“You… Why are you here too? I clearly didn’t—”
“What? I’m not allowed to be here?”
Liu Yingfeng’s expression was rather unpleasant.
She never expected that the little girl always trailing behind her husband would turn out to be none other than the Ninth Princess of the Yanhuang Empire!
No wonder her husband was so exceptional!
However, this revelation wasn’t necessarily a good thing for her.
The Ninth Princess’s status wasn’t much lower than hers.
In other words, in this “battle” where she absolutely couldn’t back down, she had just lost the upper hand in terms of rank.
“Wait, both of you—stop arguing for a second…”
Lin Wuming suddenly cut in with a grim expression.
“Little junior sister, just now you said you clearly didn’t… didn’t what?”
He gave her a dark look.
So what if she’s a princess?
She was still his junior sister!
He pinched her cheek—something had felt off to him earlier.
He hadn’t seen that Liu family young lady all this time, and now it was clear why: his wonderful little sister had never actually gone to notify her.
Thank heavens Liu Yingfeng sensed something was wrong and sent someone herself.
Otherwise, with how things were going before, even the city lord’s intervention might not have saved the day.
“Sowwy, shenior bwother… I messed up…”
He Yingying shrank her neck and lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.
A whole Ninth Princess, publicly getting her cheeks pinched without even a hint of complaint.
‘Damn. Just… damn.’
Luo Haonian, the city lord, watched from the side, scalp tingling.
The Chief Disciple of the Taixu Hall, the Ninth Princess of the Empire… and that’s not all.
Others may not know, but he was fully aware—this boy had backing from Wanle Palace, and even the legendary White-Clad Demon Emperor!
What kind of reincarnated luck was this?!
Truly, people are not born equal.
Since it was still a public event, Lin Wuming didn’t take it further and soon let go.
He Yingying, now composed, tidied her attire and forced herself to adopt the proper bearing of a princess—though it was clear she was faking it.
To Lin Wuming, who knew her all too well, this “dignity” just looked awkward.
Was this timid, indecisive girl, lacking in self-confidence, really destined to become the future Human Emperor, sovereign of all realms?
Where did she find such courage and ambition?
The Lin Family’s Grand Elder was dead, Lin Wuming had already won his match against the Wang family’s heir—on the surface, the unrest stirred up by the family competition was settled.
The remaining two contestants, rattled by all that had happened, had no desire to continue the tournament.
From both a strength and political standpoint, fighting Lin Wuming further would be suicidal.
The final outcome of the tournament was clear.
Despite the damaged arena, nothing truly disastrous had occurred.
Yet for the various noble families and elders attending, this was a massive psychological blow—their entire worldview had just been shattered.
The Chief Disciple of Taixu Hall, and the Ninth Princess of the Empire—either title was terrifying enough.
But both appearing in Luoshui City, both rushing to save the same young man, and even nearly arguing over him?
Was this the legendary tale of two rich beauties falling for one poor boy?
At the same time, no less?
Could his kidneys even handle that?
If not, maybe… lend him one?
Why couldn’t they ever stumble upon such smooth, fragrant, and powerful thighs to cling to?
Jealousy, envy, and sour grapes saturated the entire venue—it practically smelled like lemons everywhere.
To Luo Haonian, however, none of this was surprising.
In fact, he was jealous too.
But he had more pressing matters to handle…
His gaze returned to Liu Yingfeng—clearly, this Chief Disciple had no intention of letting the Lin family off the hook.
At Liu Yingfeng’s side, Ling’er was also surprised to see the junior sister suddenly revealed as the Ninth Princess.
But her eyes quickly lit up with a new idea.
“Miss, Miss…”
She leaned close to Liu Yingfeng’s ear and whispered something.
Liu Yingfeng frowned and glanced at He Yingying.
“Her?”
“Yes, Miss. Think about it. You could handle the Lin family yourself, but doing so might affect both your reputation and the young master’s. Since there’s a better way, why not take it?”
Liu Yingfeng’s expression softened, then turned conflicted.
She looked at Lin Wuming—and finally exhaled, releasing her aura.
If it were just her, she’d insist on personally settling the score.
But if it meant her husband might get caught up in unnecessary trouble because of her rashness, she couldn’t risk it.
Especially when… he still wouldn’t accept her feelings.
She knew all too well: many in Taixu Hall already disliked her.
If the Empire sent an envoy demanding an explanation, those people would use it as fuel to stir up trouble.
If that led to any negative consequences for him…
He’d probably hate her forever.
“Then… fine.”
After saying this, she fell silent.
She couldn’t bring herself to say the next part.
As the one with the formal engagement, the rightful future wife, how could she stoop to asking the princess for help?
But of course, Ling’er had no such qualms.
That girl was bold and clever.
She adjusted her tone and looked at He Yingying.
“Ling’er did not know ‘little’ junior sister was the Ninth Princess. If I’ve offended you, Your Highness, I hope you’ll forgive me…”
He Yingying frowned slightly.
The words were fine—but that “little” felt… off.
Still, this was a public venue.
As a royal, she couldn’t be petty over minor wordplay.
“No harm done,” she replied stiffly.
“Also—Lord Luo,” Ling’er suddenly turned to the city lord.
“My lady wishes me to inform you: she will not back down. Within three days, there must be no place left in Luoshui City for the Lin family to stand!”
Luo Haonian’s brow furrowed.
Just as he was hesitating, he noticed the girl shooting him a meaningful look—and remembered her earlier chat with the princess.
He instantly got the message.
He turned to Liu Yingfeng and replied with righteous indignation:
“Miss Liu, as Chief Disciple of Taixu Hall, your presence here in Luoshui City is most welcome. However, you claim the Lin family attempted to assassinate your husband—yet you offer no proof. I’m afraid I cannot allow you to act recklessly in this city.”
“Oh? So the city lord means to block Taixu Hall from doing its duty?”
Liu Yingfeng’s brows lifted slightly.
She had to admit—Ling’er really was sharp.
Then she glared, putting on an unyielding stance.
The confrontation escalated again, and the air grew tense…