Chapter 63: A Stand for Justice

Fu Yixiao's taut nerves gradually eased as she observed the match unfold before her. Guyu fought with honest simplicity—each punch straightforward, each kick direct and true. But Xuan Xiang danced around confrontation, slipping and weaving like smoke, drawing frustrated murmurs from the assembled crowd.

A faint smile played at Feng Suige's lips. Even a humble doorkeeper from the Prince's household could display such formidable skill—a warning to any who harbored malicious designs.

Yet as moments passed, that smile faded. Xuan Xiang possessed far greater ability than his current performance suggested. He was deliberately prolonging the match, waiting for Guyu to burn through his strength. "Guyu, finish him," Feng Suige commanded, his voice cutting through the arena.

The change was immediate. Guyu's strikes intensified with doubled force, catching Xuan Xiang unprepared. Forced to retreat, scrambling to regain his footing, Xuan Xiang suddenly heard the gong—he had unknowingly crossed beyond the arena's boundary.

The match was over. Xuan Xiang had lost.

Before the official could speak, Feng Suige rose, his robes sweeping majestically. "Xuan Xiang has committed a grave offense. He shows no remorse, deliberately provoked the Prince Consort, and now falls in defeat. For these transgressions, he deserves far more than mere loss in combat. I request that Father King strip him of his military rank, never to be restored! Let this be decreed."

Shock rippled through the spectators. Xuan Xiang's face drained of color—he had not anticipated such devastating consequences. He dropped to his knees before Feng Qishan, desperation flooding his voice, "May the King show wisdom…"

Feng Qishan's hesitation lasted only a moment before he nodded. "Let it be done as the Prince wishes."

Resentment flashed like lightning in Xuan Xiang's eyes. Meanwhile, Guyu stood bewildered, still processing what had transpired. He reached out to help his fallen opponent, his voice gentle despite the chaos. "It's okay. Next time, you can come find me, and we'll win it back slowly."

Without warning, Xuan Xiang's arm whipped upward, flinging a cloud of dust and sand directly into Guyu's face. Before anyone could react, he drew a concealed dagger from his boot and lunged forward with murder blazing in his eyes, charging toward the blinded Guyu who stumbled backward.

The crowd gasped in horror—but before the blade could find its target, an arrow pierced through Xuan Xiang's body, emerging from his chest.

A shot of perfect power. Perfect speed. Perfect precision.

Everything froze.

In that singular moment, Xuan Xiang collapsed dead, an arrow protruding from his back. All eyes traced the arrow's trajectory to its source—an archer in pristine white, standing beside Feng Suige with unbowed pride, her form seeming to glow against the harsh sunlight.

Feng Qishan surged to his feet, fury suffusing his face. "Fu Yixiao! You dare execute one of our soldiers before my very eyes! What justification do you claim!"

Yixiao's own anger burned white-hot as she met his gaze unflinching. "What justification? Is this the martial honor of Susha—to allow such despicable treachery in the arena? To strike a defenseless opponent?"

"The judgment had not been rendered. Xuan Xiang remained a military officer and had committed no murder," Feng Qishan's voice dripped with contempt. "Yet you saw fit to execute him on the spot."

"Yixiao, you must not openly defy Father King—all the civil and military officials bear witness! They're watching for any mistake on your part," Feng Suige gripped her wrist urgently, his desperation evident. "Don't give them ammunition."

"If I had hesitated, Guyu would be dead. Everyone saw his treachery. Why do you all defend an assassin?" Yixiao's voice trembled with righteous fury. Her piercing stare fixed on Feng Qishan upon his throne. "At Your Highness's wedding, when Xuan Xiang provoked the King, surely he would have been struck down immediately. Why is this different?"

Whispers of shock swept through the pavilions. Feng Suige's breath caught sharply as he struggled to contain the defiant woman beside him. "Don't be reckless. No one challenges Father King directly. This is grave disrespect."

Yixiao ceased her struggling, her voice dropping to ice. "When someone wishes to condemn, they need no excuse. If he's determined to punish me, I've already committed a capital offense by acting."

The court officials erupted in disapproving murmurs. Though Xuan Xiang's assault had been despicable, few in Susha dared openly defy Feng Qishan, much less challenge his authority.

Still blinded by sand, Guyu sensed the dangerous tension crackling through the arena. He flailed his arms wildly, eyes squeezed shut, and shouted desperately, "It wasn't the Consort, it was the General!"

"Silence!" Feng Qishan's roar shook the stands. "A commoner has no voice here! Guards! Take this fool who dares disturb me and give him two hundred lashes!"

Feng Suige finally could restrain himself no longer. "Father King, though Xuan Xiang inflicted no actual harm, his murderous intent was unmistakable. Guyu is simple-minded and meant no disrespect. I request that you entrust this matter to the Ministry of Justice. I will adjudicate fairly and without favoritism!"

"Then how do you propose I address Fu Yixiao's defiance?" Feng Qishan asked coldly. Feng Suige struggled for words, but Yixiao spoke first, her tone measured and resolute. "If the matter of Xuan Xiang receives fair judgment, I am willing to apologize for my earlier transgression."

Feng Qishan's lips curved upward unexpectedly. "An apology is unnecessary. After all, you are Suige's favored consort. Shall I truly quarrel with a woman?" He waved dismissively.

A military official immediately stood, his voice ringing out, "With respect, this is inappropriate. The King's mercy honors Susha, but without punishment for the Consort, Your Majesty's authority will surely crumble in the eyes of the realm!"

Agreement thundered from the assembled officials. Feng Qishan feigned contemplation before relenting, "Very well. For Suige's sake, I shall show mercy. Does anyone object?" Applause and flattery erupted like a tide.

Feng Suige trembled with barely contained anger, but Yixiao had already regained her composure. "I lost control—they won't release this opportunity easily. If we resist, it will only harm your reputation further," she said quietly. Feng Suige's voice cracked with anguish, "I care nothing for reputation. I promised to protect you."

Yixiao freed herself gently and managed a luminous smile. "Your words are protection enough. The punishment won't be severe. Better to face it openly than let suspicion tarnish Jinxiu's standing." She removed her bow and quiver, placed them in his hands, and turned to walk away.

Feng Qishan observed her approach with an inscrutable expression. After a long moment, his voice fell like stone. "To preserve court discipline—Guards, bind the Consort to the training post until sunset as a warning to all!"

"Father King!" Feng Suige's anguished cry followed her. "Yixiao participates in the archery competition tomorrow!" Feng Qishan barely glanced at him. "Suige, don't be foolish. I'm showing remarkable leniency. Were she not your secondary consort, she would be beheaded."

Yixiao made no resistance as soldiers secured her bonds and led her away. She understood that defiance now would only confirm Feng Qishan's narrative, making matters worse. She simply needed to endure. Just this afternoon.

As she passed Feng Suige, she offered him a bright smile and spoke with wry resignation. "It seems I won't be winning tomorrow. You'd better prepare a contingency plan."

Next