Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 134 The Number One Pavilion Under Heaven, a Country Bumpkin?

"Father, I've been beaten! You must stand up for me!"

Meng Yan knelt on the ground, sobbing, pointing to his severed arm with a wronged expression.

"Can't you see there are guests here? How can you throw a tantrum like this?!"

Meng Zhenhu's warm smile vanished. Looking at the disheveled Meng Yan, he frowned and said, "Tell me, what did you do this time?"

"My lord, these gentlemen..."

The steward looked at the disciples of the Li Huo Sect with a hesitant expression.

"It's alright, we're all family, no need to be shy."

Meng Zhenhu waved his hand casually.

He immediately looked at his son, who was wiping away tears, and shouted at him with exasperation, "What are you crying for? Hurry up and tell us the truth about what happened!"

Meng Yan was startled, but secretly delighted. He quickly embellished his experience at the restaurant.

When he heard that the other party had killed four of his guards in succession and even threatened to kill his only son, Meng Zhenhu's gentle face instantly stiffened and turned cold.

However, he quickly regained his composure and looked at Meng Yan with a cold snort:

"You unfilial son! I've told you before, be humble and don't act rashly. Consider this a lesson learned, but if you dare to misbehave again, I'll personally break your legs!"

Meng Yan shrank back in fright and knelt on the ground, barely daring to breathe.

Seeing his son's state, Meng Zhenhu sighed quietly, his voice softening slightly as he asked, "You didn't tell me your identity?"

“I told you, I’ve introduced myself many times, but that madman not only wasn’t afraid, he even spouted nonsense, saying… saying that you, Father, aren’t even worthy to carry his shoes…”

Meng Yan looked indignant and exaggerated, then said in a tearful voice, "If it weren't for Li Nanzhi's plea, you probably would never have seen your child again."

"What? That little thief even dared to insult the Marquis! How incredibly arrogant!"

"Who in the surrounding dynasties doesn't know the Marquis's reputation? Even I, who have lived in the Li Huo Sect for a long time, have heard of him. Where did that thief get the audacity?"

"Indeed, even Elder Zhao acknowledges the Marquis's strength. For that fellow to speak so arrogantly, has he eaten too many red beans and is now courting death?"

The disciples of the Li Huo Sect were surprised and indignant.

"Yan'er, you just said that Princess Nanzhi was also present and even pleaded for you. Could it be that the person who injured you knows her?"

Meng Zhenhu's eyes flickered uncertainly, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

The four guards he placed were all elite soldiers in the army, seasoned by countless battles. Those who could kill them all were at least at the Great Perfection of the True Essence Realm.

However, such a powerful figure would be a household name in the capital of the Great Yu Dynasty. Logically, they should know how powerful the Marquis of Zhennan is. How could they dare to kill the people of his mansion?

“That’s right. Speaking of the person who wanted to kill me, you should have heard of him, Father.”

Meng Yan slapped his thigh, a delicate figure flashing into his mind, and said resentfully:

"His name is Li Wudao, from a collateral branch of the royal family. Li Nanzhi is his cousin. He's the good-for-nothing heir who caused such a stir in the capital back then!"

"It's him..."

Meng Zhenhu suddenly realized something, vaguely recalling it, and then said with a hint of doubt, "That's not right, wasn't that kid born with blocked meridians and unable to cultivate martial arts? How could he possess such strength?"

With a cultivation level suspected to be at the Great Perfection of the True Essence Realm, he is a rare prodigy in the entire Great Yu Dynasty.

"I'm puzzled by this too. That kid was a notorious good-for-nothing back then. The royal family all considered him a disgrace, and even members of noble families didn't want to associate with him. I don't know what stroke of luck he had to suddenly become so strong..."

Meng Yan's face was filled with jealousy and hatred.

Although his talent wasn't great, it was still much better than Li Wudao's back then. How could the other party possess such strength so quietly?

"Interesting, it's been a long time since I've met such an interesting young person..."

Meng Zhenhu's lips curled into a slight smile, and with the addition of his scholar's robe, his demeanor resembled that of a gentle schoolteacher.

However, the butler trembled and felt a chill run down his spine.

