The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife-Chapter 25: The Substitute is Probably in the Palace

Not to mention the intricate layers within Nanli, even walking is a challenge, so how can one wield a sword?

Regardless of whether Lu Zheng’s intentions are genuine or not, Nanli said, "No matter what, if I cannot withstand a single move from you, then consider it my loss."

With such confidence, if Lu Zheng were to decline, it would be a disgrace to the Lu family.

Prime Minister Lu cleared his throat, "Since Sixth Miss has shown such enthusiasm, how can you refuse?"

Lu Zheng had no choice but to accept the challenge.

The palace attendants immediately prepared wooden swords.

Qing Feng expressed concern, "My lord, Master Lu has received guidance from martial arts experts. Can Miss Nanli handle it?"

If she were to lose, it would bring shame upon the Anyang Marquis Mansion.

Ye Siheng watched her figure, absentmindedly playing with a white jade cup, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "If she can withstand your hidden weapons, Lu Zheng probably won’t last three moves against her."

"Not necessarily, she doesn’t seem agile in that attire today," Qing Feng muttered.

The people in the hall paid no attention, solely focusing on Nanli’s slender figure. There was no need to watch the outcome of this sparring match. freewebnøvel.coɱ

However, Chu Hanlin couldn’t help but shout, "Master Lu, you must use your true strength, don’t underestimate my daughter!"

This remark caused many to cover their mouths and chuckle.

Even Madam Shen became angry and said, "What’s so funny? My husband was kindly reminding him."

Princess Huiping, seeing this couple defending each other, laughed even harder and casually took off a hairpin adorned with pearls, butterflies, and golden threads from her hair bun.

"Brother Emperor, since it’s a sparring match, it’s more interesting with some rewards," she said.

Emperor Muwu nodded and added a pair of jade bracelets adorned with twin phoenixes and pearl beads to the mix.

Even Ye Siheng, who usually had no interest in such matters, unexpectedly took out a string of amethyst beads, each one lustrous and uniform in color, a rare treasure.

"Brother, what is this..." Emperor Muwu was astonished.

"Brother Emperor, let the match begin," Ye Siheng interrupted Emperor Muwu.

Emperor Muwu could only close his mouth.

In the center of the hall, the two had already picked up their wooden swords.

Nanli earnestly reminded, "Master Lu, hold your sword firmly."

"I’ll let Sixth Miss make the first two moves," otherwise, Lu Zheng would feel unsportsmanlike.

"No need to let me, I’m a bit tired," wearing this outfit and wielding a sword was simply torture, so she wanted to finish it quickly.

Lu Zheng thought she wanted to lose early so she could sit down.

Little did he expect that she would take the initiative, fast and fierce.

Lu Zheng immediately realized that she was not just a decorative pillow. Just as he was about to take it seriously, she suddenly swung her sword with force.

A sharp sound cut through the air.

Crack.

Lu Zheng’s wooden sword had a visible crack and was forcefully split by Nanli !

The broken sword flew to the side, causing the household minister’s family to exclaim in shock.

However, the broken sword happened to insert itself into a gilded wooden pillar, sinking in about three inches.

Before Lu Zheng could react, Nanli had already taken a swift step forward, pointing her wooden sword at his vital points.

Her gaze was calm, her expression unchanged. "Thank you for your concession."

Lu Zheng’s face turned pale, and he struggled to raise his right hand, bowing and saying, "Sixth Miss, your swordsmanship is truly formidable."

His right hand was trembling violently from the impact, almost unable to hold onto even half of the wooden sword.

Just how strong is this Miss?

Although Anyang Marquis had reminded him, he didn’t take it to heart.

No, even if he had taken it to heart, it would have been useless.

Because this was the crushing force of power.

However, Lu Yanyan was unwilling to accept it and said, "Breaking the sword with brute force? How can that be considered a victory? I didn’t even see a complete move."

Princess Huiping frowned, "That’s right, this isn’t a swordplay demonstration, it’s more like two rough men comparing arm strength."

