This scoundrel is a bit of a swordsman.

Chapter 224 Receiving the Imperial Decree Standing Up

Chunmei adopted a defiant attitude, while Ruoxue looked around helplessly. The Prince Kao Shan's mansion was indeed quite eye-catching. Some people even made no attempt to hide it, swaggering over to bring a table and sitting leisurely at the entrance, drinking tea as if it were written on their foreheads: "I'm here to spy on you!"

Their arrogance was simply unparalleled.

"Who exactly is directing these people?"

Ruoxue asked a question.

"There are many more. The former kings have collectively submitted a memorial expressing their strong dissatisfaction with Xiao Xingchen's enfeoffment as a king, and their subordinates have also sprung into action. The arrogant people you see are the former kings' disciples. As for those you can't see, they are mostly spies from various countries. So, the Kao Shan Royal Palace is truly bustling with activity right now!"

"Understood. Then we'll do as you say. I'll go talk to him. Since they want to see, we don't need to hide anything, lest they think we have something to hide."

Ruoxue's attitude represented Xiao Xingchen's attitude. In fact, after learning about this, Xiao Xingchen nonchalantly had fruit platters and wine sent to those who were monitoring him. This left many people bewildered, as if they had the illusion that the Prince's Mansion was entertaining guests.

These were all trivial matters that flashed through Xiao Xingchen's mind and he quickly dismissed them.

At this moment, his gaze was fixed on the Ling family members who were dressed up like human beings, and he couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Ling Feiyuan volunteered to be a shadow, so he was no longer suitable to appear in crowded places. After the Ling family members were incorporated into the Prince's Mansion, they were led by Shen Yuan.

Originally, these people were like beggars huddled in a corner, but after only a few days in the mansion, they were completely subdued by the girls of Huayu Tower. They all wore flower hats and had fresh flowers in their bodies, and there was no trace of military discipline left.

This worried Xiao Xingchen greatly. Indeed, the land of gentle pleasures is the burial ground of heroes! If things continue like this, won't this group of people be ruined?

If they act decisively, either the Ling family army or Huayulou can survive.

“Young master, please rest assured. We are loyal to the Han, even though we are in Cao Cao’s camp. We will never abandon you like those girls did.”

Shen Yuan made a solemn promise, but the air of arrogance emanating from him made Xiao Xingchen shake his head and sigh.

"How many members of the Ling family army have entered the Prince's mansion? And how are they being arranged?" Xiao Xingchen's tone revealed a hint of worry.

"There are thirty-nine people. I will serve as the official, and the positions of kitchen staff, servants, and guards will all be filled by these thirty-nine people. Rest assured, we will definitely obey your every word from now on."

"What about Cangshan? Has anything unusual happened while I was away?" Xiao Xingchen asked with a furrowed brow and a worried expression.

"Young Master Fei Yuan has already gone there personally, so there shouldn't be any problems. The loyalty of the Ling family army is as unbreakable as steel, without the slightest doubt."

Shen Yuan's words did not reassure Xiao Xingchen; on the contrary, they deepened his worries.

“My concern is not for the Ling family army. Your expansion is so rapid that those who come later may not obey our orders.”

“Young master, their food supplies are all in our hands, so you can rest assured. If you were to overthrow Emperor Wu, the Cangshan tribe would surely turn out in full force and support you as their king.”

"Alright, alright, Shen Yuan, don't say things like that again. I don't want to lose my head. By the way, how many people did the Princess send in?"

"The Princess's residence has arranged seventy-two people for us, and the Fourth Prince has also arranged thirty people. Everyone is registered and their records are verifiable. From now on, we are no longer people without status. On behalf of them, I kowtow to express my gratitude to you, young master."

Shen Yuan's words grew increasingly agitated. Over a hundred people had been hiding in Yong'an, all without official identities, their only means of survival being begging. Now, however, they could finally walk openly in the sunlight—what incredible fortune for those who had spent years lurking in the shadows!

