In the imperial court, three hundred civil and military officials stood in two rows, and sixteen others sat on either side; they were all first-rank officials.

“Lord Feng, Zheng Qian killed the envoys of various countries. They are demanding that Zheng Qian be handed over. If we do not hand him over, they will launch an attack on Guangxiang Kingdom. At that time, fifty countries will be at our gates. I'm afraid our country alone will not be able to withstand it.”

An old man with a slanted nose stared coldly at Feng Feiyang, who was sitting on the dragon throne, without a trace of respect.

This old man was Xia Wenrui, the Grand Secretary. Originally, he did not have the power to challenge Feng Feiyang. Unexpectedly, the remnants of the powerful families killed by Feng Wuhen came to him, giving him the confidence to challenge the three giants, Feng Feiyang, Mo Yuan, and Fan Lang.

Feng Feiyang's eyes flashed with murderous intent, but he wore a smile on his face and said calmly, "The envoys from various countries besieged Zheng Qian, which was their fault. If they want to attack Guangxiang Kingdom, I, Feng Feiyang, am not a pushover."

Xia Wenrui sneered: "Lord Feng, any of the fifty kingdoms could easily muster several million troops. Guangxiang Kingdom has a permanent garrison of 700,000, and even if they recall their veterans, they will only have a million. Once war breaks out, they have no chance of winning. I'm afraid Guangxiang Kingdom will be devoured, and everyone will die under the iron cavalry of the allied forces."

Beside Xia Wenrui was an obese middle-aged man, Shen Hong, who was incredibly wealthy. He chuckled and said, "Lord Feng, handing over Zheng Qian can bring peace and development to Guangxiang Kingdom. It's a good deal. We're also thinking about the millions of people in Guangxiang Kingdom. Nobody wants war to break out."

Fan Lang's voice boomed: "I have won countless battles with fewer troops than I can count on two hands. Dealing with a mere coalition is a piece of cake for me. Is Lord Xia a coward who dares not fight?"

Xia Wenrui showed no respect to Fan Lang. He commanded 200,000 local troops, and with the addition of powerful families who had pledged allegiance to him, his forces numbered at least 350,000.

Fan Lang is the Grand General who protects the country. No matter how good he is at fighting, the remaining 400,000 troops need to be stationed in various places. He can only spare 200,000 at most.

With 35 against 200,000, Xia Wenrui had the courage to fight Fan Lang, so he didn't need to consider Fan Lang's feelings at all and showed him no respect whatsoever.

"General Fan, I know you are a capable fighter, but to say that you can fight against a coalition of fifty nations with the strength of one country is, in my opinion, a pipe dream."

"You're asking for death." Fan Lang suddenly stood up, exuding murderous intent, and stared coldly at Xia Wenrui.

As soon as Fan Lang moved, his men were ready to fight. Xia Wenrui, not to be outdone, also stood up, with a group of followers behind him.

Fan Lang had a slightly larger group than Xia Wenrui, but not by much. There were three hundred officials, while Xia Wenrui's group had over a hundred people.

Feng Feiyang was in a real bind. He had never taken Xia Wenrui and Shen Hong seriously before, but he never expected that the remnants of powerful families would join them, making them stronger than ever before, even able to easily carve out a territory and become kings.

"In my opinion, you're just afraid of dying."

Just then, a mocking voice rang out from outside the hall. Everyone turned to look and saw a newcomer dressed in a battle suit as deep as the night sky, adorned with the faint light of countless stars. He carried a sword that could absorb people's souls and strode into the court.

The newcomer was Zheng Qian, followed by Dong Hao and his entourage.

Xia Wenrui narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Where did this brute come from? He doesn't know any rules. Weapons are not allowed in the imperial court. This is a law that you are defying the law. Besides, the imperial court is not a place for small fry."

Zheng Qian completely ignored Xia Wenrui and bowed to Feng Feiyang in the manner of a subject to his emperor: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Feng Feiyang's aura instantly became powerful. He wanted a complete Guangxiang Kingdom, so he had been tolerating Xia Wenrui's nonsense. Zheng Qian's potential was boundless, and he would not offend Zheng Qian either. Therefore, his management approach was to first stabilize Xia Wenrui and Shen Hong. Otherwise, with his strength at the Liquid Aperture Realm, killing the two of them would be a piece of cake.

