one's door

"Mother Concubine! The child is back!"

After entering the palace, Princess Qingling immediately went to the harem to find her biological mother, Huarong Zhaoyi.

"Ling'er! You, you are back! Mother is so worried!"

A unique small courtyard in the harem is Huarong Zhaoyi's residence.It is relatively quiet here, and it is very close to the "Beiguang Garden" where flowers and plants are flourishing, and the terrain is relatively high and there is no tide.Even the place was redecorated the year before last.It looks new.

Huarong Zhaoyi is young, just in her early 40s, and she is the youngest daughter of the Chen family in Nanyuan Kingdom.She was sent into the palace by Chen Yao, the head of the Chen family, into the eyes of the emperor, and was brought into the harem as Zhaoyi.

The Chen family is the second largest military family in the Nanyuan National Army.Although the past few decades have been a little out of date, the intertwined relationship is still there, and no one dares to underestimate it.

But the Chen family was out of luck.Or Hua Rong Zhaoyi's bad luck.Although she has a good appearance and good family affairs, she also pleases the emperor.It's a pity that she had an accident when she gave birth to Princess Qingling.Although Princess Qingling's life was saved in the end, there was no possibility of her having a baby.And this means a complete loss of status in the royal family.If it wasn't for the fact that the emperor still loved her and her family background was strong enough, Huarong Zhaoyi's fate would have been miserable.

And the Chen family's misfortune didn't stop there.

The daughter Huarong Zhaoyi gave birth to, Princess Qingling, is actually talented and able to practice martial arts, and she is the only princess in the same age who can practice martial arts.

Cultivating martial arts is a good thing, but if it is the only princess who cultivates martial arts in a similar age group, it will not be a good thing.

Because he was going to be singled out as the marriage competition with Huayue Shangguo this time.It's all a coincidence in time.

So after Princess Qingling was born and tested her martial arts talent, her title was changed to "Qingling", which is not an official princess title.

As for the emperor, coolness is the basic quality.In order for the royal family not to lose a formally titled princess, Princess Qingling, who was just born at that time, could only be wronged.

Even though no one was optimistic about Princess Qingling, the royal family of Nanyuan Kingdom didn't let her go. They spent a lot of resources when they were young, and then sent them to the martial arts academy in Yuanding Imperial City to study.But when the news of Huayue Shangguo's opponent came back, Princess Qingling's situation fell to the bottom.Especially in Yuanding Imperial City, even in places like the Martial Arts Academy, "very negative" remarks, even ridicule and ridicule, began to appear, "What's the point of working so hard? You will still lose in the end, It will become another disgrace to Nanyuan Kingdom".

This negative and negative environment almost caused Princess Qingling to collapse directly.That's why Huarong Zhaoyi found Xiao Shu who was in the martial arts court in Langyuan City through her family's relationship, and transferred Princess Qingling to Langyuan City to continue her practice.Far away from Yuanding Imperial City, there will be much less gossip.

At least let the children have a chance to fight hard once.If you still lose in the end, you should have no regrets.This is what the Chen family and Huarong Zhaoyi have always thought.

"It's not my boy's fault. But there's a reason why my boy came back so late. This time in Langyuan City, my boy met a great opportunity..." Princess Qingling smiled and pulled her mother back into the house. Tell your mother about your surprise experiences in the past two months.

The guards and maids outside retreated one after another, leaving room for the mother and daughter to talk privately.

Huarong Zhaoyi didn't listen carefully at first, and she was even more distressed by her daughter's bumpy journey and the sunburn on her face.But listening to it, she had to open her mouth slightly in shock, and her eyes widened.

"Ling'er! Don't lie to the concubine mother, you really met such a strange person? Still have the confidence to surpass the princess of Huayue Kingdom?!" Huarong Zhaoyi tightly held her daughter's hand.Although she is not a warrior, she knows how difficult it is to win by leapfrogging.And the target is a person from Huayue Shangguo.

Over the years, which time has Nanyuan Kingdom won?Not to mention leapfrogging, the same level is also simply lost.

