Chapter Forty-Five: The Royal Tournament

In this universe, the resolution of problems does not rest simply on the victory of one human nation over another. There are also threats from advanced civilizations, such as the ultra-ancient Terran race, whose technology far surpasses anything humanity can muster. The primitive humans of this universe are in no position to easily oppose such forces. Unless this vast technological gap is bridged, all talk of peace and stability is futile. Therefore, what Zhang Desen needed to do during this period was to exhaust every possible means to narrow this immense technological divide.

Accomplishing this would not be easy. First and foremost, it required ample funds and a variety of resources—essentials for any undertaking. Moreover, advanced scientific and technological knowledge was crucial. Although General Li Guoshou had managed to transmit a wealth of detailed high-tech data to Zhang Desen before all contact was severed, mere possession of blueprints would not allow them to replicate such sophisticated items. Take, for example, the manufacturing of computer chips: having the schematics alone was useless without the requisite equipment. No matter how detailed the diagrams, it would be utterly impossible to produce a chip. This left Zhang Desen deeply troubled about acquiring the necessary machinery, even contemplating the risky idea of seizing equipment from the ultra-ancient Terran bases—but for now, such a plan would need to be carefully developed.

Thus, while Zhang Desen shared General Feng Yucai’s sentiments, he simply could not agree to anything at present. Apologetically, he said, “General Feng, your words are reasonable, but I still have matters that must be addressed, so I cannot promise you anything at the moment. Perhaps you could…”

Before Zhang Desen could finish, a young woman’s voice called out from behind him, “You really don’t know when you’re being honored. My father is the foremost military man in Daxing. So many people have tried to ingratiate themselves with him, only to leave in disgrace. Yet today, my father humbles himself so…”

She, too, was interrupted, as General Feng Yucai, taken aback, asked, “Ling’er, what are you doing here?”

It turned out the young woman was none other than General Feng Yucai’s own daughter, Feng Ling’er. Zhang Desen glanced at her—she seemed only two or three years younger than Liu Yuting, perhaps twelve or thirteen, delicately built, with a small mouth and exquisite features. Her eyes were strikingly large and bright, giving her an air of innocence and charm. At this moment, her face was full of defiance, yet it only made her seem all the more endearing. Now, hearing her father’s question, she pouted and replied, “Wasn’t I just out shopping with everyone to get ready for tomorrow? I didn’t expect to run into the Eccentric Knight, and he doesn’t even appreciate the honor.”

Feng Yucai could only respond, “Ah, perhaps I haven’t done enough. Or perhaps the Eccentric Knight has his own difficulties. Don’t worry. At least you’ve finally met the one you’ve been talking about so much lately. In the future…”

Suddenly, Feng Ling’er’s cheeks flushed as she loudly retorted, “Who’s been talking about him?”

With that, she turned and dashed out of the jewelry store, leaving everyone in awkward silence. Off to the side, Liu Yuting gave a disdainful “hmph” and told the shopkeeper, “Pack up my things—I’m returning to the estate!”

The shopkeeper hurried to comply. Zhang Desen glanced at Zhao Chengming, who grinned mischievously and quietly signaled to him, “I’ll escort Miss Liu back first. You head home directly afterward.”

Zhang Desen subtly gestured his understanding. Then, General Feng Yucai suddenly produced a token and continued, “No matter what, you must have your reasons, Eccentric Knight. I believe you will shine even brighter one day. This is a pass to my residence. Should you ever find yourself in difficulty, come to me. Aside from His Majesty, there’s no one I fear.”

Zhang Desen was about to refuse, but Feng Yucai insisted, “Please, don’t decline. Is my offer not worthy of acceptance?”

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Desen accepted the jet-black token with gratitude. “Thank you, General. Should you ever require my assistance, I will do everything in my power.”

Feng Yucai replied at once, “Excellent. Then I shall take my leave for now. Until we meet again.”

With that, he led his soldiers away. Before the gathered noble daughters could approach, Zhang Desen slipped away and returned to his base at the Liu residence to continue sorting through the technological data.

After dinner, Master Liu himself came to see Zhang Desen, bringing Zhao Chengming with him. Master Liu said, “Desen, I’d like you to stay here tomorrow and continue working on your research. Don’t attend the banquet for now.”

