“The scheme this person plots is undoubtedly for wealth, but the magnitude of that wealth is staggeringly immense! It involves astronomical figures at every turn, something that absolutely cannot be dismissed lightly!” “Furthermore, when all the great families convene, certain matters are bound to arise. I believe that even if nothing naturally occurs, this individual will deliberately instigate trouble.

Only by throwing the situation into chaos can he more easily profit amidst the disorder, and more conveniently utilize today's conflicts later to make choices advantageous to himself!” The Emperor rose, pacing back and forth. After a long pause, he finally let out a heavy sigh, murmuring, “If such a talent could be employed by me, then small nb;nb;…” “Though this person is formidable, he ultimately relies on the backing of the three great families to stir up such a massive wave. Without the staunch support of the Jun and Tang families, and the aid of King Pingdeng, even if he intended to stir up trouble, it would not be easy,” the man in white reassured him.

“You have struck right at the heart of the matter; this is precisely what worries me! Since this person managed to persuade these three houses to act in concert, it shows he must have connections with them, and those connections must be deep. There were rumors before that the wine sold today was conceived from a wager between Jun Moxie, the third young master of the Jun family, and General Dugu Wudi… However, if that scheme truly originated from that wastrel Jun Moxie, I find it hard to believe.

If it really came from that fop, then… I might actually have to reassess him.” The Emperor chuckled a few times, yet the worry etched between his brows was unconcealed. He declared definitively: “The one who devised this strategy must be someone else!” “But regardless of who that person is, they are an exceptionally outstanding talent. Whatever their original intent, they are destined to ignite a turbulent situation!” The Emperor furrowed his brow tightly for a moment, then suddenly his face broke into a smile: “However, no matter what, this promises to be an exceedingly entertaining auction.

Mr. Wen, are you interested in accompanying Your Majesty to witness it?” “Your Majesty is moved?” The gentleman in the white robe, Mr. Wen, looked up at the Emperor.

His gaze was utterly clear, like a bottomless, pure pool of water, without the slightest impurity. These eyes seemed… like those of a newborn infant. “The event is intriguing; the person possesses talent yet is dangerous.

With such entertainment on offer, how could I not be moved?” The Emperor narrowed his eyes: “Besides, this matter will profoundly affect the balance of power in the capital. How could I not attend to observe the excitement? Gaining some insight would be beneficial, and I am also eager to taste what kind of wine is worth ten thousand silver taels a jar!” Mr.

Wen rose with an unrestrained air. A smile that bordered almost on “innocence” appeared on his baby-smooth face, and he chuckled, “Since that is the case, this old man shall accompany Your Majesty on this outing.” “With you by my side, Sire, there is absolutely no cause for alarm!” The Emperor laughed, walking toward the exit as he spoke, “However, we still need to find someone else to escort us, as neither of us holds an invitation, hehe…” “According to reports, the three Princes and Her Highness Princess Lingmeng all possess invitations. Is Your Majesty planning to accompany the Princess?” Mr.

Wen blinked, and the two shared an unspoken laugh. “And to observe how my three sons scheme against each other along the way—that should also be quite diverting. Surely something is bound to happen?” The Emperor smiled deeply, lines creasing around his face, then asked, “Has Brother Zhu still refused to eat these past few days?

Is he feeling any better?” Mr. Wen walked beside him, making no move to lag a respectful step behind, and smiled lightly, “His habit really ought to change. But Tang Wanli’s grandson is truly—nb;nb;… pathetic.

He was so frightened that he soiled himself, and the timing of Young Master Zhu stepping forward was so coincidental… He deserves to have his clean life spoiled by that fellow…” He referred to Zhu Zhuzhu merely as “Young Master Zhu”—it seemed his rank must be at least a generation above Zhu Zhuzhu’s, yet his face appeared much younger than Dugu Wudi’s, perhaps only the age of Jun Wuyi. It was truly peculiar. “Ha ha nb;nb;…” The Emperor laughed heartily and turned to the old eunuch who was trailing him attentively, “Have the Imperial Kitchen summon the Imperial Physicians to prepare some appetizing fare for Eunuch Zhu.

He cannot go on without eating or drinking.” The old eunuch bowed respectfully in assent. As the Emperor’s personal attendant, he had served His Majesty for thirty years, understanding the unspoken meaning behind every word. This meant, first, that he needed to relay news concerning Zhu Zhuzhu, and second, that the Emperor wished him gone.

Seeing the old eunuch retreat, the Emperor broke into a relaxed smile, reminiscing with deep pleasure: “!! It has been a long time since I left the palace in disguise. Those days of old… I miss them intensely.” “With Your Majesty taking the initiative, I believe that master strategist lurking in the shadows will surely be unable to hide his tracks!” Mr.

Wen smiled elegantly, “Or perhaps Your Majesty will gain a great talent from this auction. Wen offers his congratulations in advance…” “I hope so!” The Emperor smiled faintly, his expression shifting with hidden uncertainty; he murmured a name without voicing it aloud, but based on the movement of his lips, he was clearly repeating the words: “Jun Wuyi!” A cold glint flashed in his eyes. The sun gradually rose, and the truly great families finally began to arrive in succession.

