When Xu Ming had just stepped into the main hall, Xu Pangda hadn't yet reacted before seeing a cold glint flash past his chubby face.
By the time Xu Pangda regained his composure, a long sword was already pointed at the throat of his fifth brother.
The sharp tip of the sword hovered barely half an inch away from his brother's neck.
It seemed that with just a slight push forward, blood would surely splatter.
Everyone in the main hall was taken aback.
Why had this stunningly beautiful princess suddenly drawn her sword without warning?
True, Xu Ming's act of breaking off the engagement did leave her a little humiliated.
But still, couldn't they sit down and discuss it calmly first?
On the side, Chen Suya's face turned pale. She wanted to step forward, but Wang Feng held her wrist, stopping her.
Wang Feng shook her head and glanced meaningfully at Chen Suya.
Following Wang Feng's gaze, Chen Suya noticed something peculiar—there was something off about the way the princess was looking at Xu Ming.
Chen Suya, skilled at reading people like Wang Feng, observed that though the princess's eyes were filled with anger, they didn't seem to harbor much hatred.
"Such speed, precision, and decisiveness—who would have thought the princess's swordsmanship is this exceptional," Xu Ming remarked calmly, looking at the girl in front of him with a faint smile.
"You've disgraced me in front of the entire world. Give me an explanation, or this sword might just pierce through your throat," Wu Yanhan said coldly.
Xu Ming glanced around the hall. "I will give the princess an explanation. But may I request that the princess take a walk with me in the courtyard? If my explanation doesn't satisfy you, you can kill me on the spot, and I will have no complaints."
Wu Yanhan's sharp, phoenix-shaped eyes locked onto Xu Ming's, as though her gaze was as piercing as her sword, trying to lay him bare. Yet Xu Ming did not shy away from her stare.
"Hmph." Wu Yanhan snorted coldly and flicked her sword. The blade traced a perfect arc through the air, landing neatly in the scabbard held by a nearby maid.
Without another word, Wu Yanhan strode out the door.
Xu Ming cupped his hands in a polite gesture to the others in the hall, then turned and followed her outside.
The two walked side by side through the Xu family's garden. No one else was around. The frosty expression on Wu Yanhan's face had softened, replaced by a faint smile.
"There was no need for you to come here. My letter breaking off the engagement should've been enough. His Majesty likely won't punish me," Xu Ming said to the young woman beside him.
To outsiders, it appeared that Wu Yanhan had drawn her sword out of rage at being rejected.
But Xu Ming knew her personality all too well. She was worried about him and had come to the Xu residence to "demand justice."
Her dramatic display served multiple purposes:
First, by acting arrogant and unreasonable, she made others think, "The top scholar was right to break off the engagement—this princess is terrifying! If they married, wouldn't he be completely henpecked?" This way, public opinion would favor Xu Ming.
Second, it gave her father, the emperor, an excuse to de-escalate the situation: "Father, I've already made a scene and even threatened Xu Ming with a sword. You can step in to mediate and let the whole engagement matter drop."
"Heh," Wu Yanhan chuckled coldly. "I was just worried you'd get yourself killed. Otherwise, how could I repay the favor I owe you?"
As she spoke, Wu Yanhan glanced at Xu Ming. "When the imperial edict was announced, did you realize that I was the princess of this dynasty?"
Xu Ming nodded. "I didn't expect it at first, but I had a faint suspicion. After all, you… are prettier than most women."
Wu Yanhan's smile deepened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "And when you found out that the person you were breaking off the engagement with was your former 'brother-in-arms,' how did that feel?"
"It was surprising," Xu Ming admitted. "But when I recalled that His Majesty sent me to Blood Asura Battalion and you turned out to be a 'woman disguised as a man,' it all made sense. This was likely orchestrated by His Majesty."
Xu Ming turned the question back to Wu Yanhan: "When Princess entered Blood Asura Battalion, did you know His Majesty's intentions? Did you know I was to be your fiancé?"
A flicker of displeasure crossed Wu Yanhan's eyes. "Call me Yanhan."
Xu Ming was momentarily taken aback but then smiled and corrected himself. "Alright, Yanhan. Did you know I was your fiancé?"
"No," Wu Yanhan replied without hesitation. "I was simply sent to Blood Asura Battalion for training. I had no idea my father had arranged for a fiancé to be there as well. It wasn't until after my training, on my return to the capital, that I learned of his intentions."
"And when you found out that your former 'brother-in-arms' was to become your fiancé, how did you feel?" Xu Ming asked.
Wu Yanhan stopped walking, looking at him seriously. "It wasn't too bad."
Xu Ming blinked. "Huh?"
Wu Yanhan casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her demeanor devoid of any girlish coyness. "If it had been anyone else, I'd have knocked them flat with my fists. But you once saved my life. I told you before, I always repay my debts. So, rather than letting someone else benefit, I figured it might as well be you."
Xu Ming was at a loss for words.
"But I didn't expect you to decline the marriage," Wu Yanhan said with a faint smile. "What's the matter? Couldn't bear to lay hands on your 'old comrade'? Or are you still hung up on Qin Qingwan and Zhu Cici?"
Xu Ming shook his head. "It's neither of those. I just want to see the world."
"See the world?" Wu Yanhan echoed.
Xu Ming nodded, finally revealing a reason he had never shared with anyone before. "After I enter the Rootless Secret Realm, I plan to leave the Wu Kingdom and explore the wider world. I don't want to delay your future. Besides, if I were to die out there one day, you'd end up a widow."
"How long will you be gone?" Wu Yanhan asked. Unbeknownst to Xu Ming, her delicate fists tightened slightly beneath her long sleeves.
"I don't know. Maybe five or six years? Maybe longer," Xu Ming said honestly.
"Will you come back?" Wu Yanhan's voice was calm, but her gaze betrayed a subtle tension.
"Of course," Xu Ming replied with a nod. "After all, my mother is still in the capital."
"If your mother weren't in the capital, would you not come back?" Wu Yanhan felt an inexplicable surge of annoyance.
Xu Ming glanced at her, immediately understanding. "You're still in the capital. I'd definitely come back to see you."
"Hmph," Wu Yanhan turned her head away. "Who wants you to come back and see me?"
Seeing her icy yet somewhat playful demeanor, Xu Ming simply chuckled, choosing not to say more.
The two continued walking through the courtyard in silence, yet the atmosphere was far from awkward.
"So?" Wu Yanhan finally broke the silence after a long while.
Xu Ming looked puzzled. "So what?"
Wu Yanhan turned to face him, stepping back gracefully with her hands clasped before her. "I told you before, Wu Yanhan is far more beautiful than Zhu Cici. Now, do you still think I was lying?"