Chapter Forty-Eight: The Arrival of Zhang Desen

At that moment, Feng Yucai spoke out in anger, "Xiao Liba, you have not won yet. Do not forget that I am still here!"

However, Zhao Xinglong was growing anxious. What weighed on his mind was that even if they lost this duel, as long as General Feng Yucai remained, the nation need not fear foreign invasion. But if Feng Yucai, provoked into battle at this critical moment, were to be defeated and killed by Xiao Liba, then Daxing would lose its strongest bulwark, throwing the army into utter chaos—a catastrophe.

Thus, Zhao Xinglong immediately cautioned Feng Yucai, "Minister Feng, do not act rashly. Take your son and withdraw for now—you must not take part in today's contest."

Feng Yucai, realizing the gravity of the situation, hesitated only briefly before obeying. Afterward, several officials sent their own household guards to challenge Xiao Liba, but all ended in death or grievous injury.

Now, no one in Daxing dared step forward. After a period of rest, Xiao Liba strode once more into the arena, shouting, "Is there anyone else who wishes to throw their life away? If so, come quickly—I am eager to claim my reward."

At the same time, Wan Lü Wudi called out loudly, "Your Majesty, Emperor of Daxing, since your kingdom can no longer field a worthy opponent, you would do well to surrender quickly and honor your promise, lest you become a laughingstock before all under heaven."

Though Zhao Xinglong was not a good ruler, he was not without a certain cunning. Now, caught in a dilemma, he cast a resentful glance at Minister Qian and the Crown Prince Zhao Degou, who was close to him. Both men trembled and dared not meet his gaze. After a deep breath, Zhao Xinglong asked, "Very well—speak. Which women do you demand?"

Wan Lü Wudi exchanged a pleased look with Xiao Liba and then announced triumphantly, "Excellent, Your Majesty is indeed forthright. The first woman we desire is, of course, the esteemed young lady of the Liu family."

As he spoke, Wan Lü Wudi smiled broadly at Liu Yuting, seated in the fifth seat. The people of Daxing turned pale, just as the father and daughter did. Zhao Xinglong's face was the most unsightly of all.

The Liu family's merchant enterprise wielded immense power—so much so that, should Liu deliberately cease trading in any nation, its economy might collapse from the sudden loss of tax revenue. Should Wan Lü Wudi gain control of Liu Yuting, it would amount to indirect control over the economies of many states—a grave threat to Daxing.

Before Zhao Xinglong could reply, Liu Yuanwai objected sharply, "No! This cannot be permitted."

At once, Minister Qian spoke, "Master Liu, before the contest, His Majesty declared that the victor could choose any ten beauties within this hall as companions. Would you have His Majesty break his word?"

But before his words had faded, General Feng Yucai retorted sternly, "Qian Qiu, you are a minister of Daxing—why do you always side with outsiders?"

Crown Prince Zhao Degou also glared at Minister Qian, blaming him for stirring up trouble, and signaled for him to be silent. But Minister Qian, unable to voice his own grievances, simply pretended not to notice.

Liu Yuanwai continued, "You are right, Minister Qian, but my daughter is already betrothed. His Majesty specified only unengaged women—do you wish him to go back on his word?"

This revelation left the entire assembly stunned, for none had known of Liu Yuting's betrothal. Wan Lü Wudi immediately pressed, "Oh? Your daughter is promised? To whom? Where is your proof?"

Before Liu Yuanwai could reply, Xiao Liba shouted, "Which wretch dares compete with me for her? Does he have a death wish? Show yourself at once!"

Liu Yuanwai responded with a cold smile, "You would do well not to encounter my son-in-law, or you may regret it too late."

Xiao Liba growled, "Since he will not step forward, I shall take Miss Liu with me..."

With that, Xiao Liba lunged toward Liu Yuting, only to be blocked by Zhao Chengming and others. General Feng Yucai thundered, "Xiao Liba, do not be so arrogant—this is not your Liaogu State!"

Minister Qian interjected again, "Master Liu, since your daughter is betrothed, let your son-in-law step forth and prove his claim in combat. That would settle the matter honorably."

Liu Yuanwai laughed bitterly, "Why should the marriages of Daxing's people be validated according to Liaogu customs? Besides, my daughter's betrothal is already arranged—how could I break my word?"

