Chapter 83: They Can Insult Me, But Who Do You Think You Are!

After the Sixth Princess and her companions departed, the grand gathering of noble ladies drew to a close. Those who had found mutual affection slipped away hurriedly, their expressions betraying clearly what they intended to do next.

Hu Mo greeted Zhu Xinluo, then prepared to leave with Cang Ling and the others. At that moment, Zhu Xinyue suddenly ran up to Hu Mo, her eyes fixed on him with earnest seriousness.

Hu Mo smiled lightly and said, “I understand, Xinyue. Rest assured, I will find a way for you.”

Xinyue nodded and stepped aside, watching Hu Mo and her companions exit the hall.

Zhu Xinluo, observing Xinyue’s crestfallen look, couldn’t help but laugh and said, “What’s wrong, reluctant to part? If you can’t bear it, just go home with him. I’ll speak to Mother for you.”

“I’d like to, but... Hmph! Big Sister, you’re trying to get me to talk again!” Xinyue let slip her true feelings in a moment of confusion, and when she realized it, her pretty face flushed red, like a crab freshly boiled.

“But what? Your second sister told you to be brave. What are you afraid of? I take back what I said before—if you want something, pursue it boldly. I refuse to believe my little sister is less charming than his teacher.” Zhu Xinluo spoke seriously, gripping Xinyue’s small hand tightly.

Xinyue hesitated, then slowly withdrew her hand, her voice low. “Big Sister, are you using me?”

At her words, Zhu Xinluo’s expression stiffened, her smile fading, replaced by a chilling composure.

Xinyue looked at her face and smiled faintly. “Your reaction is too strong, Big Sister. I was only joking.”

“Heh, I am using you, but you’ve only guessed half of it,” Zhu Xinluo replied suddenly. Her tense expression relaxed, revealing her usual innocent smile.

“I understand. Big Sister, I’ll head home now—I’m a bit tired. You should rest early too,” Xinyue said gently, turning to walk slowly toward the door.

“Little sister, forgive me. Even I am not free to choose...” Zhu Xinluo watched her sister’s figure fade and sighed softly, turning to walk away herself.

The following day, Flame City was suddenly abuzz with activity. Xu Shizhong, known for fiercely protecting his own, flew into a rage when he heard his grandson had been beaten to a pulp. He wasn’t the type to stir up trouble, but few dared provoke him. Usually, when one of his grandsons got into mischief, others would let it slide out of respect for him. After all, who would willingly clash with such a figure? It’s like smashing an egg against a rock.

After this incident, Hu Mo instantly became notorious in Flame City for causing trouble. Previously, he had beaten the second son of the Situ family; now, he'd thrashed three young masters of the Xu family. Zhu Yan was ready to seize Hu Mo and strangle him on the spot.

This was simply too much! Hu Mo enjoyed himself beating others, but now the Xu family was in an uproar, demanding the Hu family hand over the culprit. Hu Yihu, with his legendary temper, would never acquiesce. As the tiger and lion clashed, it was Zhu Yan, the Emperor, who suffered.

“Elder Xu, couldn’t you and Elder Hu each make a concession? Why let such a trivial matter escalate? You are both pillars of the realm—one a venerable minister, the other a god of war. If you two quarrel, how am I to handle it?” Zhu Yan said with a bitter smile, feeling driven mad by the two old men these past days.

“Your Majesty, you need not be troubled. Justice lies in the law. Though I am retired from state affairs, our Empire of Heavenly Fire has no law permitting random brawling! My three grandsons have been gravely injured by that scoundrel from the Hu family, bedridden—this debt cannot simply be forgotten!” Xu Shizhong pressed aggressively, his anger causing his white beard to tremble, clearly at the end of his patience.

Hu Yihu, however, looked at him with disdain, smiling as he leisurely sipped tea. Zhu Yan had tried to mediate, inviting them both under the pretext of tea. The Hu and Xu families had been at loggerheads, and only by calming their patriarchs could he hope for a respite.

“Your Majesty, though Elder Xu talks mostly nonsense, he’s right about one thing: this matter cannot be settled so easily! Those three little rascals from the Xu family publicly insulted my grandson and his teacher, tarnishing our family’s honor. Reputation is paramount—since they dared such insolence, a little punishment is nothing. Your Majesty, I hear the princesses witnessed the whole affair; you may summon them, and the truth will come to light,” Hu Yihu said coolly, his words fanning Xu Shizhong’s anger higher.

