TSWRLM -Chapter 228 This Time, He Cannot Lose

Wei Lingze accepted the envoy delegation’s request for a friendly contest on behalf of the military officers.

During the wars between Zhaoling and Yuexi, military prowess was crucial. Now that Zhaoling was wealthy and strong, a contest would not only demonstrate the skill of the current generals but also intimidate the envoys, helping to maintain peace between the two nations for longer.

Wei Lingze answered confidently, speaking as though victory was already in his grasp. The emperor was greatly pleased. After sharing a celebratory drink with the envoys, he scheduled the contest for the upcoming Winter Solstice.

On that day, the emperor would lead civil and military officials along with the envoys on a winter hunt, conducting contests from multiple angles to ensure fairness.

The discussion ended on a pleasant note. As the envoys left, Xuanyuan Lang deliberately lingered behind. Using clumsy Zhaoling language, he said to Wei Lingze: “Young General Wei, I look forward to testing my skills against you during the winter hunt.”

Wei Lingze ignored Xuanyuan Lang’s provocation. He glanced at the empty sleeve on Xuanyuan Lang’s right arm and said, “General Xuanyuan, you only have one arm now. Even if I win, it wouldn’t feel like a true victory.”

After a translator explained, Xuanyuan Lang understood and laughed: “Young General Wei, you aren’t afraid of losing to me, are you? That would be embarrassing!”

Hearing this, the entire envoy delegation laughed along.

Although Xuanyuan Lang had lost an arm, he showed no sign of weakness; his fighting spirit was even stronger than three years ago. The envoys had full confidence in him and were eager to see him defeat Wei Lingze in the upcoming winter hunt, redeeming his past humiliation.

Since they had provoked him, Wei Lingze could not back down. He straightened his back and accepted Xuanyuan Lang’s challenge.

He would not hold back because Xuanyuan Lang was missing an arm—he would give his all and crush him, just as he had on the battlefield three years ago.

With Wei Lingze’s firm acceptance, Xuanyuan Lang left happily with his delegation. But Wei Lingze’s expression was grim.

Even if Xuanyuan Lang lost, it wouldn’t be shameful, and the envoy group was small; the news wouldn’t spread widely. But if Wei Lingze lost, he would become a laughingstock.

This Winter Solstice hunt was a contest he simply could not—and must not—lose.

As he brooded, Li Huaijing’s voice came from beside him: “Ze’er, are you really confident you can win?”

Li Huaijing meant no offense; his tone was full of concern. Wei Lingze, however, found it irritating. He shot Li Huaijing a cold glare and asked, “Do you really think I can’t even beat a cripple?”

“I didn’t mean that. It’s just… you were bedridden for three years, and your leg has only recently healed. I’m worried…”

Li Huaijing explained softly, but Wei Lingze cut him off: “If you were truly worried, why didn’t you stop this in front of the emperor? What’s the point of saying it now?”

Wei Lingze’s tone was harsh, showing no respect for his uncle-in-law. Li Huaijing fell silent.

At that moment, the officials from the Censorate approached. Li Huaijing greeted Shen Qingyuan politely: “Lord Shen, after your shift, would you like to have a meal? I wish to discuss something with you.”

Shen Qingyuan glanced at Wei Lingze and replied coldly, “I have business.”

With that, he walked away. Li Huaijing hurried to clarify: “I’m inviting Lord Shen, this has nothing to do with others. I want to discuss your younger sister.”

Shen Qingyuan showed no interest in Wei Lingze, and Wei Lingze, dark-faced, walked past them.

Shen Qingyuan did not stop, adding coldly: “I do have business. Also, I have no sister; you’ve got the wrong person.”

This clearly severed any connection to Shen Qingchi.

Li Huaijing persisted: “Lord Shen, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not pleading for her. It’s just that my wife had a small disagreement with Madam Shen over this matter, and I wish to apologize on her behalf, so it won’t affect our professional relationship.”

“Lord Li, I have no personal connection with you. If you think I mix public and private matters, you may report me to the emperor.”

“Lord Shen, I didn’t mean that. We met a few times at the Yun family academy, so we have some acquaintance. I actually invited the prince consort too, so we could reminisce about the past…”

“There’s nothing to reminisce about. I have business. Goodbye.”

Shen Qingyuan decisively cut him off and left. Li Huaijing could not press further. Once outside, he was also informed that the prince consort had refused his invitation.

Li Huaijing’s expression darkened. He had intended the meal to ease tensions between Yun Wantang, Chun Xi, and Princess Hengyang, but even the prince consort refused.

Hearing this, Yun Wantang was slightly disappointed but more concerned with the upcoming winter hunt.

She immediately brought top-quality knee and wrist guards, along with a fine bow, to Wei’s residence.

“Congratulations, sister. As long as Ze’er defeats Xuanyuan Lang again at this winter hunt and claims first place, he will once more become a household name in Zhaoling as a hero.”

Madam Yun was not as optimistic as Yun Wantang.

During Wei Lingze’s three-year paralysis, the family prayed daily for his safety. Now that he had recovered, they only wanted him to remain safe, not risk himself for fame.

“Ze’er’s leg has only healed a few months; his stamina cannot match what it once was. I’m thinking of petitioning the Empress not to let him compete with Xuanyuan Lang.”

Yun Wantang disagreed: “Sister, Xuanyuan Lang has already lost an arm. How could he possibly beat Ze’er? You shouldn’t let fear ruin Ze’er’s future.”

“The future is meaningless compared to a healthy body. What if Xuanyuan Lang is coming to seek revenge?”

Madam Yun’s concerns lingered, but Yun Wantang said: “Sister, don’t you want He’er to have a child soon? If Ze’er becomes famous again at the winter hunt, now is the best opportunity.”

Madam Yun’s remaining objections were silenced.

She had already obtained the medicine but had not decided to use it. Yun Wantang’s words felt like a spell compelling her.

With the envoys in the capital, the winter hunt was the most pressing matter.

All officials would be busy preparing, and He’er wouldn’t choose this time to be upset. Once Ze’er achieved fame again at the hunt, even if He’er complained, the Xiao family would not make a fuss.

Now was indeed the best time.

But what if Ze’er lost?

Madam Yun remained hesitant. Yun Wantang grabbed her hand and said firmly: “Sister, He’er has already been influenced by Cao Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang. If you don’t give her this strong medicine now, there will truly be no future for her and Ze’er.”

Madam Yun pressed her lips together, and the struggle in her eyes finally turned into determination.