Who would have thought, even though it seemed like a settled matter, with Xiang Cityâs Minister of War present, thereâs no concern about others pulling strings to change the outcome.
Unexpectedly.
Chu Heng, who had always mingled in the Ministry of Revenue and become an imperial courtier whom no one in the capital wished to offend, suddenly parachuted in and took the position he had been eyeing.
Hu Hua, narrow-minded, even knowing that Chu Heng was difficult to offend, since this was the Ministry of War, naturally wouldnât miss such a good opportunity.
He directly stepped out, provocatively saying, "Lord Chu, Iâve heard of your impressive skills. Now that youâve arrived at the Ministry of War, you might not understand our customs. Since youâve come to the Ministry of War, you must accept everyoneâs challenge. Donât you agree?"
Chu Hengâs forehead still had a swelling streaked with blood, making Hu Hua more convinced he was disliked by the Emperor.
Not mentioning how many people Chu Heng had offended in the Ministry of Revenue before.
Just saying now, once Chu Heng lost the Emperorâs favor, what was there to fear?
A tiger down on its luck is bullied by dogs.
Hu Hua sneered, and the officials close to him instantly chuckled maliciously, looking at Chu Heng with ill intentions.
King of Huainan stood on one side, not speaking.
His authoritative eyes fell on the officials of the Ministry of War, pondering something.
Faced with provocation, Chu Heng merely turned around, his black belt hanging loose only made him appear taller.
With eyes as dark as ink calmly locking onto Hu Huaâs, he replied, "Now?"
Utterly simple words, yet they somehow carried a challenging tone.
Hu Hua, already dissatisfied, was incited into anger by his demeanor, had nowhere to vent his fury, seeing him taking the initiative to confront him, he sneered insidiously twice, "Itâs said Lord Chu can both pen and wield, truly confident, then we shall not hold back, as colleagues, we must satisfy Lord Chuâs request."
"Go, immediately instruct someone to prepare the training ground."
The Ministry of War also had a training ground usually used for martial arts training, with a sizable area, scheduled daily practices, although compared to the military training fields outside the capital, the Ministry of Warâs training ground was evidently more for training the yamenâs bailiffs and guards, than the officials.
Especially people like Hu Hua, who came to the Ministry of War not for martial arts and battles but to seize power.
Chu Heng paid no mind to his deliberate exaggerations.
Such things were bound to happen sooner or later.
Chu Heng looked at the King of Huainan: "Prince, would you like to watch?"
The King of Huainan nodded, "Sure, coincidentally, I havenât returned to the capital in a long time, havenât seen in a long time."
Chu Heng nodded and led the King of Huainan towards the training ground.
Hu Hua saw Chu Hengâs calm demeanor, his anger intensified, he flicked his sleeves, snorted angrily, and summoned the officials beside him to call over all the military generals.
Moreover, he swiftly spread rumors in the Ministry of War, claiming Chu Heng wanted to challenge everyone.
No matter whether this was what Chu Heng said, at this critical juncture, as long as someone believed it, it would be enough to undermine Chu Heng.
Meanwhile, the King of Huainan noticed the small maneuvers of Hu Hua and others behind him, speaking up to remind him, "Lord Chu, arenât you afraid of being plotted against by them?"
"Since Iâve arrived at the Ministry of War, itâs something I must face, Prince, if you have some time later, could you please help to see where improvements may be needed."
The King of Huainan, faced with his direct request for help, hesitated only a little before nodding in agreement.
"Lord Chu, youâre too courteous, but, I once heard about you leading a dozen soldiers, breaking through from hundreds of Beirongâs elite soldiers, being able to witness Lord Chuâs skills personally, Iâm quite looking forward to it."