Based on his years of experience in reading people's expressions, whenever his lord showed such an expression, it meant either that he had encountered a prey he desired, or that he was truly angry.

But regardless of the outcome, the other party's fate is destined to be tragic, ranging from partial paralysis to the destruction of their family.

"Within three days, find out all the information about that kid, including where he is hiding, his purpose in coming to the capital, and the people he has been in contact with. We must find out everything in great detail."

Meng Zhenhu glanced at the butler indifferently, exuding an aura of superiority.

"Yes, my lord, I will have someone investigate immediately."

The butler nodded repeatedly and turned to leave.

"No need, Father, I know where that kid is hiding."

Seeing the curious gazes of the crowd, Meng Yan straightened his chest as he knelt on the ground and said, "I heard it with my own ears at the restaurant when Li Nanzhi invited that boy to Prince Rui's mansion."

"Then what are we waiting for? I'll take men and bring that little thief back right now. Even Prince Rui wouldn't offend you, Marquis, for the sake of a mere member of a collateral branch of the royal family."

The butler's eyes lit up, and he rolled up his sleeves eagerly.

"I'll go as well."

“Count me in. How dare he humiliate the Marquis? I’d like to see if that kid has the guts of a bear and the gall of a leopard.”

Several disciples of the Li Huo Sect echoed this sentiment, expressing considerable righteous indignation.

"No rush, let's find out what's really going on with that kid first."

Meng Zhenhu waved his hand, pondered for a moment, and did not rush to make a move.

In just five years, he rose from obscurity to his current position, demonstrating a level of skill and patience that few can match.

Now that they know the murderer who injured his son is in Prince Rui's mansion, dealing with him will be much easier.

Upon noticing the urine stains on his son's crotch, Meng Zhenhu pinched his brow, both angry and annoyed, and said, "Stop kneeling there, go wash up quickly, don't get in the way of the guests."

After all, he was his only son, and no matter how bad he was, he couldn't bear to really hit him; he could only verbally scold him.

"My son is unruly; please excuse his behavior."

After Meng Yan left, Meng Zhenhu looked apologetically at the disciples of the Li Huo Sect and cupped his hands in greeting:

"The Imperial Treasure Pavilion recently received a new batch of treasures. Once Yan'er's injuries have healed, let him accompany you on a tour. If there's anything you like, feel free to buy it as a small token of my gratitude."

Upon hearing this, the young men from the Li Huo Sect displayed various expressions.

"My lord, are you referring to the Imperial Treasure Pavilion, which is known as the 'Number One Pavilion Under Heaven'?"

"That's right. However, the Imperial Treasure Pavilion within the Great Yu territory is relatively small and certainly cannot compare with the one within the Li Huo Sect. I hope it won't disappoint you."

"Hiss, the cost of the Imperial Treasure Pavilion is not low. I heard it costs at least 10,000 taels of silver per person, not even counting the top-tier auction items that can only be purchased with spirit stones."

"You've gone to so much trouble, Lord Marquis."

Several people's eyes gleamed, and their faces showed joy.

The Imperial Treasure Pavilion is the number one merchant guild in the Southern Region, with influence spreading across major dynasties and sects. In some ways, it is no less powerful than a first-rate force.

Although they were true disciples of the Li Huo Sect, their monthly stipend was only twenty low-grade spirit stones. After deducting cultivation expenses, there was very little left. They could barely afford to go to the Imperial Treasure Pavilion once a month by tightening their belts.

Now, being able to freely obtain a treasure from the Imperial Treasure Pavilion is naturally an unexpected delight for them.

Seeing that the time was right, Meng Zhenhu smiled and reminded them, with a hidden meaning: "By the way, when you go back, don't forget to give my regards to Elder Zhao."

A disciple of the Li Huo Sect understood immediately and patted his chest, promising, "Don't worry, my lord, I will do my best to persuade my master to become an ally of the Crown Prince when we get back."

"So good."

Meng Zhenhu smiled and nodded, "It's getting late. I've already had rooms prepared. Please go and rest."

After everyone left, only one person remained in the empty hall.

