"Wait!"
At this critical moment, Yuan Shu slammed the table and shouted sternly at Zhang Ji below the stage.
All eyes in the venue turned to Yuan Shu.
Zhang Ji also noticed Yuan Shu and grinned menacingly at him, saying:
"What, you want to meddle in my business too?"
Yuan Shu fearlessly questioned Zhang Ji:
"I am Yuan Shu, the legitimate son of the Yuan family! My father is Yuan Feng, the current Minister of Works. My Yuan family has held high office for four generations—who do you think you are to address me in such a manner?"
Hearing Yuan Shu's declaration, Zhang Ji was taken aback.
The Minister of Works was an immensely powerful figure—someone he truly could not afford to offend.
However, upon looking at Yuan Shu again, he thought that this was probably just a pampered playboy from the Yuan household. As long as he didn't touch him directly, he could simply snatch the beauty on stage and leave—what could Yuan Shu do about it?
With this in mind, Zhang Ji chuckled and said:
"Today I'm getting married, so I'm in a good mood. I won't argue with you."
After saying this, he ignored Yuan Shu completely and rushed toward the stage.
Yuan Shu sneered and said, "What a beast. Seize them!"
At his command, several of his servants charged at Zhang Ji and his men without hesitation.
The combat strength of the Yuan family's retainers was far superior to those of other noble families.
To ensure Yuan Shu's safety, these men were all trained in martial arts to some extent, and they managed to slow Zhang Ji and his men down.
However, Zhang Ji and his two followers were significantly stronger. Despite the interference, they still managed to knock the servants to the ground.
Perhaps fearing the consequences of angering the Yuan family, they refrained from using lethal force.
But the delay was enough—by this time, Yuan Shu had already reached the stage and was standing protectively in front of Zou Rong.
He spoke to Zou Rong gently:
"Don't be afraid, I will never let these brutes take you away!"
Zou Rong looked at Yuan Shu, and a sudden sense of reassurance filled her heart. She gratefully said:
"Thank you, young master, for your protection."
Her voice was soft and melodious.
"Ding! Beauty Zou Rong's favorability toward the host has increased by 20 points. Current favorability: 20 (Nodding Acquaintance)."
Hearing the system's notification, Yuan Shu thought to himself that saving a damsel in distress was indeed the fastest way to increase favorability, gaining twenty points in one go.
At this moment, Zhang Ji had already charged forward. Facing him, Yuan Shu drew the ornate sword at his waist, which was only for decoration, while feeling extremely nervous inside.
Yuan Shu thought: This guy wouldn't actually come at me with his sword, would he?
If he really does, with my mere 15 points in martial strength, I wouldn't even survive a single strike.
But Zhang Ji shouldn't dare—after all, he's not stupid. If he kills me, he won't be able to escape either.
But what if he really acts recklessly?
Zhang Ji seemed to sense Yuan Shu's inner panic and grinned menacingly, saying:
"Young Master Yuan, you're a noble of a prestigious family.
I, Old Zhang, am just a rough man who doesn't know how to hold back. It wouldn't be good if I accidentally hurt you.
Let's not make things difficult—just step aside and let me take the beauty, and nothing bad will happen."
Yuan Shu thought, how could he back down now?
There's no way!
The beauty is right behind him—how could any man abandon her?
Now, his only option was to gamble on Zhang Ji not daring to attack him.
Yuan Shu said coldly to Zhang Ji, "Zhang Ji, take one step forward and see what happens!"
At this time, Zhang Ji was not yet officially serving in any position and was merely a bandit who only knew how to rob and pillage.
Provoked by Yuan Shu's words, Zhang Ji grew rebellious and drew his waist blade, stepping forward viciously.
"I've taken a step forward—so what?"
The system prompt sounded:
"Ding! Zhang Ji's skill 'Plunder and Kill' has been activated. Martial strength increased by 2 points. Zhang Ji's current martial strength: 87!"
What? Hearing the system's notification, Yuan Shu's heart sank.
Zhang Ji actually harbored murderous intent toward him?
How could he be so bold?
This is bad—truly, beauty brings disaster. It looks like he's going to meet the same fate as Cao Cao.
No, it's worse—at least Cao Cao had a great general, Dian Wei, to protect him.
"Anyone who takes another step forward will be executed without mercy!"
Just when Yuan Shu was feeling desperate, a clear voice rang out.
A figure leaped down from the upper floor, swiftly striking Zhang Ji's two subordinates with a sword, causing them to collapse injured.
The figure then stood in front of Yuan Shu, facing Zhang Ji.
Yuan Shu took a closer look at the person. He appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, with a refined appearance. He wore a grayish-white warrior's robe, his hair tied at the back, and held a fine Qingfeng sword, looking dashing and carefree.
"System, quickly check who this swordsman is," Yuan Shu hurriedly instructed, wanting to see who had come to protect him and whether he was truly capable of doing so.
"Ding! System query in progress... Query successful!"
"Character name: Shi A.
Shi A's attributes:
Martial Strength: 91, Leadership: 71, Intelligence: 63, Politics: 50, Charisma: 73, Luck: 65."
"Shi A's skills:
'Art of the Sword' (Awakened): When engaging in a one-on-one duel with a sword, martial strength increases by 5 points.
'Exquisite Insight' (Awakened): When handling confidential intelligence or acting as a personal guard, intelligence increases by 20 points."
Seeing Shi A's stats, Yuan Shu felt relieved.
These attributes and skills were quite powerful—far surpassing Zhang Ji's. It seemed like he was safe for today.
Seeing Shi A standing in front of Yuan Shu, Zhang Ji became furious.
He had finally set his sights on a beauty to take home as his wife.
Why did these pretty boys keep getting in his way?
And now another one, who seemed to have some martial prowess. These fools didn't know their place!
Did they really think a little training could make them invincible?
Fury rising, Zhang Ji gripped his waist blade tightly and roared viciously:
"If you don't want to die, get lost! My blade doesn't have eyes!"
Shi A raised an eyebrow and said:
"Scoundrel, how dare you speak such nonsense? Take my sword!"
As soon as he finished speaking, his Qingfeng sword danced into a dazzling sword flower and thrust toward Zhang Ji.
The system notification rang out again:
"Ding! Shi A's skill 'Art of the Sword' activated. Shi A's martial strength increased by 5 points. Current martial strength: 96!"
A martial strength of 96—this was already at the level of a top-tier general. Zhang Ji, with his 87 martial strength, was no match at all.
Within a few exchanges, Zhang Ji was completely overwhelmed by Shi A and even sustained injuries.
If they fought for dozens more rounds, Zhang Ji would be slain on the spot.
Realizing the significant gap in strength, Zhang Ji knew things were not looking good.
He gritted his teeth, mustered all his strength, and swung his blade fiercely, forcing Shi A back slightly. Seizing the opportunity, he turned and fled without even caring about his injured subordinates.
The spectators erupted into cheers, watching Shi A swiftly defeat Zhang Ji.
Yuan Shu stepped forward and cupped his hands in thanks:
"Thank you, young hero, for your assistance."
Shi A responded respectfully:
"I dare not accept your thanks, Young Master. My master specifically sent me to find you and instructed me to follow your every command."