Chapter 55

First Volume, Chapter 55: Challenge

Li Rui's expression changed instantly.

If this matter were overseen by the Jingzhong Magistrate, it would be manageable—Li Rui, with his connections and status, need only utter a word to turn the case into an unsolved mystery. But if the Emperor issues a direct decree, the nature of the matter becomes entirely different. Not to mention whether the Jingzhong Magistrate dares to deceive the Emperor, even if he did, Jingzhong is filled with the Emperor's eyes; one misstep could turn a minor issue into a major disaster.

I knew Qin Feng would never submit easily, but I never expected him to pull such a ruthless move!

Li Rui's heart trembled violently—if the truth were uncovered, the one guilty of deceiving the Emperor would be Li Rui himself. He must not let Qin Feng succeed. Li Rui hurriedly knelt and bowed: "Your Majesty, please take heed: the Northern Di are pressing at the border, a great enemy looms. Stability of public morale must come first. Moreover, the Li Family has always been incorruptible—how could we afford to fund this investigation?"

Hearing Li Rui's words, Qin Feng nearly burst out laughing on the spot.

I thought my own cheek was thick enough, but this Li Rui isn't any better—he casually spends tens of thousands of taels of silver without blinking, yet claims the Li Family is incorruptible?

The Liang Emperor knew full well the truth behind the slander against Xie Yun'er, but as the Emperor, he could not meddle in every matter. Watching Qin Feng and Li Rui trade sharp words, clearly having seized control of the situation, he noticed Li Rui's face had turned deathly pale, as if terrified beyond reason.

The Liang Emperor could not help but sigh: within the Imperial Court, the Qin and Li families were locked in bitter struggle; outside it, their heirs were equally hostile. But judging by this display, Li Rui was clearly no match for Qin Feng—in just a few words, his defeat was already plain. Yet upon reflection, he understood: if Qin Feng lacked even this much ability, how many heads would have already rolled for the things he'd done?

Just as the Liang Emperor was about to dismiss these lawless noble youths, a low shout suddenly rang out.

"Qin Feng, you coward who dares but won't own up—what's the point of all this talk? You're just trying to clear your own guilt. A scoundrel like you doesn't deserve Xie Yun'er!"

Ning Hu's face turned ashen. He didn't care about consequences or stakes—if Qin Feng dared to lay a hand on Xie Yun'er, he was Ning Hu's mortal enemy.

Ning Hu rose instantly and bowed to the Liang Emperor: "Your Majesty, be my witness—I challenge Qin Feng to a duel!"

The Liang Emperor had originally dismissed this as a trivial matter, but hearing Ning Hu's words, he suddenly grew interested: "A challenge?"

Ning Hu's stance was resolute, his fierce eyes burning with blazing flame: "Yes! I challenge Qin Feng! If Qin Feng loses, he must admit guilt for defaming Xie Yun'er's reputation and cease his excuses! If I lose, kill me or cut me down—I leave it entirely to your will."

Saying this, Ning Hu spun sharply, his piercing gaze locking onto Qin Feng: "Qin, don't tell me you're too scared."

Facing the furious Ning Hu, Qin Feng scratched his buttocks and smiled innocently: "I am scared. So what?"

Ning Hu let out a cold laugh: "A scoundrel is a scoundrel—it's no surprise he'd defame another's honor."

Ning Hu knew Qin Feng was a rogue—provocation wouldn't work on him. He turned instantly and knelt: "I humbly beg Your Majesty to issue a decree ordering Qin Feng to duel me!"

"Whoever loses must vanish from Xie Yun'er's side!"

The Liang Emperor was long weary of courtly deceit and found Ning Hu's proposal intriguing. After all, a man fights for a woman with righteous fury—men should settle matters like men.

Moreover, the Liang Emperor knew Ning Hu's martial prowess well—among the young generation of Jingdu, few could match him. To test Qin Feng's response, the Liang Emperor nodded decisively: "As you wish. Quick and decisive. After today, this matter is closed."

The Liang Emperor glanced at Qin Feng without expression: "What do you say?"

Qin Feng cursed inwardly: What do you mean "what do you say"? Are you consulting me? Fine then—let whoever wants to fight, fight. I've got no interest.

Of course, these thoughts stayed locked in his mind. Even if Qin Feng had a hundred lives, he dared not refuse publicly—refusing the Emperor meant defying imperial command: minor punishment meant Bandit Imprisonment, major meant execution.

Qin Feng, silently cursing the ancestors of Shedynasty, smiled obsequiously: "Since it is ImperialJustice, your humble servant dares not refuse."

At these words, Ning Hu's eyes gleamed with delight—he was certain he would beat Qin Feng into a state of incontinence, unable to care for himself. With the Emperor as witness, he bore no liability—even if the Minister of War pursued him, he had nothing to fear.

Li Rui exhaled in relief, unsure whether to rejoice or tremble in fear.

Xie Yun'er's face flushed red then pale—whether from shame or anger, no one could tell. After this, it no longer mattered who had slandered her; both Ning Hu and Qin Feng filled her with revulsion, and Ning Hu more so. As Qin Feng had said, Ning Hu had repeatedly treated Xie Yun'er as a pawn or commodity.

At this critical deadline, Qin Feng suddenly spoke: "I am an educated intellectual. In matters of brute force, I am no match for the Little Marquis. Surely the Little Marquis won't bully a scholar? If word spreads, it will tarnish the warrior's prestige and disgrace the dignity of learning."

Ning Hu snorted, his brow brimming with confidence and arrogance: "What do you want to compete in? Pick anything!"

That was exactly what he waited for—this contest concerned Qin Feng's life and fortune, so he would show no mercy: "Except Zhengdou, I accept any challenge."

Ning Hu's greatest strength was his martial arts—and this duel was meant to cripple Qin Feng. If combat were forbidden, what was the point?

Unfortunately, before Ning Hu could refuse, Qin Feng had already spoken first, feigning a mocking tone: "What? Are you afraid, Little Marquis? Bravery without strategy is mere brute force—useless for great deeds. If you only know how to brawl, how will you ever serve Shedynasty?"

At these words, Li Rui's heart sank.

Ning Hu was used to acting first and talking later—he had no chance against Qin Feng in psychological warfare.

Li Rui was about to warn Ning Hu not to fall for Qin Feng's evil scheme—but he was too late.

Ning Hu sneered, his eyes filled with contempt: "Afraid? My dictionary has no word called 'afraid'!"

Qin Feng instantly beamed with admiration, giving a thumbs-up and lavish praise: "No wonder you're the Little Marquis—truly magnanimous!"

Unbeknownst to him, Qin Feng was laughing inside until his Essence Refining bubbled—could such a blunt hook really catch a fish?

The Liang Emperor was delighted—such Zhen Du between rivals was something he hadn't seen in years. Though the Ministry of War and Ministry of Revenue were bitter enemies, they had never broken the surface. These young heirs, however, cut straight to the chase.