Chapter 1752 - 1738
The Princess Consort was speaking well of Vice General Xing beside her. These words fell into Feng Luo’s ears, causing her to stifle a snicker. Just moments ago, she was thinking of urging Prince He Shuo to give the Silver Silk Sword to Chu Ge, all while playing the role of the benevolent one herself.
Indeed, she is a woman with an ulterior motive. Rumor has it that the Princess Consort was once greatly out of favor, but after a life-threatening escape, she seemed to transform, meticulously planning her rise within the Prince Manor, eventually becoming the most favored woman by the side of Prince He Shuo.
In hindsight, such an outcome is unsurprising.
Feng Luo stuck her tongue out at the Princess Consort’s back, making a ghost face. Her gaze inadvertently met Chu Ge’s, who was holding back laughter while looking at her.
She slightly pursed her lips, glaring at Chu Ge with an air that seemed to warn him, as if saying: What are you laughing at! There’s nothing funny!
Chu Ge couldn’t suppress the smile on his lips, laughing not at the ghost face Feng Luo just made, but at the clothes Feng Luo was wearing.
Although this outfit had no patches, it truly did not suit her petite figure when worn on Feng Luo.
The two exchanged glances while, on the other side, Vice General Xing reluctantly handed over the Silver Silk Sword, "The Prince’s lesson is apt. I am indeed unworthy of this sword and wish the Prince would reclaim it to gift someone deserving."
Vice General Xing felt extremely dissatisfied in his heart, especially in front of so many people, which was quite embarrassing for a grown man like him.
But he stood in the Prince’s shoes, considering for his reputation. He knew how to ensure the Prince’s dignity and also understood the Prince’s thoughts.
His foolish actions had already embarrassed the Prince. If he continued to express his dissatisfaction and resentment just because of a command from the Prince, it would further tarnish the Prince’s face!
Isn’t it just a sword? To Mr. Xing, this Silver Silk Sword is nothing more than a piece of scrap metal! Its value lies in its designation as a tribute, bestowed by the Emperor.
The Prince slightly turned his gaze, and a perceptive soldier immediately stepped forward to receive the Silver Silk Sword from Vice General Xing’s hands.
To entertain everyone, Prince He Shuo promptly instructed a few people to organize a martial arts contest on the platform. Anyone with skill wishing to showcase themselves could take the stage, including those who had enrolled to join the army. The winners would receive generous rewards.
Initially, everyone felt unsatisfied from watching Vice General Xing and Chu Ge’s match, and now they applauded the Prince He Shuo’s arrangement with joy.
After the Prince’s speech, the group returned to the city tower.
"Mr. Chu, may I inquire where you learned your skills?"
Prince He Shuo looked curiously at Chu Ge. He had watched the fight between him and Vice General Xing earlier, albeit with some perplexity, as he had never seen such martial arts.
Chu Ge smiled slightly and said, "What I’ve learned is merely some superficial knowledge from my father."
"So, you’re from a Martial Arts Family. It seems Vice General Xing’s loss was not unjust." Prince He Shuo’s considering gaze fell upon Chu Ge.
Since leaving the platform, there has been idle chatter, yet Prince He Shuo has not mentioned gifting the Silver Silk Sword to Chu Ge.
Vice General Xing harbored anger in his heart and naturally would not mention it.
Luo Jiu speculated, wondering if this was an attempt to avoid fulfilling the promise. Although they did not consider being rewarded by Prince He Shuo as a glorious matter, he felt a bit manipulated.
Feng Luo shared this sentiment. She generally enjoyed the spectacle, but felt frustrated for not having instigated a fight earlier. If the Silver Silk Sword did not end up in Chu Ge’s hands now, she’d feel even more aggrieved.
The least she could do was not let them have things their way!
With this thought in mind, Feng Luo poked her head out from the crowd, smiling innocently at Prince He Shuo, saying, "Prince, earlier I heard you say you’d give the Silver Silk Sword to Chu Ge. Is this true?"
Prince He Shuo glanced at Feng Luo, his eyes containing a hint of coldness, as if blaming her for speaking out of turn.
Without speaking, beside him, Ru Xue nestled by his side and said, "Is this the heiress of the Beggar Gang?"
This statement drew amused reactions from some in attendance, for the Beggar Gang is the most grassroots sect composed of beggars, so even as an heiress, she cannot escape the title of beggar.
Now addressed as ’heiress’ by Ru Xue, it’s clearly a taunt.
Feng Luo understood. Her distaste for Prince He Shuo extended to those around him; she did not like him, and so, naturally, his wife could be no better.
It seems she was right.
"Princess Consort, when I went with Chu Ge to rescue you last time, you were just lying in bed unconscious, so it’s normal not to recognize me."
Feng Luo said casually.
Luo Qi glared at her, reprimanding in a low voice, "Come back here, don’t be disrespectful!"
Feng Luo scoffed, "Father, clearly they’re trying to welch, why not let me speak?"
"Enough, stop talking!" Luo Qi was nearly enraged by Feng Luo; she was truly ill-suited for this important occasion! If they truly offended Prince He Shuo, despite being favored by the Emperor, as mere civilians, how could they contend with royalty!
"Boss Luo, Miss Feng Luo is right, it’s my oversight." Prince He Shuo suddenly spoke. He lightly raised his hand, and the person behind him stepped forward with the Silver Silk Sword, respectfully presenting it.
He took the sword and swung it in the air, the sharp blade cutting through, spreading Sword Qi with an imposing presence.
"Indeed, a good sword," everyone marveled.
Prince He Shuo walked towards Chu Ge with the sword, saying, "Mr. Chu, let this Silver Silk Sword be a token of gratitude for rescuing the Princess Consort."
Chu Ge slightly curled his lips and naturally accepted it, "Thank you, Prince."
Prince He Shuo’s reasoning was irrefutable; it sounded as though the sword was given to repay Chu Ge’s kindness rather than due to the prior wager where Vice General Xing’s loss would result in gifting the Silver Silk Sword.
Chu Ge understood that Prince He Shuo was giving himself face. As he admired the Silver Silk Sword, it felt very light; although the blade was soft like mud, it was as resilient and sharp as tendons.
Holding it, he tried it out simply. The weight was very light and fitting, and Chu Ge instantly grew fond of it.
Seeing the satisfied expression on Chu Ge’s face, Ru Xue subtly curved her lips. She snuggled into Prince He Shuo’s embrace, her plump chest either intentionally or unintentionally brushing against his, "Thank you, Prince."