"When the weapon is broken, it means defeat," Ye Siheng coldly interjected. "Master Lu, what do you think?"

"Prince Nine is right, indeed, I am inferior in skill," Lu Zheng quickly responded, giving Lu Yanyan a stern look.

He returned to his position, and his hand gradually recovered.

Even if Nanli wanted to have another match with him, he wouldn’t be able to hold a sword.

Emperor Muwu looked at Nanli and smiled, "So, the sixth miss of the Anyang Marquis Mansion has won. Come forward and claim your reward."

She...

Lu Yanyan saw Nanli expressing gratitude and receiving the reward, her face turning purple with anger.

"Oldest brother, it’s all your fault for underestimating her and losing to her!" she gritted her teeth. "Do you see the bracelet that Prince Nine has? I wanted it."

Lu Zheng said, "If you want it, go and fight for it yourself. Why blame me?"

At this moment, Lu Yanyan dared not say anything more. Although the emperor and empress were kind and gentle, she would be disrespectful if she dared to question them.

Princess Nanli received the betrothal gifts from the Crown Princess and the Empress, and finally arrived at Ye Siheng’s place.

"Thank you, Ninth Prince," she expressed her gratitude as customary.

"Come closer," Ye Siheng said.

Nanli was a bit puzzled, but she took two steps forward.

Ye Siheng leaned in slightly and took her hand, placing a purple jade bracelet on her wrist.

She looked up in astonishment and saw a hint of a smile in Ye Siheng’s eyes, like a gentle spring breeze.

For some reason, her heart fluttered, and she quickly withdrew her hand, giving a slight bow before returning to her position.

Some recognized the origin of the purple jade bracelet, and their thoughts varied as they noticed Nanli’s unusual expression.

However, Emperor Muwu and the Ninth Prince did not confront the matter, for they dared not speak.

During the banquet, when it was halfway through, Nanli went outside to catch some fresh air.

She wandered around and encountered Ye Siheng on the way.

Under the radiant sunlight, he appeared even more noble.

"The sun is scorching. Why didn’t you have a palace maid bring an umbrella?"

Ye Siheng asked.

With a slight gesture, Qing Feng, the attendant accompanying them, had a maid hold an umbrella to shield Nanli from the sun.

"I’m just casually strolling, it’s no bother," Nanli accepted the umbrella and exchanged a glance.

Ye Siheng understood her meaning and dismissed the attendants, leaving only Qing Feng.

"I just took a look. The palace is surrounded by trees, arranged in a harmonious and strategic manner, forming the layout of Nine Dragons Purple Qi," Nanli remarked.

"This layout not only wards off evil spirits but also brings prosperity to the nation and its people. The person who arranged this layout must be quite skilled, possibly the one who changed your destiny."

To be able to alter the fate of someone in the royal family, they must be within the palace.

She attended the banquet today precisely for this reason.

Ye Siheng’s expression grew solemn.

"This was set up by the former National Preceptor, but he passed away three years ago."

"He passed away?" Nanli furrowed her brows.

If the former National Preceptor was indeed the one who changed her destiny, then her spirit pearl would either be buried with him or passed on to his disciple.

Seeing her concern, Ye Siheng’s heart softened.

"Are you worried that I won’t be able to retrieve my original destiny?"

Lost in her thoughts about her spirit pearl, Nanli didn’t quite catch what Ye Siheng said.

She nodded absentmindedly and asked, "Where did the former National Preceptor reside? Can I go and have a look?"

"Of course," Ye Siheng readily agreed. The former National Preceptor resided at the Sitian Pavilion, located in the southwest corner of the palace.

Ye Siheng informed the Marquis and Marquise of Anyang before taking Nanli there.

The former National Preceptor had no disciples, but after his passing, he attracted many talented individuals knowledgeable in stargazing.

Upon hearing of Ye Siheng’s arrival, they hurried out to greet him.

Meanwhile, Nanli entered the former National Preceptor’s residence and took a stroll. If the former National Preceptor had obtained the spirit pearl, she would be able to sense its presence here.