Chapter 354: Four Seas, All Are Friends, A Proclamation to the World
“Wh-What happened?!”
“I can’t see anything!”
“So bright!”
The crowd below cried out in alarm, hearing the sudden roars, the clash of metal, panicked and confused.
“Ugh?!”
Mao Ruoyu and the others were also affected, squinting and raising their arms to shield themselves from the sudden gust of wind. They could only vaguely see dozens of figures clashing fiercely in mid-air, as if a large number of demons and ghosts had suddenly appeared and started fighting!
Hua Shuya’s expression changed drastically: “Oh no! Could it be that some demons and ghosts are trying to take advantage of this opportunity—”
“Don’t worry.”
But Lin Tianlu stopped her, a hint of interest in his voice:
“Look closely, who has the upper hand?”
“Eh?”
Hua Shuya was slightly stunned. As the bright light gradually faded, she looked closely and was surprised.
The previously dense crowd below had parted, creating an open space, and more than ten figures were pinned to the ground, the Yin energy around them seemingly restrained, their auras rapidly weakening.
And around them stood nearly a hundred unfamiliar figures, holding iron chains and restraining the villains. Clearly, it was they who had swiftly subdued the attackers.
“Wh-What’s going on?”
Hua Shuya was bewildered.
Although those figures were trying to conceal themselves, they were all clearly demons, ghosts, and practitioners skilled in Yin techniques, their auras profound and unfathomable, all incredibly powerful!
Since when… had her grandfather had connections with so many demons and ghosts?
“The old Prince has always been bold and forthright, treating others with sincerity and kindness.”
Mother Tan mused: “Although I married into the Hua family later, I’ve heard many stories about the old Prince befriending heroes and experts from all over the world. Even after retiring from the front lines and guarding the border, he still treated people with respect and kindness, earning the admiration and friendship of many, his virtuous deeds widely praised.
It’s also because of his charisma that so many wives and concubines are devoted to him. Even after decades, as long as the old Prince is in the mansion, there’s no infighting or power struggles.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly in agreement: “These helpers must be demons, ghosts, and practitioners from all corners of the world, having come from afar to help their old friend upon hearing that he was in trouble.”
He had already sensed the fluctuations of their auras in the escape tunnel.
And after leaving the tunnel and entering the backyard of the pavilion, if one looked around carefully, there were actually more than twenty demons and ghosts silently waiting inside, secretly observing him and Shanghan.
“This—”
Hua Shuya was speechless.
She had grown up in the Hua Mansion and knew that her grandfather had many friends, often going out to drink and have fun with them, sometimes even staying out all night, but she had never known…
…that many of those friends were demons and ghosts!
Mao Ruoyu blinked her beautiful eyes and murmured: “So that’s why you were so confident, husband, believing that the old Prince had his own preparations?”
“With these demons and ghosts helping him, those schemers behind the scenes won’t be able to achieve much.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his chin and smiled coldly: “They think they’re in control, but they don’t know that the old Prince’s resources far exceed their imagination. Seeing him take such unexpected actions, they naturally wanted to intervene and suppress him, to avoid any further variables.
But the moment they prepared to attack, their auras were exposed, their hidden locations revealed. They became easy targets.”
“It’s like the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.”
…
As the sudden clash quickly ended, the bright light and rumbling sounds dissipated.
The surrounding crowd rubbed their eyes, staring blankly at the scene below, momentarily speechless.
Until—
“There’s no need to panic, everyone.”
Hua Yanxing still stood calmly on the platform, waving his sleeve and his voice booming, breaking the silence: “Recently, these foreign villains have been using evil techniques to manipulate people and spread rumors, causing suspicion and discord among the people of many cities and counties, using my name, Prince Zhengyang, to commit evil deeds, even using my granddaughter, Hua Shuya’s name to commit murders.
I used this Qingyang Grand Ceremony as a trap, and I’ve successfully lured these villains out. They sent a so-called expert to perform earlier, intending to use evil techniques to control my mind and incite rebellion among the heroes and experts gathered here. Seeing that my vow of loyalty to the court had broken their control, they tried to suppress me by force.”
“Thanks to the help of all the capable individuals present, we have successfully captured these villains!”
His loud and resounding voice echoed, the truth he revealed awakening the thousands of people present.
“So that’s… what happened?!”