First came the Dugu family, known in the capital as the most barbaric of the powerful clans, arriving first. Eight sturdy warhorses, all radiating majestic pride, surrounded a small, pale-green sedan chair. Dugu Wudi, the head of the Dugu household, led seven nephews and younger heroes, arriving in one solid block—like eight majestic bears excitedly catching the scent of honey.

The large retinue stopped in unison before the gate, their coordination remarkable. The pale-green sedan door was lifted, and a graceful, slender, and beautiful figure stepped out lightly—brows like distant mountains, eyes like spring water, apricot eyes and peach cheeks, truly a vision of exquisite features, charming and alluring. Yet amidst this captivating grace resided the pure, delicate innocence of a young girl.

The arrival was none other than Dugu Xiaoyi, one of the two peerless beauties of Tianxiang City! If Jun Moxie were present, he would surely have been astonished: this gentle, demure beauty before him… was the little violent woman who always shouted about fighting and killing? What a drastic transformation!

With the arrival of the Dugu family, a major figure from the Jun family finally emerged to receive them. At the end of the flower-lined path, the third master of the Jun family, Jun Wuyi, sat in his wheelchair. Clad in simple, clean blue robes, his chiseled features held a faint, placid smile, exuding an air of elegant composure as he was slowly pushed forward by a young man in white.

“Brother Dugu.” Jun Wuyi clasped his hands together, a gentle warmth in his eyes, “You have arrived.” “Third Brother!” Dugu Wudi leaped down from his horse and strode forward, “A business venture spearheaded by the Jun family is opening, how could I, your elder brother, not come to show support? Why must you, Third Brother, personally greet me? We are not strangers; I could have simply entered.” “It is nothing.

In the vast capital, the only person worthy of my personal escort is Brother Dugu. Since Brother Dugu has come, how could I neglect you?” Jun Wuyi smiled, his eyes holding deep meaning, and extended a hand: “Elder Brother Dugu, please!” This address—Elder Brother Dugu—made Dugu Wudi’s expression instantly tremble, a look of wild ecstasy flashing in his eyes. He clasped his hands heavily in return, “Third Brother Jun, please!” He reached out, gently moved the white-robed youth pushing the wheelchair aside, and laughed heartily, “Go rest.

I shall push my Third Brother inside.” Jun Wuyi leaned back comfortably, allowing Dugu Wudi to push the wheelchair, only occasionally pointing out the direction. They conversed softly, the atmosphere exceptionally harmonious. At that very moment, both felt a surge of deep emotion.

Had the passing years of camaraderie truly returned? Dugu Wudi laughed outwardly, his heart soaring with joy. Only, sudden tears welled up in his tiger-like eyes—he pretended to look down and wiped them away silently, his chest burning with a hot, surging emotion.

He couldn’t help but think in his heart: Brother Wuhui, Third Brother, he… little brother… he has forgiven me… Today he called me Elder Brother Dugu again… I am so happy, truly so happy!! The decade of suppressed bitterness—in these ten years, neither man had exchanged a meaningful word, nor had they ever mentioned the events that transpired. But in that simple address, the estrangement and barriers accumulated over ten years dissolved instantly!

They chatted and laughed happily, yet everyone present sensed the thick veil of sorrow, a bloody sorrow, enveloping the two great generals who had commanded armies. This was the unspoken understanding between iron-blooded soldiers! If you held a grudge against them, you repaid it with blades; if you reconciled, a mere smile sufficed!

Ten years of shifting fortunes and changing times—today, a smile washed away all past grievances! A mere change in appellation signaled the instantaneous vanishing of the decade-long blockage between these two peerless marshals! The seven sturdy, bull-like men of the Dugu family stood silent now, abandoning their usual impetuous temperaments.

Even their usually heavy breathing was deliberately subdued, quiet and slow, lest they disturb these two brothers who had survived countless battles! For upon their shoulders rested the glory of the entire military, the glory of the entire Tianxiang Empire! The little girl, Dugu Xiaoyi, her eyes reddened, finally couldn't hold back and let out a soft sob.

Though young and unable to fully comprehend the special bond between comrades, between men, between soldiers, as Dugu Wudi’s only daughter, she deeply understood what had tormented her father’s heart all these years. Dugu Wudi was generally careless and rough about most things, but on one matter, he had never once been vague or negligent! Jun Wuhui!

Every year, on Jun Wuhui’s birthday and death anniversary, Dugu Wudi would drink himself into a stupor, and this intensely resolute, utterly straightforward iron-blooded man would weep without restraint, without masking it—crying his heart out! The rare tears Dugu Wudi shed in his life were all for this deceased sworn brother! Many times, Dugu Xiaoyi had seen Dugu Wudi late at night, alone in his rarely entered study, sighing while caressing the precious sword Jun Wuhui had gifted him… But today, Jun Wuyi’s single sentence completely unlocked the intractable knot in Dugu Wudi’s heart!

How could Dugu Xiaoyi not be overjoyed? How could she not weep? How could she not cry tears of emotion?

Following the Dugu family, the next to arrive was another great clan, the Song family. Then came the Tang, Li, and Meng families, all arriving on time and in succession. Sheng Baotang, situated just across the street, had naturally also received invitations.

Xiao Han and Mu Xuetong were both dressed in their usual white attire, accompanying the flower-like Han Yanmeng as they walked slowly…