Peace Order

"Offering gifts?"

The woman’s eyebrows raised, and the sword in her hand smoothly unsheathed.

With a resonant sword sound, the box taken out by Xue Yuheng was sliced in half. Many rare treasures gathered from the northwest scattered, their fragrance falling.

Clang!!!

The sword, as still as autumn water, pointed directly at Xue Yuheng’s forehead.

The Long Wind Tower Master said indifferently, "The gift-giving is a facade, seeking profit is your true aim."

"You take me as your stepping stone to climb higher."

In an instant, silence fell around them. The Xue Family members’ expressions changed slightly, and Nan Hanwen was stunned, then said, "Tower Master, this is a day of great joy. How can you rashly resort to weapons?"

Xue Yuheng stretched out his finger against the sword, seemingly angry:

"You haven’t yet wed, haven’t become the Empress of Great Qin, Shuangtao."

"Already so biased towards the Emperor? So eager to distance yourself from the Xue Family, to achieve the virtuous Empress’s name on history’s pages?!"

"So ungrateful?!"

"Have you forgotten how the Xue Family cared for you?!"

Xue Yuheng, being the head of a commercial route, still had a sharp tongue at such moments, directly jabbing at the most painful spot with sarcasm. Even if it wasn’t his intent, it affected the atmosphere, causing the surrounding Xue Family members’ gazes to change.

Little did they expect that the woman was no longer the naive girl of the past. She merely lifted her eyes, glanced around, saw the emotions in others’ eyes, and said:

"If this is how you think, then so be it!"

"If this is what you believe."

"Then let it be so!"

The people’s atmosphere was somewhat deathly silent, yet they remained somewhat dissatisfied.

Xue Shuangtao suddenly said, "If any of you feel discontented, unhappy, then so be it."

She took out a jade pendant, her voice cold and clear, and said:

"From today, Xue Shuangtao withdraws from the Xue Family."

"Related only to grandfather, Changqing."

Thus, the Xue Family disciples who were resentful earlier all showed a kind of fear in their eyes.

"Miss, Miss, how can you do this!"

"No, no... Miss!"

They were all thrown into panic.

Xue Shuangtao, however, suddenly shook her head in disappointment, and said, "Do you know, the reason why you all still exist, and the Xue Family still remains the same, is because the Emperor remembers past kindness, remembers grandfather’s help, and yet you are not satisfied, wanting more?!

"Xue Shuangtao may have spoken harshly today, please forgive me."

She lifted her eyes, stepped forward half a step, and said coldly:

"Do you match up?!"

These words were extremely rude, and at this moment, no one dared to speak.

The Long Wind Tower Master said, "My brother still has to conceal his identity, awaiting battles on the frontlines, living between life and death, only then earning military merits for promotion. You, for the country, have no merit even as much as a foot of land, no help with weapons for the world, and yet enjoy silk and satin, a carefree life, it’s a rare blessing already, how dare you use the Xue Family’s name to directly seek official titles and nobility."

"Simply dreaming!"

Xue Shuangtao’s sword was returned to its sheath.

The cold gaze of the Long Wind Tower Master swept over the direct descendants of the Xue Family. She indeed knew that in every dynasty, the family of the founding emperor’s wife would be richly rewarded, but she also knew, if that were the case, the past ten years of wandering and campaigning would revert to familiar paths.

Slender fingers tapped the sword hilt.

The long sword was as cold as snow.

Xue Shuangtao said, "The Great Qin honors martial and civil paths for promotions, rewards and punishments are clear, but there is absolutely no way to use the name of the Xue Family. No matter direct or collateral branch, Xue Family’s descendants will not receive any grants or rewards from Great Qin due to me."

"If indeed because of this, you were to gain anything."

Xue Shuangtao paused, the past decade flickering before her eyes.

She said, "Then, the sacrifice of so many people in these ten years would be in vain."

"Lord Nan Hanwen."

Nan Hanwen, impressed by this lady’s demeanor, stepped forward half a step, hands folded in respect, and said, "I am present."

Xue Shuangtao flicked her wrist.

Finally, the swordsmanship of the Fourth Layer Heaven that she learned from Chen Qingyan was displayed.

Directly slicing past Xue Yuheng’s sideburns.

Xue Yuheng’s hair fell, the compelling presence causing Xue Yuheng’s pupils to contract intensely, the next moment, Xue Shuangtao’s long sword returned to the sword scabbard, only a low hum from within it.

Xue Shuangtao turned to Nan Hanwen, handing over her sword, and said:

"This sword was used when I was in charge of the Long Wind Tower. Now, though the four seas are pacified, this sword still holds special privileges, it can be reported to His Majesty, if any Xue Family members deceive the Emperor, commit crimes, this sword can execute them!"

"Absolutely no mercy!"

With these words, a chilling aura emanated.

Instantly extinguishing the Xue Family direct descendants’ desires to take advantage of the newly established Great Qin and the unification of the four seas to receive titles and rewards.

This desire, originally present only in their minds, not particularly strong, was now thoroughly extinguished, never daring to show any hint again.

Xue Shuangtao looked towards Xue Daoyong, bowing deeply: "Grandfather."

She said nothing more.

Xue Daoyong sighed, seemingly tired, seemingly appreciative, and said, "Good."

He kept Mr. Nan Hanwen, then said to the others, "Do you still not leave quickly, what are you waiting for? Do you really need this sword to cut you down?!"

"Quickly retreat!"

After this, Xue Shuangtao felt dazed in her heart, went off for a walk, while Xue Daoyong took Nan Hanwen to the Wind Listening Pavilion, having two cups of tea brought by the shadow guards who had been with him from the Martial World to now.

Nan Hanwen gazed outward, from this view, water rippling, long wind swirling, then looked at the teacup on the table, smiled slightly and said, "Quietly listening to the wind, always accompanied by the long wind, what a fine Wind Listening Pavilion."