“Who taught you such a great sword technique, my son?” Xue Fen was curious. She had never seen such a sword technique.

“A master swordsman who taught me, mom. But he never mentioned his name. His sword technique is indeed very different from the Zhang kingdom.” Jiang Zheng lied.

This was not a sword technique but because his strength is not like a normal human. He had more power than humans. And actually, he only knew how to slash swords.

“Has he also taken care of you all this time?” Xue Fen asked again.

Jian Zhang just nodded. There was no way he could admit that all this time he had lived alone. His mother would definitely feel guilty.

Xue Fen looked proud. Jian Zhang used to be very weak and always despised by people, but now her son is different from the past. Her son could even defeat Genji Zhang who was a level 5 martial arts. But behind her happiness Xue Fen was worried.

Jian Zhang noticed the mother’s changing expression. The shady face that gave the calm now looked worried. And Jian Zhang also hasn’t told the big secret he has.

“Jian Zhang!” His older sister’s gentle voice sounded worried.

Jiao Zhang had heard what had happened that the younger brother had defeated Genji Zhang and because of that, her father would judge her younger brother.

However, Jiao Zhang was sure that her younger brother could not possibly harm Genji Zhang. How could her brother do that? Meanwhile, Jian Zhang never practiced martial arts.

“Tell me that what I heard was wrong, my little brother?” The corners of Jiao Zhang’s brows furrowed in worry.

Every time he saw his sister, Jian Zhang’s chest felt tight and burned. He clenched his hands into fists, but with great care Jian Zhang touched his sister’s cheeks.

“That’s right, Sis.” Jian Zhang replied. “But nothing to worry about. I can deal with this situation.”

In royal law, what Jian Zhang did was not wrong. The punishment for guards who did not perform their duties was public execution. Jian Zhang had already done it according to the rules. Didn't everyone already know that the fight can only be stopped if one of the combatants declared defeat and surrendered?

“I want to talk to mom, Sis. Can you come out now?” Jian Zhang asked gently.

Jiao Zhang lowered her head. The anxiety in her heart certainly couldn’t go away.

The maid accompanying Jiao Zhang nodded as Xue Fen looked at her. The woman took hold of Jiao Zhang’s hand gently, leading the princess out.

“Mother naturally knows what happened to me yesterday.” Jian Zhang spoke in a serious tone.

Xue Fen falls silent. Her heart was beating fast. She suddenly felt scared for no reason.

“If father comes looking for me, tell him i’ll see him after sunset.” Jian Zhang was a little hesitant to share his secret with his mother.

There were many questions gathering in Xue Fen’s head. But, at this moment, she would choose to believe in her son.

Then Jian Zhang stepped closer to the window. His hands were behind his back. He looked up at the moon, which was shining brighter than it used to be.

“And make sure no one enters my room except mom, sister, and our confidants.”

***

Genji Zhang’s mouth was gagged with a cloth. His face turned pale from the excruciating pain. His hand in terrible injured.

Li Wei stared in full of worry and anxiety. Her son was the future emperor. And now, her son is in danger of being disabled.

“My apologies, Madam Li Wei.” The royal healer bent his back, sweat visibly falling from his forehead. He had tried his best to save Genji Zhang’s hand, but it didn’t work.

“A level 3 Healing Pill can’t treat Prince Genji,” he said in a frustrated tone.

A level 3 Healing Pill is a supreme medicine with a very high selling value. The composition in it is very difficult to find. And need experienced people who process the drug.

“What did you say?” Li Wei was full of anger. “How can you say you can’t cure it?”

“Prince Genji’s hand has been crushed. The internal nerves have also been severed. The damage is very serious.” Royal healer explained prince Genji’s situation.

Li Wei shook her head. How can her son become emperor with such conditions?

‘This can't be happening! What about my plan?’ Said Li Wei in his heart.

Li Wei can’t accept this. Jian Zhang should be castigated. And if her son is disabled, Jian Zhang must feel the same suffering.

