Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 534 Picking Out the Silver Reward (3)_1

Chapter 534: Chapter 534 Picking Out the Silver Reward (3)_1

Upon his immediate return to Jing City, Yan Junyu eagerly selected two baskets of fruit to be delivered to the Empress Dowager and Emperor Huian, all in preparation to slap the Agricultural Politics Department in the face at the court session tomorrow.

That night, after Yan Junyu finished with his affairs and was about to call someone in to help him relax and loosen his clothing, the sudden sound of knocking at the door echoed, followed swiftly by Guan Yu’s voice: "My lord, Princely Heir Xiao has arrived and is waiting for you at the lakeside pavilion."

A hint of curiosity flickered through Yan Junyu’s beautiful, arching eyebrows, and he picked up the Jade Bone Fan from the table and made his way to the lakeside pavilion.

The cold moonlight silently bathed the still, waveless lake, adding a touch of solitude to the scene.

In the octagonal pavilion, Xiao Ruiyuan’s face was as cold as the moonlit lake. He glanced at the tranquil Small Moon Gate not far away, with impatience clear in his eyes.

Thinking of the message delivered by the Hidden Guard in the evening, his expression grew even colder.

When Yan Junyu arrived at the small pavilion, he immediately felt the coldness emanating from someone even before he got close, assuming that another foolish individual had provoked him, utterly unaware that he himself was the "chief culprit."

With a snap, he unfurled his Jade Bone Fan and, facing Xiao Ruiyuan, whose gaze held a hook, he asked, "Who has provoked our venerable General Zhenbei this time?"

Following his recovery, Xiao Ruiyuan returned to the imperial court and, with his military merits and the implicit compensation from Emperor Huian, was promoted three levels in succession, becoming the youngest Great General of the first rank in Great Chu. "Zhenbei" was his honorary title.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s aura turned even colder, ignoring Yan Junyu’s question but instead inquiring about an unrelated matter, "What were you doing in Liu Yang Village?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Junyu’s expression instantly turned icy: "Are you having me followed?"

Xiao Ruiyuan cast him a contemptuous glance, remaining silent. Yet, his expression conveyed his thoughts clearly enough: Don’t flatter yourself, what’s there about you worth tracking?

Yan Junyu could see that clear as day, and his face changed with indignation: "Xiao Ruiyuan, are you looking for a fight? Come on then, I’m not afraid of you!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than he sent a palm strike in Xiao Ruiyuan’s direction, without waiting for a response.

Xiao Ruiyuan, already fuming and eager to vent, met Yan Junyu’s attack without hesitation, and their palms clashed.

Both men were of similar age and their martial arts talents were on par with each other. Having trained since childhood, they had fought countless times but seldom determined a victor.

Every sparring session was a full-effort affair, and this time was no exception. They fought from the pavilion to the surface of the lake, and from there to the corridor opposite, with neither willing to admit defeat.

Guan Yu stretched his neck to watch from the small pavilion, his eyes full of excitement and admiration, without the slightest concern. Clearly accustomed to this, he knew they wouldn’t seriously harm each other.

Both men, now atop the rooftop, each harboring a competitive spirit, increased the speed of their exchange. Guan Yu, craning his neck, watched in dizziness. Just as he was thinking of finding a better spot to continue watching, he suddenly heard a loud crash and saw a figure slide down the sloping roof. Squinting, he realized it was his master, which instantly sent his heart into his throat.

Just then, Xiao Ruiyuan moved swiftly downwards, grabbing Yan Junyu’s arm before he hit the ground, and they both safely landed on the ground.

Recent rains had caused moss to grow on the rooftop tiles, leading Yan Junyu to slip and nearly tumble down. With this interruption, both had vented most of their anger and did not continue the fight.

"So tell me, what’s the matter? Surely you didn’t come here in the middle of the night just to fight with me?" Yan Junyu shook his fan vigorously and curiously asked Xiao Ruiyuan.