Initially, some people complained about Ling Feiyuan's arrangements, but now no one objected. The combined residences of the Prince of Kao Shan, the Eldest Princess, and the Fourth Prince were enough to contend with any power in the Great Qian Dynasty. For them, this was simply a godsend.

Hearing that so many people had been assigned tasks, Xiao Xingchen finally calmed down. Luckily, he had planned ahead and dispersed the Ling family members; otherwise, they would definitely have aroused suspicion.

"Has the Princess given any instructions?"

"The princess said she wants to personally visit your palace when you return..." Shen Yuan said somewhat guiltily.

"You've come here to laugh at me, haven't you? After you've made such a mess of things, how dare I receive anyone here?"

"I don't know about that, but they didn't say anything else."

Xiao Xingchen sighed helplessly, just as he was wondering whether he should call a meeting, when he heard the sound of gongs and drums coming from the side.

"What's going on? Is there some great celebration?" he asked, puzzled. He had just entered the Prince's residence when people started banging drums and gongs outside.

"I gonna go see."

Before Shen Yuan had even stepped outside, he heard someone shout.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, His Majesty's decree has arrived; you are summoned to receive it."

"The Martial Emperor?" Xiao Xingchen's eyes turned cold. Had the Martial Emperor discovered his whereabouts so quickly? This was truly hasty. He had only been back for less than a quarter of an hour, and the rewards had already arrived. Clearly, the Martial Emperor had already ordered his men to set off while he was still emerging from the anthill.

Although he couldn't fully understand Emperor Wu's thoughts, he could guess them pretty accurately. These tactics, while not particularly sophisticated, were quite effective.

Now he is being watched closely by many people, and he wanted to keep a low profile, but Emperor Wu did not agree.

He already knew in his heart that this reward would be extraordinary.

"Well then, since Emperor Wu is so kind, how can we refuse? It'll be a good opportunity for you to earn more military funds."

Outside the Prince Kao Shan's mansion, Ruoxue stood gracefully at the forefront, followed by the Prince Kao Shan's men who came out upon hearing the commotion. Among them were charming young ladies from Huayu Tower and elite members of the Ling family.

The sounds of gongs and drums resounded throughout the Prince Kao Shan's mansion, like the grandest bells, deafeningly loud. The Dragon-Patterned Army escorted carriages laden with treasures, slowly approaching.

These gold and silver jewels were openly displayed outside the carriages, as if flaunting their luxury and preciousness to the world, leaving everyone speechless. The carriages, like a dazzling galaxy, stretched through the entire Yong'an Street.

"This is a convoy that has come out of the Imperial Palace. It looks like Emperor Wu is going to reward that waiter."

In a teahouse, representatives from various countries couldn't help but marvel. Such a grand reward surpassed any previous one. The endless line of carriages resembled a winding dragon, exuding an imposing aura. They couldn't help but exclaim, "The Great Qian Dynasty is indeed incredibly wealthy!"

"Let's go to the Prince Kaoshan's mansion. We must meet this Xiao Xingchen in person."

As the convoy moved forward, more and more people surged toward the Prince Kaoshan's mansion like a tide. They were all eager to catch a glimpse of the new king, who was at the height of his power, and wondered what other extraordinary qualities he possessed besides Xiaojianxian's formidable reputation.

"Wow, such a big fuss?"

Xiao Xingchen, who had just stepped out of the mansion, was also shocked by the scene before him.

Gold and silver treasures were piled up in front of the mansion gate; he had never seen so much money before.

"Could you be Emperor Wu's illegitimate son? There's no way you should be rewarded like this; it violates the rules of etiquette."

Ruoxue asked in confusion, "Dozens of carriages carrying gold and silver, escorted by the Dragon Pattern Army, have already stopped. As for how many more carriages are still waiting at the end of the street, it's impossible to say."

"Since he gave it to us, we should accept it. There's no need to be polite with Emperor Wu."

"You're so straightforward, aren't you afraid he has ulterior motives?"

