The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 212 - 152 Struggle of Stance

Chapter 212: Chapter 152 Struggle of Stance

The visitor was none other than Xiao Hongqi, the Princely Heir of Prince Chang’an.

He was tall, dressed in a crimson python robe, and appeared young. However, his broad forehead and wide face, drooping shoulders, and protruding belly oddly conveyed a hint of greasiness typical of mature men.

Especially his thick lips; his appearance wasn’t much to speak of.

There were officials who had privately commented that compared to even ordinary noble youths, Xiao Hongqi, the Princely Heir, was of mediocre caliber.

The decline of this lineage of Prince Chang’an was inevitable.

Li Kongqing was somewhat nervous. Lately, the Princely Heir had hardly studied and seldom visited the Renxiao Building. Why had he suddenly come again?

Could something have happened?

Seeing his tense demeanor, the Princely Heir, Xiao Hongqi, gave a quiet laugh and waved his hand, "What, aren’t you happy to see me?"

According to the rituals of the Great Xuan, the Princely Heir, who would inherit the princely title, could address himself as "I," whereas those who couldn’t, like the Commandery Princes, would refer to themselves as the lesser prince.

"The Princely Heir jokes."

Cold sweat broke out on Li Kongqing’s forehead.

In the meantime, a servant had come up with some tea.

The Princely Heir, Xiao Hongqi, gestured for the servant to leave and close the door, then stroking his chin, looked at Li Kongqing, "Do you know why I am here today?"

Li Kongqing shook his head, "This... I do not know."

A smile appeared on Xiao Hongqi’s lips, his voice carrying a profound meaning, "I heard that you’ve learned to snag benefits, and someone even secretly reported you to me, so I came to see—how have you, this blockhead, suddenly become smart?"

"Ah?!"

Li Kongqing stood there dumbfounded.

Hadn’t he improved his relationships with his colleagues?

How had he been reported in the blink of an eye?

Such is the life...

"Ha ha ha!"

Seeing his dumbfounded state, the Princely Heir, Xiao Hongqi, couldn’t help but laugh, taking out a letter from his robe, clearing his throat, and reading:

"Today, Li Kongqing, the study companion of the Prince Mansion, secretly collaborated with a magician of the pugilistic world, usurping the private properties of the Prince Mansion, not fulfilling his duties despite his position, appropriating the Prince Mansion’s pastries and wines for personal use, seeing small gains and forgetting the greater good..."

Continuing, he laughed scoldingly, "Utter nonsense, if you can’t even compose a proper accusation letter, how do you expect to advance? What kind of people is the Prince Mansion harboring?"

"What do you think should be done about this?"

Li Kongqing’s mind was numb; he sighed and bowing deeply, said, "Every word in the letter is true; I am willing to accept my guilt."

"Accept guilt?"

Xiao Hongqi said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "What guilt is there?"

"Those in the Prince Mansion who extend their hands are too many; if we truly investigate, those deserving a beating would have to line up."

"I find it strange; since you’ve already decided to blend in corruptly, why not take some advantages like, looking for a free ride on housing, take home some food, not feeling shameful..."

"But more than these, I’m curious about how you came to terms with it?"

Li Kongqing hesitated for a moment, "I met someone who said that the Princely Heir is the truly astute one, I shouldn’t have spoken out..."

"You’re quite honest."

Xiao Hongqi nodded slightly, the mocking expression slowly leaving his face, his voice growing serious, "What is this about the magician of the pugilistic world?"

"It wasn’t a magician from the pugilistic world, but rather a disciple of my own mother."

Fearing implicating Li Yan, Li Kongqing quickly recounted the whole story, emphasizing that it was his own initiative.

"Hmm."

Xiao Hongqi’s expression softened, "In that case, it’s not a big deal, but remember, if it’s just to help an ordinary relative gain minor benefits, it’s not a problem, but if it involves people of the pugilistic world and the Mystical Sect, you can’t act on your own discretion."

Li Kongqing finally understood but felt a chill down his spine, soon followed by a wave of dejection, and bowing deeply, he said, "Princely Heir, I humbly ask to resign from the position of study companion."

"Oh?"

Xiao Hongqi raised his eyebrows, "Why?"

Li Kongqing said with a bitter smile, "I am too foolish."

"I am neither adept at social interactions nor good at scheming. Staying by the Princely Heir’s side, I am as good as useless, bound to be harmed by others sooner or later; I’m better off returning to be a schoolteacher."

"Hmm, you do have some self-awareness." Xiao Hongqi picked up the teacup and took a sip, calmly stating, "According to the customs in various princely residences, the role of the study companion is mostly held by sons of noble families."

"Do you know why it fell upon you?"

Li Kongqing, startled, "I do not know."

Xiao Hongqi said calmly, "Because you know your place!"

"In turbulent times, those who are restless tend to stand out, and with a bit of smarts and some Qi Fortune, they can soar."

"But now with our Great Xuan flourishing, knowing your place is even more important."

"Before you, there were several study companions, all were noble offspring, but either they were foxes and dogs, fond of bullying relying on their status.

"Or they were ambitious, stirring up fights among us for their own benefit; I cleaned them all out."

"That day during the selection, while others were busy networking, only you went to the bookshelf to read those lost classics; hence, the position of study companion fell on your head."

So that was it...

Li Kongqing suddenly realized.

Xiao Hongqi calmly stated, "In this Great Xuan Dynasty, knowing one’s place is the most important; all troubles stem from people overstepping their bounds."

"Officials have their duties; commoners have theirs, people from the pugilistic world have theirs as well."

"I am no exception; I cannot be too reckless, losing the dignity of the Imperial Family, nor can I shine too brightly, engaging in affairs I shouldn’t, do you understand?"

Li Kongqing gave a bitter smile, "I realize my mistake."

"I see you still don’t understand."

Xiao Hongqi shook his head, "You are a study companion; the duty of a study companion is to win people over with knowledge, surpass others in character, encourage me to study and cultivate morality, without needing to join the rat race."

"What I do is my affair."

"But if you lose sight of your duty, then it’s your fault."

Instant clarity struck Li Kongqing’s mind; he hastily bowed deeply, "Thank you, Princely Heir, for your guidance. I will keep to my duties."

"Ha ha ha!"

A mocking smile returned to Xiao Hongqi’s face, "You’re not that foolish; remember, I don’t lack sycophants or schemers by my side; that’s not your role to play."