Chapter 19: You Cannot Go Against Your Wife’s Will
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
New name:
沈迟 - Shen Chi (Imperial Guard Commander)
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“Does not know how to use a sword?"
Li Ruiyuan said meaningfully: "How can a world-famous swordsman not know how to wield a sword?"
After saying that, he turned his head and looked at the Empress beside him.
"After observing for so long, might the Empress have discerned something?"
"I am not well-versed in martial arts, so I cannot see any mysteries." The Empress smiled faintly, then turned her head towards the direction of Li Qiubai. “But for a woman like me, I am only able to perceive that Her Highness seems quite worried."
Upon hearing this, Li Ruiyuan also looked over.
Unlike her usual always smiling appearance, Li Qiubai's tightly knitted brows now clearly indicate to discerning eyes that the Princess is undoubtedly worried.
With the outcome on the line now, Young Master Meng has never drawn her sword from start to finish, solely relying on her exquisite Qinggong skill, seizing the opportunity to strike General Qi in an unguarded area.
Another kick and the fully armored General Qi was instantly kicked over by the Young Master.
Obviously, General Qi has been worn out, while the Young Master remains composed, holding the sword in place, calmly waiting for General Qi to get up.
It's now clear who will win and who will lose.
"I did not expect General Qi, with his pride, to learn such tricks of wielding a spear." Li Ruiyuan sighed lightly, then called out, "Shen Chi."
The commander of the imperial army who was guarding behind Li Ruiyuan immediately responded: "This humble servant is here!”
"Childish antics and petty fights are too boring. I do not want to watch it. Go and meet the son-in-law. If the son-in-law does not draw his sword today, do not bother coming back.”
Such a light and airy sentence, yet it made Shen Chi's heart sink.
After serving the monarch for many years, how could he not discern the deeper meaning behind His Majesty's words?
“This servant understands."
Unfortunately, the two vigorously fighting on the stage at this moment have no idea about the ruler's intentions.
General Qi, who has fallen again and can no longer get up, allows the sweat to slide down his face without wiping it. He just lies flat on the stage, staring blankly in the direction of the sky, and, absentmindedly, he asks the question that most people in the hall at this moment want to know: “Why are you not drawing your sword? Are you looking down on me?”
Meng Chang'an lowered her gaze for a moment and said, “Her Highness mentioned not wanting to shed blood. I cannot go against my wife's will.”
Although her voice was gentle and soft, it was enough for everyone in the hall to hear what the Young Master said clearly.
Oh? So, the Prince Consort is a wife-slave!
This impression had taken root in the hearts of most courtiers.
Even though the Princess knew this was just an excuse from the Young Master, in that instant of hearing those words, she couldn't help the sudden joy that surged in her heart, unwittingly curling up the corners of her mouth.
"I lost."
General Qi's dejected remark had already made the Young Master notice some clues.
It seems this person might indeed have intentions towards the Princess.
Meng Chang'an furrowed her brow, unable to fathom the source of her heart's unease.
Considering this person had deliberately exposed flaws for her to strike moments ago, Young Master finally nodded at him, politely saying, “Understood.”
Ai, why didn't she strike harder when he was going easy earlier?
Just when the Young Master was feeling regretful, a strong gust of wind suddenly hit her from behind.
That kind of strong wind carries a strong killing intent.
Meng Chang'an suddenly became vigilant.
The blade has not yet arrived, but the aura has already reached.
With no time for regret, Young Master Meng acted decisively. In an instant, she leaned directly to her left, her body falling, almost touching the ground. Just before hitting the ground, Young Master Meng tipped her toes and swiftly slid away from her original position.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
In this way, she managed to evade the strike that was supposed to land on her white jade crown.
Once out of danger and back to stability, Young Master finally saw the newcomer.
"Commander Shen? What is the meaning of this?"
"Seeing the Prince Consort's exceptional skills, Shen Chi is not talented. I wish to ask the Prince Consort for guidance!"
Having said that, without giving Meng Chang'an a chance to catch her breath, Shen Chi had already swung his blade and chased after her.
Not like the restrained skirmish with Qi Yi just now, Shen Chi's every strike was filled with a strong intent to kill.
Each strike was followed by another, weaving a tightly-knit net that directly covered Meng Chang'an.
Even Meng Chang'an's footing couldn't escape the blockade of those chilling flashes.
Shen Chi's strikes were too fast, so fast that Meng Chang'an couldn't even evade them.
The wooden guard rail around the stage had completely shattered under Shen Chi's swordsmanship.
Encountering a skilled swordsman, Meng Chang'an was actually eager to engage in a battle. But she wasn't foolish. Initially, she couldn't understand why the commander of the Imperial Guards would target her. However, upon careful consideration, in front of the civil and military officials, if not ordered by the Emperor, how could Shen Chi dare to make such a ruthless move against her, the nominal son-in-law?
After understanding this reasoning, Meng Chang'an couldn't help but feel somewhat hesitant and cautious.
She couldn't draw her sword; without her weapon's assistance, and unable to use hidden weapons, how could she possibly be Shen Chi's match?
With just a slight oversight, Shen Chi's blade landed on Meng Chang'an's left shoulder.
"Hiss..."
That strike landed precisely on the golden silk armor bestowed by the Princess.