"It's obvious that Emperor Wu wants me to be in the spotlight and attract everyone's attention so that he can act in secret. Since it's so straightforward, why shouldn't I accept it? Consider this my reward for scheming against me."

“That makes some sense. Look, the Princess is here.”

The two spoke in hushed tones. Suddenly, Ruoxue's eyes caught sight of Huangfu Lingxue. She nodded slightly. Clearly, it was inappropriate for the Princess to be too high-profile in this setting; their conversation would take place after the investiture ceremony.

"Your Highness, receive the imperial decree!"

A sharp voice shattered the noise, silencing everyone. Those at the door immediately knelt, including Ruoxue and Huangfu Lingxue; a large group of them instantly knelt as well.

"Prince Kao Shan, receive the imperial decree!"

The eunuch, who had arrived on horseback, held the imperial edict in his hands, waiting for Xiao Xingchen to kneel and receive it. Everyone else at the door knelt down, but Xiao Xingchen remained standing there, seemingly oblivious.

"Your Highness, receive the imperial decree," the eunuch's face was grim. No one had ever dared to stand and receive an imperial decree before, but today he seemed to have encountered one. He kept repeating this phrase, his eyes constantly flashing at Xiao Xingchen.

But Xiao Xingchen ignored him, showing no intention of kneeling, and arrogantly said,

"I accept this decree. Will you read it aloud in public, or simply throw it at me?"

With a "whoosh," those who heard this were speechless, only able to marvel at the sheer awesomeness of this powerful figure.

"What a powerful figure he is, a king with a strong backing. His relationship with Emperor Wu doesn't seem to be very good."

"He Zhi is nothing special. Even Emperor Wu's imperial edict couldn't make this person kneel. He's either an idiot or so confident that he's not afraid of Emperor Wu at all."

"A man who can become a powerful figure with powerful backing is no fool, but where does his confidence come from?"

. . .

A murmur of discussion arose, as people were astonished by Xiao Xingchen's behavior; it was a blatant slap in the face to the Martial Emperor.

Outside the crowd, the envoys from various countries looked at Xiao Xingchen with great interest, like curious children.

On a high-rise building, Shan Liangzheng, from the otherworldly realm, stood respectfully beside a woman, watching everything like a loyal guard.

The woman was none other than the one who had entered the city discreetly. She sat gracefully by the high railing, her jade-like hand lightly raised as she elegantly brewed tea. Occasionally, she would glance at the gate of the Prince of Kao Shan's mansion, like a cunning fox, and said softly, "Shan Liang, let's make a bet. We'll bet on whether Xiao Xingchen will kneel down. The stake is the Flying Immortal Sword, how about it?"

Its voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, but it made the lone swordsman turn his head away directly. His face was cold and stern, like the water of a cold pool. He said indifferently, "I won't gamble. Your bets are all traps. I have fallen for them many times. I will not gamble this time."

"Hehe, what an oblivious fool you are. You've always been the one to ask me to gamble; I've never forced you. Besides, haven't you always dreamed of the Flying Immortal Sword? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Martial Emperor's majesty cannot be easily offended; your chances of winning are very high."

The woman continued to coax Shan Liang, which made him hesitate.

Everyone knows Shan Liang is a skilled swordsman, but no one knows that he is also a great gambler. Over the years, his gambling skills have reached a level of unparalleled mastery.

However, since meeting this woman, he has truly understood what gambling is like, not only losing all his wealth but also becoming this woman's bodyguard.

The once-great swordsman has now fallen to such a state. He secretly resented the trap set by this woman, but there was nothing he could do, after all, he had to accept the consequences of his bet.

However, the woman's identity is mysterious, and he still doesn't know who this woman named Xizhu is, which makes him extremely cautious.

Whenever the woman mentioned the betting, he would simply ignore her, which can be considered as successfully kicking his gambling addiction.

However, when the stakes were the Flying Immortal Sword, his heart began to stir again, as if countless ants were gnawing at his heart.