Princess Lin'an tucked her head into the carriage, puffed out her chest to make herself appear more upright, then adopted a solemn expression, spread her hands, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Upon arriving at the Prince's residence, I will conduct a thorough examination of his skills and may then take him as my teacher."

Princess Pingyang, witnessing this scene, understood that Princess Lin'an was imitating Princess Huaiqing's behavior; however, no matter how hard she tried, it would all be in vain.

The eldest princess's talent was extraordinary and beyond compare.

The two princesses were incompatible from childhood. The eldest princess was competitive and never lost to the men, whether in martial arts or in studies.

Princess Lin'an, on the other hand, was lively and straightforward, quite different from Princess Huaiqing.

Although the two often argued, Huaiqing always managed to put Lin'an at a disadvantage, which made Lin'an even more eager to compete with Huaiqing.

Upon hearing Xu Pingzhi praise Su Nan as a rare talent, whose abilities surpassed even the night watchman's golden gong, Princess Lin'an couldn't help but recall Princess Huaiqing's past efforts to recruit talented individuals.

"What I can do, Huaiqing can also do."

She then claimed that Su Nan's teachings were a fabrication by Princess Pingyang, and that she actually intended to emulate Huaiqing and recruit talented individuals.

The details of the trial process in the government office were conveyed to Wei Yuan and the Princess.

"Lord Wei, the cultivation technique that Su Zhexian practices is truly unbelievable!"

Wei Yuan frowned in deep thought, his mind filled with doubts. "This is really strange, too bizarre."

"The night watchman knew everything about what happened to Su Nan after he left the capital."

The stability of Jianzhou owes much to him and his companion Li Miaozhen; the Crimson Dragon, which had once wreaked havoc in the region and remained hidden, was likely eliminated through his efforts.

Princess Huaiqing frowned and said:

"Su Zhexian is a rare talent; how can he fall into the hands of others?"

Wei Yuan said, "Su Shi is no ordinary person; we cannot force him to be."

"Sun Zhongming has surrendered; what will Wei Gonghui do?"

A cold glint flashed in Wei Yuan's eyes as he calmly replied, "Then there's no need for such a fuss. Just execute the entire family."

Princess Huaiqing nodded, "I feel the same way."

After leaving Haoqi Pavilion, Princess Huaiqing visited Prince Yu's residence on the way. Given the misfortune her cousin had suffered, she felt it necessary to visit her in person.

Inside the main hall of Prince Yu's mansion, Prince Yu and Princess Lin'an sat in the highest seats, while Su Nan was seated in the lowest seat, holding the most prestigious position.

As far as Su Nan could see, Princess Lin'an stood before him, her expression solemn, radiating an inviolable majesty.

However, her delicate face and alluring peach blossom eyes could never appear fierce; she was more like a kitten trying her best to act tough.

"Su Zhexian bravely rescued Pingyang, and I will bestow upon him a generous reward. Now that you have traveled a long way to the capital, do you have any plans in mind?"

Su Nan said in a flat, understated tone:

"Just let things take their course; having a job that barely makes ends meet is enough."

Just moments before, Princess Lin'an had asked several questions, but Su Nan's answers were casual and indifferent, lacking the awe and fear that ordinary people should have towards members of the royal family.

Even the well-traveled Prince Yu couldn't help but admire this scene. Even those with exceptional talent couldn't help but appear slightly less imposing when facing the royal family.

However, this Su Nan was not only exceptionally strong, but in his contest with Princess Lin'an, he completely suppressed the princess's imposing presence, demonstrating an overwhelming advantage.

Lin'an was extremely anxious. Hearing that Huaiqing was recruiting talented people and treating them with such courtesy, she was filled with gratitude. However, her first attempt to help failed to overwhelm the other party's momentum, which made her feel very frustrated.

"Father, Sister Lin'an, I wish to become Su Zhexian's disciple."

Princess Pingyang seems to be intentionally trying to relieve Lin'an's worries, which undoubtedly aligns with her true feelings.

Su Nan chuckled:

"What are your interests, Princess? Do you wish to study the classics and history, hone your martial arts, or seek the Daoist arts?"

"I'm determined to learn how to use a flying sword! It's a weapon that can kill more than a dozen enemies!"

Princess Pingyang had already given this matter considerable thought.

Chapter 131 The Lotus Rising Unsullied from the Mud, Studying Taoist Sword Techniques

"The Princess herself has arrived!"

As Su Nan and Princess Pingyang were talking, they suddenly heard a shout from outside the door.

Apart from Lin'an, everyone else got up one after another. Princess Huaiqing slowly walked into the hall, wearing a moon-white long dress. The skirt was light and swayed gently on the ground with her steps.

Her face was fresh and refined, like a lotus flower emerging from the mud unsullied, and her eyes were as clear as a mirror, exuding a noble and aloof temperament.

When it comes to appearance, Huaiqing is in no way inferior to Lin'an. Her delicate features and graceful figure far surpass those of Lin'an.

Even Su Nan couldn't help but take a few more glances. Such a figure was perfect, even compared to those who had worked out diligently in the gym.

"Greetings, Uncle Yu."

Although Huaiqing appeared humble, Prince Yu quietly yielded the main seat, after all, his strength was not a bluff, and was completely different from the superficial actions of Lin'an.

Before the princess took her seat, she slowly walked to Su Nan's side, gently adjusted her clothes, and respectfully bowed, saying, "Immortal Su saved Pingyang's life, and I am deeply grateful for it."

His tone was cold, yet it revealed genuine emotion. 15

The usually cold and dignified Huaiqing bowed to Su Nan to express his gratitude. This scene moved Prince Yu deeply. After all, the princess was still a member of the family, and her concern for her cousin came from the bottom of her heart.