The smile on Meng Zhenhu's face vanished instantly. He walked to the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the willows by the pond outside, his eyes filled with a terrifying gloom.

"Li Wudao...Li Nanzhi...Prince Rui's Residence..."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, weighing the options in his mind.

The young man, upon learning his identity, still dared to kill four guards and even nearly killed his son.

Is this reckless behavior a sign of ignorance and fearlessness, believing that the Prince Rui's mansion gives them impunity, or is there something else they're relying on?

Or perhaps this whole affair was orchestrated by the Prince Rui's residence?

He had heard that Li Wudao had a close relationship with Princess Rui, and coincidentally, his son had an accident in the restaurant of Prince Rui's mansion, and Li Nanzhi happened to be there.

Was all of this a coincidence, or a deliberate scheme to lower his guard against hostility?

For a moment, Meng Zhenhu frowned, considering many possibilities.

After a long pause, he withdrew his gaze, took a deep breath, and said softly:

"Prince Rui, I hope you don't choose the wrong side, otherwise even if Li Nanzhi saves my son's life, you can forget about protecting the entire Prince Rui's Mansion!"

.........

Prince Rui's Mansion.

The magnificent mansion covers dozens of acres and is located in the most advantageous area of ​​the imperial city. It has pavilions, waterside terraces, dance stages, and singing stages, showing the style of the royal family.

Looking at the antique-style gate, Li Wudao's childhood memories were stirred up.

It was a time filled with regrets and pain, yet also with some happiness.

Li Nanzhi tugged at his sleeve and excitedly went up to knock on the door.

Upon seeing the old man open the door, the young girl asked expectantly, "Uncle Tian, ​​has my father come out of seclusion yet?"

"Princess, you're back. The Prince is still in seclusion, healing his injuries."

Uncle Tian, ​​the steward of the Prince's mansion, smiled kindly at the girl.

The next moment, he noticed that his princess was holding the arm of a strange young man, looking very intimate and happy. He couldn't help but ask curiously:

"Princess, who is this young master?"

"Let me introduce you, this is my cousin. We used to play together a lot when we were little..."

After exchanging a few words, Li Nanzhi instructed Uncle Tian, ​​"Take my cousin to the main hall to rest first. Remember to serve him the best tea and treat him well. Don't neglect him."

Having said that, she turned around and walked lightly toward the inner courtyard.

"Where are you going?"

Li Wudao was somewhat taken aback.

"Of course I'm going to see my mom! She's been talking about you for ages. She'll be so happy to know you're here!"

Li Nanzhi blinked and said matter-of-factly.

"Young Master Wudao, please come with me."

Uncle Tian smiled and invited Li Wudao to sit down in the main hall.

Immediately after a moment's thought, he instructed a maid, "Go and bring over the top-grade 'Jade Bee Tea' specially supplied to the Prince's Palace."

"But that tea was just given to the Fifth Young Master by the Prince a couple of days ago. Knowing the Fifth Young Master's temperament, I'm afraid..."

The maid looked troubled.

"What are you afraid of? This man is the princess's cousin. The princess told me to treat him well. Just plead with the fifth young master and he can take a little bit."

Tian Bo glanced at the composed young man sitting in the chair, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He had seen the intimate scene between his princess and the young man when he entered the room. Even the most talented young men from the four great families did not have such treatment.

If he neglects his duties and the princess finds out, he'll be in deep trouble.

"Oh well."

The maidservant reluctantly agreed.

Before long, the maid returned, her hands empty, but a red, swollen handprint appeared on her face.

What happened to your face? Where are the tea leaves?

Uncle Tian frowned slightly.

The maid lowered her head and bit her lip, about to open her mouth, when she heard a shout of cursing coming from outside the door.

"I'd like to see what kind of trash dares to steal my things!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a young man in a green robe walked in with his hands behind his back and an arrogant gait.

"So you're the one who wants to drink my premium Jade Bee Tea?"

He scanned the room, finally settling on Li Wudao. After a few glances, a mocking smile appeared on his face, and he said:

"Where did this country bumpkin come from? Don't you even take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror? Do you think you're worthy of drinking this kind of spiritual tea?"