Chapter 17: Feeding

Chapter 17: Feeding

Xie Xuan Yuan looked at Lu Changping accepting the challenge without understanding the consequences and silently withdrew his hand that was trying to hold "her" back, displeased.

Although the Princess of Changle is a brainless fool, in terms of martial skills, she is still among the best in the capital's noble ladies.

He originally intended to favor Consort Lu, but she was unappreciative of his efforts.

Hmph, being unappreciative is fine. In a while, if Consort Lu suffers at the hands of another, wouldn't she still end up crying and throwing herself into his arms, asking him to do her justice?

Thinking this way, Xie Xuan Yuan felt much more balanced in his heart.

He waved his hand, signaling the attendants by his side to quickly prepare a space for the contest.

The attendants efficiently moved tables and chairs, and according to the tyrant's preference, specially prepared candied fruits on the table.

Everything was ready, just waiting for the show to begin.

Both the Princess of Changle and Lu Changping changed into narrow-sleeved outfits that were easier to move in. Lu Changping, being naturally tall, appeared even more imposing without the encumbrance of wide sleeves and robes.

Of course, not everyone in the harem of the North Guard could appreciate his height like the tyrant did.

After changing into lighter clothes, the Princess of Changle took another careful look at Lu Changping and quickly noticed that the biggest flaw on her body was—the lack of chest.

Taking advantage of the fact that Xie Xuan Yuan couldn't hear from a distance, and Lu Changping was "mute" and couldn't speak, she didn't hide the contempt on her face and taunted:

"And they say you're the number one beauty of Southern Chu? I see it's nothing but an empty reputation. With a chest as flat as a washboard, what exactly did you use to seduce His Majesty?"

Lu Changping, already accustomed to being mocked for his flat chest following the tyrant's teasing on their wedding day, has gradually adopted a more peaceful and Zen-like attitude.

What's the big deal about being flat-chested? Surely, they didn't expect him to nurse children in the future?

Recalling the tyrant's comforting words, a faint smile appeared on his face as he deliberately mouthed to Princess Changle, "Can't help it, His Majesty just likes it this way."

His message was simple, and he slowed down his lip movements, making it easy for Princess Changle to understand, which twisted her expression instantly.

This mute dared to be so arrogant in front of her! She vowed to tear apart that seductive face!

With this malicious thought, Princess Changle specifically chose a whip, planning to target Consort Lu's face until it was disfigured.

Lu Changping, unhesitatingly and to the disbelief of the onlookers, picked up a long spear.

Such heavy and long weapons were almost considered luxury decorations in the martial training grounds prepared for princes and royal sons.

The reason was simple: princesses and noble ladies couldn't wield them, and the pretentious princes and royal sons preferred swords for their ease of showing off.

It wasn't that Lu Changping didn't want to use a sword, but in a duel in front of the tyrant, to prevent assassination attempts, only blunt swords without sharp edges were used.

How could such a sword compare to the hefty spear in his hands in terms of impact?

However, he was so thrilled that he momentarily forgot to consider the spectators' feelings.

Lu Changping and his sister, known as the most beautiful woman in Southern Chu, shared a striking resemblance, making his face highly deceptive.

Those in the palace who had seen Consort Lu had already quietly labeled the consort as a fragile beauty, akin to a delicate vase.

When they suddenly saw the "delicate vase" effortlessly wielding a spear with one hand, everyone had a look of utter shock.

Lu Changping gave them a sympathetic glance, thinking if it weren't for the tyrant sitting nearby, he could have performed a feat like breaking a stone with his chest to astonish these easily amazed folks.

But as much as he entertained the thought, what would happen to the tyrant's innocent heart if he actually did that?

Considering the tyrant's feelings, Lu Changping deliberated carefully before acting, deciding to still conceal his strength and let others believe he was merely born with great physical power.

Not long after choosing their weapons, the contest officially began. The Princess of Changle and Consort Lu harbored their own thoughts, yet both struck with ruthless efficiency, as if by agreement.

The Princess of Changle's triumph was short-lived; the whip she brandished in the air was skillfully entangled by Lu Changping onto his spear.

Caught in a dilemma, she refused to let go of her weapon and ultimately could only watch helplessly as Lu Changping pulled her in for a close-range beating.

Consort Lu, seemingly gentle and harmless with her beautiful appearance, struck with both stability and ruthlessness. Even though she wielded a blunt spear without an edge, it did not hinder her from beating her opponent to cries of anguish.

The proud and overbearing Princess of Changle had never suffered such a loss. After being solidly hit a few times, she quickly forgot her boastful claims before the match and awkwardly dodged while pleading for help from Emperor Xie Xuan Yuan, who was watching from the sidelines.

"Your Majesty, Consort Lu is so malicious at heart. This is no contest; she clearly intends to use it as a chance to kill me! You must seek justice for me."

Emperor Xie Xuan Yuan turned a deaf ear to the Princess of Changle's tearful accusations. Instead, he found himself increasingly pleased with Consort Lu, whom he had appointed, admiring the surprises she brought each time.

As for the life and death of his aunt's granddaughter? If Consort Lu killed her on the spot, wouldn't that be better? It would save him the trouble of having to do it himself later, avoiding complaints from the Empress Dowager and the court elders.

