The Emperor was stunned, feeling as if his ears were playing tricks on him.
Mu Zian actually wanted to reopen the State-Stabilizing Duke’s Residence!
After a brief moment of daze, the Emperor quickly understood and looked at Mu Zian with a trace of pity in his eyes.
This child was a bit rebellious, but after all, he had watched him grow up. Though he behaved wildly, his character was upright. He never bullied others just because he was the son of the State-Stabilizing Duke.
Thinking of this, the Emperor’s tone softened, but his gaze grew solemn.
“Mu Zian, do you understand what reopening the State-Stabilizing Duke’s Residence means?”
Back then, Mu Zian’s father, Mu Zhanying, had personally helped the Emperor ascend to the throne, killing countless people who stood in his way.
Among them were civil officials’ sons, military officers’ sons, and members of aristocratic families. Mu Zhanying had offended the entire imperial court and aristocratic clans.
However, deterred by Mu Zhanying’s might and contributions, no one dared act openly against the Mu family. Yet, underhanded tactics never ceased—assassinations, poisonings, false accusations, and framing.
Now that Mu Zhanying had died in a foreign land, the Damocles sword hanging over their heads was finally gone. How could they allow another to inherit the title of State-Stabilizing Duke?
Mu Zian naturally understood the Emperor’s meaning, but he cupped his fists with determined eyes and said, “I am willing to carry on my late father’s legacy and only wish for Your Majesty’s approval. Even if the road ahead is difficult, I will forge ahead and revive the Mu family’s prestige!”
Seeing Mu Zian’s persistence, the Emperor seemed to see the shadow of his old friend once again.
When Mu Zhanying died in battle, the Emperor had wanted to pass the title to Mu Zian. However, in recent years, Mu Zian’s actions for the sake of his fiancée had been far too absurd! He had even given up his right to inherit the dukedom just for a mere military commander’s post.
Now, although Mu Zian had gathered himself again, he couldn’t be allowed to reclaim the title so easily. He had to be tempered; otherwise, he would not know that there are always greater men in the world.
Thinking this, the Emperor said, “Since you once gave up the succession of the State-Stabilizing Duke, how can you reclaim it so easily now?”
With a glance from the Emperor, Grand Steward Cao immediately understood. A burly man clad in armor walked in from outside.
“Commander of the Imperial Guards, Shen Congwu, greets Your Majesty.”
Shen Congwu was a martial champion personally appointed by the Emperor, his martial arts unparalleled, undefeated among the Imperial Guards. In the entire capital, when it came to combat prowess, Shen Congwu was second to none!
In contrast, Mu Zian had spent all his time pleasing Lu Yunxue, indulged since birth, never trained in martial arts. Forget ten moves—lasting two moves would already be considered impressive.
Nothing fosters growth like a defeat. The Emperor coughed lightly and said, “Let me see your determination to inherit the title. If you can withstand ten moves against him without defeat, I will grant your request.”
Hearing this, Mu Zian’s lips curled into a smile. He was just wondering where he could test his newly acquired strength. Shen Congwu was the perfect target.
Mu Zian turned and cupped his hands at Shen Congwu. “Please advise.”
Shen Congwu looked at Mu Zian with disdain. Naturally, he had heard of the capital’s infamous sentimental fool.
To Shen Congwu, Mu Zian was a disgrace to the title of State-Stabilizing Duke.
Having been a sycophant was one thing, but he even let the State-Stabilizing Duke’s Residence be closed down!
Thinking of this, Shen Congwu sneered coldly. “Be careful, young master. Fists and feet have no eyes; don’t get hurt!”
Mu Zian smiled and, before Shen Congwu could react, threw a punch directly at his face, carrying a howling gale!
The Emperor was shocked. He found that Mu Zian truly seemed different—decisive and ruthless—vaguely reminiscent of Mu Zhanying.
