Troublemakers

Prince Duan's expression darkened for an instant before the clouds vanished. It seemed his dignity had been slighted, and he was very displeased.

He then nodded at a guard standing behind him. The harshness in his brow and eyes was undisguised, like the stillness before a storm.

The tall, powerfully built guard, a long blade in hand and a stern face, understood at once after receiving the order and strode toward the stairs.

Xia Hong sat as steady as Mount Tai, his expression unchanged, though his heart stirred. He guessed that Prince Duan's methods had begun.

Such a grand display today, with so many people present, and such a fine opportunity.

If Prince Duan did not seize this chance to strike Duàn Yì, the Heir Apparent of the King of Zhenbei, a ruthless blow, it would truly make no sense.

Only by battering Duàn Yì until the court lost confidence in him could he regain the Emperor's support. Xia Hong and Prince Duan both understood this perfectly, and even Duàn Yì understood it.

Yet because of the Crown Prince's recent actions, Xia Hong had developed a deep wariness toward Duàn Yì. He had no intention of helping him, provided it did not affect the larger situation.

Duàn Yì, meanwhile, wore a grim expression, his gaze shifting. No one knew what he was thinking.

After a moment, the sounds of fighting downstairs ceased, replaced by even louder arguing. It seemed the owner of that voice would not rest until his goal was achieved.

Those seated here were either heads of the county's powerful clans or representative figures of martial world forces. None lacked cunning in conflict, and they had already caught the scent of something strange, quietly turning their eyes toward today's two protagonists: Prince Duan and the King of Zhenbei.