174: Arrogant Chu Lushan! (13

Chapter 173: Coming to Break Off the Engagement! The Arrogant Chu Lushan! (13)

Yong Province, Jin City.

The Brothel, which should have been the liveliest place, was now eerily silent!

It was simply too demeaning for Li Chang'an, a dignified Prince, to become a son-in-law to Northern Liang.

The King of Tang was merely a figurehead established by the late Emperor, a fact everyone knew well.

However, the King of Tang's lack of power was relative to other vassal kings; ordinary prominent families still couldn't afford to provoke him.

Therefore, upon hearing that Xu Weibear was coming, no one dared to speak out of turn.

In recent years, the Northern Liang Royal Mansion had become increasingly arrogant, especially after the death of the old Emperor Zhao Li.

The Xu Family dared to come and break off an engagement bestowed by the late Emperor, which showed Xu Xiao's extraordinary status.

Xu Weibear's literary talent and skill in chess were outstanding, but she had only just begun to show her potential, whereas Chu Lushan's notoriety was known throughout the land.

Yong Province, being adjacent to the three Northern Liang Provinces, meant its people were very familiar with this man!

As more and more people heard the news, discussions arose one after another.

"One of Xu Xiao's six adopted sons, the 'hawk and hound' among the 'one tiger, two bears, three hounds'!"

"This man regards human life as dirt, and particularly enjoys torturing and killing women!"

"He hears of beautiful women giving birth and abducts them to his mansion to drink their milk!"

"If the milk is excellent, he rewards them with silver and sends them away!

If the taste is not good, he cuts off two pieces of their breasts!"

"He often forcibly abducts innocent women and disregards human life, not even batting an eye!"

...Just then, several armored soldiers stepped into the Brothel!

One of the officers strode into the room, heading directly for Li Chang'an.

"Your Highness, the Second Young Miss of Northern Liang has already entered the city!"

"Commandant Tian requests Your Highness return to the Mansion, lest you lose your propriety!"

Tian Zong, the Prefect of Yong Province, was a subordinate of Gu Jiantang and a meritorious official in the conquest of Southern Tang.

After the unification of the world, he was assigned by the Imperial Dynasty to Yong Province, still tasked with closely monitoring Northern Liang.

Jin City was the headquarters of the Brocade-Clad Guards, and Li Chang'an held all of Tian Zong's various weaknesses firmly in his grasp.

Therefore, all officials in the Prefectural Mansion were respectful towards Li Chang'an.

Li Chang'an never interfered with how Tian Zong monitored Northern Liang.

However, Tian Zong's reports to the Imperial Dynasty about Li Chang'an's performance all needed Li Chang'an's private review.

"Go back and tell Lord Tian that this King is aware of the matter."

"Tell Lord Tian to do his duty and not worry too much."

The officer asked no further questions and immediately turned to leave.

Li Chang'an said to the dancers, "Don't stop!"

"Continue the music, continue the dance!"

Upon hearing Li Chang'an's command, the commotion in the Brothel gradually resumed.

The musicians' delicate hands touched the zither strings, and the dancers' jade feet slowly rose above their heads.

On Jin City's main street.

Children happily sang nursery rhymes, chasing each other past.

"Plum and peach children, gain the world!"

The prophecy was too explicit; it meant that someone named Li would gain the world.

There were no prominent figures named Li in Jin City, so these words were clearly alluding to Li Chang'an.

Xu Weibear, who had just entered the city, frowned upon hearing this.

"Someone wants Li Chang'an's life."

Not far from Xu Weibear was a middle-aged man, fat as a ball.

Chu Lushan, nicknamed Luqiuer.

He held the third-rank official position of General of the Qianniu Dragon Guard and weighed three hundred catties.

Chu Lushan said gruffly, "Young Miss, this matter..."

He had just opened his mouth when the stern Xu Weibear directly interrupted him!

"You shut up!"

Her words clearly indicated she had no desire to speak with Chu Lushan.

Chu Lushan's actions were outrageous, and his flattery was excessive, making him unpopular among Northern Liang's upper echelons.

Chen Zhibao, also an adopted son of Xu Xiao, once publicly declared that he would burn Luqiuer alive as a sky lantern!

