Chapter 9: Facing Each Challenger One by One

Now, the entire General’s Manor was in utter chaos. The servants cowered quietly just inside the gates, stealing glances at the pair blocking the broad path before the entrance.

Ji Tianxin lounged lazily at the threshold, her voluminous cloak nearly engulfing her slender frame. She held a skewer of candied hawthorn, occasionally popping one into her mouth, her demeanor one of complete indolence and ease. Standing respectfully at her side was Su Qing, her gaze icy and fixed upon the soldiers ahead, a murderous intent in her eyes that she made no effort to conceal.

She gripped a whip in her hand—a weapon that made all who saw it recoil inwardly. No one doubted that a single lash from it would instantly flay the flesh from bone.

Ji Tianxin’s gaze lifted slightly, and with that mere glance, the soldiers shrank back several steps in fear.

The two sides were locked in a tense standoff. Neither dared to make a move. Nor did Ji Tianxin and her maid take the initiative, but should anyone attempt to leave, a crack of the whip would drive them back inside.

There she sat, like a vengeful deity, blocking the way; from the spot where she lounged, not a soul from the General’s Manor dared cross her invisible boundary.

Never before had the manor’s guards suffered such humiliation and impotence, but there was nothing they could do. They were no match in a fight, nor could they drive the pair away—trapped as if leashed, no matter how hard they struggled.

In their hearts, they could not help but wail: How could these two mere children be so terrifying? What monsters lurked behind those innocent faces?

While Ji Tianxin exuded effortless composure, within the manor itself all was bedlam.

“That wretched girl dared lay hands on Yucheng! Outrageous, simply outrageous!” Madam Chen’s once dignified and elegant features twisted with rage, the heavy powder on her face cracking as her muscles trembled.

The entire household was thrown into disorder. With the General absent, there was no one to command authority, and the only voice with any weight—Madam Chen—looked livid beyond measure.

“Where did these demons come from, to cause such havoc at our very gates?” she shouted furiously. “Are the dozens of guards in this house unable to subdue a mere girl?”

“Madam, the girl and her maid are both remarkably skilled—likely… likely warriors. We… we are no match for them… except for Second Miss, everyone else who tried to leave on errands has been… driven back inside…” stammered a guard in soft armor.

“Nonsense! How could a slip of a girl possibly be a warrior?” Madam Chen slammed her hand down, chins quivering as she barked, “Useless fools, all of you! Someone, come with me! I want to see for myself which little fiend dares stir up trouble at the gates of our manor!” Eyes blazing, she swept out with her retinue trailing behind.

Old Madam Zhang hurried to follow, anxiety gnawing at her. With sharp eyes she noticed Madam Chen’s sleeve trembling as she walked. Was Madam herself… afraid? Suddenly, a thought struck her: today was the anniversary of Lady Li’s death. Why did trouble have to brew on this very day? Could it really be…? The possibility struck her legs weak, and she crumpled to the ground.

Madam Chen was intent on discovering just who had the audacity to wreak havoc outside her door. What sort of fiend could possibly overcome the dozens of guards stationed here?

Yet the closer she drew to the gate, the higher her heart leapt into her throat, cold sweat breaking out down her spine. Meanwhile, constables from the magistrate’s office were also hurrying to the manor.

But as they neared, they were intercepted by several figures in martial attire. The leader, a young man, stepped forward and produced a token.

At once, every official dropped to their knees in unison and cried, “Long live the Prince!”