the ministers of the Six Ministries and the civil and military officials.

The Liang Emperor glanced around and asked, puzzled: "Minister Qin, where is that boy Qin Feng?"

Qin Tianhu let out a bitter laugh and replied helplessly: "That brat refuses to sit—he insists on personally overseeing the battle. I can't stop him."

Hearing Qin Feng would oversee the battle personally, the Liang Emperor's eyes brightened slightly—he was intrigued. Qin Feng had some insights into Military Strategy, but insight and practice are two different things, worlds apart. No matter how perfect a theory, it falters in real combat.

After all, on a Battlefield, Rapid Changes occur in an instant—nothing can proceed exactly as rehearsed.

The Liang Emperor was genuinely curious—what trick would Qin Feng pull off now?

The Second Prince observed the Liang Emperor's reaction closely, his face cold. He lowered his voice deliberately to the Seventh Prince beside him: "Seventh Brother, you're usually secluded in the palace—why are you here today, joining the crowd?"

The Seventh Prince bowed his head respectfully: "Your Highness, I've stayed too long in Gong Zhong—I merely came out to broaden my horizons."

The Second Prince sneered inwardly but feigned concern: "Just send a servant to deliver your message—why come out yourself? Your health is frail. What if you catch a chill? Don't wander about unless necessary—I worry for you!"

The Seventh Prince smiled but said nothing.

Li Zhan glanced at the sundial, then turned and whispered urgently to the Liang Emperor: "Your Majesty, the auspicious hour has arrived."

The Liang Emperor nodded, then waved his hand decisively: "The Qingyi Ceremony begins—burn incense, purify the garments of our Shedynasty's sons!"

A group of Imperial Eunuchs carried censers and passed them before the Candidate Vice-Generals, then sprinkled flour on their shoulders—this was the Purification Ritual.

Afterwards, all Candidate Vice-Generals withdrew from ShiZhen and drew lots to determine their pairings for Formation Combat, using unsharpened training weapons.

The first match: Piaoqi Grand General's heir versus the Ministry of Works' nominee.

With a roar, the two sides clashed, slashing fiercely.

Within one incense stick time, the Ministry of Works' troops were routed, men toppled, formation shattered.

Qin Tianhu, as host, immediately announced the result: "The victor is Men Ya Colonel Qi Yu! No surprise—he's the heir of the Piaoqi Grand General! A tiger father has no quan lang son! Such ferocity will surely bring glory to Shedynasty!"

Qi Yu stood tall and proud, leading his men off the field.

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause!