TRWSB – Chapter 104 The Emperor Arrives

“The Sovereign has arrived.” As the announcement rang out, many in the tavern immediately adopted a more cautious demeanor.

A middle-aged man, clad in a bright yellow robe, entered surrounded by an entourage.

The people in the hall bowed in greeting.

The Tang Emperor waved his hand and said, “No need for formalities, everyone. I’m just here to celebrate. Today, there’s no emperor here, only a guest.”

Qi Shaorong lifted his head to observe the man who had entered. The Tang Emperor’s appearance was unremarkable, with a seemingly kind and approachable demeanor. However, Qi Shaorong dared not underestimate him. For someone who had fought his way through countless royal siblings to claim the throne, he could not possibly be a simple character.

The Tang Emperor approached Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao, looking them over approvingly. “Not bad, not bad. A very fitting match.”

Zhuang Hao bowed deeply. “Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty.”

The Tang Emperor turned to Qi Shaorong with a smile. “I didn’t expect the so-called ‘Evil Doctor’ to be so young. Truly, a hero among the youth!”

“Your Majesty flatters me. My skills are insignificant,” Qi Shaorong replied.

The Tang Emperor waved dismissively. “You’re too modest. If your abilities are insignificant, then my less capable sons are even more so.”

He continued, “Speaking of which, since your treatment of the country’s warhorses, their performance has improved significantly. I must properly thank you. From now on, your title is elevated from Baron of the Third Rank to Marquis of the Third Rank.” The Emperor’s tone was cheerful.

Qi Shaorong frowned slightly. “I dare not accept such an honor without merit.”

The Tang Emperor clapped Qi Shaorong on the shoulder. “You’ve earned it. If you don’t deserve it, then who does?”

Qi Shaorong was silent, lowering his head and thinking to himself that the Emperor was going out of his way to elevate him.

The Tang Emperor then turned to Zhuang Hao, noting his expression. “What’s this, Ah Hao? Are you jealous that I’m bestowing a title on Shaorong?”

Zhuang Hao tightly grasped Qi Shaorong’s hand and said, “Your Majesty jests. On Shaorong’s behalf, I thank you for your generosity.”

The Tang Emperor chuckled. “Don’t worry, Ah Hao. Today is your big day; I haven’t forgotten you either. Bring it in!”

A two-meter-tall crimson coral was carried in. The coral exuded dense spiritual energy, with a faint glow surrounding its surface.

“This Blood Coral is a treasure of the sea tribe. It took considerable effort to acquire it. I gift it to you as a congratulatory gift,” the Tang Emperor announced.

Zhuang Hao quickly bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“As long as you like it,” the Tang Emperor said warmly.

The Tang Emperor’s gaze shifted to Yi Fan, patting him on the shoulder. “The Yi family has truly produced a remarkable talent.”

Yi Fan frowned slightly and bowed. “Your Majesty jests. I’ve already been expelled from the Yi family and dare not claim affiliation with them.”

“Even if not a member of the Yi family, you’re still a citizen of this nation. The country needs talents like you,” the Tang Emperor said.

Yi Fan responded respectfully, “I will adhere to Your Majesty’s guidance and remain loyal to the nation.”

The Tang Emperor patted Yi Fan’s shoulder again. “Very good, very good.”

After the Tang Emperor departed, the atmosphere in the tavern became lively once more.

Shen Die pouted. “Brother Shen Yuan, among the four great families, the Zhuang family has Zhuang Hao, the Qi family has Qi Shaorong, and the Yi family has Yi Fan. Only our Shen family lacks a top-tier talent. You need to work harder!”

“The Qi and Yi families have talents, but what good does it do? Those two were both expelled from their families,” Shen Yuan said indifferently.

He exhaled deeply. Although he had once ranked seventh among the capital’s Seven Young Beauties, the only person he had truly found insurmountable was Zhuang Hao. Now, there were two more. Some people were simply born exceptional, and no amount of effort could bridge the gap.

“The Sovereign seems to value Yi Fan highly,” Shen Die remarked.

Shen Yuan nodded. “That guy sure knows how to win favor. Qi Shaorong values him, the Fourth Prince values him, and now even the Emperor does. Why? He’s not even that handsome!”

“Brother, be serious. This isn’t about looks. It’s about his abilities,” Shen Die retorted.

Shen Yuan: “…”

“I didn’t expect Qi Shaorong to become a Marquis at such a young age. His title now isn’t far off from Qi Yao’s,” Shen Die observed.

Qi Yao held a hereditary second-rank marquis title, and Qi Shaorong was now just a step behind. Shen Die couldn’t help but wonder about the Emperor’s intentions in making such arrangements.

Zhuang Hao turned to Qi Shaorong. “What are you thinking about?”

“The Emperor’s intentions in granting me this title,” Qi Shaorong replied.

“This promotion doesn’t seem like the Emperor’s usual style,” Zhuang Hao said thoughtfully.

In the Emperor’s generation, competition for the throne had been fierce, and many royal talents had perished. Meanwhile, the four great families flourished, which had long been a thorn in the Emperor’s side. He typically avoided granting titles to the families unless necessary. This time, however, he seemed unusually generous.

Could it be because of Qi Shaorong’s strained relationship with the Qi family, and the Emperor’s desire to divide the Qi family’s influence? Or was there another reason?