Genji Zhang’s eyes were so frustrated, full of anger and resentment.

‘You must die Jian Zhang!’

The next day, young maple leaves shining in the sunlight. A gentle breeze brushed the dried maple leaves, making the servants groan tiredly.

Xue Fen with her servants walking towards the punishment room. But the figure who became the primary star this morning was nowhere to be seen.

Last night’s fight had made Jian Zhang’s name famous. Everyone was talking about it, and some even speculated that the position of crown prince would be returned to the true original prince.

“Empress Xue Fen entered the punishment chamber!” The guard shouted.

Gao Zhang sat in the judge’s seat. The two men sitting on the right and left of Gao Zhang were advisers. They are knowledgeable and have extensive insight into the law. But in the end, the final decision remains in Gao Zhang’s own hands.

The ministers and several nobles were present in the room. They whispered, talking about the fight that had happened last night.

“Did Jian Zhang really come back?”

“How can Jian Zhang defeat Prince Genji?”

“That’s absolutely impossible! Prince Genji was equal to a warlord. How could he lose? What trick did Jian Zhang use?”

The winner of the fight is doubtful. Jian Zhang had never studied martial arts, and suddenly appeared with such big news.

Xue Fen bowed respectfully, the maid behind her followed Xue Fen’s movements.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. But I must convey this to Your Majesty.” Xue Fen said. “My son, Jian Zhang, is unable to attend. He has business to attend to.”

“Don’t lie, Empress!” Li Wei screamed in despair and sadness. Last night her tears kept falling, crying over her son whose had future was unclear.

“You must have hidden your son, right?” Li Wei accused.

Li Wei’s actions are certainly out of bounds. The woman was just a concubine, but because of getting the attention of the emperor. Li Wei acted that she was above the empress.

Gao Zhang raised his hand, asking Li Wei to be quiet. Gao Zhang looked at Xue Fen. He didn’t have any feelings for that woman. His marriage to Xue Fen was determined to unite the two kingdoms. However, Gao Zhang knew that Xue Fen would not lie.

“My son has asked me to say this. He will see His Majesty after sunset.” Xue Fen explained in a low and calm tone.

Xue Fen didn’t get carried away easily. Since childhood, she was prepared to become an empress. History education, political education, etiquette education and skills education. She has learned many things.

“What if he denies it? What if he doesn’t come?” Gao Zhang asked.

Xue Fen had expected this to happen, Gao Zhang would definitely corner her. Xue Fen had already prepared her Plan B.

“His Majesty can keep me in the prison until Jian Zhang comes.” Xue Fen offered herself as collateral.

Gao Zhang looks shocked by Xue Fen’s words. Xue Fen’s servants looked at each other. They are worried.

“Sorry, Your Highness. Don’t punish the Empress. Just punish us instead!” They prostrated.

Xue Fen’s statement naturally shocked everyone in the room. They were now staring at Gao Zhang, waiting for the emperor’s decision. It seemed Xue Fen was doing this on purpose. Because he knew it would make a lot of noise.

How could an emperor punish his Empress?

“We can’t do it, Your Majesty. It will create rumors that Your Majesty and the Empress’ relationship is not good." The adviser whispered.

Gao Zhang looked at Li Wei who was currently staring at him. If she didn’t do something to Jian Zhang, Li Wei would definitely get hurt even more.

Regardless of the adviser’s advice. Gao Zhang had thought of his own decision.

“Fine!” Gao Zhang decided. “I will keep you, but not in prison. I will keep you in a special place until your son met me.”

The emperor’s decision was even more shocking. The ministers and nobles were astonished. They looked at each other. Just for the sake of a concubine’s child, the emperor took actions beyond logic.

“You don’t need to beg.” Xue Fen turned around. The smile on her face was as warm as sunshine. “This is my decision. And tell Jiao Zhang, I’ll be fine.”