Chapter 7: A Narrow Encounter

It is very simple. Have you not always refused to accept that we call you a bastard, a lowly breed? If you lose, then in front of everyone, say one sentence: I am a lowly breed, a bastard born of the Four Directions Marquis. All of you commoners from the Marquis lineage are bastards, lowly breeds, unqualified to stand on equal footing with the descendants of our great Zhou nobility. Yang Qian said with his head held high, adopting a condescending posture.

What if you lose?" Fang Yun appeared very calm, and her tone revealed a strong sense of confidence

The fiancé of Princess Yongle is none other than Li Ping, the youngest son of the Marquis of Zhen Guo and his concubine. According to the laws of our Great Zhou, Li Ping, being born of a concubine, is entitled to at least the title of a viscount upon reaching adulthood. Moreover, the Marquis of Zhen Guo and the Marquis of Ping Ding intend to form an alliance, which is how the marriage between Princess Yongle and the young Marquis of Zhen Guo came about. This time, you struck Princess Yongle and marred her face. I fear there will be great trouble ahead" Zhou Xin said anxiously. And the Marquis of Zhen Guo and the Marquis of Ping Ding intend to form an alliance, which is how the marriage between Princess Yongle and the young Marquis of Zhen Guo came about. This time, you struck Princess Yongle and marred her face. I fear there will be great trouble ahead" Zhou Xin said anxiously.

How would you like to change it

What pain can be more excruciating than the trampling of the soul and self-esteem

The crowd erupted in astonishment, looking at Fang Yun in disbelief. Those who were somewhat familiar with Fang Yun felt that he had changed completely in the half month since his last visit.

What is going on with this person? Aren't they usually very low-key and not competitive with others? Why have they changed their demeanor today?

Wow!

A loud and domineering shout rang out, and the scholars of the academy standing in front of Fang Yun were forcibly parted to create a passage. Yang Qian and Li Ping, leading a large group of people, rushed over, waving their hands to encircle Fang Yun, Zhang Ying, and Zhou Xin, presenting a formidable stance as if to demand an explanation.

Fang Yunzhen, along with Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin, was walking through the crowd when they suddenly heard a sharp reprimand. Turning their heads, they immediately spotted Princess Yongyue among the throng. Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin soon realized this as well, and their expressions changed dramatically.

A century after the ascension of a new noble, only the eldest son or the eldest grandson may be granted the title of Baron, while all other descendants shall not be conferred any titles

This fellow has quite the audacity. This time, Mother has pressured the Tian She Mountain and recalled Fang Lin; let’s see what this little bastard has to rely on. Last time, I went easy on him; this time, I must break his legs, or he will never learn his lesson! Li Ping's eyes glinted with malice. His engagement to Princess Yongyue was approved by two marquises, facilitated by both their mothers. Fang Yun struck Yongyue across the face with a whip, but the pain was felt in his heart. His engagement to Princess Yongyue was approved by two marquises, facilitated by both their mothers. Fang Yun struck Yongyue across the face with a whip, but the pain was felt in his heart.

Bang!

"Regarding the duel, humph, Fang Yun, you are thinking too simply. If you lose, it would only mean that we get to beat you up every day. We don't need your consent to beat you. This condition needs to be revised."

The disparity in treatment between these two groups is also the reason behind the prevailing notion in the capital regarding noble marquises and common marquises

Yang Qian added a remark. He is not foolish; if Fang Yun were to ask him to commit suicide, he would agree, wouldn't that be utterly foolish

The conflict between the noble marquises and the common marquises during the Zhou Dynasty has always existed. According to the laws of the Zhou Dynasty, there is actually no distinction between common marquises and noble marquises; both parties hold the same rank. However, there is another provision regarding the inheritance of titles in the Zhou Dynasty.

Thank you, Zhang Ying said gratefully as she stood up from the ground

What? Is it him!" Li Ping and Yang Qian both trembled simultaneously and exchanged glances. Neither of them expected Fang Yun to be so bold, making such a significant move upon arriving at the academy.

