Chapter 85: Enmity Between the Yong Kingdom and Nan Dynasty?

Shen Ning’s gaze swept across the room, settling on these familiar faces, as a wave of hatred surged within her, making her wish to tear these people apart right now.

“I’ve heard that the Loyal and Brave Marquis is young and capable, the most trusted young minister of the Nan Dynasty Emperor. ” Ji Yucang’s voice was cold and merciless, tinged with an unnoticeable chill. “I wonder if I have the honor of witnessing the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s skills?”

Han Rong’s expression froze for a moment before he smiled modestly, “I only know a bit of amateurish kung fu, not daring to show off in front of the Regent.”

“Amateurish?” Yan Qingchen’s eyes swept over, seemingly puzzled. “Didn’t the general just say that the Loyal and Brave Marquis is only slightly inferior to the War Goddess Princess?”

As the words fell, Han Rong was completely stiffened, unable to respond.

The Nan Dynasty envoys were both uneasy and genuinely puzzled.

What was wrong with the Yong Kingdom’s ruler and his officials? Did they have a grudge against Nan Dynasty, or against the Loyal and Brave Marquis?

Why were they targeting the Loyal and Brave Marquis from the start?

Shouldn’t they first discuss the matter of marriage alliance?

“Regent. ” The middle-aged general spoke, his attitude respectful and humble. “We have come this time by the order of our emperor to establish a friendly alliance with the Yong Kingdom and to seek military assistance from the Yong Kingdom. To show our sincerity, we have specially presented two princesses, and we hope that the Yong Kingdom will agree to send troops—”

“Since you are seeking help from others, you should show the attitude of someone seeking help. ” Ji Yucang’s voice was cold and unyielding, his gaze fixed on Han Rong’s face. “You are the ones asking for help, don’t forget your position.”

Han Rong met those icy eyes, feeling an uncontrollable chill in his heart.

He was almost certain that the Regent and his consort were targeting him, and so was Princess Ping Yao.

But he didn’t understand why.

Why was the Regent targeting him?

Does he have a deep-seated grudge against him?

The middle-aged general spoke, “The Regent is right. Since we are seeking help, the conditions should naturally be set by your esteemed country. Please enlighten us, Regent.”

Ji Yucang turned his head to look at Shen Ning, “Consort, do you have any conditions?”

The Nan Dynasty officials were slightly surprised.

What did the Regent of the Yong Kingdom mean by this?

Regarding the important matter of alliance between two countries, he actually sought the opinion of a delicate woman?

“Regent. ” Shen Yunlin, Duke of the State finally couldn’t help but speak up, “Diplomacy is a matter of great importance between two countries and should be discussed in detail by the Regent and the two prime ministers on behalf of the Yong Kingdom and Nan Dynasty. Shen Ning is merely a woman of the inner chambers. Even though she is now married to the Regent as his wife, she should not easily interfere in diplomatic affairs. I hope the Regent will consider this carefully.”

Ji Yucang didn’t even spare him a glance, treating him as if he were air throughout the process.

“I have no conditions.” Shen Ning said indifferently, as if she hadn’t heard Shen Yunlin’s words. “Before discussing the marriage alliance, there are two issues to be resolved.”

The Nan Dynasty official, Lord Ji, respectfully spoke, “Please, Regent’s Consort.”

“First, I request a duel with the Loyal and Brave Marquis. If you win, we can then discuss the matter of military aid.”

“Second, I ask the envoys to provide a good explanation for the incident where General Ling disrupted the wedding at the Eldest Princess’s residence. If we do not receive a reasonable explanation, we will not discuss any friendly alliance with you.”

After speaking, she slowly rose from her seat, looking coldly at Han Rong, who was sitting at the guest table on the right, “Please.”

Han Rong frowned, “Consort, the alliance between two countries is a matter of great importance. How can the Consort act on a whim like this?”

“Shen Ning, what are you doing?” Shen Yunlin stood up in a hurry, his tone intense, “You are as weak as a chicken. What are you trying to show off here? Sit down quickly!”

Han Rong turned to look at Duke of the State, his gaze narrowing slightly, “This gentleman is…”

“I am the father of the Regent’s Consort. ” Shen Yunlin bowed in greeting. “The Consort is young and has only learned a bit of amateurish skills, which are only slightly better than those of an average delicate woman. She stands no chance against a trained martial artist. She may not take this matter seriously, but it is a big deal if she loses face for the Yong Kingdom. I hope the Regent will reconsider.”

“The Duke worries too much. ” Princess Pingyao, spoke at the right moment. “The Regent’s Consort is just a delicate woman. Even if she loses the duel, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s just that since this is our first meeting, both the Yong Kingdom and the Nan Dynasty envoys are unfamiliar with each other. A friendly match can liven up the atmosphere, it’s not that serious.”

Han Rong held his wine cup, deducing from their conversation that this Regent’s Consort was probably just strong in aura, liked to bluff, and wanted to show off her prowess in front of everyone.

She should not be a cause for concern.

“The diplomacy between two countries is indeed a matter of great importance, which is why the Consort wants to test whether the Loyal and Brave Marquis is qualified to negotiate with us,” Ji Yucang said. “Since the Consort has proposed it, I hope you will cooperate.”

The middle-aged general’s expression was also not looking good.

Even if he was slow to catch on, he could see that the Regent and his consort were indeed targeting the Loyal and Brave Marquis, without even bothering to hide it. And the reason they were targeting him seemed to be related to the Eldest Princess, the War Goddess?

But what connection did the War Goddess Princess, have with the Yong Kingdom?

“Regent. ” Lord Ji stood up and bowed in greeting. “We have come with sincere intentions to seek help. Whatever conditions the Yong Kingdom wants, we will try our best to meet them. However, I truly do not understand. Has the Loyal and Brave Marquis offended the Regent or the Consort? Or has he offended Princess Pingyao?”

Ji Yucang’s eyes were cold and fierce: “Since you are willing to meet any conditions we set, why are you all hesitating? Are we going to duel or not?”

Han Rong put down his wine cup and rose from his seat with composure. He bowed to the Regent and his consort: “Since that’s the case, I shall obey. However, as a man, it would be somewhat unfair for me to win against the Consort—”

Suddenly, a whooshing sound tore through the air.

Han Rong sensed danger and looked up in surprise, quickly dodging to the left, but he was still a step too late. A powerful kick struck him squarely in the chest—

Bang!

Han Rong’s robust body was sent flying like a kite with its string cut, crashing heavily to the ground with a loud thud.

The entire hall was stunned.

The air seemed to stop flowing at this moment.

On the left were the civil and military officials of the Yong Kingdom, and on the right were the civil and military envoys of Nan Dynasty. Nearly a hundred people simultaneously widened their eyes, unable to believe what they were witnessing.