Mu Hanyan guessed correctly, Wu Tianxiong had indeed harbored suspicion earlier when he saw Lu Nianxin’s provocative actions, so he suppressed his anger. But upon hearing Lu Nianxin’s concession, his thoughts quickly changed: It seems the old crone’s provocation just now was merely due to her arrogant nature, not because she was confident. Perhaps she now regrets angering me, which is why she’s making concessions.

Thinking this way, Wu Tianxiong’s ambition swelled again.

"Empress Dowager, your words are inappropriate. The cultivation path is inherently perilous; Zifeng himself mentioned that swords and spears have no eyes. Not to mention injuries, losing one’s life isn’t surprising. Such wouldn’t harm the harmony between our Yue and Wu Families. The matches during the Jinlan Palace banquet are ancestral traditions; we should follow the old rules and continue," Wu Tianxiong said.

"Uncle Wu, why not heed the Empress Dowager’s advice and stop here? It’s supposed to be a joyous day. Causing any more mishaps would spoil everyone’s mood," Yue Fanyi frowned and hesitated before speaking. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

In terms of kinship, Yue Fanyi was a generation younger than Wu Tianxiong, and given that the Jinlan Palace banquet was originally a family affair for the Yue and Wu Families, he disregarded formalities and addressed Wu Tianxiong as uncle. But this was unique to Shangyue’s customs; elsewhere, it might not be the same.

Mu Hanyan felt amused, seeing Yue Fanyi hesitantly wanting to speak but refraining. His acting skills seem no less than those of his grandmother. So, the Yue family’s descendants all have a talent for acting, even the Emperor.

"Ancestral traditions, how can they be discarded so easily?" Seeing Yue Fanyi’s performance, Wu Tianxiong became more certain in his judgment and spoke resolutely.

"Indeed, Prince Wu is correct. Ancestral traditions can’t be dismissed so easily."

"It’s merely a friendly match. We’ve been doing it like this for years. Why change the rules for a minor incident today?"

"Think of it as adding to the festivity. There’s no need for the Emperor and Empress Dowager to worry."

Other officials also echoed Wu Tianxiong’s words.

Mu Hanyan’s eyes brightened slightly. These few people must be the big fish grandmother was waiting for. Grandmother and elder uncle’s performance didn’t go to waste; they took the bait.

"Since that’s the case, let’s have two more matches. Brother Wu, who from the Wu family will compete next?" Seeing him persist and the officials agreeing, Lu Nianxin could only reluctantly comply.

"All these years, it’s just been juniors sparring, unable to showcase our Shangyue martial prowess. Today, let me seek some guidance from the Empress Dowager," Wu Tianxiong declared.

Previously at the palace gates, he had barely restrained himself from attacking the Empress Dowager. When Jing Jianjue was felled by the Cold Smoke Sword, he wanted to act, especially when Wu Zifeng was heavily wounded by Mu Hanyan earlier. Being cautious, he held back all this time. Now, he could finally act, unable to hide his excitement.

Wu Tianxiong’s words plunged the surroundings into deathly silence, with many officials showing surprise.

Wu Tianxiong actually challenged Lu Nianxin; this wasn’t a simple junior sparring. In a sense, it equates to a contest between family heads. As Lu Nianxin had been the Guardian of the Yue clan with the Emperor in seclusion, her status was akin to that of the family head of the Yue clan. Disregarding royal power, strictly speaking of family rank, even Yue Fanyi was inferior to her.

The result of the match between her and Wu Tianxiong would undeniably reflect the strength of the Yue and Wu Families.

"Could it be, Wu Tianxiong harbored ambitions for the throne!" Many thought this and their expressions changed drastically.

In fact, years ago, the ancestors of the Wu Family and the Yue Family united to establish Shangyue. The Wu Family did have the credentials for the throne but ceded it to the Yue Family considering their martial prowess.

If Wu Tianxiong wanted the throne, he must prove his strength surpasses Lu Nianxin’s; otherwise, neither the officials nor millions of subjects would comply.

"What!" Lu Nianxin was also "greatly shocked," staring at Wu Tianxiong, remaining silent.

"What, Empress Dowager, could it be that you’re afraid?" Wu Tianxiong sneered, resolute in his decision to fight to the end, naturally no longer as deferential as before. Moreover, Lu Nianxin’s silence further confirmed his judgment.

Other officials also noticed Lu Nianxin’s oddity. Ordinarily, given her temper, she should have responded aggressively to such provocation, yet remained silent now. Could it be, her cultivation met with issues?

"Rarely does uncle have such interest; let me spar with uncle," Yue Fanyi said solemnly.

His words dropped like a giant stone into the lake, causing an uproar within the minds of officials again.

Though it was a family banquet between the Yue and Wu Families, Yue Xiuqing, dressed casually, addressed Wu Tianxiong as uncle disregarding formalities. But he was still the monarch, stepping in for his mother to accept Wu Tianxiong’s challenge. What did this imply? Aside from Lu Nianxin’s cultivation issue, they couldn’t think of another reason.

"Your skills aren’t enough; you’re not qualified to face me," Wu Tianxiong pressed relentlessly.

What did he say? He dared to say the monarch was unqualified to face him. This clearly showed disdain for royal authority. Almost everyone exhibited a frightened expression.

Wu Tianxiong’s ambitions were completely exposed. He indeed harbored intentions for usurping power!

Those officials who echoed Wu Tianxiong seemed to show tacit smiles, almost ready to celebrate.

"Since you’re determined to fight me, then let’s duel," Lu Nianxin slowly stood up, her footing unsteady. No longer having the previous domineering aura, now appearing forced to a corner.

"Mother..." Yue Fanyi and Yue Fanchen were both worried, intending to step in front of her.

Mu Hanyan almost laughed out loud. This family, in terms of acting, indeed each member excels. Look at Yue Fanchen, gripping his sword’s hilt and eyes red, even Mu Hanyan felt touched.

"Your skills aren’t enough, step back," Lu Nianxin said with an icy tone.

Though worried dearly, Yue Fanyi and Yue Fanchen respected her from a young age. They dare not argue, clenching their fists tightly as they retreated.

"Brother Wu, please," Lu Nianxin walked with unsteady steps to the open field.

Two maids brought forward the large blade. Lu Nianxin took hold, planting it firmly into the ground. Her actions retained the calm confidence as before, majestic and full of vigor. But careful observers would note the lacking ease compared to past movements.

Among the officials, many showed faces of concern.