Hmph, who did you just call a bastard? Your mother is merely a concubine of the Pingding Marquis, of lowly status. What gives you the audacity to shout here? Although Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin are illegitimate, at least they understand etiquette and education, and have not brought shame to their mother. As for you, a woman, instead of diligently learning embroidery, music, and chess, you are here brandishing weapons and showing off your strength. If your mother were knowledgeable and reasonable, how could she have raised an uncultured daughter like you?

In other words, individuals like Fang Yun and Fang Lin, due to their background, cannot inherit the marquisate or military power after the death of Marquis Fang Yin. Fang Lin can only be recorded in the court as a count and receive the corresponding salary. As for Fang Yun, he has no right to inherit a title, and naturally, there is no salary for him; his treatment is no different from that of a commoner

"You! How dare you!" Princess Yongle pointed at Fang Yun, trembling with anger, unable to believe that a child of a commoner marquis would actually dare to strike her

"Duel!" Upon hearing this phrase, the young nobles surrounding them were momentarily stunned, and then they became as excited as if they had been injected with adrenaline. It turned out that there was such a duel among these three.

... ...

Li Ping was taken aback, not expecting that Fang Yun had actually dodged his attack. He knew that the previous Fang Yun would have never been able to evade this punch.

Fang Yun, that little brat Fang Yun! Princess Yongle cried, her tears like rain on a pear blossom. Hearing her brother's inquiry, she raised her head and said with resentment.

"Alright, everyone has heard it. Since the young master has said so, I hope everyone can be a witness." Fang Yun was waiting for this very statement.

The descendants of the Duke of the State and the Duke of Pingding, however, receive entirely different treatment. The eldest son can inherit his father's title and military authority, while the other descendants, at the very least, can obtain the title of baron and receive an annual salary from the Great Zhou court

Fang Yun took a small step back, narrowly avoiding Li Ping's punch, and simultaneously spoke: "Li Ping, shall we begin our duel now?"

Do you know why the daughter of a maidservant of Princess Yongle dares to be so arrogant

Fang Yun did not pay much attention to it; such arrogant women, who rely solely on their family background to oppress others, are quite fragile beneath that facade of privilege.

Fang Yun, you wait for me. Our Pingding Marquis Mansion will not let you go!

Fang Yun shook his head, such things would not be noticed at all, how could they know

Hehe, this Princess Yongle usually looks down on others with her nose in the air and has high standards. There are quite a few people in the academy who have been bullied by her, but now she has met her match!

This has become somewhat troublesome. After Zhou Xin stood up, he wore a worried expression

At that place

On the ground, Zhang Ying and Zhou Xin exchanged glances. They believed that they had not developed a deep relationship with Fang Yun on ordinary days, and they did not understand why he would help them. However, Fang Yun speaking up for their mother made them even more grateful than if he had intervened to stop the whip.

The Princess Yongle has trained under her, and usually, two or three people cannot even get close to her. Yet, unexpectedly, Fang Yun managed to snatch the whip away in one move. Just from this action, it seems that Fang Yun's skills are quite remarkable.

"Not bad, let's do it this way." The surrounding sycophantic young nobles also joined in the commotion.

"Elder brother, it seems that what we could not resolve between ourselves will now be settled through these two individuals." The youth on the left has a tall and slender figure, like a sword pointing towards the sky, and the aura he exudes is akin to a sword being drawn from its sheath, sharp and striking.

With a loud shout, Li Ping did not say a word and threw a punch, striking towards Fang Yun with a fierce wind. Midway through, he spread his five fingers, transforming them into the shape of a tiger, executing the more advanced technique of the basic boxing style known as the Fierce Tiger Fist

Not bad, it seems you have practiced hard. Unfortunately, you still cannot compete with us! Yang Qian's eyes flickered, and he sneered inwardly.

"A mere effort," Fang Yun said calmly

Step aside

Fang Yun, you are seeking death

Bang

So it was him. Upon hearing the name of Li Ping, the national marquis of the town, Fang Yun waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned. Whether Li Ping and Yang Qian came to find him or not, he would seek them out himself.