So after getting excited, Huarong Zhaoyi quickly poured a basin of cold water on herself.Difficult, too difficult.However, there was still a look of surprise on his face.He patted the back of his daughter's hand and followed her daughter's mood to express her happiness.In her opinion, this may be the last time she and her daughter will be together.So why be so pessimistic?How good is it to be happy?

"Mother Concubine. I know that you are following me. My child has been studying abroad all these years, and I have learned a little bit of the ability to read people's faces. I know that Mother Concubine does not believe it. But it is also true that such a strange person as Mr. Zhang is rare in the world. It's human nature for the concubine mother not to believe it. But my child, please rest assured that the concubine mother will definitely win this time! From now on, I will get the "wishful order" and stay by my concubine's side for the rest of my life, so as not to let my concubine be alone!"

The so-called "Ruyi Order" was made by the first emperor to encourage the princesses of Nanyuan Kingdom to work hard instead of giving up on themselves.As long as you win the competition, you will be rewarded with a Ruyi Ling. In the future, "everything goes well", as long as the requirements are not excessive, they can be satisfied.It is equivalent to giving the winning princess the most free space.

Huarong Zhaoyi put her arms around her daughter's shoulders.He smiled and said: "It doesn't matter what the concubine mother thinks, the important thing is yourself. If you have confidence, then give it a go. Even if you lose, you must show the integrity of my Nanyuan country. If you really win , then you are the number one princess of Nanyuan Kingdom!"

Chapter 219 Lunch

He rushed back in a hurry, in order not to miss the fight, and also wanted to stay two more days to get together with his mother.After all these years of painstaking training outside, Princess Qingling is also extremely eager to be reunited.

Another reason is that Princess Qingling is actually not absolutely sure, and she also thought that if she loses, she will marry Huayue far away, and it may be difficult for the rest of her life to get together again.So even though she was full of confidence, Princess Qingling cherished the present few days.

The reason for the performance of self-confidence.One is to be confident in his experience in the arena.Since she was a child, Princess Qingling can be said to have grown up competing with others in the ring.That kind of non-life-and-death competition has become part of her practice, and she is confident that she will not lose to anyone in terms of experience.

The second is to be confident in your own hidden moves.There are special combat skills and means that have been prepared before.In the past two months, I studied under Professor Zhang in Langyuan City, relying on the effect of medicinal baths to improve the toughness and endurance of the skin, and after the latest medicinal bath, I barely touched the kind of men in the middle of the Kaiyuan stage. The degree of skin and flesh.This has far exceeded the toughness and endurance of female flesh and blood under normal circumstances.

A warrior who possesses the dexterity and speed of a woman, but also takes into account toughness and endurance, Princess Qingling feels that she has never been stronger than before.

And this power is still hidden under the surface.She even listened to Zhang Yan's suggestion and learned a combat technique of frontal assault, as a trump card for herself.

Of course, these are all normal methods. Even though Princess Qingling has changed a lot from ordinary female warriors with the blessing of herbal bath, it still cannot change the nature of warriors.

The non-normal method is the last expectation of Princess Qingling in this competition.It was that odd-looking piece of paper she kept in her inner pocket.

"Burn it before going on stage, and drink it with paper ashes and spirits. It will help you."

That's what Zhang Jiaoxi said at the time.Princess Qingling remembered it in her heart, but she couldn't help but feel that it was ridiculous.Based on her experience in the past ten years, she always felt that Zhang Jiaoxi was perfunctory her, even teasing her.But the serious expression on the other side didn't look like a joke.Coupled with the magic and treachery of "The Method of Refining Skin and Flesh", this weird speech has added a layer of mystery that cannot be ignored.

Believe it or not?

Does Princess Qingling have to choose again?she didn't.

Since there was no choice either way, and Princess Qingling would not be in any danger by swallowing a bowl of spirits with burnt paper ashes, so why not believe in such a thing once?

"Ling'er, you should go see your father today. When he came here a few days ago, he was still talking about you, saying that you were wronged."

"Mother and concubine, I understand. I will go to pay my respects to the emperor later."

"Don't blame him. He is the emperor, and Nanyuan Kingdom is a descendant country. When facing Huayue, he can't help himself and can only choose." Huarong Zhaoyi took the breakfast handed over by Princess Qingling, and the mother and daughter While eating breakfast, we chatted about today's itinerary.

