roccoschili Chapter 135 Xu Longxiang, who was the focus of everyone's attention, has an extraordinary level
Chapter 135 Xu Longxiang, who was the focus of everyone's attention, has an extraordinary level
"Xu Longxiang, Heir Apparent of the Prince of Zhenbei and General of the Northern Frontier, requests an audience with Your Majesty!"
The sound echoed in the silent hall, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.
All the officials turned their gazes toward the palace gate.
Xu Longxiang?
He's here?
At this critical juncture?
Qin Mu raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful smile curving his lips.
"Announce."
As soon as he finished speaking, the palace doors slowly opened.
A figure in dark black stepped in.
Xu Longxiang was dressed today in a formal python robe, befitting the heir of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion.
The fabric is made of dark black brocade, embroidered with four-clawed python patterns in gold thread. The python's head faces upward and its body is coiled, making it look very lifelike.
He wore a jade belt around his waist and cloud-patterned court boots.
He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, with a resolute and stern face, and his brows carried the chilling aura of someone who had been through many battles.
Even dressed in the python robe of a civil official, he could not conceal the fierce edge of a military general.
He walked into the hall step by step, his steps steady, the friction of his armor producing a slight clanging sound.
All eyes in the hall were focused on him.
His gaze was complex.
I admire him – this “Little Northern King” has already entered the Celestial Realm at the young age of twenty-five, with outstanding military achievements and awe-inspiring presence in the northern frontier. He is indeed a rare talent among generals of the Great Qin.
I feel sympathy—the emperor forcibly took her as a concubine, such a humiliation would be unbearable for any man.
Even more... intriguing.
After all, Qin Mu was going to marry his own sister.
Moreover, it was done in such a humiliating way, by forcing her in public and taking her into the palace.
If Xu Longxiang were to appear here now, what would his reaction be?
Anger? Humiliation? Resentment?
Or... should we endure it?
Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Xu Longxiang walked into the hall and stopped ten steps away from Qin Mu's seat.
Then, he slowly knelt down.
His forehead touched the ground, his posture was impeccable.
"Your subject, Xu Longxiang, General of the Northern Frontier and Heir Apparent of the Prince of Zhenbei, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
His voice was loud and steady, without the slightest hint of emotional fluctuation.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Three kneelings and nine kowtows, meticulous in every detail.
Qin Mu looked at him quietly for a long time before slowly speaking:
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Xu Longxiang stood up, his hands at his sides, his gaze lowered, landing on the edge of the red carpet at Qin Mu's feet.
His posture was respectful and his expression was calm.
It was as if today's banquet had nothing to do with him.
It seemed that the woman who was about to be taken into the palace as a concubine was not his sister.
The officials looked at each other, their eyes flashing with surprise.
This Xu Longxiang... is so calm and collected?
Zhao Qingxue sat in the guest seat, her deep purple phoenix eyes peering through her pearl-embroidered tassels as she quietly observed the young general from the northern border.
She had seen Xu Longxiang's portrait and heard about his deeds.
But this is the first time I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
This kid is indeed patient.
Zhao Qingxue thought to herself.
Despite his elder sister's immense humiliation, he was able to remain so calm and so...respectful in front of the world and his enemies.
This kind of temperament and composure is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people.
But then, a barely perceptible hint of mockery flashed in Zhao Qingxue's eyes.
However... tolerating too much can backfire and lead to a disadvantage.
She picked up the jade wine cup in front of her and gently stroked the rim with her fingertips.
If she showed more anger, resentment, or pain at this moment, it would be more reasonable and would make Qin Mu lower his guard.
Yet he appeared so calm and submissive—which precisely demonstrates that the hatred and murderous intent surging within him had become so intense that he had to exert all his strength to suppress it.
The more one tries to restrain oneself, the more turbulent things become. The calmer one appears, the more... one becomes wary.
In her mind, Zhao Qingxue had already subtly deducted some points from her impression of Xu Longxiang.
Being able to endure is a good thing, but if you endure too much and lose your sense of proportion, that will become a weakness.
She took a small sip of wine, then turned her gaze back to Qin Mu, who was seated at the head of the table.