“You dare call my grandsons little rascals, spouting filth here? Outrageous! Your Majesty, my family will not let this pass. I hope you will grant me justice!” Xu Shizhong was so furious he nearly lost his breath, his face flushed crimson. Hu Yihu remained relaxed, looking at Xu Shizhong with pity, treating him as if he were nothing.

“Elder Xu, your words are unfair. If you can call my beloved grandson a scoundrel, why can’t I call yours little rascals? Absurd! What I said is fact, and as witnesses, the princesses are involved. If you call me foul-mouthed, are you insulting me or the princesses? If it’s the princesses, that’s Your Majesty’s concern—I don’t like it, but there’s nothing I can do. If it’s me, then you’d better apologize quickly. In my life, I respect only Heaven, Earth, ruler, ancestors, and teachers. They may insult me, but who are you to do so?” Hu Yihu glared fiercely at Xu Shizhong, an overwhelming aura erupting from him, his teacup crushed to powder in his hand.

As a military commander, Hu Yihu finally revealed his domineering side. He had endured much—were it not for his good mood these days, he would never sit here chatting over tea. Xu Shizhong, confronted by Hu Yihu’s outburst, was momentarily stunned. Though his status was high, he was a civil official; under the pressure of a war emperor, how could he stand his ground?

“Marshal Hu, please calm your anger for the sake of the throne. Let us resolve this peacefully. No need for violence,” Zhu Yan intervened, smoothing things over.

Hu Yihu, seeing Xu Shizhong’s pale face, laughed and said, “Since Your Majesty says so, I’ll let Elder Xu off this time. Elder Xu, you know how much warriors value honor and reputation. Don’t make things difficult for me.”

Hu Yihu’s blatant threat made Xu Shizhong’s face even redder, his trembling hand pointing at Hu Yihu as if he might collapse at any moment.

“Your Majesty! No matter what, I demand justice!” Xu Shizhong slammed the table, his usual composure shattered.

Zhu Yan’s expression darkened. If he didn’t intervene, matters would only worsen. The two elders had torn all pretense of reconciliation, and peace seemed impossible.

“Very well, let us resolve this fairly. Xu Elder’s grandsons were beaten—Hu Mo was at fault. But, as Hu Elder says, they insulted Hu Mo and his teacher first, so they were to blame initially. Neither of you objects to this,” Zhu Yan said sternly, his imperial authority evident.

Xu Shizhong was about to protest, but seeing Zhu Yan’s expression, he swallowed his words. He understood well that things had gone too far; if not stopped now, it would be hard to clean up, which would be bad for both the royal family and the Xu clan.

Yet Hu Yihu, unusually protective of his unruly grandson, left him simmering in frustration. However, since Zhu Yan had spoken so plainly, any further insistence would be inappropriate. He could only nod and said, “As Your Majesty says, please judge fairly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, judge as you see fit. My precious grandson never seeks trouble; if not provoked, he won’t provoke others. That’s what I like most about him!” Hu Yihu said with a smile, his meaning clear: Hu Mo was right to beat them, and they brought it upon themselves.

Zhu Yan frowned, coughing lightly to forestall Xu Shizhong’s renewed outburst.

“Since you both agree to let me decide, here is my judgment. Both sides are at fault. Xu’s three sons were first in the wrong, so they must be punished. Hu Mo resorted to violence, which is improper for a noble, and harmed relations between the families—he must also be punished. I decree: both parties are to be confined at home for one month. The Hu family will pay the medical expenses for Xu’s three sons. Neither side shall quarrel again, in word or deed. If one side attacks first, whether beaten to death or maimed, I will not intervene. That is final; you are both dismissed!” Zhu Yan spoke decisively, his imperial decree unchangeable.

Hu Yihu watched Zhu Yan depart, turned, and smiled at Xu Shizhong. “Elder Xu, come to me for compensation if you need it. I have plenty of silver, haha…”

With that, Zhu Yan left the room with a hearty laugh, leaving Xu Shizhong trembling and muttering bitterly to himself, “Hu, you old bastard, I will not let this go!”