Peace Order
Chapter 247 - 119: Phoenix’s Gift

Chapter 247: Chapter 119: Phoenix’s Gift

Li Zhaowen walked briskly, alone through the alleys of Chen Country, softly humming the tune of a poem that a young man had just sung, moving forward as the moonlight and starlight were gradually overtaken by the bright lights ahead.

Li Zhaowen stopped, still standing in the shadows.

She reached out to straighten her clothes and collar, her smiling face turning back to the composed demeanor of a noble from the aristocratic family, opening her folding fan, which showed a famous landscape painting on the front and four ink characters on the back, and calmly walked back to her residence.

"Mr. Yuwen is back!"

The attendants were already approaching, and Li Zhaowen tossed her folding fan to them, washed her hands in a golden basin brought forward, and after everyone had left, she went to meet her father before finally returning to her own courtyard. Changsun Wu Gou helped her remove her outer robe, and then she bathed and changed into fresh clothes.

Reading documents under the lamp, Changsun Wuchou presented some items, and Li Zhaowen looked through them.

Changsun Wu Gou asked,"What would Erlang like to drink? As usual?"

Usually, Li Zhaowen drank tea, accustomed to drinking tea at night, intending to have Jiangnan’s famous tea, the pre-rain Longjing, but now she hesitated, remembering the clear and delicious wine she had snatched from the youth, and finding herself craving it, asked,"Do we have the wine from Changfeng Building?"

Changsun Wu Gou, surprised, looked to his elder brother for guidance.

Changsun Wuchou said,"Of course, we have it; I’ll go get it."

Li Zhaowen smiled,"Thank you, Wuchou."

The quality of the wine brought by Changsun Wuchou—although of the same type as from Changfeng Building—was vastly different. Poured into the cup, it looked like amber. Li Zhaowen tasted it and frowned slightly, feeling it was not as good as what she had snatched from Li Guanyi.

The wine went down like refreshing wind.

She did not explicitly say anything but praised,"The taste is not bad."

She set the wine aside, no longer drinking, and went back to reading the documents—various incidents that had occurred in Chen Country recently, all centered around the upcoming major ceremony of Chen Country.

Changsun Wuchou whispered,"There is news of the highest priority."

Changsun Wu Gou was to step aside.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

Changsun Wuchou whispered,"I heard that Emperor Chen is keen on having a contest between countries to animate the grand ceremony before it starts."

Li Zhaowen said,"Today’s world has been contentious for over three hundred years, with countries emphasizing swordsmanship and Martial Arts, and both the Court and Martial World brimming with Martial Arts Grandmasters; having martial displays and contests before such ceremonies also serves as a reminder to our ancestors and descendants that our military preparedness has not weakened."

"It is indeed a common occurrence. Wuchou, you seem particularly concerned about this—must be some difference."

Changsun Wuchou added softly,"There’s news that Emperor Chen will give great rewards."

Li Zhaowen continued looking through the documents and said,"If it’s just the usual Martial Arts texts and divine weapons, you wouldn’t be so disturbed. Could it be..."

Changsun Wuchou whispered,"A title."

"A Military Merit title, granting a fifth-rank [Founding County Knight]."

Li Zhaowen’s pupils constricted:"A founding level Military Merit title?"

The world was full of strife, and those awarded military titles for their Martial Arts were numerous, yet that did not mean those titles were easy to come by—they required one to exert all efforts on the battlefield, risking life and relying on immense fortune.

Although the [County Knight] was just the lowest level among the fifth-rank titles around the world, one could still be addressed as Lord, and unlike common titles that did not qualify for inheritance, only the [Founding Duke] rank could be passed down three generations.

Having such a title, a Military Merit title, meant everything was different.

This was not about being an official or being wealthy; those who held such titles belonged to a distinct class, the [titled nobility].

Thoughtfully, Li Zhaowen said,"Emperor Chen plans to support someone specifically."

"This person must be extremely important, enough to make this usually cautious Emperor a bit impatient; or perhaps, some recent events have forced Emperor Chen to accelerate his actions."

"Indeed, amidst great changes under heaven, what could be easier than using this decade’s national ceremony—watched by people from all countries during a grand ceremony—to boost someone’s rise?"

"Truly a chance to become famous throughout the world in one stroke."

Changsun Wuchou agreed,"Although in the end, it will likely be a contest among the Night Rider Cavalry, Tiger Barbarian Cavalry, and Iron Futu, any force can register for now, but this news has not yet spread and should be widely announced in a few days."

"Your force, the Xuanjia Army, could..."

Li Zhaowen flatly refused,"No need."

"The army’s first appearance needs to be at a critical juncture in the great shifts under heaven."

"The first time it appears, it surprises; the second time, it loses the advantage. Emperor Chen’s treasures are not worth revealing this card."

"My army is set to take the stage under heaven."

"Not to play in the sly schemes of such decrepit men; otherwise, it would be too unworthy. However, even though he intends to support someone, I think it unlikely to go as he wishes."

"There are many noted for their Military Merit across the nations, and Chen Country itself has talented individuals."

Changsun Wuchou realized and asked:

"You’ve met Li Guanyi?"

With a small smile, Li Zhaowen praised,"He is truly both a scholar and a warrior."

Changsun Wuchou hesitated and then said,"Although Guanyi’s stature is extraordinary, it might still be difficult for him to achieve this Military Merit title. The Emperor has invested so much, he will surely command internally for others to hold back, making the natives of Chen literally forfeit when facing him."