Chapter 151: The Duke's Invitation

  It was already bright moon and sparse stars, Xia Ya followed the palace attendant all the way to the emperor's large account, on the road obviously felt the guard forest, although the number of patrolling imperial guards coming and going did not increase significantly, but the imperial guards were fully armed, and after changing camps, the emperor's large account left and right, each set up a new camp, letting two teams of imperial guards move in nearby.

  The battles where the emperor was present were like a house, the supreme ruler of the country went out, and it would be better to say that it was not a tent, but a movable palace that could be dismantled.

  Although the large account has gone in and out several times, the guards on both sides are obviously all elite warriors with a strong aura. When Xia Ya walked through them, he clearly felt the sharpness of each guard's body. These days in the imperial capital, he had heard some rumors about the royal family. It was said that the most trusted personal guards of the emperor were called something like "Dark Night Imperial Forest"...

  Kantos the Great Emperor did not get up when Shaya walked in, but rather leaned on a soft couch. The emperor's face still had a tired look, and it was clear that the previous day's drunkenness was a great burden for the already old and weak body of the Gun Emperor. Even after a day and night of rest, the emperor's spirit had not recovered yet. When Shaya came in, he looked at the old man and clearly saw a few shades of weakness on his face.

  As Xia Ya walked in, the Emperor straightened up slightly and then raised his hand to let all the attendants in the room withdraw. Soon, there was only one person left by the Emperor's side - a middle-aged man with an ordinary appearance who had been standing behind the Emperor when Xia Ya first met him. This middle-aged man still stood quietly in the corner like the Emperor's shadow.

  Xia Ya glanced at the middle-aged man and then stood up straight: "Your Majesty, I'm here."

  The emperor raised his eyelids and a faint smile appeared on his face: "Xia Ya, I heard you got hurt today?"

  "Hmm." Xia Ya's heart was tense, but his face remained calm and relaxed. He didn't wait for the emperor to ask questions, instead he began to tell the story of how he had brought people into the forest to hunt that morning, how they had chased a snow fox, got lost and separated from their companions, and arrived at the lake shore, where they coincidentally met "a young lady" and coincidentally foiled an assassination attempt.

  When it came to that assassination, Xia Ya's tone became a bit more serious, carefully describing the appearance and movements of the assassin.

  "That man's archery skills are extremely formidable. He uses a longbow and heavy iron arrows. An archer like that must have incredible arm strength, and he seems to be very skilled in the art of ambush in the woods - Your Majesty, I'm a hunter from the mountains, I can tell you that he's definitely an old hand!"

  "Hmm." The emperor listened quietly and didn't respond, seemingly lost in thought, without saying anything immediately.

  Something fishy is going on today.

  The assassination, however, did not surprise Emperor Cantos in the least. After all, he himself had encountered countless attempts on his life throughout his years. But...the target of this assassination attempt was his own daughter-in-law, which made things a bit more complicated.

  In any case, if it's a hostile force making a move, then shouldn't I be the first target?

  And the suspicious thing is: it just so happens that Daphne came to the Royal Garden to clear her mind! It just so happens that at that time, her horse was frightened and ran away! It just so happens that her servant went out to find the horse! It just so happened that she was left alone by the lake!!

  Where did so many coincidences come from?!! Hmph!

  To be frank, when Cantos the Great Emperor just received the news, he even had a slight doubt about Shaya: coincidentally, at this time, Shaya happened to encounter this assassination?

  This royal garden is so vast that even if he got lost and wandered off, where couldn't he go, yet he just happened to run into Daphne?!

  Organize an assassination? Is it intentional or unintentional?

  Don't blame Emperor Cantos for being overly suspicious, it's just that in his position, he has experienced too much in his life and can't help but think twice when things happen!

  He had inquired of Daphne, but she had been quite clear: "Baron Shaya does not know my identity. I only told him that I was a noblewoman. This baron seems to be unfamiliar with the rules of the hunt, so he is not aware of my identity."

  If Xia Ya intentionally found someone to play this drama, in order to gain the merit of saving the Crown Prince's consort with his own life... Then he shouldn't pretend not to know the Crown Prince's consort's identity! Otherwise... Where would his merit come from?

  Moreover, Emperor Cantos also didn't believe from the bottom of his heart that this young man he valued was such a despicable guy. This guy came from the mountains and fields, and shouldn't have any underlying power, to invite a formidable person to sneak into the imperial garden at this moment and cooperate with him in acting out this farce... Xia Ya, he didn't have that kind of power yet.