"Yeah." Nodded.Princess Qingling did not agree.In her mind, father is not the same as "father", but more of a majestic symbol, a ruler, and even subconsciously one of the objects she needs to fight against.So if it is not necessary, she actually does not want to see her father.

After breakfast, the mother and daughter went to Beiguang Garden not far away, and talked a lot about Princess Qingling's experience in Langyuan City over the years.Among them, Hua Rong Zhaoyi asked a lot about the Zhang teacher.

It wasn't until after noon that Huarong Zhaoyi sent Princess Qingling to Qinzheng Hall with a can of slow-cooked soup.

Unlike when she came back yesterday, Princess Qingling had changed out of her fine attire.Changed into a palace dress, her long hair has also been changed into a hair ornament, she looks youthful and beautiful, but at the same time she is quite dignified and reserved like a royal princess.

In fact, Princess Qingling doesn't like the way she has to follow the rules when she walks.There are rules for the distance of each step.It made her very sad.

After noon, the morning affairs in Qinzheng Palace came to an end.Huarong Zhaoyi obviously made arrangements in advance.As soon as Princess Qingling passed by, the eunuch was waiting for her early, leading her into the main hall, and then turned to the study behind the main hall.The emperor would rest here when he was not in charge.Also often have lunch here.

The eunuch led Princess Qingling in, and then retreated out of the door without a sound, and closed the door of the study.

"My son, please see my father!" Princess Qingling politely greeted the middle-aged man who was sitting at the desk writing at the desk in the study according to the royal gift.

This man is the emperor of Nanyuan Kingdom, Yang Sheng.

"En. Ling'er is back? Sit down, wait a moment, this note will be approved soon, Father will talk to you later."

"Yes."

Waited for almost a cup of tea.Yang Sheng smiled and put down the pen in his hand, got up from the desk, walked to the side, looked at his daughter carefully, and said with a smile: "I haven't seen her for more than two years, she has grown a lot, she has become a big girl! "

"My son is unfilial, I have not paid my respects to my father in the past two years, and I still ask my father to punish me!" Princess Qingling bowed down after speaking.

"Punishment? You, my father and daughter, need such a life? Hehe, you didn't come back because you wanted to beat Huayue's opponent in the big competition three days later. This is even the goal you have worked hard for for more than ten years. , what is the crime?"

After a pause, Yang Sheng greeted the eunuch to serve the meal, and asked Princess Qingling to eat with him.Eat and chat.

The emperor's lunch may not be much better than that eaten by ordinary wealthy families.That is to say, it is more refined, and the ingredients are still the same.Three meat and three vegetables, one soup, plus one portion of seasonal fruit.And the old soup that Princess Qingling brought over.

"I heard that you have made some gains in Langyuan City recently? Are you confident of defeating Huayue's opponent?"

"Yes, Father! My son has confidence!"

"That's good. In fact, your talent is good. Wu Xiuyi's talent is far stronger than mine. It's no worse than your opponent. And she is now in the late stage of Kaiyuan, and you are in the middle stage, which is the worst among them." It's not your talent, but the background of our Nanyuan Kingdom. If Wuchi is still there, your talent must be at the late Kaiyuan stage. It's a pity."

Princess Qingling also knew the "martial pool" that Yang Sheng mentioned.That was a secret to the outside world, but not a secret to the royal family.In fact, because of the collapse of the "Martial Pond" in the previous dynasty, the Qiande Shangguo caused a fault in the top-level power, gradually lost the power of the Shangguo, and finally fell apart.Princess Qingling didn't want to comment on these secrets in history.Although she is not like her opponent, she can leap to the realm faster by relying on martial arts.But she also has her own opportunities.

"In the past few days, you should spend good time with your concubine mother. I will be there in person to cheer for you at the Grand Competition in three days' time!"

Chapter 220 Depression

Although Princess Qingling stayed in Huarong Zhaoyi's courtyard in the harem after returning to the palace from Langyuan City, but the news had already spread.

Not only in the palace, but the so-called upper class in Yuanding Imperial City have discussed it in private many times.