Princess Lin'an was stunned. The usually domineering and powerful Huaiqing was bowing to a commoner. Was this still the same Huaiqing?

The princess expressed her heartfelt gratitude; however, if any reward could more profoundly draw people closer, it would be something that could not compare to gold and silver.

Huaiqing's actions already revealed a maturity far surpassing that of Lin'an.

Su Nan witnessed Princess Lin'an pouting, her expression full of resentment.

Huaiqing took his seat in the main seat and glanced at Princess Pingyang. The princess unconsciously took a step back.

"Pingyang, kneel down."

Huaiqing's tone became more forceful and extremely stern.

Princess Pingyang immediately knelt down.

"Sister Huaiqing..."

Huaiqing said in a cold tone:

"It's one thing for you to casually browse those forbidden books, but to actually believe the stories in them and elope like that—if Su Zhexian hadn't happened to pass by, you would probably have met an unimaginable end by now!"

“Your actions have not only disgraced the royal family, but also left your father in a terrible position.”

Prince Yu is all alone, with only you as his daughter. How could you bear to let him die alone for that insignificant wandering monk? Pingyang, do you have even a shred of conscience?

As a royal princess, you spend your days indulging in the pleasures of Buddhist temples.

I have reminded you countless times, yet you have repeatedly ignored my warnings, treating my words as if they were nothing. Now, you have almost lost your life!

Huaiqing's voice echoed in the main hall of the Prince's Mansion. Princess Pingyang was in tears, as beautiful as a pear blossom in the rain.

Seeing his daughter had just been frightened and was now being scolded, Prince Yu felt a pang of heartache. "Huaiqing..."

“Uncle Yu, if you hadn’t spoiled him so much, Pingyang would probably not have been so lacking in self-respect, unable to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, and so easily trusting others.”

"Uncle Yu, you cannot shirk your responsibility for the disaster that has befallen Pingyang today!"

Unexpectedly, he was severely reprimanded by Huaiqing as soon as he finished speaking. He was, after all, a prince, and Huaiqing's domineering attitude was truly surprising.

However, after thinking it over, Prince Yu agreed with Huaiqing's words, since he had lost his wife at a young age and naturally doted on his only daughter.

Su Nan closed his eyes and concentrated, his breath and mind becoming one, like an old monk in an ancient temple, in a state of meditation. Huai Qing's aura was truly penetrating, and his inherent strength was revealed without reservation.

Whether in Lin'an or under Prince Yu, no one ever criticized Princess Pingyang, but Huaiqing spoke frankly and without reservation.

The monk Heng Hui of Qinglong Temple dared to seduce the princess. His crime is heinous and unforgivable. I will personally petition the Emperor to have him executed by being cut in half at the waist!

Upon hearing Huaiqing's words, Princess Pingyang became extremely anxious. "Sister Huaiqing, that monk is truly innocent!"

Lin'an was stunned by Huaiqing's words, and lost in thought, as if she were in the memories of Huaiqing's countless comebacks.

“Huaiqing, Zhang Yi and the other two are guilty of heinous crimes and deserve to die. As for that foolish monk, even if he did something wrong, it is absolutely not enough to warrant his death.”

Unexpectedly, no sooner had Lin'an finished speaking than Huaiqing's offensive shifted: "Most of those forbidden books in Pingyang were in your possession!"

Su Nan knew that the content of those so-called banned books was at most similar to "The Romance of the Western Chamber," only involving themes of love and romance, and was far inferior to the famous work "Jin Mei."

Biao Biao slightly parted her lips, her pearly teeth biting her rosy lips, her face flushed with anger, and she was speechless for a moment.

Huaiqing dared to speak frankly because he had evidence to back him up, and Lin'an City had already undergone numerous reforms.

A familiar feeling, yet I was defeated again.

No, this time Lin'an did not provoke Huaiqing. Not only did it not retaliate, but it also subdued him with overwhelming force.

Moreover, Prince Yu and Su Nan were also present at this event. Huaiqing dared to say that Lin'an had read forbidden books. Upon hearing this, Lin'an was furious.

A feeling of comfort welled up in Su Nan's heart, and she couldn't help but whisper:

"What's there to be embarrassed about? I have many more wonderful books here, and I'll write 507 for you from memory in a bit."

"Huaiqing...you...you're bullying me!"

Biao Biao pouted in grievance, stomped her foot angrily, and then stormed off from Prince Yu's mansion.

Princess Lin'an's greatest skill was her ability to charm and coquettish, and she never won a direct confrontation with Huaiqing.

After leaving Lin'an, Huaiqing said earnestly:

“Pingyang, you are no longer a boy, you must not act willfully anymore…”

After a series of gentle yet firm words of persuasion, Pingyang Junjin shed tears of guilt and self-reproach.

Among many parents, Huaiqing is one of those who can correct their child's early romantic relationship without making the child feel guilty.

“Sister Huaiqing, I know I have made a mistake. I vow never to marry again. I will follow Su Zhexian to study Taoist swordsmanship and vow to make those who dared to bully me never dare to act rashly again!”

Huaiqing glanced at Su Nan, then said nothing more.

She knew her place. As the eldest princess, a little admonishment was enough for Pingyang. As for whether Pingyang would choose to become a disciple, that was a matter within the Yuwang Mansion, and outsiders should not interfere too much.

"Uncle Yu will handle it; you may do as you see fit."

Huaiqing said a few more words, then took his leave, while Prince Yu personally saw him off until the Princess stepped out of the mansion.

Chapter 132 A Unique Glory, The Hardships of the Cultivation Path

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like