  So it's just a coincidence?!

  The team of Imperial Guards who rescued two people in the forest today has been immediately recalled to the city by the Emperor and ordered to keep a tight seal on their mouths!

  The attendants who were by the side of Princess Daphne, those who left to find horses in the woods and left the princess alone by the lake, had all been secretly arrested by the Emperor's order and were being interrogated.

  As a result of the interrogation, two servants had committed suicide in fear of punishment, but ultimately did not leave behind any valuable clues.

  So... at least that clears up the fact that this has nothing to do with Shaya. Those two attendants who have been following Daphne for years, were still in the mountains hunting with Shaya a few years ago.

  The emperor was in a trance, while Xia Ya stood quietly there, not saying a word, waiting silently for the emperor's movement.

  At last, the Emperor remained silent for a long time before he let out a soft sigh and coldly laughed: "It's easy to dodge open attacks, but it's hard to guard against hidden arrows shot in secret! Hmph, Xia Ya, you've had a tough day. I heard that you were hit by an assassin's arrow, but looking at your appearance, it seems like there's no major harm done, so I can rest assured."

  He paused for a moment, and the emperor said lightly: "The girl you saved is closely related to my royal family, she is a member of the royal nobility. However, don't mention this matter again, no matter what you saw or heard today, keep it all in your belly, got it?"

  Xia Ya Zheng nodded heavily and finally let out a sigh of relief - it seemed that this matter had nothing to do with him after all.

  "Hmph, assassinations and such things, I've encountered countless times in my life... Hey! Bring it on if you dare, I'd like to see what kind of people these clowns hiding in the shadows are!"

  The emperor seemed to be in a great mood, haha laughed and stood up.

  Xia Ya hesitated for a moment, looking at the old emperor, and seeing the spirit that was forcibly supported on the emperor's face - Xia Ya suddenly felt some faint pity in her heart.

  To be honest, Xia Ya had a good impression of Emperor Cantos. After all, in his life, after leaving the Wildfire Plains, he came to this outside world, and the best people for him, except for General Adak and Fatty Lul, were considered to be the Gunblade Emperor.

  It's dragon scales. Xia Ya said: This is a defensive object that I obtained by chance, please accept it, Your Majesty! With this thing on your body, even if there are some assassins attacking, you can still keep Your Majesty safe.

  Kantos the Great was actually moved at this moment.

  He naturally knows the value of dragon scales! Such a powerful defensive gear, for a warrior, is worth even more than his second life! In critical moments, such strong protective equipment can save a warrior's life! Moreover, Xia Yan is about to rush to the border, where there will inevitably be some wars, and this is when you need this kind of solid defense to survive. This kid actually took it out without hesitation and offered it to himself, which is enough to show his intentions!!!!

  The emperor's expression changed slightly, and he looked at Xia Ya carefully. The young man's face was full of sincerity - but he didn't know that Xia Ya had at least ten more scales like this one! They were mostly kept in his old home in the mountains, and he only carried three to five with him.

  The emperor was overjoyed in his heart, took a look at Xia Ya, and burst out laughing; put it away! I am the mighty Emperor of the Empire, how can I accept your treasured items?! Ah, as a general in your army, fighting battles for the empire, these things are exactly what you need.

  The emperor sneered, "I have thousands of iron armor, loyal and dedicated imperial guards. I suppose those hidden rats can't hurt me. Your sincerity is accepted!"

  Xia Yahahaha smiled and didn't return the item, saying calmly: "Your Majesty, I have some of this dragon scale left, enough for my own use, so there's no need to be polite with me."

  As he spoke, he insisted on putting Long Lin in front of the soft couch, and only then did he retreat a few steps.

  The emperor was moved in his heart, looked at this young man, and Xia Ya said that it was true, which meant that there was no credit to be taken. Such a kind-hearted and loyal young man made the emperor very happy.

  He took a glance at the dragon scales on the table, and his heart moved... The defensive power of the dragon scales was indeed well-known, having this thing stored close to his body was both convenient and secretive, it was indeed very beneficial.

  The Emperor thought for a moment and smiled: "Alright, I'll take your thing! But I'm not going to take it from you for nothing."

  Looking at Xia Yingwu's majestic appearance, the emperor hesitated for a moment before raising his voice and shouting: "Come in!" A response immediately came from outside.

