You Were Sent to the Capital as a Hostage, Yet You Took the Throne as Emperor? - Chapter 4:

Chapter 4: Starting Off With a Big Move?

The delicate hand of the young woman rested on her sword hilt, as if ready to draw it at any moment. But a similarly fair hand gently pressed down on hers.

The elegant, mature woman spoke softly, her voice tender and musical: “Shuang’er, don’t be rash. This is Chang’an City, the imperial capital of the Great Li Empire. Acting in broad daylight would be too conspicuous. If we end up trapped in the city, it’ll be hard for either of us to escape.”

“Let’s follow for now and strike when the opportunity arises.”

Lu Baishuang’s voice was slightly anxious. “Master, we’ve waited so long for this chance. If we miss it now, won’t all our efforts be in vain?”

“Besides, how do we know where he’s headed, or how long he’ll be gone?”

“Wei Wuji slaughtered more than a hundred members of my Lu family. I’ve held this hatred for twelve years.”

“I can’t wait any longer. If I can’t kill Wei Wuji, can’t I at least take his son’s life as interest?”

Tears welled in Lu Baishuang’s eyes, her delicate body trembling, her gaze overflowing with hatred.

The Great Li Empire was built on martial strength, and its military power flourished. But its literary culture was weak. As the saying goes: warriors often break the law with force.

Before Emperor Hulei came to power, personal vendettas, duels among knights, and sect conflicts were common across the realm, leaving the people uneasy.

After ascending the throne, Emperor Hulei worked diligently to strengthen the nation—ruling it with force but governing with culture.

Yet his reforms met constant resistance. In a fit of anger, he issued an edict banning martial activity and ordered Wei Wuji to lead 100,000 elite troops to trample the martial world.

Sects were wiped out. Wandering warriors went into hiding. Many martial artists had no choice but to take refuge in noble households and become mere decorations in their halls.

Lu Baishuang was clearly a victim of that ban.

The beautiful woman sighed helplessly, her brows full of weariness.

Her name was Yun Rou, Master of Mount Baiyun.

Twelve years ago, while traveling down from the mountain, she found the half-dead Lu Baishuang by a river and brought her back to the Daoist temple on Mount Baiyun as her disciple.

To help her let go of her obsession, Yun Rou came down the mountain this time to help her disciple take revenge.

But they had waited for many days in the cold north without ever getting close to Wei Wuji.

By chance, they heard that Wei Wuji’s legitimate son had come to the imperial capital as a hostage. So they came to seek an opportunity.

“Shuang’er, don’t act impulsively,” Yun Rou said softly. “I promise you, if we can’t take revenge today, I’ll bring him to you within three days so you can do as you wish.”

“Then I’ll listen to Master.”

Yun Rou let out a breath of relief and rose, her voluptuous figure drawing an elegant curve as she left the tea chair.

She placed a piece of silver on the table and left with Lu Baishuang to follow Wei Ran’s carriage.

The imperial palace stood tall and majestic.

Outside the palace walls, there were guards every five steps, and sentries every ten—White Tiger Guards clad in silver armor, with swords at their sides and spears in hand.

On either side of the palace gate stood two fierce white tiger statues. Above them, a bright red plaque read “White Tiger Gate.”

Outside the gate, dozens of luxurious carriages were parked in a row.

Their owners were noble sons and daughters here to attend the Third Princess’s coming-of-age ceremony.

Several well-dressed young lords and noble ladies gathered nearby, chatting politely.

They were all drawn to the extravagant carriage that Wei Ran had arrived in and turned to look.

As Wei Ran stepped down, the eyes of the noble sons and daughters were filled with curiosity.

Two noble ladies, upon seeing his handsome and refined appearance, leaned in close, whispering to each other.

“Sister Qing, you’ve got plenty of admirers. Do you know which family this young man belongs to? He’s so handsome—he’d suit you well.”

Sister Qing blushed and scolded gently, “You rascal Lan’er, stop talking nonsense! I’ll tear that mouth of yours!”

The other young lords also looked curious.

“Brother Song, who is that? He looks unfamiliar.”

“You’re asking me? Who should I ask? But I have to say, he’s got an arrogant air.”

“Strange. I know all the noble sons of Chang’an, but I’ve never seen him before.”

“Look at his unsteady steps and frail body. He must frequent the brothels and pleasure houses. Such a weakling clearly comes from poor discipline at home. It says everything about his family.”