Chu Lushan managed Northern Liang's intelligence agency and knew that Yong Province harbored many forces opposed to Northern Liang.

After entering Yong Province, he committed several major acts, which, of course, affected some innocent women.

As a woman herself, Xu Weibear naturally had no liking for Chu Lushan.

She turned to the other side and asked, "Hong Mu, you speak."

Fourteen-year-old Hong Mu had just completed her martial arts training and was sent by the Fushui Bureau to be trained by an assassin organization in Jianghu, known as Jin She in Jianghu.

"Second Young Miss, this is a prophecy released by Intelligence Agency spies. The new Emperor wants to reduce the power of the vassal states and plans to start with the King of Tang."

"These prophecies serve to accuse him of harboring ill intentions and attempting to restore his kingdom, and then strip him of his princely title."

"So, if you ask me, why bother coming to break off this engagement? Once his title is stripped, he might not even keep his life."

Hong Mu was the niece of the Lord of Dunhuang City in Northern Mang, and she came to the Northern Liang Royal Mansion as a quasi-hostage. Dunhuang City was on the edge of Northern Mang and only maintained its foothold with Northern Liang's protection.

Hong Mu was graceful, fair-skinned, naturally fragrant, and elegant in her demeanor. She was chosen by Wu Su when she was alive to be the Crown Prince's bed-warming maid.

In Xu Xiao's plan, Hong Mu was to become Xu Fengnian's maid, and also a loyal bodyguard to protect Xu Fengnian.

However, Xu Fengnian could not know any of this yet, so Hong Mu had to master martial arts and killing techniques before going to Xu Fengnian's side.

Currently, Hong Mu was in the stage of Cultivating martial arts and practicing to be an assassin.

If nothing unexpected happened, Hong Mu would become Xu Fengnian's bed-warming maid, and then her name would be changed to Hong Shu.

Hearing Hong Mu's words, Xu Weibear could only force a smile.

She couldn't possibly tell Hong Mu that it was because Xu Fengnian couldn't swallow this slight.

"Hong Mu, the reduction of vassal power has nothing to do with marriage. It's possible to demote Li Chang'an to a duke or marquis, and then send him to the Northern Liang Royal Mansion to be a son-in-law."

"This is a two-pronged strategy by the Imperial Dynasty: both dealing with this convenient Prince and humiliating the Northern Liang Royal Mansion."

A hundred Northern Liang cavalry, marching grandly into the city, attracted many onlookers.

Above the teahouses, in front of the stalls, various discussions were incessant.

The Northern Liang Young Miss came in person!

The infamous Chu Lushan also came!

"They are both Princes, but the King of Northern Liang shows no Face to the King of Tang."

"The Second Young Miss of Northern Liang is quite pretty. It's truly a pity to cancel the engagement!"

In Jin City, many people discussed Li Chang'an.

There were even more people cursing Chu Lushan and disliking Northern Liang!

"That butcher Chu Lushan, as soon as he entered Yong Province, he massacred five families, over a thousand people, on the pretext of colluding with mountain bandits!"

"Damn it, what collusion? It was just a random excuse!"

"Weren't those five families the ones most strongly opposed to the Xu Family!"

"That Chu fellow acts so recklessly, and Prefect Tian doesn't even dare to fart!"

Speaking of Chu Lushan, various news from the past few days had been successively gathered.

"This man has been in Yong Province for half a month, and several beautiful women from aristocratic families have fallen victim!"

"One of them, when sent back to her Family alive, had one of her breasts cut off!"

"Two days ago in Dingxiang Commandery, a fair-skinned, beautiful young lady was forcibly dragged onto that beast's carriage!"

"After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, her disheveled corpse was thrown out!"

"Truly a beast!"

On this day in Jin City, wherever people gathered, they were denouncing Chu Lushan.

However, these people could only speak with their mouths; who dared to offend Northern Liang!

"Chu Lushan can be considered to have outstanding military achievements, having personally shielded Xu Xiao from eleven sword strikes on the battlefield!"

"Therefore, after Xu Xiao became King, he promised his adopted son Chu Lushan that he could commit eleven capital crimes without dying!"

