Chapter 349: Knock Out Front Teeth and Swallow Blood

Da da da……

On the spacious streets of the capital, Xue Shence attracted countless attention as soon as he led a group of military officers into the city.

In the past, military officers rarely wore armor in public, let alone parading around in public like they did today?

When Xue Shence followed the letter given to him by Zhao Duan and approached the residence of Prince Heng, he finally spoke slowly and narrated what had happened in general, so that the group of people would not be confused later.

"Prince Heng has detained Zhao Chenshi's men?"

The military officers looked at each other and instinctively wanted to evacuate.

I didn't want to get involved in this mess, but I forced myself to hold back.

The Privy Councilor led his men here, and his intention was too obvious, that is, to support Zhao Duan and show the outside world that the military officers' group stood together.

Anyone who dares to leave at this time is clearly seeking death.

"When Lord Zhao learns that you are helping him like this, he will certainly be grateful." Shi Meng, the commander of the Shenji Camp, said seriously.

Xue Shence shook his head and said:
"This trip is to help him and the Crown Prince of Heng, but ultimately, it is to help your Majesty relieve his worries."

This is worth pondering. Although Shi Meng looks rough, he is very careful. After a little thought, he suddenly understood:

Given Zhao Duan's previous temper, it would be very easy for a conflict to occur if he went to ask for someone this time. Although Xu Zudi was of noble status, this was the capital after all, not Qingzhou.

If Zhao Duan is really angered, this prince will definitely be the one who suffers.

Zhao Duan’s past “battle record” has already proved that this is a person that no one dares to poke at, and no one dares to beat.

But Xu Zudi is the empress's brother after all. If this matter becomes a big deal, the empress will still have a headache.

Therefore, if Xue Shence takes people with him, he can control the situation within a certain range and resolve small matters instead of causing big events. This will help relieve your majesty's worries.

Shi Meng looked at him with admiration and said, "Your Excellency is very thoughtful. If Zhao Chenshi knew..."

Xue Shence smiled and said:

"Of course he knows, otherwise why would he go alone and let me wait behind? It's nothing more than giving him some time to make a fuss and talk. Our assistant official is still angry and wants to vent."

If Zhao Duan wants to resolve the issue, the best option is to go directly to the house with Xue Shence.

Xu Zudi dared to provoke Zhao Duan, but did not dare to offend Xue Shence.

The former was just a favorite of the empress, and was hostile to the Eighth Prince in terms of stance, so he was not afraid of offending him.

However, the Military Merit Group represented by Xue Shence is the target that the Eight Kings also want to win over.

"Zhao Duan went in alone to make a fuss in order to save face, and we followed behind to control the situation, just like on a stage, there must be someone who plays the good guy and someone who plays the bad guy. Shi Meng, you are good at commanding the army, but you should learn from him how to make strategic moves." Xue Shence said lightly.

At this time, a group of generals had arrived outside the gate of the house.

The injured guard had been carried away, and a new guard was sent to stand guard. When he saw a group of generals coming in a mighty manner, his face changed immediately.

……

"what!!"

In the hall, when Zhao Duan turned his wrist and threw the flying knife at the Prince of Heng, the sharp scream of the beautiful maid was heard in the house.

Accompanied by Li Lang's wide eyes and Mrs. Xiao's stunned expression.

Woo!
Even Xu Zudi was stunned, as if he had never expected that Zhao Duan would suddenly take action.

At this distance, he had no time to react, and his pupils only expanded like the tip of the knife!
However, a second before Zhao Duan took action, the old man who had been standing quietly with his head bowed in the corner of the house had already taken a step forward.

In an instant, the old man stood in front of Xu Zudi like lightning. His hands were over his knees, his body leaned forward slightly, and two iron-like fingers on his right hand stretched out.

In a flash, he actually caught the flying knife with two fingers!

"Ding!!"

The rough joints collided with the blade, producing sparks. The flying knife, which was carrying a huge force and almost leaving an afterimage, was forcibly stopped by the old man. The blade was only a millimeter away from the old man's wrinkled brow.

"How dare you, Zhu Zi!"

The old man's deep eyes revealed indifference. He turned his wrist and reflected the flying knife that was struggling frantically and trying to escape towards Zhao Duan's face like a meteor!
The speed is actually one point faster than when we came!
"Boom!!!"

The Golden Crow Flying Knife seemed to have a spirit, frantically adjusting its direction in the air to avoid accidentally hurting its owner. It passed by Zhao Duan's ear, dangerously enough to lift a strand of hair.

With a "bang", a jade ornament at the back was smashed to pieces with a terrifying sound.

"Sir, be careful!" Hou Renmeng realized it belatedly and wanted to draw his sword and step forward to stop the old man who was running towards him.

But in an instant, the silent old man closed in front of Zhao Duan, and threw out his fist like a heavy artillery, wrapped in wind and thunder, as if he wanted to punch Zhao Duan through with one punch.

However, Zhao Duan remained calm and composed, not dodging or evading.

The old man raised his eyebrows slightly, as if surprised, and was about to retract his strength, but the next second, he felt a force of energy locking onto him. His hair stood on end, as if he would end up dead if he took another step forward.

Dangerous!
The old man retreated violently at the cost of internal injuries, and in the blink of an eye, he flashed back in front of Xu Zudi.

The next second, that sharp aura dissipated, and Zhao Duan's eyes showed a little disappointment.

I heard a lot of messy footsteps coming from outside the house, and Xue Shence's loud and clear voice:

"Your Highness, I am sorry for disturbing you by visiting you."

Xue Shence is here!
At this moment, Hou Renmeng was the first to show a look of relief, and his palms were already wet with sweat.

The rest of the people in the room just came to their senses.