Qin Mu seemed unconcerned about Xu Longxiang's reaction, simply waving his hand casually:
"Please take a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xu Longxiang sat down below Wang Ben, the Minister of War and the head of the military officers.
He sat upright, with his hands on his knees and his eyes fixed straight ahead.
It resembles an emotionless statue.
A subtle silence fell over the room once again.
Just then, the announcement from the ceremonial official outside the hall sounded again:
"Sword Master Jian Lai and Supreme Elder Xiao Tiannan of the Azure Mist Sword Sect request an audience with His Majesty!"
"Announce."
The palace doors opened again.
Two figures in cyan robes entered side by side.
The leader was a middle-aged man who was around forty years old.
He wore a faded blue Taoist robe, devoid of any patterns, so simple it was almost shabby.
Her long hair was not crowned; it was loosely tied up with only a wooden hairpin, with the rest of her hair cascading over her shoulders.
His face was thin and wiry, with slightly prominent cheekbones, and his brows carried a sense of detachment and indifference that came from years of seclusion.
But what's most striking is his eyes.
Those were incredibly clear eyes, so clear that they seemed to reflect the deepest secrets of people's hearts.
At this moment, his eyes were calm and still, yet an invisible sword intent emanated from his body.
It was as if his entire being was a peerless sword hidden in its sheath.
The new sect leader of the Azure Mist Sword Sect—Sword Arrives.
A man who had almost no reputation in the martial arts world was suddenly thrust into the position of sect leader overnight.
Beside him stood an elderly man with white hair and beard.
The old man was also wearing a blue Taoist robe, but the robe was embroidered with intricate cloud patterns in silver thread.
His face was rosy like a baby's, and his skin was so smooth that not a single wrinkle could be seen. Only the deep vicissitudes in his eyes revealed his true age.
Xiao Tiannan, the Supreme Elder of the Qinglan Sword Sect.
The former sect leader of the Sword Sect who spent thirty years in seclusion trying to comprehend the realm of a terrestrial immortal, but ultimately "failed".
The two walked into the hall and bowed slightly:
"Qinglan Sword Sect's Jian Lai (Xiao Tiannan) greets Your Majesty."
His posture was neither arrogant nor servile, neither impolite nor overly humble.
Qin Mu's gaze lingered on the two of them for a moment, especially on Xiao Tiannan, whom he looked at a few more times.
"Please, gentlemen, do not stand on ceremony. Please have a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Jian Lai and Xiao Tiannan took their seats in the seats specially prepared for martial arts sects.
As soon as they sat down, the atmosphere in the hall subtly changed again.
The Qinglan Sword Sect holds a transcendent position in the Qin martial arts world and has a deep connection with the royal family.
Their arrival signifies that this concubine-selection ceremony is no longer just a matter for the imperial court, but has also affected the entire martial arts world.
Xiao Tiannan's appearance shocked many people.
The legendary swordsman has actually emerged from seclusion?
And it seems... he didn't actually "pass away" as rumored?
Just as everyone was lost in thought, announcements came from outside the hall:
"Tuoba Ye, the envoy from Xiliang, requests an audience with Your Majesty!"
"Chi Meng, the High Priestess of the Miao Village in Southern Xinjiang, requests an audience with Your Majesty!"
"Dongfang Bai, Lord of Penglai Island in the East Sea, requests an audience with His Majesty!"
"Prince Ashina of Loulan in the Western Regions requests an audience with Your Majesty!"
……
One name after another, one power after another.
The rugged warriors of Xiliang, the exotic priests of the Southern Frontier, the ethereal and otherworldly figures of the East Sea, the exotic customs of the Western Regions...
The large side hall was soon packed with people.
The civil and military officials of the Great Qin Dynasty, the Empress of Liyang in her entourage, Xu Longxiang from the Northern Border, the representative of the Sword Sect of the Jianghu, the vassal states from all directions, and the forces from all sides...
Everyone gathered here.
In preparation for tomorrow's concubine selection ceremony.
Also, in order to... witness firsthand the absurdity and madness of this young emperor of Qin.
The lights were bright, and there was fine wine and delicious food.