Zhang Desen replied, “That was my intention as well, but…”

Master Liu interrupted, “I know you’re worried that Chancellor Qian and that Wanyu Wudi might try something. That’s exactly why I want you to remain here. This way, you won’t waste time, and you’ll be a hidden trump card—after all, our estate is close to the palace.”

Zhang Desen agreed wholeheartedly. After discussing a few more details, everyone went their separate ways.

Soon, it was midday the next day, just before the banquet began. Master Liu and his party arrived at the imperial palace.

The palace of Daxing was in the southern part of the Western Capital, surrounded by high walls and a deep, broad moat, resembling a city within the city. The luncheon was held in the Hall of Auspicious Omens.

As always, Emperor Zhao Xinglong was seated in the north of the hall, directly opposite the main entrance. On each side, more than eighty seats were arranged facing the open space in the center of the hall, two rows deep, each able to seat ten. The front seats were for royalty and high officials; the rear, for their families and distinguished martial retainers.

This time, however, something was different. Directly opposite the emperor sat several contingents of Liao-gu soldiers, causing great dissatisfaction among the assembled nobility. After all, this was the Daxing imperial palace—how could foreign troops be permitted inside? Upon inquiry, it was revealed to be Chancellor Qian’s idea, said to demonstrate Daxing’s magnanimity—privately, many cursed his foolishness.

Though merely a merchant, Master Liu’s wealth affected the economies of several nations, so he was seated at the fifth spot on the left, a mark of high status. On the right, at the sixth seat, was the Earl of Xuanwei, Wang Wangdan, who now approached Master Liu. Seeing this, Master Liu and Liu Yuting stood to greet him, for though the two families often feuded due to their daughters, it would be imprudent to show disdain.

Earl Wangdan soon arrived, accompanied by his son, Wang Debao, and daughter, Wang Rou’er. The surrounding guests, sensing impending drama, fixed their eyes on Master Liu’s table.

Earl Wangdan raised his cup with feigned warmth, saying, “Brother Youde—Master Liu’s given name—it seems we can finally let bygones be bygones.”

At the same time, Wang Debao stared so intently at Liu Yuting it was as if he meant to devour her. Liu Yuting, noticing this, was clearly annoyed, while Wang Rou’er wore a look of disdain, her smile forced.

Master Liu, not knowing what to make of it, forced a polite smile and asked, “What is it, my lord earl? Do you have something in mind?”

Wangdan replied, “My son Debao returned yesterday from his travels and encountered your lovely daughter along the way. He was so taken with her beauty that he cannot forget her. Therefore, I have come to propose a union, so that our two families may be forever bound.”

At these words, Master Liu and his daughter’s faces darkened. In truth, Wang Debao’s so-called travels were nothing more than roaming about, preying on women and squandering the people’s wealth—an open secret, only tolerated because of his close ties with the influential Qian. The “encounter” yesterday had occurred when Liu Yuting was nearly home, and Wang Debao, struck by her beauty, went straight home to ask his father’s help.

Suppressing a cold laugh, Master Liu replied, “We are grateful for your kindness, my lord, but we are humble merchants—such an alliance is beyond us. Let us leave it at that.”

At this, Wangdan flew into a rage and roared, “Liu Youde, don’t be ungrateful! Don’t think that just because you’re here at the palace banquet you can act so high and mighty. My proposal is an honor to you. Besides, my son is surely better than that ‘Flower-Thief Marquis’…”

Master Liu chuckled, “On the contrary, he’s not. Even that old ‘Flower-Thief Marquis’ merely gambled and frequented brothels; he never stooped to abduction and plundering the people. As for now, there’s no comparison…”

Enraged, Wangdan snarled, “Very well! After the tournament, I will ask His Majesty to grant the marriage. Don’t you dare refuse…”

Master Liu immediately retorted, “Don’t even think about it. My daughter is already promised, so you can stop dreaming.”

Stunned, the Earl asked, “To whom?”

Master Liu replied, “That’s not your concern, my lord. Good day to you.”

“Hmph!” With that, Earl Wangdan, his son, and daughter returned to their seats.