Everything that just happened happened so fast. The entire process of fighting and stopping was completed in the blink of an eye.

Even a cultivator would have difficulty reacting if they were not paying attention, let alone a mortal? "Ah——"

Li Lang realized it only then, and shouted out, almost falling backwards, his face pale with fright.

Mrs. Xiao slowly came back to her senses. At first she looked at Zhao Duan in surprise, and then she was attracted by the voices outside the house, becoming even more surprised.

When Xu Zudi came to his senses, a layer of cold sweat had already appeared on his back, and a surge of anger suddenly rose in his heart.

He was shocked and angry. He didn't expect that this pretty boy named Zhao was so bold.

But as soon as the anger hit his heart, it was forcibly suppressed by a group of armored generals who walked into the hall door!

"Envoy Xue?" Xu Zudi's expression froze. "Why are you here?"

Xue Shence seemed oblivious to the tense situation in the room and laughed as he said:

"Today we had a military Mid-Autumn Festival performance and a banquet with all the generals. On the way back to the city, Zhao Chenshi hurriedly said goodbye and ran away. We had no choice but to chase him, but we didn't expect that he had an appointment with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Hey, what are you doing..."

Zhao Duan looked guilty:
"I'm so sorry, there was something wrong here and I made you all come all this way. There was a misunderstanding between the prince and me, but it has been resolved."

Ah, this... Isn't it you, sir, who asked me to follow you... Hou Renmeng muttered in his heart, but didn't dare to speak.

I feel sad how come all the military generals are such acting geniuses. Where is the saying that military generals are straightforward, unlike the cunning civil officials?
People’s hearts are not the same as they used to be…

"Haha, what Envoy Zhao said is true. These are all misunderstandings, misunderstandings."

Xu Zudi's expression changed several times, but he finally laughed, "It's all said and done."

Xue Shence smiled and said, "That's good. Let's choose a day. It's been a long time since I met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Why don't we have a simple meal together?"

Xu Zudi smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Xue. Unfortunately, I have another invitation and cannot attend the banquet. How about another day?"

Xue Shence looked regretful, but did not continue the invitation. Instead, he looked at Zhao Duan.

Zhao Duan also smiled and said to Xu Zudi:
"Your Highness, I will take my leave first. As for my useless subordinates..."

"Please do as you please, Envoy Zhao." Xu Zudi bit his back teeth and forced a smile.

In this situation, the most honorable outcome for both sides is to call it a day. If the fight continues, he will definitely be the one to suffer.

"Thank you."

Zhao Duan clasped his fists and gave Hou Renmeng a look. The latter drew his sword and cut the ropes of the three brocade-clad captains tied to the ground.

Although they were severely beaten, they were still able to walk. They followed without saying a word.

Both parties said goodbye, and the large group of people left the mansion in a mighty procession.

It came quickly and went even faster, and in the blink of an eye, only a mess was left.

……

After seeing everyone off, the smile on Xu Zudi's face, who was standing at the gate, gradually disappeared and turned gloomy.

His hands hanging in his sleeves were clenched so hard that the knuckles cracked, his breathing became rapid, and he stared at Mr. Zhao in the distance.

What does it mean to lose one's teeth and swallow one's blood? In today's conflict, not only did he not gain an advantage, but he was defeated instead.

I can only swallow my anger.

"Your Highness, I..." The old man opened his mouth to explain.

Xu Zudi shook his head and interrupted:

"It doesn't matter. Xue Shence is known as the God of War, so he is not someone you can easily mess with. You were right to stop in time. I miscalculated. I didn't expect Xue Shence to follow me."

"Cousin, are you just going to let him get away like this?"

At this moment, Li Lang couldn't help but say that he felt a little aggrieved. He thought he could get revenge with the help of his cousin today, but he didn't expect to get nothing in the end.

Xu Zudi was also troubled by this useless and dissolute cousin. He sighed and said to him in a soothing tone:

"You go back first. Revenge will not be taken overnight. I will go to the palace to talk about my aunt's matter later."

Li Lang opened his mouth, but could only walk away dejectedly.

"Your Highness, this Zhao Duan is not a simple person. He could have come with Envoy Xue. Instead of putting on a show in the hall, we helped him win people's hearts."

Madam Xiao had already taken the apple from her mouth, and spoke calmly at this time.

Her focus is another point.

The officials of Lihuatang were indeed generally arrogant and domineering, and the lower their rank, the more so.

It was originally a well-known gathering place for troublemakers, and with the support of Zhao Duan, it was difficult for Zhao Duan to control it before. If he forced the subordinates to obey him, it would definitely make them dissatisfied and lose the "popular support".

But today's incident gave him an excellent excuse. It can be imagined that Zhao Duan will use this opportunity to rectify discipline after returning today.

Just now, in front of his three subordinates, he deliberately humiliated himself and took the initiative to "bow down" and drink a glass of wine to apologize to the prince.

With this gesture, the three subordinates' minds were completely won over. After returning, no matter how much Zhao Duan punished them, the three of them would not feel resentful, but would only feel ashamed and blame themselves.

It will also serve as a model and example, allowing Lihuatang to complete a round of rectification without attracting too many complaints.

This is what is meant by the art of controlling subordinates.

"No need for you to remind me."

Xu Zudi became increasingly unhappy, and as if to vent his anger, he placed his large hands on Madam Xiao's round buttocks, squeezing and kneading them, sneering:

"Let's put him aside for now and wait and see. Ha, we have been in the city for several days. If nothing unexpected happens, Mr. Zhengyang should have made a fuss. Maybe there will be a result today. It depends on how my sister, our Majesty, responds."

Madam Xiao lowered her eyebrows, her eyes were like the East Lake in Qingzhou, without a single ripple.

(End of this chapter)

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