The sound of string and wind instruments slowly rose, and the dancers gracefully entered, their wide sleeves fluttering and their skirts swirling.
A scene of prosperity and peace, filled with singing and dancing.
But beneath this prosperity, undercurrents surge and danger lurks everywhere.
Qin Mu sat in the main seat, one hand supporting his chin, his gaze lazily sweeping over everyone in the hall.
A faint, ambiguous smile always lingered at the corners of his mouth.
It felt like watching an interesting play.
And everyone on the stage is a pawn on his chessboard.
Zhao Qingxue sat upright in the guest seat, her deep purple phoenix eyes quietly flowing behind the pearl and jade tassels, taking in every expression and every subtle movement of everyone.
She was assessing, calculating, looking for weaknesses, and making plans.
Xu Longxiang sat with his head down, his hands clenched tightly in his sleeves, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood, but he was completely unaware of it.
He was patient, waiting, accumulating strength, and waiting for the right opportunity.
Jian Lai closed his eyes to rest, his sword intent contained within him, as if he were isolated from the world.
But his fingers, hidden in his sleeve, were trembling slightly unconsciously, as if mimicking some kind of sword move.
Xiao Tiannan smiled and spoke in hushed tones with the official beside him, appearing detached and otherworldly.
However, a subtle hint of inquiry and seriousness flashed in the depths of his gaze when he occasionally glanced at Qin Mu.
The Western Liang envoy, Tuoba Ye, drank heavily, laughed loudly, and acted as if he were truly attending a grand banquet.
But his hawk-like eyes would occasionally sweep over the imperial guards' arrangement in the hall and the guards around Qin Mu, as he silently calculated something in his mind.
Chi Meng, the high priestess of the Southern Frontier, was dressed in the finest Miao attire, her silver ornaments jingling. Her face was beautiful, and her eyes sparkled with charm.
But the few black rings that were faintly visible on her fingertips exuded a subtle and eerie aura.
Dongfang Bai, the master of Penglai Island in the East Sea, was dressed in white, looking like an immortal. He was playing with a white jade chess piece in his hand, as if he was ready to play a game of chess with someone at any time.
But the yellowed ancient book in his sleeve records the secrets of the islands in the East China Sea over the past century.
Ashina, the prince of Loulan in the Western Regions, had blond hair and blue eyes, a high nose and deep-set eyes. He was dressed in gorgeous Hu clothing and spoke broken Chinese, chatting enthusiastically with the officials beside him.
But the jewel-encrusted scimitar at his waist, with its ancient runes engraved on its scabbard, faintly exuded a bloody aura.
……
Everyone has a purpose.
Everyone is calculating.
On the surface, this banquet was a welcome feast and a warm-up for the upcoming concubine selection.
In reality, it was a war without gunfire.
A war in which various forces probe, clash, and strategize.
At the heart of the war was the Qin Emperor, who sat in the main seat, always with a lazy smile.
Qin Mu.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,
The music gradually faded, and the dancers withdrew.
The hall fell silent again.
Qin Mu slowly put down the wine cup in his hand, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, finally landing on Zhao Qingxue.
"The Empress."
He spoke, his voice carrying a peculiar echo through the pearl and jade tassels:
"The Empress should pay her respects at tomorrow's grand ceremony."
Zhao Qingxue nodded slightly:
"Of course. I am also very much looking forward to seeing what a grand ceremony Your Majesty will hold to take a concubine."
She paused, then added:
"After all, such a grand ceremony to marry a married woman is unprecedented in history."
These words were spoken calmly, yet each one was like a knife.
The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly froze.
The officials' expressions changed slightly, and they subconsciously looked at Xu Longxiang.
Xu Longxiang remained seated with his head down, expressionless, as if he hadn't heard anything.
Qin Mu smiled.
"Yes, unprecedented in history."
His voice carried an almost arrogant confidence:
"That's why I'm going to hold this grand event so that the whole world can see how I'm creating this unprecedented spectacle."
He paused, then turned his gaze to Xu Longxiang:
"Xu Aiqing, what do you think?"
All eyes were once again focused on Xu Longxiang.