There will always be such a competition every ten years.Anyone with a discerning eye knows that this is a kind of oppression of the royal family of Nanyuan Kingdom intentionally created by Huayue Shang Kingdom.It is aimed at the self-confidence of the royal family.And there is no denying it.

Dare to refuse?I don't even want to marry, are you hostile to me?Is it true that crossing the water is a natural moat that cannot be crossed?

How can Nanyuan Kingdom, which is separated by a river, have the capital and Huayue top bull?It would be nice to be able to swallow your anger and not be troubled by the war.Some spiritual defeats are not unbearable.It's just that this humiliation really made many people in Nanyuan Kingdom feel very bad.

Of course, there are those who feel ashamed and those who secretly talk about it.

The majesty of the Huayue Kingdom can most affect the Nanyuan Kingdom across the river.Powerful and wealthy.Everything with Huayue became "good".Even though he is a member of Nanyuan Kingdom, he wished for Nanyuan Kingdom to be humiliated, his mentality is no longer here.What's more, he forgot that the Nanyuan Kingdom was once and now part of the glorious Qiande Dynasty.

Just like when Princess Qingling was away from the source city, there were a lot of gossip outside.Even the envoys of Huayue Kingdom have been publicizing this princess contest that Huayue must win.Just like before, no one in Nanyuan Kingdom dared to stand up and stop these envoys from their malicious intentions.

Their excuse is very good, it is called "intimate marriage", and the promotion of the competition is to publicize the close relationship between the two countries.To obstruct is to conceal evil intentions to hinder the friendship between the two countries.

In the study of Qinzheng Palace.

After Emperor Yang Sheng finished his day's work, it was already dark.Today is considered to be few things, put down the pen, leave the table to the close eunuch to clean up, and he went out of the study with his hands behind his back to walk around in the small courtyard behind.

Although Yang Sheng also has a cultivation base, but the cultivation base in the late Kaiyuan stage is nothing, and he often feels tired due to his busy daily government affairs.

"Find out?"

Yang Sheng asked as he slid his legs.A figure who came out of the shadows bent over and followed Yang Sheng's footsteps, and at the same time replied: "Your Majesty, I have found out. Princess Qingling has been taught by a guest teacher named Zhang Yan in the past two months. Teaching, it is said that there are some powerful methods."

"Hehe, it's no wonder that Ling'er is full of confidence this time. Tell me, what kind of powerful method did Ling'er have the confidence to leapfrog to win?" Yang Sheng always wanted to have a general idea of ​​his son's situation.In addition, Princess Qingling's confidence did not seem to be fake when she came here yesterday, and he was also curious about what happened after two months of no news.So I asked someone to check.

"Your Majesty, what Princess Qingling taught with that guest named Zhang Yan is a strange method called "The Method of Refining Skin and Flesh with Medicine". There is no conclusion on how to practice it. It is only said that it may be through medicinal bath To enhance the toughness and endurance of the warrior's flesh and blood.

According to the results of another student taught by Zhang Yanke when he was fighting in the martial arts academy, Her Highness Princess Qingling now has at least the physical toughness and endurance of a male warrior in the early Kaiyuan realm, even if it reaches the skin of a male warrior in the middle stage. Flexibility and endurance are also possible. "

"Huh?" Hearing this, Yang Sheng stopped in his footsteps.Turning his head to look at the stooping black-robed eunuch behind him, he asked, "Are you sure? There is still such a method in the world?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

News about Langyuan City came back from time to time, including the part about Princess Qingling.It only needs to be summarized and sorted out, so the news will come out quickly.

"What's the origin of this Zhang Yan?" Yang Sheng continued to walk, but his brows were more cautious.He felt that this matter seemed to have a lot to say.

"Return to Your Majesty, the servant has asked someone to investigate, but only some superficial information can be obtained for the time being. Further investigation is required to find out the details."

"Just say what you know now."

"It's Your Majesty. Zhang Yan first appeared on the clean list of the Ministry of War. He was sent to the Yubei Mountain Fortress as a death penalty soldier. After being cleared, he was recruited by Song Qinghe for two years. Earlier this year He just returned to Langyuan City from Yubeishan Fortress. His identity is a scholar of miscellaneous studies.

