Protect Our Clan Leader

However, Zhao Yuandi, realizing the situation was unfavorable, used the excuse to retreat into isolation, not showing his face at all, which naturally saved him from embarrassment.

Because of this matter, Wang Annan had been displeased with him for a long time, and now that he had the chance, he naturally did not hold back.

"Wang Annan, you're seeking death!" Zhao Yuandi's face changed as soon as he heard those words. "Had I not lacked a suitable weapon back then, how could I have lost to you? Do you really think you are better than me? Today, Young Master I will definitely open your eyes and let you see the power of our Zhao Clan's 'Flying Snake Sword Technique'!"

"Hmph! I've also learned a few moves from my Grand Aunt Li Yao, and today is just the day to test them on you!" Wang Annan was naturally not to be outdone.

"Let's go! To the arena!"

"To the arena!"

Among the youth of Shangjing City, friction often occurred, and naturally, Wan Yao Tower had an arena for such contests. The two, unable to reconcile their differences, headed straight for the arena.

The older youth beside them and Shangguan Yunhong were somewhat dumbfounded and exchanged glances.

Two hours later.

Wang Annan returned to Ding Duke's Mansion, his own courtyard, with a face marked by a sword wound and his clothes tattered.

Wang Annan had just ripped off his clothes and hadn't yet healed his wounds when his father, Wang Shida, receiving the news, rushed over.

"You boy, did you cause trouble outside again?" Wang Shida scolded as soon as he saw him.

Wang Annan explained everything as it was.

He knew his father's temper all too well and did not think he could hide this incident. As soon as he spoke, he was ready to be scolded or even beaten severely by his father.

Unexpectedly.

Wang Shida did not scold him immediately, but asked, "Did you win or lose?"

"Won." Wang Annan replied sullenly, "I broke his leg."

"Broke his leg?" Wang Shida raised an eyebrow and his expression suddenly showed disappointment. "You were too gentle! With such a good opportunity, you only broke his leg and that's it?"

Wang Annan's mouth slowly dropped open in confusion. "Dad, haven't you always opposed me fighting?"

"How can these be the same? Before, you were causing trouble, and I had to be harsh to provide a way out for our family. Besides, your injuries always looked severe but never affected your bones or muscles," Wang Shida rolled his eyes. "This time, it's Lord Shouzhe who suffered greatly, and even fools can guess that the Zhao Clan is behind it. You should not just break Zhao Yuandi's leg, but if you had broken all his legs, it would still be explainable. If you don't seize this opportunity to hit them hard, when will you get another chance like this?"

Wang Annan was completely stunned.

He felt as if he was meeting his father for the first time, even encouraging him to fight.

...

The matter of the Wang family smuggling and colluding with the enemy naturally spread to the Imperial Palace.

Imperial Palace.

Zhuozheng Pavilion.

The ancient and heavy desk was piled high with memorials, which was a stark contrast to the usual few memorials.

The face of Emperor Longchang was somewhat gloomy, and his mood seemed inexplicably suppressed.

These were all memorials from officials at various levels and prominent families impeaching Wang Shouzhe and the Changning Wang Clan. There were even quite a few accusing Ding Duke's Mansion of harboring criminals and obstructing the Three Departments' case handling, demanding the revocation of the duke's title, suspecting that the main plotter of treason might be Ding Duke's Mansion.

Given the current hot topic of the Wang family's collusion with the enemy, being surrounded and criticized by so many people was naturally justifiable. Even the small street vendors, when mentioning the Changning Wang Clan or Wang Shouzhe, would spit disdainfully, expressing their contempt for the Wang family.

However, it was unreasonable that these memorials filled with trash talk passed the Cabinet's scrutiny and were all presented in the Zhuozheng Pavilion.

According to Prime Minister Zhao Hongbo, this case was significant, involving Ding Duke in many memorials. With the Cabinet's authority, they could not adjudicate cases at the level of a prince or duke and had to be transferred to the emperor for personal handling.

"Your Majesty..." Old Yao personally brought a cup of tea and said with a smile, "This is the Purple Snail Dao Tea we got from the Immortal Court a while ago, which has the miraculous effect of calming the mind and nourishing the spirit. If you don't want to drink it, I can bring it to young master Anye, as the child is growing."

Usually, the so-called Immortal Tea is merely a general term for high-quality Spiritual Tea, but how could true Immortal Tea be so easily obtained? Whereas Purple Snail Dao Tea is different, it comes from a Level Eleven Dao-grade tea tree that often produces tea only once in several decades.

The price is extremely high, not to mention, not just anyone with significant power or authority can buy it. Even in the Immortal Court, this tea is considered a luxury.

Although Emperor Longchang was not pleased, he would not reject something so valuable and good for his health; he glanced irritably at Old Yao: "You old thing, always helping Anye to sponge off my provisions. A brat like him, drinking what Dao Tea? Later, grant him some Spirit Meat to eat instead, that's better for a growing body than drinking tea."

Having said that, Emperor Longchang picked up the tea and cheerfully sipped a mouthful, his mood greatly improved, then he began to vent: "That old dog Zhao Hongbo, he is obviously trying to use me to strike against his rivals."

"It would be justifiable to target the Changning Wang Clan because of the rivalry for the throne, but now, he is even expanding the attack to include Ding Duke's Mansion."