Chapter 25: Uncle, Hit me here.
Fang Yuan didn’t hesitate.
"I accept the challenge," he said.
And then, just as everyone braced for formality and tradition.
He offered the most outrageous counterproposal.
"Uncle," Fang Yuan said casually, "since you’re the senior... and also the older one..."
A pause.
Somewhere off in the corner, Elder He Song nearly choked on his wine and hacked into his sleeve, drawing a few startled glances.
Fang Wei’s eyes narrowed, his tone clipped. "Cousin, what is it you’re trying to say? There’s no need for veiled insults after you’ve already accepted the Rite of Challenge."
But Fang Yuan only tilted his head and offered a smile so polite it was practically mocking.
"Well, as the one receiving the challenge," he said, "don’t I have the right to set the rules?"
He turned toward the Crown Prince, asking not out of doubt but to make the entire courtyard hear it.