Dragon Slaying!

"Thank you, two benefactors, for saving my life!"

Su Lie said, about to kneel down and perform a grand bow.

He understood in his heart that if these two from the Heavenly Realm Division hadn't intervened today, let alone buying a coffin for his father, he himself would have been unable to escape the deadly clutches of the Xia family's eldest daughter.

"Get up quickly!" Jun Wushang supported him, "A true man has gold beneath his knees; don't kneel at the drop of a hat."

"Please wait half a day, two benefactors," Su Lie said, his eyes red, bowing deeply. "Once I've properly buried my father, I will leave with you both."

With that, he turned and ran towards the largest coffin shop in Ping'an County.

"Let's go."

Wei Qing didn't wait for Su Lie to return and directly mounted his horse.

Jun Wushang and Zhang Xue exchanged a glance and also mounted their horses. The three of them flicked their whips, their horses' hooves kicking up a cloud of dust.

Only then did the onlookers dare to discuss loudly:

"The Heavenly Realm Division is truly awe-inspiring; even the Xia family has to bow their heads!"

"Didn't you hear that Lord mention the Founding Progenitor? Never mind the Xia family, no one would dare to act up."

"That Lord Wei just now, I heard he single-handedly slew a Sixth Rank Great Demon a few days ago!"

"Not only does he uphold justice, but he's also kind-hearted. This kid Su Lie is lucky. Now not only will he have enough for Old Su's coffin, but the remainder will allow him to pass the Spring Imperial Examination and become an official in the capital next year, instead of being a servant."

"Indeed, Old Su can finally rest in peace."

In the carriage returning to the capital, Xia Yiran's face was so dark it looked like water could drip from it.

"Wei Qing... Jun Wushang..."

She ground her teeth, uttering their names, her fingernails digging deeply into her palm. Blood dripped from between her fingers onto her luxurious brocade skirt.

"For today's humiliation, this young lady will make you pay tenfold!"

Wen Liang watched this scene, shaking his head and sighing inwardly.

Ever since Consort Xia gained power in the harem, and the Third Prince received imperial favor, the entire Xia family had become unrecognizable.

The older generation was extravagant and wasteful.

The younger generation was even more lawless.

If it weren't for the life-saving grace of the old family head back then, and his dying wishes, he would have left this chaotic Xia family long ago.

"Miss..."

Just as Wen Liang was about to speak and offer advice, Xia Yiran shot him a glare.

"Uncle Wen need not say more!"

Xia Yiran took out a handkerchief and fiercely wiped the blood from her palm. "After we return to the mansion, immediately investigate the backgrounds of these two, especially that Wei Qing!"

Wen Liang looked at the rapidly receding scenery outside the carriage window.

He sighed inwardly: The sky in the Imperial City is about to change...

Half a day later, the East Gate of the Imperial City.

"Freshly baked kuibao—"

"Customer, want two? Alright!"

"Iced osmanthus rice wine—"

"Three-delicacy wontons, five copper coins for a big bowl!"

Amidst the continuous calls of vendors, Zhang Xue looked around, mesmerized. "This Imperial City is even livelier than I imagined!"

"Miss, do you want some rouge?" A young stall owner's eyes lit up, and he enthusiastically offered a carved wooden box.

As soon as the lid was opened, a unique fragrance mixed with roses, jasmine, and orchids wafted out.

Zhang Xue smelled it, her eyes lighting up. "Boss, how much is this rouge?"

"Thank you for your patronage, ten taels of silver."

"Old Li, say that again?" Jun Wushang narrowed his eyes.

Old Li readily said, "Nine taels."

"Think again!"

Old Li closed his eyes painfully and made a "eight" gesture. "Eight taels, that's the lowest price. If it's any lower, I won't sell it."

"And then..."

"And nothing! You old rascal, stop pretending."

Wei Qing couldn't watch anymore. "This is Wushang's fiancée!"