  A middle-aged warrior wearing soft armor walked in with big strides and stood beside Xia Ya. The man who came in had short hair, wore soft armor, brown eyes, dark skin, and a steady gait. Standing beside Xia Ya, he immediately seemed to have a feeling, as if there was a fierce beast standing beside him!

  The middle-aged man's eyes shone brightly as he looked at the emperor and said steadily: "Your Majesty!"

  "Ah, Jong." The emperor's attitude towards the middle-aged man who walked in was very casual: "The one next to you is Baron Shiyarei Muneo, also a young talent I have my eye on."

  This middle-aged warrior named Yung Kerk glanced at Xia Ya and nodded slightly: "Baron!"

  "Hey! Kid, you must have heard of the name Dark Night Forest, Yongke is the leader of Dark Night Forest and one of the most trusted people around me." The Emperor smiled slightly and then said seriously: "Yongke, I have a task for you to do! Baron Xia Ya is about to take office in the border area, it's a treacherous place. This time after returning to the city, go to the imperial palace armory and find a good set of equipment for Baron Xia Ya. Hmm, Xia Ya, I don't know what kind of weapon you're best at using, just leave it to Yongke, prepare a set of long and short weapons, armor and horse armor!" The Emperor said here, and then reminded Yongke: "Pick the good ones!"

  Upon hearing this, the Junker deliberately took another glance at Xia Ya, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

  He followed the emperor for many years, and although the emperor has promoted many young generals in the military in recent years, especially to strengthen the power of the hawk faction, it is extremely rare for him to show such favor to a general.

  Kantos the Great said a few words and was also somewhat tired, then he signaled for Xia Ya and others to take their leave.

  Xia Ya came out of the tent, and that Junker followed up and called Xia Ya: "Baron."

  Xia Ya stopped in her tracks, turned around and looked at Rong Ke. She didn't know why, but facing this Rong Ke, Xia Ya always had an unnatural feeling, as if she was standing close to a fierce beast. This Rong Ke seemed ordinary in appearance, but he always gave Xia Ya the feeling that "this person is extremely dangerous".

  "Yes, General Yong, what else is there?"

  Rong Ke said calmly: "I am the flag bearer, please do not call me general again." His voice was steady and calm: "His Majesty has ordered me to select a weapon for Baron, please inform me of your address, I will send someone to deliver it immediately after returning."

  Xia Ya left her address in the Imperial City and then quickly left.

  Spent another night in the royal garden and ended the hunt early next morning.

  The emperor symbolically held a commendation ceremony, publicly encouraging some of the noble sons who performed outstandingly in this hunting meeting. Of course, Xia Ya was among them - he didn't actually hunt many prey these two days, but the emperor made it clear that he wanted to promote this young baron, so who would be foolish enough to pick faults at this time?

  Including Xia Ya, several young people were encouraged by the emperor in public, and each was rewarded with a pair of jade pendants and a brocade robe. These things, everyone didn't necessarily take to heart, those who could stand here were all sons of noble families, who would lack means? However, being favored by the emperor and attracting the emperor's attention, their future prospects would be greatly improved.

  The attitude of the emperor towards Xia Ya over the past two days has been noticed by all the noble families, who have secretly instructed their young disciples to find opportunities to get closer to this Baron Xia Ya.

  So, as soon as the awards ceremony ended, these young nobles who received awards together with Xia Ya came to chat and socialize with him. After being quite friendly for a while, they invited him to several banquets on the spot. Xia Ya was not one to refuse guests, although he understood the emperor's intention of not liking him to be too eager to please. However, since others were showing goodwill towards him, there was no need for him to put on an unlikable face that would push people away.

  They immediately broke camp and returned to the city, with the Imperial Forest Army clearing the way, and several thousand people returned to Osgiliath in a grand procession.

  Back at his residence, Xia Ya had just rested for a short while when Soite came in to announce: Someone has come to visit.

  Visit guests?

  Xia Ya thought for a moment, he really didn't have any friends in the Imperial City... Was it Cavishil coming to bother him again?

  Sauron's face was rather strange, and he added a sentence: "Sir... the person who came said it was from the house of Duke Minas."

  Xia Yateng suddenly jumped up!

  Duke of Minas?!

  This name, it's not unfamiliar at all!!

  Duke Minas, the most senior and prestigious military elder of the Empire! Although he no longer holds military power or official positions, having retired in recent years to live a quiet life at home, who doesn't know about his illustrious reputation in the military? Nearly half of the core generals of the Eagle faction came from this old man's tutelage! Even among the warlords' party, there are many former subordinates of this old duke!