"Moreover, this Chu Lushan let the Northern Liang Crown Prince Xu Fengnian sleep with all his beautiful wives and concubines!"

"So, with Xu Xiao's protection above and the Crown Prince's indulgence below, what wouldn't he dare to do!"

At the Mei Xian Courtyard.

The second Eight Exquisites guard reported the latest news.

"Your Highness, Xu Weibear and Chu Lushan have already entered the Royal Mansion!"

"Tian Zong has also arrived at the Royal Mansion, and both sides are already conversing. Eunuch Cao is attending to matters in the Mansion."

Li Chang'an said calmly, "Understood. Continue to scout."

In fact, as early as when Xu Weibear and Chu Lushan were preparing to set off, Li Chang'an had received the news.

At the same time, he was very clear about the new Emperor's plan to use him as the first target for reducing vassal power.

However, Li Chang'an was even more aware that compared to himself, a small fry, the new Emperor harbored greater apprehension towards Xu Xiao.

Therefore, Chu Lushan's arrival in Jin City was a good opportunity.

Li Chang'an intended to use this opportunity to properly deal with Chu Lushan.

Firstly, he detested this man and had no intention of indulging this utterly unscrupulous scoundrel.

Secondly, for so many years, no one had dared to openly oppose the Northern Liang Royal Mansion.

But Li Chang'an knew that if someone did oppose the Northern Liang Royal Mansion, the Imperial Dynasty would surely support them.

This current opportunity was a good chance to fish in troubled waters between Liyang and Northern Liang, and to strengthen his own power.

Li Chang'an's status as a Prince allowed him to do many things legitimately.

Moreover, this identity was more conducive to him developing his own forces, increasing his power, and accumulating wealth.

Then, with System reward points, he could strengthen his forces and rise step by step.

Therefore, acting against Chu Lushan now would help him retain the title of King of Tang.

Xu Weibear's visit to break off the engagement had to be a big affair, and Chu Lushan wouldn't leave alive.

Li Chang'an wanted the Liyang Emperor to know that the King of Tang was of great use and could not be removed!

Tang Royal Mansion.

The person Tian Zong sent to invite Li Chang'an back had returned, and the officer reported the situation to Tian Zong with an awkward expression.

"Lord Tian, His Highness the King of Tang is currently enjoying himself at the Brothel. He said he is aware of the matter."

Upon hearing this, Chu Lushan immediately flew into a rage!

"Aware? What does 'aware' mean?"

"When can't he go to the Brothel!"

"But precisely when the Young Miss comes to break off the engagement, he runs off to the Brothel!"

"What does that mean? Does he look down on the Northern Liang Royal Mansion?"

Cao Zhengchun, a Finger Profound master, pretended to be unskilled in martial arts and watched Chu Lushan's outburst with a cold gaze.

Chu Lushan was furious, pacing back and forth in the Royal Mansion's main hall, cursing incessantly!

"A useless, decorative Prince! And he puts on such airs!"

"Just wait, I'll break his legs later!"

"He knows, yet he doesn't obediently come back?"

"Didn't you tell him that I, your grandpa, also came!"

Cao Zhengchun squinted, rolling his eyes hundreds of times in his mind.

This fat pig, he was only a second-rank official.

If the Prince hadn't told this old servant not to act rashly, one finger would be enough to finish off this bastard.

He said indifferently, "General Chu, the Young Miss came to break off the engagement today without prior notice."

"It's only human nature for young people to visit Brothels; this old servant wishes he could visit them."

Upon hearing Cao Zhengchun's words, Chu Lushan's fleshy Face twitched violently several times!

"Human nature my ass!"

"Are you saying the Young Miss came at an inconvenient time?"

"When I speak, where do you, old man, have a say!"

As he spoke, a palm was already raised!

It looked as if that slap was about to land on Cao Zhengchun's Face!

Cao Zhengchun had already decided: if Chu Lushan dared to deliver that slap, he would secretly castrate him that very night.

Prefect Tian Zong's expression was uncertain; he actually hoped Chu Lushan would make a big scene.

If he killed Li Chang'an in a fit of rage, it wouldn't be a big deal.

