Young Master System: My Mother Is the Matriarch
Chapter 69:  - 69: Fierce Debate – Part II

Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Fierce Debate – Part II

The smoldering scent of scorched marble still hung in the air, drifting through the Grand Pavilion like the ghost of a fire long extinguished. The hall itself had grown quiet, save for the soft groans of the stone tiles cooling from Ba Zi’s explosive outburst moments earlier. Yet despite the stillness, the heat of battle lingered in the very air, clinging to every surface like sweat on the back of a frightened soldier.

Bing Cao, though spared, remained on one knee—his back damp with nervousness, his mind swirling like a storm. It was not the fire that rattled him, nor the searing weight of Ba Zi’s spiritual might... it was the arrogance, the falsehood—the gall of this self-proclaimed protector who dared call Qianlong his homeland.

’You were born in the east, in the shadow of the Bai River. You bled your first years beneath eastern stars—how dare you speak of the north as if it was yours by birthright?’

The old sage clenched his teeth behind pursed lips. He would not—could not—speak such thoughts aloud. His city, his people, his own children depended on his restraint.

Ba Zi, meanwhile, lounged back upon his phoenix-etched throne, one leg draped over the other. His saber rested beside him again, its red hue dimmed for now, though the crevice in the floor where it had been embedded still smoked faintly.

"Lord Ba Zi," Bing Cao finally spoke, gathering what composure he could, "I know of your countless achievements. Your victories have brought stability to this region... nearly single-handedly."

There it was—a calculated bow to the man’s pride.

Ba Zi’s eyes half-lidded with satisfaction.

"Mmm. Go on."

Bing Cao took a deep breath, bracing himself for the next line.

"I have also heard of your benevolence... your wisdom as a ruler. For this reason, I beg your mercy. Crescent Moon City cannot spare a larger force at this time. The city lord sends his apologies, and asks that you show favor... just once more."

He dropped fully to both knees this time, head bowed low until his forehead neared the floor.

’If I must crawl to leave with my life... then so be it.’

Ba Zi was silent. For a long moment, he simply studied

Bing Cao—like a lion unsure whether to eat or amuse itself with a mouse.

Then he spoke, softly.

"I admire your bravery, Bing Cao. You came here... despite knowing what might await you."

His tone was calm. Thoughtful. Almost sincere.

"It is simply my duty," Bing Cao replied humbly, still kneeling. "As adviser to Crescent Moon’s lord, I must serve his will. You, Protector of Qianlong, surely understand such burdens."

A pause. Then, a chuckle.

"You remain humble, even when praised." Ba Zi nodded slowly. "That quality is rare."

But Bing Cao did not exhale in relief. Not yet. He knew that in the court of a man like Ba Zi, flattery was never the end—only the beginning of negotiations far bloodier than war.

"I am tempted," Ba Zi continued, "to consider your request. However..."

The word hung in the air like a guillotine.

Bing Cao’s stomach turned. He knew what came next would not be simple. And indeed...

Ba Zi leaned forward.

"Bing Cao... how fares your lord’s eldest daughter these days?"

The question struck like a sword wrapped in silk.

Bing Cao’s eyes didn’t move. But a thunderclap rang in his mind.

’So this is what he wants...’

"She is well, Lord Ba Zi," he replied cautiously. "Focused on her cultivation. Why do you ask?"

"My son," Ba Zi began, stretching the words like dough, "has been... restless since last year’s Martial Gathering."

He let out a wistful sigh, one that reeked of manipulation more than memory.

"He saw her there. Performing the Windstep Form in front of the elders. It stirred something in him. When he went to speak with her after... she had already left. With a young man, I heard."

He exhaled again, this time with a note of resentment.

"Lord Ba Zi... if I may," Bing Cao interjected carefully, "Isn’t your son—Ba Tao—already engaged to Ming Wei of the Ming family?"

Silence.

Then a flicker.

Ba Zi’s eye twitched.

He rose slowly from his seat, saber in hand once more.

"So what if he is?" he snapped, voice low and dangerous. "Is a man not allowed to have another lover?!"

*SHNK!*

The saber scraped across the floor as he descended the steps, each one echoing like a war drum.

Bing Cao’s heart thumped wildly.

"O-of course he can!" he stammered. "I merely thought—given Ba Tao’s pledge—there might be... conflict, between the two families."

"My son," Ba Zi growled, "is young. He does not yet grasp the importance of spreading one’s seed. But I do."

*THUUUUUM!!*

He slammed the saber into the floor, the blade biting deep into the stone like it was paper. A web of cracks splintered outward.

"I will not have a son who fathers weak offspring. Nor one who brings shame upon this bloodline. If the Ming girl can’t produce worthy heirs, then we will find one who can."

His voice trembled—not with uncertainty, but with a fear long buried.

The fear of a man who had carved his name in blood... yet saw his lineage as fragile as glass.

Bing Cao glanced at the saber.

’This man is not simply ambitious. He is on the verge of madness, in order to salvage his bloodline.’

"Lord Ba Zi," he said slowly, "I understand your... sentiment. But I am not empowered to promise the hand of the city lord’s daughter. Such matters are beyond me."

Ba Zi let out a sharp snort and ascended the steps once more.

"I am tired of hearing excuses, Bing Cao."

He turned toward the back of the hall and raised a hand.

*CLAP.*

At the sound, a door opened to the side of the chamber, and a tall, elderly man in embroidered brown robes stepped forward—Wei Shang, Ba Zi’s oldest and most trusted assistant.

His face was like parchment, lined with age and dignity. Yet his eyes... sharp as eagle talons.

"Lord Ba Zi," Wei Shang said with a slight bow. "If I may have a moment."

Ba Zi gestured with annoyance. "Speak."

Wei Shang walked beside him, hands clasped. His voice was low—only Ba Zi could hear.

"The city lord’s daughter has connections with a number of sects. If we force this... it may cause ripples in places we don’t wish to disturb. Besides..." He paused. "She’s not the only jewel in Crescent Moon’s vault. There may be others of equal worth."

Ba Zi grunted, rubbing his chin.

"You’re saying I should show restraint?"

"I am saying, my lord, that a net cast with patience catches more fish than one thrown in rage."

Ba Zi’s eyes narrowed.

Then, with a sigh, he turned to Bing Cao.

"Fine. You may return. But tell your lord that I expect a formal visit... and proper offerings for the peace I’ve extended."

Bing Cao bowed again, this time with genuine relief.

"Thank you... Protector of Qianlong."

As the old sage limped from the hall, Ba Zi turned to Wei Shang once more.

"Make preparations," he said coldly. "If they refuse next time—we march."

And with that, the flame beneath the mountain smoldered anew.