“What are you thinking?” Qi Shaorong asked.

Zhuang Hao shook his head. “Nothing.”

Qi Shaorong glanced at him and said, “To show kindness is to seek something in return. Perhaps the Emperor has something he needs my help with.”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “That’s possible.”

“Could it be that the Emperor wants cosmetic surgery?” Qi Shaorong joked.

Zhuang Hao: “Probably not…”

“The desire to look good is universal,” said Qi Shaorong with some displeasure.

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Two days after Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao’s engagement, Qi Shaorong was summoned to the royal palace.

After some idle conversation, Emperor Tang finally got to the point.

A Saint-level expert from the Merchant Alliance, Feng Yuan, had fallen ill, and experts from all over were being invited to treat him.

The Merchant Alliance was a massive commercial organization with branches in multiple countries, running countless businesses under its name. Its influence was formidable. Feng Yuan, one of the Alliance’s top leaders, was renowned for his wealth, rivaling that of nations.

If Feng Yuan could be cured, it might secure the financial backing of the Merchant Alliance for Yuan Nation. Emperor Tang was naturally highly concerned about this matter.

After some encouraging words, Emperor Tang entrusted the responsibility of curing Feng Yuan to Qi Shaorong.

“I told you—sudden enthusiasm often masks ulterior motives,” Qi Shaorong grumbled.

“Still, if Feng Yuan can be cured, it would be a good thing,” Zhuang Hao said.

Qi Shaorong turned to him and asked, “That’s all well and good, but Feng Yuan is in Li Nation. Do you have any idea how many dangerous territories we’ll have to cross to get there? I might not even survive to see him.”

Zhuang Hao looked at Qi Shaorong and said, “I’ll go with you.”

“And you think your presence will guarantee my safety?” Qi Shaorong asked skeptically.

“I will do everything I can to protect you,” Zhuang Hao replied without hesitation.

Qi Shaorong took a deep breath and said, “You? Have you forgotten the Academy Tournament, where I defeated you?”

Zhuang Hao smiled. “If you want to challenge me again, you don’t have to wait. Any time will do.”

At Luo Hua Pavilion.

Yi Fan was handing over his tasks to Bi Liuyun and Qi Heng. “Why the sudden departure?” they asked.

“My young master is heading to Li Nation, and I must go with him to ensure his safety,” Yi Fan explained.

“To protect the young master? Or to follow Mu Tingxuan?” Bi Liuyun teased. Mu Tingxuan, hailing from Li Nation, had decided to return with them, and Yi Fan seemed eager to tag along.

Ignoring Bi Liuyun’s teasing, Yi Fan continued, “Here’s all the documentation for the various shops. Let me know if there’s anything unclear.”

“I have just one question,” Bi Liuyun said.

“What is it?” Yi Fan asked.

“Do you think Qi Heng and I have three heads and six arms? This is a mountain of paperwork!”

Yi Fan replied, “The young master said that if any issues arise in his absence, you can seek help from Master Zhuang San. He has already arranged it.”

Bi Liuyun looked skeptical. “Did Zhuang San really agree?”

Yi Fan nodded. “The young master said Zhuang San was very willing.”

“Understood,” Bi Liuyun said. Then, after a pause, he patted Yi Fan on the shoulder and said, “Yi Fan, Mu Tingxuan is a man of few words, with a strange temperament. Honestly, he’s harder to deal with than you. Good luck!”

Yi Fan responded, “Tingxuan… isn’t that difficult.”

Bi Liuyun nodded. “Of course not—he’s just… unique.” Choosing to remain as he is despite having a master surgeon by his side is quite the statement of individuality.

At Qi Shaorong’s dormitory at Tianlan Academy.

“Young Master, shouldn’t I accompany you?” Qi Heng asked.

“No need. Tingxuan is going home to Li Nation; I couldn’t refuse him. Since he’s going, Yi Fan insisted on going too. Someone has to stay and manage the Allure Cosmetics shop,” Qi Shaorong explained.

“But who will take care of you on the road?” Qi Heng asked.

Qi Shaorong chuckled. “Zhuang Hao, of course. He signed a pre-engagement agreement that requires him to handle my daily needs when traveling.”

“But Master Zhuang is a pampered young master himself. Even if he wants to, he might not be capable,” Qi Heng argued.

Qi Shaorong smirked. “If he proves useless, I’ll just ditch him.”

Qi Heng: “…”

At the Zhuang residence.

“You plan to accompany Qi Shaorong to Li Nation?” Zhuang Renquan asked.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Yes.”

Zhuang Renquan nodded in approval. “That’s good. Spending time together will help you bond. Perhaps it’ll even clear up some misunderstandings.”

Zhuang Hao said nothing but pressed his lips into a thin line.

“Not confident?” Zhuang Renquan asked.

Zhuang Hao smiled faintly. “Of course not.”

Zhuang Renquan added, “Qi Shaorong and Yi Fan have caused quite the stir recently. Leaving the capital to let things settle down is a good idea.”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “I agree.”

“This marriage has left the Qi family feeling snubbed. I’m afraid they’ll bear some resentment,” Zhuang Renquan noted.

Zhuang Hao replied nonchalantly, “As long as he’s happy, the Qi family’s opinions don’t matter.”

Zhuang Renquan: “…”