“I knew that the old Prince has been loyal to our country all his life, his children fighting on the battlefield, he would never betray us…”
“We were truly blinded, almost letting the old Prince suffer injustice!”
“Those villains deserve to die, how dare they be so audacious!”
“…You… damned old man…!”
The demons and ghosts pinned to the ground looked up angrily, their gazes cold and menacing: “How dare you… trick us!”
Slap!
But the next moment, rotten eggs were thrown at their faces.
“Get out of Qingcheng!”
“Execute them in public! Make these villains pay!”
Angry shouts echoed as the initially stunned crowd erupted in excitement.
“A bunch of ants actually—”
The demons and ghosts were stunned for a moment, about to resist angrily, but the old men standing beside them looked down condescendingly and snorted coldly, a heavy pressure pinning them to the ground again, leaving them only able to tremble weakly, looking back in shock and uncertainty: “W-Why are you siding with these mere mortals…?”
“Ignorant fools.”
But the old men just sneered, not bothering to respond.
…
“Everyone, these villains have been subdued, and their plot to overthrow the court and rebel has been thwarted!”
Hua Yanxing looked down at the demons and ghosts pinned to the ground below, his voice cold and powerful: “Heaven protects our dynasty! These villains have been exposed!
Someone, take these villains away, interrogate them, and sentence them severely! Let everyone in the world see the consequences of rebelling against the court and inciting war!”
“Yes!”
A group of fully armed guards shouted in unison, emerging from the pavilion with an imposing aura, binding the immobilized demons and ghosts with iron chains, taking them away under the watchful eyes of the thousands of people present.
After a moment of silence, exclamations of praise and admiration echoed from the crowd: “Prince Hua is wise!”
“The Prince’s discerning eyes are truly remarkable, a true hero!”
“With the help of so many heroes, the General is truly admired by the people!”
Facing the enthusiastic cheers and praises, Hua Yanxing simply cupped his hands and bowed towards the crowd: “Thank you for your support, I, Hua… My Hua family has been protecting our home and country for many years, and our resolve has never wavered. It’s all for your peace and prosperity, so you don’t have to suffer from war.
Although there was a sudden incident during today’s ancestral worship ceremony, there’s one more thing I want to announce.”
A white-bearded old man in the crowd chuckled: “Please speak, Prince Hua.”
Hua Yanxing then smiled gently, putting his hands behind his back, and said in a clear voice: “Everyone should know that my Hua family has been the target of many rumors recently. And the main target of these rumors is my beloved granddaughter, Hua Shuya. In just half a month, she’s been falsely accused of murdering innocent people, even though she hasn’t left the mansion.
Although we’ve captured the culprits, she, as an unmarried young woman, has had her reputation tarnished. Even if you all help spread the truth, those strange rumors might have already reached other provinces, it’s already too late.”
“Eh?”
Hua Shuya, in the pavilion, was stunned, she hadn’t expected her grandfather to suddenly mention her.
Lin Tianlu frowned slightly, a strange premonition rising in his heart.
Could it be that this old prince was planning to—
“I’ve been thinking, since this Qingyang Grand Ceremony is such an important and joyous occasion, it’s also perfect for a marriage.” Hua Yanxing stroked his beard and smiled kindly: “Today, I will announce the betrothal of my granddaughter, Hua Shuya, to a scholar, before all of you!
This man is from Changling, Xima Prefecture. Although his family is ordinary, he’s learned and possesses profound martial arts skills, handsome and talented, a worthy match for my precious granddaughter!”
“A-A scholar?!”
“Changling, Xima… a man from outside the province?”
“A noblewoman, betrothed to a common scholar?”
Everyone was surprised and started murmuring.
But Hua Yanxing just smiled mysteriously and said in a loud voice: “My precious granddaughter is still unmarried and it’s not convenient for her to appear in public, so let her future husband come forward and let us finalize this marriage!”
“…”
Instantly, countless gazes swept across the crowd, trying to find this “worthy grandson-in-law,” to see what kind of extraordinary person he was to have earned the favor of the great general.
…
And this “grandson-in-law,” was currently facepalming and sighing.
“I didn’t expect the old Prince to give me such a big ‘gift’ as soon as we met.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but laugh wryly, he hadn’t expected the old man to be so unconventional.
“M-Master!”