Wan Lü Wudi countered, "If so, why does your daughter still dress as an unmarried maiden?"

Liu Yuanwai replied, "It is customary until the wedding day."

Wan Lü Wudi smiled slyly, "Then I must ask, Master Liu—why was this betrothal never made public, and where is your proof? How can we know this is not a fabrication to avoid tonight's dilemma?"

Liu Yuanwai sneered and asked, "What then does the Marshal propose?"

Wan Lü Wudi said, "Unless he appears and defeats our greatest warrior, Xiao Liba, we shall not be satisfied."

Liu Yuanwai burst out laughing, "If my son-in-law appears and Xiao Liba dies, then what?"

Wan Lü Wudi replied, "In Liaogu, we respect only the strong. If anyone can defeat General Xiao Liba, we shall honor him and concede today's duel."

Xiao Liba also brandished his sword and bellowed, "If he can withstand ten of my full-strength blows, I will concede defeat immediately!"

With that, Xiao Liba fixed a deadly stare on Liu Yuanwai and his daughter. Liu Yuanwai turned to Zhao Xinglong and said, "Your Majesty, my son-in-law did not attend the banquet. I would like to send my chief steward, Zhao Chengming, to summon him—may I have your permission?"

Zhao Xinglong, hoping for someone to save face for him—or, at worst, another sacrifice—said, "Granted. Moreover, he may ride straight into the arena. Go!"

Liu Yuanwai respectfully replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

He then turned to Zhao Chengming and whispered, "When you fetch Zhang Desen, tell him to bring his 95 assault rifle fully loaded. There are no weapon restrictions here, and tell him the people of Liaogu are treacherous—there’s no need to reason with them. As soon as he arrives, have him shoot Xiao Liba with the rifle—leave the rest to me. Understood?"

Zhao Chengming immediately set off.

Fortunately, the palace was not far from the Liu residence, and riding would bring him there swiftly. Now, all of Daxing waited with bated breath for the arrival of Liu Yuanwai's son-in-law, hoping that at last someone might restore a measure of honor to their nation.

Many officials were also eager to learn what sort of man Liu Yuanwai's son-in-law was, for with such vast wealth behind him, he could well alter the balance of power. Thus, all eyes—Minister Qian's included—were fixed on the entrance.

At last, after a period of anticipation, two riders appeared at the grand hall's entrance. The foremost was Zhao Chengming, chief steward of the Liu household. Behind him rode a man clad in the camouflage uniform of the Huaxia Special Forces, his face masked by a respirator, a regulation steel helmet on his head, a Huaxia-made 95 assault rifle slung on his back, and a triangular military dagger at his waist—this was Zhang Desen.

Though few besides Liu Yuanwai and his closest knew the origins of this equipment, everyone upon seeing Zhang Desen erupted in cheers.

Someone cried out first, "It's the Hero in Strange Garb!"

The soldiers and citizens of Daxing soon joined in, shouting, "Hero! Hero! Hero..."

Zhang Desen had not expected such fame, but he knew reputation alone would not resolve this crisis. He quickly approached the edge of the arena, dismounted with Zhao Chengming, and handed the reins to an attendant.

Liu Yuanwai hurried over. Zhang Desen addressed him, "Master Liu, say no more. Chief Steward Zhao has told me everything."

He drew his long triangular military dagger, the words "Defend the Nation" gleaming on the blade. General Feng Yucai, approaching, saw the inscription and cried, "Defend the Nation—good!"

Zhang Desen replied, "Thank you, General, for your praise."

Liu Yuanwai, still anxious, asked, "Did Chengming not tell you—"

Zhang Desen cut him off, "Do not worry, Master Liu. Chief Steward Zhao has explained everything..."

He patted the assault rifle on his back and continued, "I brought the rifle as well—but only to guard against any treacherous tricks from Liaogu. As for Xiao Liba, I will handle him myself."

Liu Yuanwai remained worried—he had witnessed Xiao Liba's brutality and feared that Zhang Desen might meet the same fate as the others. He had hoped Zhang Desen would simply end it quickly with the rifle, but Zhang Desen insisted on facing Xiao Liba with his blade.

Zhang Desen reassured him, "Master Liu, place your trust in me—in your future son-in-law."

Now Wan Lü Wudi interjected, "Enough! Are you Daxing people so afraid that you keep stalling for time?"

He sneered coldly as he spoke.