"Little sister, lead the way, we will help you reclaim your territory!" Yang Qian clenched his fists, producing a crackling sound. In his palm, a black bead was spinning. He had already anticipated that Fang Yun had not been coming to the academy lately and was surely practicing hard, so he had not been idle during this time either

"Who? Who dares to bully you?" Yang Qian stood up and exclaimed. Yang Qian and Princess Yongle were both offspring of the Pingding Marquis, and Yang Qian's connection to Li Ping was also due to the influence of Princess Yongle.

The people around were gathered in small groups, pointing at the two individuals and discussing among themselves, their expressions filled with excitement, mostly just enjoying the spectacle. They had no intention of intervening. There were also those who had been oppressed by Princess Yongyue in the past, and they found this situation quite satisfying.

I am the legitimate wife of a noble, while your mother is merely a concubine. You, a child born of a noble's side, hold a lowly status, yet you dare to speak arrogantly before me. What if I were to strike you? If you do not know your place and continue to be presumptuous, it will not be as simple as a single lash later on

Ah! The Princess Yongle was startled and took several steps back when Fang Yun glared at her. She had no doubt that if she dared to stay here any longer, Fang Yun would truly commit some terrifying acts.

Princess Yongle led the way, followed by Yang Qian and Li Ping, with a large group of students bustling around, heading towards the place indicated by Princess Yongle

Get lost

Zhou Xin also noticed that Fang Yun was not paying attention, and the worry in her brows deepened

Fang Yun took a step forward, directly closing the distance to within two feet of Princess Yongyue. This step was infused with the power of the Wild Bull Fist, and an overwhelming aura surged throughout his body, creating a strong sense of pressure. The wild bull, living freely in the wilderness, is the epitome of freedom and unrestrained existence, with no taboos. Its horns are sharp, and its strength and endurance are formidable; even tigers and lions would retreat upon encountering it

Fang Yun's voice thundered, startling Princess Yongyue, who turned pale with fear. She abruptly pushed through the crowd and rushed out without looking back, her hysterical cries and curses still audible from a distance

Fang Yun flicked his wrist, and the end of the long whip broke free from Princess Yongyue's hand, curling in the air before striking the face of the unruly girl with force. In an instant, a red mark appeared, with blood seeping out.

Princess Yongle was momentarily taken aback. Once she recognized the visitor, she did not snatch the whip but merely sneered: "Hmph, I thought it was someone important. So it is you, Fang Yun. What, do you, this little bastard, want to stand up for them?"

"Alright, let's do it! Humiliate him thoroughly!" The first to cheer was Princess Yongle, who stood beside Li Ping. As soon as Yang Qian stated this condition, Princess Yongle immediately felt that it was more satisfying than any physical torment.

You, you, you dare to hit me! ... ..." Princess Yongle covered her face and took a long time to react, letting out an incredulous scream

What happened?" Fang Yun asked in surprise

In the crowd, two handsome young men in splendid attire stood side by side, gazing at Fang Yun and Yang Qian, who were surrounded by people. Both possessed an ethereal quality, akin to the sun and moon hanging high in the sky. They were both around fifteen or sixteen years old, a few years older than Fang Yun and the others.

"Young Lord, you must stand up for me. I have been bullied." Princess Yongle clung to Li Ping with both hands, resting her head on his chest as she wept softly

"What if I lose?" Yang Qian was momentarily taken aback; he had not truly considered this question. However, the descendants of noble lords possess their own pride: "Ha, if I lose, you can propose any condition you like, but it must be something I can fulfill"

In the Cold Smoke Hall, Yang Qian and Li Ping were surrounded by a group of scholars, engaged in a lively discussion. Suddenly, they heard a burst of crying nearby, and a fragrant scent wafted through the air. Li Ping then felt a flash of red before his eyes, and in his arms was already the soft jade-like warmth.