Hua Shuya’s face was flushed, both nervous and anxious as she tried to reassure him: “Grandfather’s actions are a bit… too sudden, if you’re unhappy, there’s no need to—”
“The old Prince has already made his announcement, if I don’t accept, it would be a disgrace to your Hua family.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and patted her shoulder: “Since we’re going to get engaged anyway, whether it’s low-key or grand makes no difference.”
Saying this, he looked at Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who were slightly worried: “Ruoyu, Yishi, you two stay here with Shuya, I’ll be back soon.”
“Husband, suddenly appearing on stage like this, isn’t it a bit too…”
“It’s fine.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and gave them a thumbs-up: “Since I’m going to marry Shuya, this small matter is nothing.”
Saying this, he turned and left the pavilion.
As he descended the stairs, lifting the curtain, a fur cloak was draped over his shoulders, warm and comfortable.
Lin Tianlu paused slightly and saw Yun Yue standing by the stairs, a gentle smile on her face, her hand reaching out softly: “Tianlu, make a good impression in front of everyone, they will surely be amazed.”
“Thank you, Yue’er.”
Watching him leave, Yun Yue’s eyes shimmered, ripples appearing in her heart.
…
Time passed slowly, and the previously quiet streets and alleys became noisy again, many people whispering: “Where is that scholar now?”
“I haven’t seen him, could it be that he’s not here? Or is he afraid and doesn’t dare to go on stage?”
“If he’s someone valued by the old General, how could he be so cowardly?”
“Look at the crowd, there are at least tens of thousands of people! How many people would have the courage to appear on stage… If you were up there, you might be so scared that your legs would tremble!”
“But if he doesn’t appear, wouldn’t that be disrespecting the Prince?”
“…”
Hua Yanxing stood with his hands behind his back, silent.
Two guards quietly approached and whispered: “Your Highness, that scholar possesses extraordinary abilities, but he still hasn’t appeared, should we…”
“It’s fine, let’s wait for a while longer.”
Hua Yanxing waved his hand and said with interest: “That boy isn’t as timid and cowardly as you think.”
“—Lin Tianlu of Changling has arrived!”
A loud and clear voice suddenly echoed, and the thousands of people below looked up, a sudden silence falling upon them.
A moment later, Lin Tianlu ascended the stone platform with calm and steady steps, his expression indifferent.
“—Eh?”
Everyone was stunned, slightly surprised.
This scholar who had appeared on stage seemed more ordinary than they had imagined.
Although he was handsome and had an extraordinary aura, just based on his appearance alone, to be worthy of the old General’s granddaughter…
“Grandson-in-law, I’m relieved that you’ve come.”
Hua Yanxing turned to him with a kind and gentle smile: “But my actions were quite sudden, are you unhappy or dissatisfied?”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant: “I can somewhat guess your intentions, Your Highness. If I can help you resolve this crisis, it can also be considered a betrothal gift for Shuya.”
“Good! Good! Good!”
Hua Yanxing laughed heartily, stroking his beard, his face filled with joy and approval: “I was a bit worried before, but after hearing your words, I have no more doubts. A talented young man like you is truly a perfect match for Shuya, a match made in heaven!”
Seeing the two of them chatting and laughing on stage, the people below were bewildered, not knowing what they were talking about.
And some officials in the pavilion frowned, one of them, an old man in official robes, suddenly said: “Old Prince, what is your intention in bringing this scholar on stage? He seems far inferior to the imperial princes—”
“Status and wealth are irrelevant.”
Hua Yanxing waved his sleeve and smiled boldly: “This grandson-in-law of mine is a rare talent, possessing both wisdom and courage. Even if he doesn’t pursue fame and fortune through the imperial examinations, he can still protect my Shuya and ensure her happiness.”
The old man in official robes stroked his beard and chuckled: “But with so many heroes and talents gathered here, Old Prince, why not test them and see if there’s anyone more suitable?”
“I!”
Just then, a handsome young man in the crowd raised his arm and shouted: “I’ve long heard of Miss Hua Shuya’s beauty and talent, and I’m willing to come on stage and compete with this Master Lin in both martial arts and literary skills!”
His words were like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples of surprise and murmurs.
Someone had actually spoken up?!
Everyone turned their gazes towards the young man, his handsome features, intelligent eyes, and imposing manner truly impressive.
The old man in official robes immediately smiled and said: “Since you don’t care about status or wealth, Old Prince, and you value talent, why not let my disciple try? Perhaps he’s even more talented and would be a better match for Miss Shuya.”