He leaned back in his chair, taking pleasure in watching Consort Lu beat people with her spear. Eventually, tired of the Princess of Changle's pig-like screams, he lazily said:

"If I remember correctly, it was you who first proposed to contest Consort Lu. Since you wanted a contest, you should be prepared to lose. In my view, Consort Lu did nothing wrong; it's merely that you are no match for her."

Lu Changping glanced at the tyrant from the corner of his eye, noting his lack of intention to defend the Princess of Changle, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Emperor Xie Xuan Yuan was the true ruthless one.

The Princess of Changle, after all, was the tyrant's cousin, and now she was about to be killed by an outsider like himself, yet the tyrant could sit there without moving a muscle.

No matter how he looked at it, there seemed to be a conspiracy... Could it be that the tyrant had long been displeased with the Princess of Changle and wanted to use someone else to do the dirty work, then pin the blame on him, Lu Changping?

This thought suddenly emerging, Lu Changping felt a chill down his spine and abruptly stopped.

He was meant to attract hatred on behalf of the tyrant, not to take the blame for him. Although the Princess of Changle was not likable, giving her a harsh lesson should suffice.

The match on the field was decided, and Princess Chang Le, with her hair disheveled and face covered in dust, was supported down by her maids.

A quick-witted eunuch took the weapon from Consort Lu's hands, but clearly underestimated its weight; the moment Lu Changping let go, the full weight bore down on him.

The eunuch lost his balance and only managed to clumsily grab the spear and steady himself with the help of other palace servants.

Seeing this, Lu Changping offered an apologetic smile to the servants before turning to stride towards Xie Xuan Yuan.

Even after he had walked a considerable distance, the servants were still staring at his retreating figure in a daze.

Under the dazzling sunlight, Lu Changping's partially tied black hair shimmered, and his tall, slender figure exuded an air of spirited elegance.

Xie Xuan Yuan watched the approaching beauty, Lu, and for a moment felt as if he was seeing a stranger.

Such a radiant person should not, because of his selfish reasons for going to war with Southern Chu, be buried in the cold solitude of the deep palace...

Lu Changping wasn't a mind-reader of the tyrant; he assumed Xie Xuan Yuan's momentary distraction was him concocting some sinister plan, hence he was on high alert.

Sure enough, he then heard the tyrant regretfully say, "In my Northern Guard, martial arts sparring has always been a matter of life and death. It's common to accidentally kill someone in the process. Why hold back, Consort?"

Lu Changping sneered internally; if he took the tyrant's words to heart and actually killed someone, he'd be the Dowager's faction's target the next day.

He feared that before he could stir up the waters of the Northern Guard's court, he'd be the one in deep trouble.

Understanding the unspoken, Lu Changping continued to play his part with the tyrant, rubbing his wrists and feigning exhaustion.

Xie Xuan Yuan took the bait, expressing concern immediately, "Did you hurt your hand? How careless. Rest assured, I will severely punish Princess Chang Le in your name later, to avenge my beloved consort."

The tyrant was clearly trying to make him the target of resentment!

Lu Changping glared at the tyrant, took the handkerchief offered by Ji Yue to clean his hands, and then reluctantly sat down next to the tyrant.

After receiving a glare from the beautiful Lu, Xie Xuan Yuan generously smiled and continued, "Consort, you needn't feel embarrassed. All this, I do willingly for you."

Today, the tyrant was in a good mood, playing the role of a doting emperor to his favored consort with great conviction. Seeing Lu Changping with a gloomy face, he casually picked up a piece of candied fruit and brought it to his lips.

However, Consort Lu did not give him the satisfaction, turning her head away directly.

The tyrant's handsome face darkened, and in a voice only they could hear, he threatened softly, "If you dare not eat, tomorrow I will send troops to attack Southern Chu. Once it falls, I will cut off your brother's head and use it as a wine vessel."

How dare Xie Xuan Yuan!

Upon hearing this threat, Lu Changping couldn't control himself and turned back to glare furiously at the tyrant.

Over such a trivial matter, the tyrant would attack Southern Chu! And even claimed he would drink wine from his brother's skull!

The latter threat he doubted the tyrant could actually fulfill. But the former was a genuine concern.

This capricious tyrant acted entirely on his whims, defying all logic. If he truly sent troops, all of Lu's previous efforts would have been in vain.

For the sake of Southern Chu and Zhao Ping, he ultimately refrained from further provoking the tyrant's limits.

After hesitating for a moment, Consort Lu closed her eyes in shame, then parted her lips slightly and took the candied fruit.

"That's right. As long as the consort obediently follows my commands, Southern Chu and your brother can continue their feeble existence for a while longer."

Having gained an advantage, Xie Xuan Yuan couldn't resist showing off, feeding her more while she compliantly allowed him to do as he pleased.

From a distance, the Princess of Changle, who had just changed into clean clothes and bandaged her wounds, watched the scene of the tyrant and Consort Lu displaying their affection, almost grinding her teeth to dust.

With Xie Xuan Yuan now in power, did he really think everyone from his past was dead?

Today, he and that despicable consort humiliated her in front of everyone; she wouldn't hesitate to spread his dark secrets far and wide!

Author's note:

Tyrant: I'm going to chop off your brother's head and drink from it!

Consort Lu: Try chopping one off, and after that, you can become a widower.

My dear angels, I apologize for the tardy update from your procrastinating author. I fell asleep while writing last night, truly sorry QAQ!

I'll try to update again tonight! Determined not to feel sleepy! I can do it!