The crowd buzzed with discussion, their gazes turning towards Zhao Xueqi, their eyes filled with icy coldness. They knew that if the polo match was rigged, it would be profoundly unfair to them.
"You dare to cheat? You're truly tarnishing the Zhao family's name!"
Zhao Xueqi surged forward, her palm striking towards Tietou, infused with potent internal energy. With the matter exposed, she could only act first and report later, hoping to resolve the situation after dealing with Tietou.
"Miss Zhao, I believe your actions are rather inappropriate!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly, stepping in front of Zhao Xueqi. He seemed to see through her intentions entirely.
"You ignorant fool, you think you can stop me?"
Zhao Xueqi's voice was icy, a cold glint in her eyes. Spiritual energy surged in her palm as she struck at Lu Fan without reservation.
At the same moment, Lu Fan's brow furrowed slightly, clearly not expecting the situation to escalate this way, leaving him caught off guard.
However, Lu Fan wouldn't tolerate it. A surge of spiritual energy erupted from his palm, aimed at Zhao Xueqi. Lu Fan wouldn't allow her to silence Tietou by killing him.
*Boom…*
With a buzzing sound, Zhao Xueqi was sent flying back, a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth. Many present were shocked, not expecting Lu Fan to be so direct as to dare attack the Zhao family's daughter.
"How dare you lay hands on our young lady!"
Several figures stepped forward, ready to attack Lu Fan, their eyes filled with a cold light. This was the Zhao family's daughter, and the Zhao family held significant influence throughout the royal city. They wouldn't tolerate anyone acting presumptuously.
Facing the individuals before him, Lu Fan remained unfazed, a cold smile on his lips. "Miss Zhao wanted to silence him, and I don't think preventing that was wrong, was it?"
"That's right, you did nothing wrong!" the Princess of North America stepped forward. "This is a polo competition, and now that someone has cheated, we must get to the bottom of it. Zhao Xueqi, do you have something to hide? Or did you instruct him to cheat? Otherwise, why would you want to silence him by killing him?"
"Princess of North America, please don't make baseless accusations. How could I possibly let him cheat!" Zhao Xueqi shook her head, her gaze falling on Tietou. "Tell me, what exactly is going on here!"
"I..."
Tietou stood frozen, unsure of what to do. He was exposed now, and further words would likely be useless.
"I ask you one more time, did my Zhao family instruct you to do this!" Zhao Xueqi's voice was cold, her eyes fixed on Tietou.
Tietou's expression changed drastically. Simultaneously, his spiritual energy surged, and in that instant, he met his end, his fate a tragic spectacle.
At the same time, Zhao Xueqi revealed a look of satisfaction. The Princess of North America, however, wore a grim expression. She had thought she had caught the Zhao family red-handed, only to miss the opportunity.
Lu Fan also felt a sense of helplessness. If Tietou intended to take his own life, even if Lu Fan wanted to intervene, he wouldn't have been able to stop him.
"Princess of North America, such an incident occurring during the polo competition is indeed a dereliction of duty on the Zhao family's part!"
Zhao Xueqi smiled faintly. "Since that is the case, the first prize in the polo competition will go to the Prince's Mansion!"
"It rightfully belongs to the Prince's Mansion!"
The Princess of North America's voice was icy. "Furthermore, I have been watching everything your Zhao family has done over the years!"
With these words, the Princess of North America's expression grew colder, a sense of displeasure brewing within her.
However, Zhao Xueqi paid no mind to any of this. She turned and left with her entourage. With the matter exposed, staying any longer was meaningless.
"Young lady, what should we do next?" an elder with white hair inquired.
"Seal all communication. If we don't win the polo championship this year, let the Prince's Mansion have it!" Zhao Xueqi sneered. "Blame everything on Tietou. This matter has nothing to do with my Zhao family!"
The white-haired elder nodded slightly. "And what about that person?"
"Kill him. How dare he lay hands on me!"
Zhao Xueqi narrowed her eyes. "He shall not see the sun tomorrow!"
"But he is a person from the Prince's Mansion. If we act against him, and the Prince's Mansion investigates, it could implicate the Zhao family!" the white-haired elder frowned.
"No one can stop what my Zhao family intends to do!" Zhao Xueqi stated coldly. "Follow my instructions. If you fail, my Zhao family will ensure your safety!"
The white-haired elder nodded, not daring to delay. Zhao Xueqi had given her orders, and he could say no more.
On the polo field, the crowd cheered with joy, especially the Princess of North America. She had invested greatly to win the polo championship, and now that she had achieved it, she felt immense satisfaction.
"Tell me, what are your conditions? I will meet them!" the Princess of North America declared. "I always keep my word and will never go back on it, as long as your requests are reasonable!"
"I wish to see the Ninth Prince!"
Lu Fan clasped his hands in a deep bow, his expression exceedingly solemn. He felt compelled to explain the actions of the Northwest Prefectural Mansion.
"You want to see my father!" the Princess of North America was slightly surprised. "What could possibly be so important that you appear so serious, even coming to the polo field for it?" Su Dan novel network
"I have urgent matters to report. I request the Princess's indulgence!"
Lu Fan bowed his head again, his gaze serious, as if everything was already set in stone in his eyes.
"Alright, since I promised you, I will not break my word!" The Princess of North America nodded, a hint of surprise in her heart, unsure of Lu Fan's intentions.
Ling'er also showed signs of joy. If they could explain the situation to the Ninth Prince, they wouldn't have to rush around so much. At least, facing the pursuit of the Northwest Prefectural Mansion, they were utterly exhausted.
"Young man, you've likely stirred up big trouble today. Be very careful!"
Liu Ruyan said to Lu Fan, her gaze filled with caution. Although he was a Martial Emperor level expert, she was acutely aware of the Zhao family's power in the royal city. Offending the Zhao family would undoubtedly lead to dire consequences.
"It's alright, don't I have a master like you by my side!" Lu Fan smiled faintly, his expression serene.
Liu Ruyan remained silent, feeling somewhat helpless at Lu Fan's arrogance.
Meanwhile, the Patriarch of the Situ family and Steward Zhao wore expressions of extreme displeasure. The Princess of North America had now agreed to Lu Fan's request, which was certainly not good news for them and could even lead to major trouble.
"If they really get to see the Prince, won't we be in trouble!" the Patriarch of the Situ family frowned. "What should we do now?"
"This matter is of great importance. I need to discuss it with General Wen!" Steward Zhao said, furrowing his brow.