Hua Yanxing frowned slightly: “This matter—”
“Marriage shouldn’t be decided through such methods.”
Lin Tianlu suddenly spoke, his voice calm and cold, as he cupped his hands from afar: “Miss Shuya and I have faced life and death together, our bond is deep, how can it be easily replaced? If her marriage is decided through a mere competition, wouldn’t she be treated like an object, a plaything?
To propose marriage with such a frivolous attitude, how can you guarantee that she will be treated with respect and happiness in the future?”
“This…”
The old man in official robes was speechless, and many people in the crowd nodded in agreement.
This scholar’s words did make sense.
But the handsome young man smiled faintly, pushed through the crowd, and walked towards the platform: “Women should be obedient and subservient to men, this is the unchanging principle passed down from our ancestors. Moreover, as the Prince’s granddaughter, she has lived a life of luxury and comfort since childhood, it’s only natural for her to become the wife or concubine of a noble or official.
How is it that arranging a more suitable marriage for Miss Hua has become something outrageous and immoral, sir?
To disregard the greater good and the laws of our ancestors for the sake of personal feelings, are you mocking our ancestors, the founders of the Fengchen Kingdom, and the nineteen generations of emperors?!”
Lin Tianlu glanced at him indifferently, seeing his confident and arrogant expression, and replied casually: “According to your words, shouldn’t the empresses and concubines in the palace also choose their husbands carefully?”
“Hiss—!”
The crowd gasped, a commotion erupting.
The handsome young man’s expression changed slightly, and he shouted in a deep voice: “My words only apply to unmarried women! Your words are truly arrogant… are you trying to insult the imperial family?!”
“Don’t forget, the Empress is the role model for all women under heaven, a revered figure.”
Lin Tianlu said expressionlessly: “But according to you, the empresses and concubines married the emperor only for ‘benefits,’ without any affection, a chilling thought.
And as for the princesses in the palace, according to your words, they should also be married off to different places, regardless of their feelings, as long as it’s beneficial?”
“Y-You’re twisting my words! I never said that!”
“Everyone here heard it.”
Lin Tianlu suddenly smiled: “Or should I repeat your words for you, sir?”
Countless gazes turned towards him, making the handsome young man’s expression change.
His words were full of flaws and loopholes, just empty boasts. Usually, he could easily silence others with his eloquence.
But now…
With all the people, officials, and even the old Prince present, he couldn’t refute him, afraid of causing trouble for himself and his family!
“My disciple spoke carelessly, please don’t take it to heart, Old Prince.” The old man in official robes suddenly spoke, saying in a deep voice: “But as the Prince’s future son-in-law, just being eloquent isn’t enough. Without impressive martial arts skills, how can you earn the respect and trust of the people?”
“Exactly!”
The handsome young man leaped onto the platform with a nimble and graceful movement.
As the crowd gasped in amazement, he narrowed his eyes, cupped his hands, and shouted: “We, as hot-blooded men, must fight for our country and achieve great things, only martial arts skills are truly reliable!
I wonder if Master Lin possesses the cultivation level to be worthy of Miss Hua!”
Lin Tianlu was silent for a moment.
Then, he suddenly chuckled softly.
“So, this is your true purpose after all.”
The handsome young man’s expression turned serious, and he said in a low voice: “Everyone is waiting, sir, let’s settle this on this platform, let’s see who is stronger, under the watchful eyes of our ancestors!”
“Alright.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly and cupped his hands: “Be careful, brother.”
A sinister and ruthless glint flashed in the handsome young man’s eyes, and he suddenly attacked.
Bam!!
The crowd had just looked up when they saw a black shadow flying from the platform, crashing into a distant restaurant with a loud thud, rolling for more than ten feet, knocking over countless tables and chairs, causing screams and shouts.
“—That’s enough!”
Lin Tianlu patted his hands, cupped his hands, and bowed, saying in a loud and clear voice: “Forgive me, brother, I didn’t expect your martial arts skills to be so… lacking, I didn’t hold back in time.
But I did show mercy, you just need to rest at home for ten days or half a month to recover.”
As everyone stared blankly, Lin Tianlu smiled gently and said: “You’re so weak, brother, you should practice more diligently at home, it would be a shame if you couldn’t even block a single attack.”
“…”