  Among those I know, Adrick and Rurul, these two Imperial Generals, can be said to be students of Duke Minas! Hmm... And that mad dog Grin is also one!!

  Now, such an imperial elder, sends someone to see me?

  Xia Ya's heart suddenly skipped a beat!!

  After he came back, he slightly inquired at home and already knew the origin of that crown princess he had encountered!

  That princess is probably the youngest daughter of Duke Minnas...

  Uh... Could it be that I've been fooling around with someone's daughter and now her old man has come to take revenge?!

  With a few nervous feelings, Xia Ya immediately went out and came to the yard to greet him.

  Saw someone standing in the yard.

  He wore a coarse linen robe, looking like an ordinary servant's attire. His short hair was light gold in color, his limbs were strong and sturdy, and his physique was robust and upright. Indeed, he was worthy of being the son of a military general, even one of his servants looked so majestic.

  At the sight of this servant's appearance, Xia Ya couldn't help but stare blankly for a moment.

  Uh, how to put it. This guy looks like he's over thirty years old, and his face should originally be the type that belongs to a handsome and elegant style, but... he actually has a thick beard!

  Anyone who grows a mustache and goatee always gives people a sense of boldness, but this person's eyes are somewhat long and narrow. His originally handsome face has become more feminine, and with the addition of an out-of-place mustache and goatee, he looks quite strange.

  Even if the other party is just a servant, but from the door of Duke Minas, it may be some kind of duke's disciple or something - you know, Duke Minas' apprentices are not a waste! Just look at Adelick and Rulgrin.

  Moreover, this person, although standing in front of him with a careless and lazy appearance, gave Xia Ya an inexplicable sense of elegance!

  So, Xia Ya stepped forward solemnly and nodded slightly, with no hint of disdain in his eyes. He said seriously: "I am Xia Ya Lei Ming, may I ask if you are under the command of Duke Minas..."

  "I'm just a servant by the Duke's side, my humble name is not worth asking, if you have any orders, Lord Baron, just call me Rodi. The newcomer smiled, but the smile had a few more arrogant flavors, looked deeply at Xia Ya and said: "It's said that the Baron was born in the wilderness, today I see that he indeed doesn't depart from his martial nature."

  He pointed to the carriage waiting outside the gate, on the main street: "His Excellency Duke Minas requests that Baron Shaya pay him a visit. If it's convenient for you now, please follow me." For someone of Duke Minas' stature to extend an invitation, who in the entire empire would dare say no? Not to mention if they had nothing going on, even if they really did have something urgent, they would still put it aside first.

  "Alright, I'll go with you!" Xia Ya said without hesitation.

  Having said that, he turned around and gave Soyer two sentences, then followed the servant out of the door. When they reached the entrance, the servant pointed to the carriage and laughed: "Please get in the carriage, Baron."

  Xia Ya shook her head and said seriously: "Although I haven't seen the Duke, I've also heard him say a sentence: Soldiers don't ride in carriages!"

  As he spoke, Soite had already led the horses over. Shaya mounted his horse and looked at this servant from horseback: "Please lead the way ahead, I'll follow."

  The servant named Rody was slightly stunned, then looked deeply at Xia Ya, a hint of a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and without saying anything else, he jumped onto the carriage, sat in front, raised his whip and shouted, leading the horse to move forward.

  Xia Ya's eyes lit up instantly as he saw the man's whip-wielding motion!

  Although Rody was a servant, the moment he cracked the whip, his wrist shook lightly and the soft leather whip suddenly became a straight line, with an indescribably neat and efficient technique!!

  This level of wrist flexibility and skill, even if Xia Ya himself were to boast about it, would probably be unable to achieve! If you say that this Luo Di won't use martial arts, then that's simply deceiving a ghost!!

  This is under the command of Duke Minnas... truly a place where dragons and tigers are hidden! Even a small groom has such extraordinary strength!

  Xia Ya's heart was solemn, and he slowly followed behind on horseback.

  Two things to mention. Firstly, many friends are busy rushing back home for the new year these two days. Northern icy and snowy weather, please be careful on the road everyone!

  Secondly, during the Chinese New Year period, updates may be affected a bit. After all, it's Chinese New Year! However, I will try to squeeze out more time to write. Here's a promise: I'll try my best to keep updating (the daily word count might decrease), and I also need to take a break, visit relatives and friends, and so on - it's only human~ hehe.

  Dancing