Reborn as Murong Fu: This Time I'm the Protagonist

Chapter 514 Inquiry
In an instant, the combined force of the eight Khitan warriors surged forth like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down. Murong Fu secretly cheered, subtly shifting his energy to redirect the immense force. With a soft shout, he tossed the large cauldron in his right hand into the air, and the eight Khitan warriors fell to the ground like wheat swept by a whirlwind.

Amid gasps of alarm, the giant cauldron crashed down directly onto Murong Fu's head. Murong Fu smiled slightly and gently patted the cauldron twice. With each pat, the cauldron's descent slowed considerably. Amidst gasps of astonishment, the cauldron landed softly on the ground beside him with a low thud.

Murong Fu chuckled and patted the cauldron, saying, "It does have some weight to it." He then looked at the eight Khitan warriors lying sprawled on the ground and said, "Your skills are quite impressive. I'll have to ask you for some pointers another day."

A leading Khitan warrior scrambled to his feet, clasped his hands in a salute to Murong Fu, and said, “We Khitans admire warriors the most. You are the most outstanding hero I, Sabagai, have ever seen in all these years. I, Sabagai, am completely convinced! From now on, if you need anything, just say the word, and I will be at your service!”

In front of all the civil and military officials of the Song Dynasty, the Liao envoy's entourage openly expressed their admiration for the Song subjects. This scene was somewhat improper, yet no one found it inappropriate. Murong Fu's performance could be described as extraordinary, almost supernatural.

"Lord Murong is awe-inspiring; may the military fortunes of the Song Dynasty endure forever!"

Someone shouted, and the quiet court erupted as if salt had been sprinkled into a hot oil pan. All sorts of praise and acclaim nearly lifted the roof off the hall.

For many years, envoys from the Song and Liao dynasties had been exchanging visits. Due to the objective situation of the Song being weak and the Liao being strong, Song envoys were always in a weak position when facing Liao envoys. Although they did not suffer any major losses in terms of actual benefits, they always felt a sense of resentment.

Seeing the arrogant Liao envoy's dumbfounded expression, the Song emperor and his officials felt even more pleased than if they had paid 200,000 less in tribute each year.

Murong Fu smiled and looked at Yelü Yi, saying, "Your Excellency, does our bet still stand? Surely the Great Liao is a great nation; it wouldn't do something so tasteless as to go back on its word so openly, would it?"

Everyone present turned their gaze to Yelü Yi, whose face flushed red and then turned pale.

As the Liao envoy, he represented the Liao Emperor, and this was a formal occasion in full view of everyone. If he were to actually perform the three kneelings and nine kowtows to Empress Dowager Gao today, wouldn't that mean the Liao Emperor was bowing to Empress Dowager Gao? If he were to do such a thing, upon returning to the Liao Dynasty, His Majesty the Emperor would certainly not give him a good punishment.

But he just made a bet in front of so many people. If he goes back on his word in public, wouldn't he be slapping himself in the face? If this gets back to His Majesty, he won't escape unscathed either.

Ultimately, he never imagined that Murong Fu could do what he said. After all, the story of the Overlord lifting the cauldron was already a legendary feat, and the idea of ​​wrestling with eight people with one hand while lifting the cauldron with the other was an inconceivable miracle in the eyes of mortals. Who could have imagined that the scene just now would actually happen?

Yelü Yi's face flushed red and then paled. After thinking for a long time, he finally made up his mind: the best way right now is to keep his promise first, and then add fuel to the fire after returning to the Liao Dynasty. He will say that the Song people framed him with a treacherous scheme, and that he will endure it for the time being in order to uphold his loyalty as a subject.

He vaguely guessed the Emperor's intentions; he was most likely planning a southern campaign against the Song Dynasty, but he didn't know the truth and lacked a legitimate reason for the attack. He thought that if he offered this explanation, he might not only avoid the Emperor's wrath but could even achieve a great victory.

He stepped forward, lifted the hem of his robe, and was about to kneel in greeting when the Empress Dowager spoke up: "Liao Envoy, there's no need. This action violates etiquette and was merely a jest. It is not to be taken seriously. The relations between our two countries are of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. How can we act impulsively because of a momentary jest? Since the Liao envoy is acting on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of Liao, he should behave with dignity and propriety in the future! Please go with your companions to the guesthouse to rest."

Empress Dowager Gao's voice wasn't loud, but it sounded like a thunderclap in spring. Yelü Yi felt extremely aggrieved and could only lower his head and say, "This subject takes his leave!"

The minor incident was thus easily dismissed. The Liao envoys slunk away with the others, and the banquet continued.

After the midday banquet ended, at the evening banquet, Yelü Yi, having lost face at midday, claimed to be unwell and sent his deputy to attend, while he himself remained at the guesthouse to rest. The evening banquet was less formal than the midday one, and only officials of the fifth rank and above from the capital, as well as members of the imperial clan and their wives, were present.

The Chu princess came to Murong Fu's side, hesitant to speak, repeating herself several times.

Murong Fu struggled to suppress his laughter and said, "Princess, please ask whatever you wish to ask."

The Chu princess felt as if she had been granted a pardon and breathed a sigh of relief. After hesitating for a moment, she organized her thoughts and asked, "Um, how did you manage to do that today?"

Murong Fu feigned ignorance: "What? How did you do that?"

Curiosity overcame her reserve, and the Chu princess asked softly, "How did you manage to lift that huge cauldron by yourself while wrestling with eight people during the day?"

Murong Fu said, "This is a closely guarded secret of my Murong family. How could I easily tell you, unless..."

"Unless what?" the Chu princess whispered.

"Unless you make a nice sound, maybe I'll tell you if I'm in a good mood."

The Chu princess's face instantly turned red to her ears. She glanced at Murong Fu and after a long while, as if she had made up her mind, she whispered in a voice so low it was almost like a mosquito's buzz, "Good brother, please, tell me."

Murong Fu was taken aback. He never expected that he would start acting cute and affectionate with this spoiled little princess just because he was teasing her. A strange feeling washed over him.

Hmm, it feels pretty good.

Murong Fu chuckled mischievously, "What did you say? Your voice was too soft, I didn't hear you."

"you!"

Seeing that the golden branch and jade leaf had raised her eyebrows and looked like she was about to get angry, Murong Fu knew that he should not go too far, so he said leisurely, "You have been in the martial arts world for a few days. You should have heard of the Murong family's reputation for repaying kindness with kindness, right?"

The Chu princess's eyes lit up, then she asked in confusion, "But what does this have to do with the strength you have in lifting the tripod?"

Murong Fu said, "Actually, it's quite simple. My Murong family has a unique skill of channeling and releasing force, which can redirect the opponent's force and apply it to someone else. On the surface, it looks like I'm competing with eight people, but in reality, I'm using the strength of eight people to lift that cauldron."