Xiang Liren had come here because of his fourth daughter, Xiang Qingyun. Of his five daughters, this fourth one alone had the fiercest temperament. She disliked poetry and needlework, preferring to brandish blades and swords from childhood. Unable to win against her stubbornness, Xiang Liren could only let her study martial arts, arranging for her to become a disciple of Qiu Xianguang, master of the Sword Palace. Xiang Qingyun was one of Qiu Xianguang's seven personal disciples and his only female disciple. She and Qiu Mubai had studied under the same master, and affection had naturally blossomed over time. Both sets of parents had noticed and approved; all that remained was a formal marriage proposal.
Though Xue Shengjing held the exalted title of Prince of Yan, even he had to adopt a humble manner before Xiang Liren, the reigning Grand Tutor. He greeted him with a smile. "What wind has blown the Grand Tutor here?"
Xiang Liren smiled. "Your Highness is hardly the only person in this world who enjoys a lively spectacle."
The two laughed together, but Xue Shengjing knew that Xiang Liren was a staunch supporter of the Seventh Prince, Xue Daoming. The forces behind this duel were far too complicated, and Xue Shengjing had no desire to get involved. His two nephews fought both openly and in the shadows, all because each wanted to defeat the other and claim the position of Crown Prince.
Hu Xiaotian had never met this Grand Tutor of Great Yong. Hearing that he had come to support Qiu Mubai, Hu Xiaotian approached with a broad smile and said to Xue Shengjing, "Big brother, is this Grand Tutor Xiang?"
Xue Shengjing's scalp tightened. News of his sworn brotherhood with Hu Xiaotian had already swept through the capital, becoming a joke at court. By