Those in high positions are more patient and equally adept at using cunning tactics.

"Rise." Feng Feiyang was full of confidence. Although he attended the morning court session today, no one called him Emperor. Zheng Qian immediately performed the rites of a subject to a ruler and directly recognized him as Emperor.

This is about saving face, and being a staunch supporter.

Today, he supports whatever Zheng Qian does in court.

A prodigy has special privileges, just like when he wears battle armor and carries a precious sword to the imperial court.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zheng Qian stood up, turned to look at Xia Wenrui, and made no attempt to hide his disgust.

"Did you say that the envoys from various countries wanted to cause trouble for me, Zheng Qian?"

Xia Wenrui sneered, disdainfully refusing to speak. The official behind him pointed at Zheng Qian and cursed, "Who do you think you are, to dare speak to Lord Xia?"

Zheng Qian didn't even look at the person who spoke, and coldly said, "I am Zheng Qian. I got full marks in all three civil exams and first place in the military exam. This morning, the Emperor personally conferred upon me the title of Duke of Zhenguo. Who dares to say that I am not worthy to speak? Please show me your results."

The official who had been speaking fell silent. A perfect score in all three written exams and first place in the martial arts exam—it was indeed the best result in the history of the Heroes' Gathering, and there was nothing more to say about it.

You should know that the Heroes Gathering is held every fifty years. In the past five hundred years, Zheng Qian is the first person to get full marks in three subjects. Who can compare with him?

Xia Wenrui squinted, still wearing a disdainful expression, and said sarcastically, "What's the use of good grades? The envoys from fifty countries are demanding an explanation from you, or they will send troops to attack Guangxiang Kingdom. Why don't you go and resolve that?"

Zheng Qian stared at Xia Wenrui: "You said that envoys from fifty countries came to me for an explanation? Then why didn't they come to me, but instead came to you? Are you their spy, working for them?"

"Nonsense!" Xia Wenrui rebuked. If he were labeled a spy, he would be in deep trouble.

"I have served in the court for over fifty years and have made countless contributions to the Guangxiang Kingdom. You ignorant child, please refrain from your nonsense."

Zheng Qian took a step forward and said coldly, "You have made countless contributions, so you're showing off your power here, not even putting the Emperor in your eyes?"

Xia Wenrui flicked his sleeves, his tone returning to calm: "Without someone ascending the throne, how can there be an emperor?"

Zheng Qian took another step forward, and Xia Wenrui was already within range of his fierce attack. His voice was icy: "Lu Chu was killed by me, and the head of the Feng family sat on the throne. Xia Wenrui, you do not acknowledge the emperor, so you want to sit on the throne yourself."

Xia Wenrui's eyelids twitched wildly, but he quickly calmed down. He had 200,000 local troops under his command, plus the forces that had surrendered, making a total of 350,000 troops. Even if Feng Feiyang was considering the stability of the country, he wouldn't dare to kill him.

"Whether I sit on the throne or not is none of your business. I, Xia Wenrui, have made countless contributions to the Guangxiang Kingdom. Every member of the Xia family is a passionate and virtuous man, and each generation is stronger than the last. They are all pillars of the nation who serve the country."

Xia Wenrui's words were profound. He had rendered meritorious service to the country, and Feng Feiyang could not kill him. However, the Xia family had many talented people, and if he died, the Xia family would dare to rise up in rebellion.

A threat, a blatant threat.

"Haha..." Zheng Qian laughed. Xia Wenrui was dancing on the edge of death, so what reason did he have to refuse Xia Wenrui's desire to die?

Zheng Qian's voice sounded like it came from hell, and the air seemed to drop several degrees, sending chills down everyone's spines.

“I dare to kill Lu Chu, I dare to kill three thousand envoys and one thousand envoys, do you think I, Zheng Qian, dare not kill a mere Xia Wenrui?”

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