The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

The banquet hall was brightly lit, filled with the clinking of glasses and lively conversation. As soon as Ning Feng entered, the murmurs within immediately subsided.

"The Holy Maiden has arrived!" the eunuch announced loudly.

Zhao Wuji rose from his seat, a smile on his face: "It is my honor that the Holy Maiden has come."

"General, you flatter me," Ning Feng said neither humbly nor arrogantly. "This Holy Maiden has also brought a small gift; I wonder if the General would be so kind as to accept it?"

Xiao Cui presented the wooden box with both hands. Just then, a smiling voice came:

"Oh dear, the Holy Maiden has arrived at just the right time. I was just telling you gentlemen the stories of the Holy Maidens of Nanzhao throughout history."

Ning Feng turned her head and saw the Crown Prince holding a wine cup, smiling amiably: "Does the Holy Maiden know that our first Holy Maiden of Nanzhao was only fourteen years old when she ascended the throne?"

Several officials in the hall chuckled. One added, "Indeed, I've heard that the Holy Maidens of each generation received their destiny at the age of fourteen. That age is precisely when one is innocent and carefree."

"Speaking of which," the Crown Prince said thoughtfully, "the Holy Maiden has been away from Nanzhao for many years and has missed quite a few grand ceremonies."

The implication was that Ning Feng was too old and went against tradition.

Ning Feng remained composed and said calmly, "The Crown Prince is right. However, I believe that a Holy Maiden's responsibility lies in protecting Nanzhao; age is secondary."

“The Holy Maiden is right,” Zhao Wuji said at the opportune moment, “Come, try this jar of aged wine.”

Ning Feng was about to speak when the Crown Prince continued, "Speaking of which, when I was young, my grandmother told me that if the Holy Maiden of Nanzhao was over twenty and had not yet ascended the throne, she would lose her destiny. Does the Holy Maiden believe this?"

A hush fell over the hall. Though the words were phrased euphemistically, they were in fact questioning Ning Feng's legitimacy.

Ning Feng's lips curled slightly: "Since the Crown Prince has mentioned the Mandate of Heaven, then this Holy Maiden would like to ask, what exactly is the Mandate of Heaven?"

"This..." The prince was speechless for a moment.

“Heaven’s mandate lies in virtue, not in age,” Ning Feng slowly rose. “Besides, what the Crown Prince said is merely a folk tale. For orthodoxy, the *Nanzhao Chronicle* should be the standard.”

She looked at Zhao Wuji: "Speaking of the *Nanzhao Chronicle*, it's perfectly related to General's birthday celebration today. The *Military Chronicle* records many early military anecdotes of Nanzhao."

These words not only defused the Crown Prince's mockery but also brought him closer to Zhao Wuji.

The Crown Prince's expression changed slightly, and he raised his wine cup to cover it up: "Since it is the General's birthday, then I will toast the General."

"Your Highness is too kind." Zhao Wuji raised his cup in greeting, but his gaze seemed to drift towards Ning Feng.

Ning Feng smiled slightly, took a sip of wine, and said, "General, the 'Military Records' in this wooden box is a unique copy from the Nanzhao court. Many of the tactics used by the Nanzhao ancestors in their joint resistance against the Northern Rong are recorded here."

A strange light flashed in Zhao Wuji's eyes: "I appreciate the Holy Maiden's kindness."

“General, you are too modest,” Ning Feng said calmly. “I have heard that your cavalry is invincible; you should indeed carry on the glory of your ancestors.”

Before he could finish speaking, the Crown Prince sneered, "The Holy Maiden seems to have quite a bit of knowledge about military affairs."

"I only know a little bit," Ning Feng said neither humbly nor arrogantly, turning to Zhao Wuji, "If the general doesn't mind, this holy maiden would like to ask you a few questions about tactics."

Zhao Wuji nodded slightly: "Please speak, Holy Maiden."

"I heard that in the battle of the Northern Frontier, the general led five thousand cavalry to fight against the main force of the enemy. Is that true?" A hint of admiration flashed in Ning Feng's eyes.

Zhao Wuji put down his wine cup, his expression serious: "The Holy Maiden is well-informed. However, in that battle, if it weren't for favorable timing and location, she wouldn't have won so decisively."

"General, you are too modest," Minister Du interjected. "If it weren't for your brilliant strategies back then, the northern border of Nanzhao would probably have already..."

