Chapter 125: Do You Think I Wouldn't Dare?

Lu Qingqing understood the implication of his words. For someone accustomed to freedom, how could he possibly shoulder the heavy banner of the realm?
Yet, there was no choice.
"Your Highness’s blood connection to the Emperor is undeniable," Lu Qingqing said in a low, steady voice. "Some responsibilities are yours to bear the moment you became a member of the Murong family."
"I understand..."
Wang Hao knew the urgency of the situation. He knew how rampant the criminal forces led by Li Gui were. He knew Gong Fang’s thoughts and the helplessness she felt deep within.
Convinced that Yun Qiuchen had done something untoward, Yun Qiufang excitedly dragged Guo Yujiao into the west wing, rushing toward the inner chamber from where the sounds originated.
After being ushered into a car by a crowd, Ma Qingfeng finally realized that his elimination of Wei Minsheng had become common knowledge among all the bathhouses and clubs in Jinan. Every gang boss wanted him to guard their establishments, with many offering a monthly retainer of one hundred thousand, while others even promised him a twenty-percent stake in their businesses.
Lin Dong’s fearsome reputation, combined with his connection to Sun Qian and the fact that he had cured her father, made everyone treat him as an honored guest.
Lin Guoqing’s chopsticks clattered to the floor, and even Zhang Xiaojun, usually the most composed of them all, was at a loss for what to do.
Sincere, earnest, and profound. Perhaps, after that very moment, anyone who had watched the broadcast could truly grasp the weight of these words. They had been brought to life, made tangible; even those who did not understand before could now comprehend.
Upon hearing this, Shang Xianyue could no longer sit still. She sprang up instantly and darted out like a bolt of lightning, flying toward the gates of Luohua City.
This was because most of the clansmen had never seen the real Liu Jing before, but the elders had. It was then that Liu Jing realized his true test had only just begun.
In Weiyang Prefecture, Dong Yuan had unilaterally expanded his local militia by over eight thousand men, naming them the Ruifeng Army. He recruited his former subordinates from the East Min Army as officers, effectively turning the Ruifeng Army into his own private force.
Yidu Commandery was originally the fief of Liu Qi and had always been under the command of the Nanjun Army. After Cao Cao moved south, the five thousand garrison troops in Yidu withdrew as well. The Cao army did not deploy a large force there, leaving only a thousand men for a symbolic occupation.
Liu Heng pulled Zhao Beichen straight back to the main hall. When Zhao Beichen reached the threshold, she saw Imperial Physician Jiang kneeling inside and quickly withdrew her hand from Liu Heng’s grip, hiding outside the door.
As if to confirm Zhao Yan’s words, the black mist on Song Ji’s face had reached its peak, baring its fangs and claws as it lunged toward Song Xian.
Gu Yan curled his lips faintly, staring at her. His exquisite eyes were focused and dark, so profound that they seemed capable of drawing her in.
Qi Yun’s expression turned to one of shock; she felt the middle-aged man’s gaze as sharp as a blade, as if it could pierce through all her thoughts.
"Just say that the Northwest Grand General, personally appointed by the Emperor, has come to relieve the siege of Youzhou’s west city, and hopes to discuss a strategy to repel the enemy," said Zhao Beichen.
Liu Cuizhi was stunned. She had only been thinking about securing the marriage and had not considered the Mei Youcai factor.
A familiar cold flame appeared before him, though this time the deep blue hue was more intense, radiating a bone-chilling cold and carrying a peculiar resonance, somewhat similar to the Yin-Yang diagram.
If not for her imperial father backing her, the title of "Imperial City Hell-Raiser" would surely have been hers.
Especially when picking up a rare type of junk for the first time, the rewards were often far more generous.
Mu Ziyuan shrank back, hoping he would not recognize her as the silly girl who had cried and called him "Mother."
She was dressed in a light, black gauze garment; it was often said that the Southern Barbarian tribes were bold, and one could even catch glimpses of the princess’s bodice beneath the sheer fabric.