Facing this punch, Shen Congwu was startled. However, as the commander of the Imperial Guards, he was highly skilled. He figured that although the punch was fierce, Mu Zian was nothing more than a weakling. Gaining the initiative was meaningless.
Shen Congwu crossed his arms to block. Mu Zian’s punch was wild and full of openings; once blocked, Shen Congwu was confident he could end it in one strike!
A smile appeared at the corner of Shen Congwu’s mouth. Yet the next moment—BOOM—a thunderous sound erupted!
Shen Congwu felt as if a galloping carriage had slammed into him.
First, the bones in his arms cracked, then his whole body flew backward uncontrollably.
Like a kicked leather ball, he smashed through the wall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation!
The Emperor: ?????
Grand Steward Cao: !!!
Staring at the wreckage, the Emperor felt his mind freeze.
When did this kid become so fierce?
Mu Zian shook his hand and calmly looked at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, have I passed the test?”
The Emperor returned to his senses and looked at Mu Zian as if he were a monster.
He was at a loss for words!
The capital’s number one martial champion, commander of the Imperial Guards, defeated in one punch?
And by the looks of it, Mu Zian hadn’t even used his full strength.
The Emperor felt his throat dry and subconsciously sat straighter.
“Good… Very good. I will issue an edict soon. In a few days, I will personally proclaim your reinstatement as the heir of the State-Stabilizing Duke. You may withdraw.”
“I thank Your Majesty!”
Mu Zian bowed and left. His armor clinked crisply as he walked away.
The Emperor watched Mu Zian’s departing figure in utter silence.
After a long while, he turned to Grand Steward Cao. “Not a single word of what happened here today must be leaked!”
Grand Steward Cao quickly nodded.
If word got out that the commander of the Imperial Guards was flattened by a young man with one punch, where would the royal face go?
“And investigate Mu Zian carefully. Find out what happened to him.”
Originally, the Emperor had wanted to restore the State-Stabilizing Duke’s Residence just to honor his old friend. But now, Mu Zian might bring even greater surprises.
The Emperor’s gaze fell on an unfinished painting. He muttered, “A young tiger roars in the valley, and all beasts tremble.”
“Grand Steward Cao.”
“Your servant is here.”
“How is the investigation into the death of the State-Stabilizing Duke?”
“We have found some clues.”
“Good! Dig deeper. No matter who is involved, I will not let them go! Better to kill a thousand by mistake than to let one traitor slip away!”
“If I find out any colluded with foreign enemies for personal gain, I will annihilate their entire nine clans—no, ten clans!”
The Emperor’s voice turned icy, and a murderous aura filled the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Just then, a crisp voice sounded outside the door.
“Father! I made you some snow pear soup to help cool down your anger. Please drink it while it’s hot.”
A graceful figure entered.
Seeing the newcomer, Grand Steward Cao immediately bowed.
“Your servant greets the Ninth Princess.”
The Ninth Princess waved her hand, signaling him to rise. Then she took the teacup from a maid and brought it to the Emperor.
The Emperor, who had been full of murderous intent, now looked gentle.
The Ninth Princess sat beside him, massaging his shoulders with a playful smile. “Father, I saw Mu Zian leaving the palace earlier. Do you know he did something big today?”
The Emperor grew curious. “What big thing?”
The Ninth Princess grinned. “He tore up the marriage contract he worked so hard to obtain from you, right at the gates of the Heroine Marquis’ Residence.”
She explained the events to the Emperor.
Hearing this, the Emperor’s face turned cold.
“Ungrateful wretch! If it weren’t for Mu Zian pleading for her repeatedly, how could a mere woman have reached such heights? She had some achievements and now she dares to be arrogant?”
“Tell the Ministry of War to reassess Lu Yunxue’s military merits carefully. I want the most accurate report without a hint of embellishment. As for her rewards, suspend them all for now.”
“As for the celebratory banquet in two days…”
The Emperor thought for a moment and said, “Let Xiao Jiu attend on my behalf.”