Then this person somehow connected with Shi Xuan, the commander of the Eastern Army, and was recommended by Shi Xuan to serve as a guest teacher in the martial arts academy in Langyuan City.Now because of "The Method of Refining Skin and Flesh with Medicine", it should have taken root in the Academy of Martial Arts.

From my slave's humble opinion, this Zhang Yan's ability is definitely not as simple as miscellaneous studies.It is likely that some new school of thought came out to ask for directions.And when it comes to thinking, it is not something ordinary people can have. "

After finishing speaking, the eunuch stopped talking and followed behind with his arms tied.

After a while, Yang Sheng spoke up: "New School? Haha, is there a similar situation elsewhere?"

"Returning to His Majesty, there is no similar person. And the method he proposed called "The Method of Refining Skin and Flesh" has never been heard of. There is no similar one in history."

"People from other countries?"

"The slave doesn't think so. After all, it was recommended by Shi Xuan, and these things should be checked clearly before they will be moved. We won't find out until half a month later through our own news channels."

Speaking of Shi Xuan, Yang Sheng's face was relieved a little.Shi Xuan was personally supported by him, and he gave him the greatest trust.And Shi Xuan has never let him down.Even if there were flaws, Yang Sheng didn't think Shi Xuan would be able to see right and wrong clearly.

"Check carefully. If this method is mature and effective, then this person will be famous all over the world. Don't be caught by the martial arts academy again, and act quickly."

"The slave understands!"

Yang Sheng said again: "So, does Ling'er really have a chance to win this time?"

"This... the slave thinks it's still difficult."

Yang Sheng thought for a while and shook his head, and said: "Yes. It's not just the difference in realm. Princess Baowen of Huayue is also a rare flying blade fighter. She has limited dodge in the ring and her power is increasing. Ling'er It's still hard to win. But it's better than the ones that had no chance of winning."

"That's what Your Majesty said."

"What about the arrangements for the arena? Have you implemented them yet?"

"Returning to His Majesty, it has already been implemented. It was made according to the previous specifications. But this time, Huayue's envoy requested more seats for the ceremony."

"Hmph! How much more?"

"Thirty percent."

Yang Sheng understood that the extra [-]% quota for the ceremony must have been prepared by Huayue for the rich merchants in his country who do business here, as well as some dignitaries who are close to Huayue in Nanyuan.The increase in the number of people watching the ceremony also shows that Nanyuan's will to resist Huayue is slowly being eroded.

This is not good news.

Chapter 221 Performance

The moon sets and the sun rises, and it's a new day.

Before the sun came out, it was just dawn, and hundreds of eunuchs and court ladies had been busy for a long time in Fengtai Square in front of Qinzheng Hall in the palace.

An arena with more than twenty feet and four squares was quickly set up.And it is surrounded by a viewing platform on three sides.When the sun comes out, the viewing platform has been set up, and it looks like it can accommodate a full 300 people.

Today is a scene of "enhancing mutual intimacy" between Nanyuan Kingdom and Huayue Shang Kingdom.At the court meeting in the morning, Yang Sheng, as the emperor, will receive the envoys of Huayue Shangguo, the accompanying ceremony officials, and the wedding envoys in the Palace of Qinzheng.At noon, I will have dinner in the side hall and have a good time with wine.

Shi Shi is the most important part of the pomp: the fight.

The two sides in the competition are Princess Qingling of Nanyuan Kingdom and Princess Baowen of Huayue.The loser becomes the victim of one of the little episodes in the political arena.Even the people who came to watch the ceremony, including the two parties, were actually not watching the two princesses themselves, but the win or loss between the two countries.

The accumulation of wins and losses here has become bad for the royal family of Nanyuan Kingdom.His prestige was being worn away bit by bit.But if you want to resist, the price is too high. If you really want to tear your face, it may be even more directly doomed.Now it's just bearing the burden of humiliation, it depends on whether it can wait for a turnaround.

The seats on the three viewing stands were quickly filled up as soon as the application time arrived.The expressions on the faces of the people seated can be described as different.Some were angry, some had nothing to do with their expressions, and some had a relaxed expression with a smile.These are all people from Nanyuan Kingdom.