Before he could finish speaking, the Crown Prince abruptly stood up: "You are all here today to celebrate the General's birthday, why bring up these old stories? Come, come, let me toast you all!"

Ning Feng observed Zhao Wuji's reaction discreetly. The General of Zhennan remained calm, raising his cup in response, but his slightly furrowed brows betrayed a hint of displeasure.

“The Crown Prince is right,” Ning Feng raised her cup, “we should celebrate the General’s birthday.”

After several rounds of drinks, the banquet was in full swing. Seeing that the time was right, Ning Feng rose to take her leave. Zhao Wuji personally saw her off, but as they reached the courtyard, Ning Feng suddenly stopped: "General, the borders of Nanzhao have been rather turbulent lately. This holy maiden would like to ask for your insights."

Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered slightly: "Is the Holy Maiden referring to the Northern Border or the Western Border?"

"General, you do indeed know the details," Ning Feng said in a low voice. "Would it be possible to discuss this further on another day?"

Zhao Wuji pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Three days from now, I will await the Holy Maiden at the General's Mansion."

"Thank you, General." Ning Feng shut up and didn't mention the matter again.

“Indeed, we shouldn’t be discussing these old matters.” Zhao Wuji put down his wine cup, then suddenly changed the subject, “However, since the Holy Maiden is so knowledgeable about military affairs, why don’t I have my men entertain you all?”

The people in the banquet hall exchanged glances. A hint of amusement flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes as he picked up his wine cup and took a small sip.

"Yu Zhan, come out and greet the Holy Maiden," Zhao Wuji said loudly.

A burly general rose from his seat, broad-shouldered and with a scar on his face. He strode forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "This humble general pays his respects to the Holy Maiden."

"The guards around the Holy Maiden must all be quite skilled, right?" Zhao Wuji looked at Ning Feng meaningfully.

Ning Feng glanced at Yu Zhan, then at Zhao Wuji, and understood. This was a public test of her strength.

“I do have a few guards by my side,” Ning Feng said with a calm smile, “but how can I display swords and spears at the general’s birthday banquet?”

"Haha, Holy Maiden, you're too kind," Zhao Wuji laughed, stroking his beard. "It's common for military officers to hold competitions to entertain guests in their residences. Besides, this hall is quite spacious, perfect for everyone to broaden their horizons."

The Crown Prince spoke up at the opportune moment: "Is the Holy Maiden afraid?"

A few low laughs suddenly rang out at the banquet.

Ning Feng smiled slightly: "Since everyone is so interested, this Holy Maiden will naturally keep you company. A'Ce, go and see what Vice General Yu is capable of."

The young guard A-Ce, who was standing behind her, stepped forward. He had a handsome face, but his eyes were sharp as knives.

"This pretty boy?" Yu Zhan looked A Ce up and down, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

The guests at the banquet moved their seats, clearing a space in the hall. The servants quickly removed the tables and added several lamps in the four corners.

Yu Zhan took the longsword handed to him by his personal guard; its gleam flickered in the lamplight. A Ce, on the other hand, drew a longsword as thin as a cicada's wing; its tip trembled slightly, radiating a cold light.

“Please!” A-Ce said calmly.

Yu Zhan roared, his longsword slashing down with the force of splitting mountains. A Ce slightly shifted his body, his longsword coiling around the blade like a swimming dragon.

"Impressive skills!" A glint flashed in Zhao Wuji's eyes.

A gasp of surprise rippled through the banquet. Even the Crown Prince put down his wine cup and watched the battle intently.

In the heat of battle, Yu Zhan suddenly changed tactics, his blade aimed directly at A Ce's throat. This move was swift and ruthless, his signature technique, "Soul-Severing Blade."

But A-Ce seemed to have been prepared. With a flash of sword light, Yu Zhan's knife was knocked away and embedded in a pillar in the hall.

The scene became eerily quiet for a moment.

"Excellent!" Zhao Wuji suddenly clapped his hands. "What a fine contest! Someone, bring them some wine!"

"The Holy Maiden is indeed surrounded by hidden talents," the Crown Prince said meaningfully.

Ning Feng smiled calmly: "A-Ce has a rudimentary understanding of swordsmanship; I apologize for the poor quality." She raised her wine cup, "Please, everyone, continue drinking and enjoying yourselves."

Zhao Wuji raised his cup in response, but his gaze lingered on Ning Feng's face: "Today, I have truly broadened my horizons."

The banquet became lively again, but beneath the clinking of glasses, undercurrents were swirling.