“But still, even if his background isn’t great, that golden and jade-inlaid carriage is more impressive than my sandalwood one. Did his father buy his title with money?”

“Brother Shi, since you claim his status isn’t high, why don’t you go test him?”

Shi Lingkuan narrowed his eyes coldly. “Song Qinghe, stop trying to push me into trouble. Last time, I gave you a black eye. Want me to give you one on the other side today?”

Song Qinghe shrank back, forcing a smile, not daring to speak again.

Another young noble laughed. “Brother Shi, your sister is the Empress herself. Even His Majesty calls you ‘royal brother-in-law.’ Last time, you broke the leg of the magistrate’s son, and nothing happened.”

“Not only that, the magistrate even brought heavy gifts to your door to apologize—claiming his son tripped over your foot and deserved it. That’s the kind of prestige we all envy.”

Shi Lingkuan basked in the flattery.

“Well, I’ve been bored lately—walking dogs, feeding birds, fishing, and staring at flowers. I’m practically rotting at home. When that guy comes, I’ll personally test his depth.”

He moved to block the central palace gate.

When Wei Ran approached, Shi Lingkuan extended his arm to stop him, smiling insincerely.

“You seem unfamiliar, brother. May I ask your name? What rank does your father hold in court?”

He tilted his head, scanning Wei Ran up and down. The more he looked, the more annoyed he became. Why is this guy so good-looking?

Jealousy flared in his heart.

Wei Ran frowned slightly, lifted his hand, brushed Shi Lingkuan’s arm aside, and said irritably, “Move.”

Then he walked toward the grand red palace path without looking back.

According to his memory, the original host had visited this palace once half a month ago to pay respects. He still remembered the way.

Shi Lingkuan’s eyes bulged. “You brat! Such a young age, yet so temperamental?”

“I’m talking to you. Answer my question before you go.”

Once again, he blocked Wei Ran’s path.

At this point, Wei Ran was already irritated. He glanced coldly at him and said, “Get lost.”

“What did you say? You told me to get lost? Do you even know who my father is?!”

Shi Lingkuan was furious.

“Well, he’s not my father.”

Wei Ran calmly replied and brushed him aside again, heading into the palace.

Several eunuchs assigned to guide guests had been waiting. Seeing Wei Ran’s impressive presence, they prepared to welcome him.

“You bastard! You dare disrespect me?”

Shi Lingkuan grabbed Wei Ran’s shoulder, attempting to get in front of him and teach him a lesson.

But Wei Ran suddenly grabbed his arm, flipped him over with a shoulder throw, and slammed him to the ground.

Then he kicked Shi Lingkuan’s face, followed by a flurry of stomps.

His screams echoed at the palace gate.

All the noble sons and daughters, eunuchs, and palace guards stood frozen in disbelief.

Gao Ming, who had been guarding the carriage, broke into a cold sweat, his head buzzing.

Before leaving, he had reminded Wei Ran countless times: Don’t cause trouble in the palace. Keep a low profile.

And now?

The brat started a fight the moment he stepped in—against the Empress’s younger brother, no less!

The lead eunuch staggered, nearly fainting.

He came to his senses and screamed in a shrill voice, “Are you all blind?! Stop him! That’s the Empress’s brother! Protect him, now!”

The guards snapped out of it and rushed to pull Wei Ran away, helping Shi Lingkuan up.

Shi Lingkuan clutched his swollen face, shaking with rage. “Kill him! I don’t care who he is—kill him! If there are consequences, I’ll take the blame!”

Wei Ran narrowed his eyes and glanced at the nearest guard’s saber.

Without hesitation or warning, he drew the blade and pressed it against Shi Lingkuan’s throat.

The move was so sudden that the guard didn’t even react.

His weapon had been taken, and now it felt like the sky was falling.

Wei Ran had been filled with anger with nowhere to vent. This punching bag had presented himself.

The Prince’s trusted aides had confined him in the residence to keep him hidden.

The fewer people who knew his face, the easier it would be to switch identities later.

Wei Ran had already realized this the night before.

If he could blow things up and make more people remember him, even if Prince Min wanted to switch identities later, he’d have to consider whether the crime of deceiving the Emperor was worth the risk.

With that thought, Wei Ran’s eyes turned ice-cold.