Chapter 12: Mingyan Pavilion

However, as the victorious nation of Longteng, the entire imperial court was incensed. In recent years, the border civilians had been ravaged by war, with countless families destroyed. Thus, the government maintained a hardline stance in negotiations to uphold national dignity, stabilize the court, and appease the people, which ultimately led to the incident of Dongjun offering ice crystals as tribute.

It was following that war that Long Jingrui, having achieved illustrious military merits, was exceptionally enfeoffed as "Prince Rui." Consequently, despite his youth, his noble status and military achievements made him the object of desire for countless young noblewomen.

Two months ago, sensing that the Jade Fire poison in his body was becoming increasingly difficult to suppress, Long Jingrui requested leave to secretly lead his men out of the capital to recuperate at the Qingliang Mountain villa.

Since its completion two years ago, no master had ever stayed at the villa. Therefore, only a steward and a few cleaners were stationed there, totaling only about twenty servants in the vast princely estate.

Before Long Jingrui arrived, the Jade-Faced Messenger had sent people to make arrangements, and it was precisely regarding this matter that the trouble arose. Aside from the current Emperor, only Prince Qing and his Princess knew that Prince Rui had requested leave to recuperate at the Qingliang Mountain villa.

As for who had struck, while it required effort, it was not difficult to investigate. Long Jingrui's Jade Fire poison was no secret among the imperial family and the nobility; everyone knew that when the legitimate son of the current Prince Qing, Long Jingrui, was born, he came with poison in his body.

It was also known that the poison remained incurable and could only be suppressed through profound internal strength. Thus, although Long Jingrui was now twenty-one, he had no concubines or wives by his side.

It was not that no one set their sights on him; rather, it was no exaggeration to say that Long Jingrui was the dream lover of many young ladies in the capital. With his military merits and his naturally handsome appearance, he made many noble daughters salivate.

It was not that the Prince Qing's manor did not want to intervene, but rather that they dared not. Because of mistakes he had made in the past, Prince Qing felt he owed his legitimate son, so he generally prioritized Long Jingrui's wishes in all matters.

Furthermore, Long Jingrui had been independent since childhood; it seemed that after the age of seven, he never let anyone interfere in his affairs. Therefore, when Long Jingrui stated he was not currently considering marriage, Prince Qing simply let him be.

However, after he turned eighteen, the matter would be brought up again around every birthday, for fear that his only legitimate son might spend his life in solitude due to the Jade Fire poison and the cold, hardened temperament forged on the battlefield.

As for Long Jingrui's mother in the manor, because he was her only son and because her own negligence had allowed the concubines to succeed—leaving her with lifelong regrets—she harbored a deep-seated hatred for the concubines.

Her son had said there was no rush, that he would not consider marriage until he found a better way to suppress the Jade Fire poison, and that he had not yet met anyone he favored.

Thus, the Princess had let go, only hoping that her son would find someone he loved so they could live a harmonious and devoted life together, which would leave her with no regrets.

Meanwhile, upon receiving their orders, the members of the Mingyan Pavilion rushed toward their target at top speed, ensuring they completed the mission issued by the messenger on time and in full.

After issuing the orders, the Jade-Faced Messenger glanced toward a certain direction of the villa, let out a deep sigh, and took flight to return to the Mingyan Pavilion to accept punishment. In his heart, however, he was thinking: *I hope the Pavilion Master recovers soon.*

Indeed, the Pavilion Master of the Mingyan Pavilion—known in the martial arts world as "Mingyan"—held another identity: Long Jingrui, the legitimate son of Prince Qing, the younger brother of the current Emperor. His status was noble, but no one except the four messengers of the Mingyan Pavilion knew that he was the famous Mingyan.

Most people in the martial arts world had only heard the name "Mingyan" without knowing the man himself. But those who had fought him knew that he lived up to his name: possessing profound internal strength and extraordinary martial arts, once he struck, he was a Shura from hell.

(End of Chapter)