Although the strike failed to cut into the flesh and shoulder bone of the Young Master due to the protection of the golden silk armor, the profound inner strength emanating from Shen Chi still numbed the Young Master's arm.
Beads of cold sweat dripped from Meng Chang'an's forehead.
"Golden silk armor?" Shen Chi was slightly surprised, but in an instant, he masked his astonishment. He leaned close to the Young Master's ear and whispered softly, “With things having reached this point, why has not the Prince Consort drawn his sword? If not, my next strike may aim for the Prince Consort’s neck.”
The strong murderous intent in that tone had already made Meng Chang'an's heart tremble.
What a madman!
Meng Chang'an never expected that besides those with hidden intentions, who could smile deceitfully in the palace, there would also be such a madman unafraid of death and unbothered by the officials' words.
She dared to assure herself that if this continued, she wouldn't wait for the Emperor to demand her head; she'd be killed by this madman.
In desperation, Meng Chang'an could no longer care too much. With a slight force, her hand holding the sword had already jolted the Lightning Swan Sword within the scabbard.
As Shen Chi looked in surprise at the soaring Lightning Swan Sword leaving its scabbard, Meng Chang'an seized the opportunity to break away.
Immediately after, Meng Chang’an spun up to catch the sword.
The jade-green hilt was slightly cold. Gripping the Lightning Swan Sword tightly, Meng Chang'an swung the sword upwards in Shen Chi's direction.
Wherever the Lightning Swan Sword passed, layers of sword energy surged forth, and even the red carpet laid on the stage was sliced into two halves.
Meng Chang'an swiftly slammed her palm toward the ground, using the split carpet to block Shen Chi's line of sight as it flew up into the air. With her opponent's vision obstructed, she followed the memory of her past defeat at her elder brother's sword technique, swiftly changing positions and wielding the sword in her hand, pressing closer and closer toward Shen Chi's direction.
Only then did Li Ruiyuan, who was seated on the dragon throne, smile satisfactorily.
"Now that is some strength! Qiu Sheng, pay close attention. How does the swordsmanship used by the son-in-law differ from what you have seen in the descriptions of the Lightning Swan Sword technique in the sword manual?"
The red carpet was shattered by the sword's energy, and Shen Chi was disoriented by the scattered cloth. For a moment, he couldn't find Meng Chang'an's position.
Just with this move, Shen Chi's right arm was struck by a sword.
The Lightning Swan Sword tore through Shen Chi's armguard, staining it with blood.
"Good, very good."
Shen Chi, usually solemn, surprisingly smiled. Stirred by this sword, Commander Shen, who had not been injured for a long time, was filled with a strong fighting spirit. He ignored the injury on his hand, channeling energy again, and shattered the cloth around him with his sword.
In a moment, the shattered pieces of cloth had turned into fine powder, drifting downward.
As the obstructive material dissipated, Shen Chi had already located Meng Chang'an's position. Without delay, he leaped up and aimed a kick towards her chest.
He intended to have a good fight with this Prince Consort, but unexpectedly, the opponent deliberately sold him a flaw, perhaps to end this battle quickly.
At this point, Young Master Meng had lost the intent to evade, allowing the kick to strike her, following through with that force as she fell backward.
Swordplay focuses on thrusting and probing, while knife techniques emphasize slashing and chopping.
The Young Master was accustomed to using knives, and this time, she merely replicated a move from her elder brother's sword technique.
If this continued, she might inadvertently act according to her own habits, revealing a flaw.
Therefore, she had no choice but to stop as soon as possible.
The Young Master knew there would be some pain, but she didn’t know it would be so painful.
She hadn't expected Madman Shen to add a bit of internal force to that kick. It shook her chest, causing intense pain, and she couldn't stop the metallic taste rising in her throat. While still in midair, she forcefully coughed out a mouthful of blood.
The Young Master thought landing on the cold, icy ground would be more painful, but unexpectedly, the pain she imagined didn't come again.
Before touching the ground, she was already caught in the embrace of the Princess rushing towards her.
"Your Highness?"
Surprised by the slightly lingering concern in the Princess’ eyes, Young Master Meng was momentarily stunned. She even forgot the pain in her own body.
Without giving her much chance to speak, the Princess had already placed her on the ground nearby.
"Wait for me.”
Thus, Meng Chang'an finally saw the seized Imperial Sword the Princess had hastily taken.
At that moment, Young Master Meng felt her heart pounding even harder.
"Commander Shen, I have also studied swordsmanship with my mother for a few years. If you really want to learn, instead of seeking the Prince Consort, I can accompany you to practice!"
The frosty-faced Princess’ gaze shocked Shen Chi, causing him to instinctively halt his steps toward Meng Chang'an.
He sheathed his sword quickly, dropping to one knee and clasping his hands in deference. "I dare not, Your Highness!"
He dared to fight the Prince Consort because it was the Emperor's command.
But challenging the Princess was something Shen Chi truly dared not do.
"You dare not? Why do I feel you are quite daring?"
After gritting her teeth and saying this, Li Qiubai said no more and directly swung her sword upwards, stabbing Shen Chi straight away.
Author’s Note:
This article will be published in V* on Friday, 2.7 (Feb. 7), and three chapters in one (10,000 words) will be updated on the same day! Comments on the V chapter on the day of publication will have red envelopes! Little ones, remember to come!
*paid chapter