News from the Imperial Court indicated that King of Northern Liang Xu Xiao was striving for hereditary succession.

If Chu Lushan openly killed Li Chang'an, Xu Xiao would have trouble explaining it to the Imperial Court.

Moreover, Li Chang'an knew many of Tian Zong's secrets, and Tian Zong dreamed of Li Chang'an dying a violent death.

Just then, a slender figure floated over instantly!

Xu Weibear's hand gently blocked Chu Lushan's palm.

"Chu Lushan, don't cause trouble!"

"I came today without notifying the Tang Royal Mansion in advance; we are at fault first."

Chu Lushan chuckled, his expression immediately becoming fawning.

"Young Miss, there's no such thing as being at fault!"

"Your presence alone gives Li Chang'an enough Face!"

"The King has commanded that I am fully responsible for the matter of breaking off the engagement!"

"You just wait with peace of mind!"

The just sixteen-year-old Xu Weibear had already undergone complete training as a loyal bodyguard.

However, at present, she had not yet taken over many Northern Liang affairs.

This time, for the engagement annulment, all matters, big and small, were handled by Chu Lushan.

Deliberately parading through the streets with cavalry, making it known to all, was probably Xu Fengnian's idea.

Who in Northern Liang didn't know that Chu Lushan was Xu Fengnian's loyal dog?

Chu Lushan pulled over a tall, burly Commandant next to him and patted his shoulder.

"Commandant Zhou, you tie up Li Chang'an!"

"If you can't do it, then you damn well don't come back!"

Commandant Zhou loudly accepted the order, then led a dozen Northern Liang soldiers out of the Royal Mansion.

At the Mei Xian Courtyard.

Li Chang'an was contemplating how to torture Chu Lushan to make him justly suffer for his crimes.

At this moment, a furious roar suddenly erupted at the entrance of the Mei Xian Courtyard!

"Where is Li Chang'an!"

"You subjugated wretch, how dare you make our Young Miss wait for you!"

"Get out here immediately and return to the Royal Mansion to break off the engagement!"

The person who arrived was a nine-foot-tall burly man, broad-shouldered and strong-backed, with a Northern Liang saber at his hip!

Li Chang'an merely glanced at him; this person was not Chu Lushan.

Because his weight was insufficient, and his official rank was also insufficient; he was merely a Commandant.

People in the Brothel dared not provoke the Northern Liang Army, so someone immediately told the Commandant Li Chang'an's location.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

This Commandant Zhou walked up to the third floor, step by step.

He entered the room, pointed at Li Chang'an's nose, and cursed loudly!

"Li Chang'an, you useless wretch, come with me!"

Li Chang'an didn't budge an inch, nor did he lift his eyelids.

But his words, devoid of emotion, carried considerable authority.

"Kneel!"

Li Chang'an's behavior today stunned the regular patrons of the Brothel!

What had gotten into the usually low-key Li Chang'an today?

A person from the renowned Northern Liang Army, and Li Chang'an ordered him to kneel the moment he spoke!

King of Northern Liang Xu Xiao commanded an army of three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers!

He had annihilated six of the eight Spring and Autumn states, and even killed four Emperors!

Now, he held the high office of Grand Pillar State and governed Ling Province, You Province, and Liang Province!

Northern Liang, a state within the Liyang Imperial Dynasty!

The Mei Xian Courtyard was packed with people, hundreds of them craning their necks to look towards Li Chang'an!

Commandant Zhou of the Northern Liang Army had also seen the Fushui Bureau's intelligence and knew that Li Chang'an had no outstanding qualities.

He snorted coldly, then said sharply, "Li Chang'an..."

But he had just opened his mouth when Li Chang'an stopped him with a shout!

"Shut up!"

That shout was heard clearly throughout the entire Brothel!

The voice was still Li Chang'an's voice!

But it was full of confidence, powerful, and deafening!

The authority in that tone didn't even sound like it could come from a young man.

"You scoundrel!"

"Do you call Xu Xiao by his name like that when you see him?"

"Didn't Xu Xiao teach you that an official of your rank must kneel when meeting a Prince of this Imperial Dynasty?"