"Oh my heavens!" Old Li slapped his thigh. "So it's sister-in-law!"

"Sister-in-law, consider this box of 'Three Star Begonia' a meeting gift from your brother!" He then glared at Jun Wushang. "You silent type, you don't even say a word when you get married! Tonight, at Tianxiang Tower, I'm treating!"

Li Wen, the son of the Great Zhou's Minister of Personnel, was neither skilled in academics nor martial arts, but he was solely interested in business.

In just a few short years, his businesses had spread across restaurants, silk shops, bookstores, porcelain workshops, and rouge shops.

Among these, his personally developed "Three Star Begonia" rouge was especially favored by the noble ladies of the Imperial City and daughters of prominent families.

Years ago, three youths met while fighting on the street.

Later, when Li Wen was confined by his father to stop him from pursuing business, Wei Qing and another person "stole" him out.

With their help, he began by setting up a stall on the street, and step by step, became the "Business Genius - Li Wen" renowned throughout the Imperial City.

Today, he still maintained the habit of setting up a stall regularly.

Coincidentally, today was the day Wei Qing and the other two returned to the capital.

He had thought they were "customers."

But unexpectedly, they were family.

"This..."

Zhang Xue's cheeks flushed crimson at the repeated calls of "sister-in-law," and her fingers unconsciously twisted her clothes.

"It's fine, what's mine is his, and what's his is still mine. It's all family stuff," Jun Wushang said smugly.

Li Wen sighed, putting a hand to his forehead, "Your thick skin..."

"Isn't it?"

Jun Wushang's eyebrows shot up, his eyes widening.

"Yes, yes, yes..." Li Wen raised his hands in surrender, helpless.

After knowing each other for so many years, he knew too well Jun Wushang's stubborn personality—arguing with him would only drive oneself to death.

Wei Qing shook his head with a smile, "We'll meet again tonight. We need to report back to the Heavenly Realm Division first."

"Got it!" Li Wen quickly packed up his stall. "I'll go arrange things at Tianxiang Tower."

After bidding farewell to Li Wen, Wei Qing and the other two continued on their way to the Heavenly Realm Division.

Inside the main hall of the Wei Manor

Liu Ru was sipping tea with a joyful expression. "Lin'er, you handled this task beautifully. The Third Prince is very impressed with you."

Wei Lin smiled, "It's all thanks to Mother's guidance that I managed to catch the Third Prince's dharma eye."

He hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice, "It's just... if the Heavenly Realm Division finds out..."

"I am very pleased that you can think of this..."

Before Liu Ru could finish, a servant rushed in in a panic.

"How dare you!"

Liu Ru slammed the table, "Who gave you permission to barge in? Have you fed the rules to the dogs?"

The servant, terrified, knelt on the ground and stammered, "M-Madam... it's Wei Qing... Wei Qing is back in the capital!"

"What?!"

Wei Lin stood up abruptly, his sleeve knocking over a teacup.

The celadon teacup shattered on the floor, and the scalding tea splashed onto his boots, but he was oblivious.

"What's the panic?"

Liu Ru snorted coldly and meticulously smoothed her sleeves. "We have the Third Prince backing us now. Are we afraid of a mere brat like him?"

"Right, right, right... we have the Third Prince..."

Wei Lin nodded repeatedly, as if grasping a lifeline.

Liu Ru glanced sideways at the servant kneeling on the ground. "Go tell your master that his 'good nephew' is back."

She deliberately emphasized the word "good" and a cold smile curved her lips.

"I'll go right away!"

The servant scrambled out of the main hall and dashed towards the Ministry of Personnel.

In a dark secret chamber

The lamplight flickered, casting long, distorted shadows of two figures in black robes.

A chessboard was placed between them.

The black and white pieces on the board were locked in a fierce battle.

As a black piece in the left-hand figure's hand fell with a "clack."

"Dragon Slaying!"