CFSSIR

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It seemed that the big brother was enjoying the attention of the crowd, standing in the center like a fighting rooster, oblivious to the displeasure of the people around him. He continued to loudly curse, "I just can't stand seeing a pretty boy like that being praised as if he's a God! Nonsense! What 'First Son of the Great Liang'? Disgusting!

"He's just relying on his Grand Princess mom and Empress aunt, right? What skill is there in depending on women!" The big brother became more enthusiastic as he spoke. He grabbed a wine cup from the table, drank a gulp, wiped his mouth, and added, "If he participates in the martial arts exam, I'll make sure he knows how weak he is!"

Whispers started among the onlookers. Even ordinary people in the capital had some discernment; they wouldn't believe everything they hear, especially considering they have seen Lu Zhao before and didn't find him as repulsive as the big brother claimed.

No one dared to speak out against the big brother, but they all secretly thought he was too stubborn. Openly insulting the Duke's mansion and the heir was very risky. If someone reported this, not only will he be disqualified from the martial arts exam, but his future prospects might also be affected.

On the second floor, Shen Qingyao listened with widened eyes, finding it hard to believe what she's hearing.

"What did I just hear? 'Pretty boy'? Did he just call Lu Zhao 'pretty boy'?" Does he have some misunderstanding about this term? Shen Qingyao wondered.

Lu Zhao is indeed good-looking, with a kind of elegant grace that is not tainted by worldly concerns. But, he is not feminine but rather handsome and dignified. How can someone call him 'pretty boy'? Shen Qingyao's anger rose a bit.

[Calm down, Host. Every story has its abnormal NPCs. It's normal.] The system comforted her, though it also founds the big brother absurd.

"But this is too unreasonable! He suddenly attacked Lu Zhao for no reason!" Shen Qingyao couldn't calm down. White Moonlight her fiancé now. She could criticize him, but others couldn't insult him!

"What does the martial arts exam prove? Lu Zhao has won several battles after that!" Shen Qingyao puffed her cheeks, wishing she could rush forward and gave spoilers of the future.

The big brother continued, thinking that the lack of response from the crowd meant they agreed with him. He became even more pleased. "Lu Zhao is just a hypocrite! What's so special about writing a few sour articles? If he's capable, let him participate in the martial arts exam!"

Shen Qingyao clenches her fists. In Liang Empire, there are regulations that one person can only participate in either the literary or martial arts exam during the Spring Examination. Otherwise, with Lu Zhao's abilities, he could easily pass both!

"To blatantly shout without regard for the law, what kind of behavior is this!" Shen Qingyao murmured, very dissatisfied. With a clang, she slammed her jade fox on the table. Suddenly, she turned to Cui Qiao and said, "Cui Qiao, can you find a way to shut him up?"

Shen Qingyao regretted letting her Elder Sister go so early. If her Elder Sister was here, with her Elder Sister's aura and abilities, her Elder Sister could easily put this person in his place. But now, beside Cui Qiao and two seemingly non-threatening guards, she had nothing...

Cui Qiao hesitates for a moment, seeming to understand her thoughts. "Miss, we do have two guards, but... the people below seem well-dressed, and we don't know if this person has others behind him directing him. It might not be wise to act rashly..."

Since the Spring Examination is close, there were all sorts of people in the capital. Cui Qiao wasn't worried about offending people; but she was worried about Shen Qingyao, a young girl, staying alone. If there's any danger, Shen Qingyao might not be able to handle it.