“Quickly!” Pei Shu slapped down a bag of silver for his subordinates. “Go find me the best writers and compose ten finest poems!”

“Young Marshal,” his subordinate said foolishly, “you still have to handle the killing, so why compose poetry? Are you trying to outshine those scholars?”

“What are they worth? Do they deserve to compare with me?” Pei Shu laughed coldly. “I heard it – she likes men who excel in both literature and martial arts! Let me show her what true literary and martial excellence looks like!”

…

“Come, come brothers, let’s have a competition.” Yi Qi called to his fellow disciples. “Everyone compose poetry! I’ll put up five taels of silver – whoever composes the best poem gets it!”

He was greeted with his brothers’ stinking shoe soles and rotten socks.

“With your attitude, you still want to be first in literature and martial arts?” The brothers pinned him down and beat him. “Not only no poetry, we’re beating you too! That’s how arrogant we are! That’s how willful we are!”

…

Shangyuan Royal Palace.

Within the palace stood Lookout Platform, claiming to overlook all rivers under heaven. Of course this was ancient exaggeration, but overlooking all of Shangyuan’s territory was sufficient.

At this moment on Lookout Platform stood Hawksbill Clan Leader Ming Yan’an. Despite the early winter weather, this clan leader still wore raw silk white gauze robes, tall and jade-like, with a jade face and vermillion lips. On the high platform his robes fluttered gracefully – truly a romantic figure.

Unfortunately, this romantic ease was merely illusion. Everyone knew the Hawksbill Clan Leader lived the most constrained life among all Dahuang tribal leaders. Just like his name, though containing two characters for “peace,” he had never been at peace, and was clearly becoming increasingly uneasy.

Ming Yan’an’s gaze extended far beyond Shangyuan City, seeing the bustling massive construction site in Ningjin City. Though distant, the general outline was already visible. That building occupied vast area, and directly faced Shangyuan City – its intention was self-evident.

Reportedly, that building was also called Shangyuan Palace.

Ming Yan’an withdrew his gaze and turned toward his own territory. Shangyuan was a great city with a population of three hundred thousand, including fifty thousand troops. Shangyuan’s area was also the largest among Dahuang’s cities, almost equaling the entire territory of the smallest Liuli Tribe. So though populous, population density wasn’t high.

Shangyuan also had the least marshland among all cities, the best soil quality, most suitable for farming. Dahuang had five mountains, four marshes, and one portion farmland – places suitable for cultivation were rare. Places like Shangyuan where almost the entire city could be farmed were absolutely unique.

Shangyuan was a treasure land. Precisely because it was treasure land, Shangyuan could maintain self-sufficiency behind closed doors after all surrounding counties were divided up by martial world forces, sustaining three hundred thousand military and civilian livelihoods through self-production alone.

Shangyuan’s army farmed when busy, served as military when idle. Taking up weapons, all were warriors.

In famine years, Shangyuan City could also seek products from Black Water Marsh, selling to the backing Meng Kingdom and Ji Kingdom, plus several neighboring foreign nations. The section of Black Water Marsh facing Shangyuan City was relatively least dangerous.

Such favorable timing, geography, and people created this unique situation, allowing Ming Yan’an to close his doors and play king here for many years. He gradually accepted the status quo, feeling that being Shangyuan’s king for life would be good.

But now even being Shangyuan’s king was becoming unstable. A woman had traveled thousands of miles to seize his royal palace.

Ridiculous! Something I’ve guarded for so many years – you say you want it, so I should give it up?

Originally he and his ministers hadn’t taken this matter seriously. A fallen woman in a place like hawksbill territory would probably be dead before finding the door.

Unexpectedly she’d actually burst in and pulled off such a spectacular show.

Spectacular shows represented determination to succeed at all costs.

He heard her subordinate forces were constantly growing. This woman had unknown sources of strength – money, experts, rare minerals. Reportedly she’d even acquired over ten Celestial Star Treasure Boats in one go. Soon she’d hold the Qu River Assembly, evaluating talented scholars and heroes from across the realm…

By what right did she qualify!

His eyes grew slightly cold, but his expression remained unmoved as he slowly descended.

On the side wall were inscribed characters, extremely bold and magnificent, like iron drawings and silver hooks. Recording poems and verses.

Previously he’d read these poems one by one, reading while praising. Later he stopped reading. Even later, he’d ordered them scraped off, but the poem writer was very persistent – when he scraped them off, she’d smooth the surface and write again.

She wanted to use this method to reclaim his attention, because Lookout Platform was the only place he visited daily without fail.

His gaze drifted over the poems, lips showing a mocking smile – truly a foolish woman. Didn’t she know the more stubborn one was, the more annoying they became?

Just as he was about to order another scraping and simply paint murals to prevent further poem writing, he suddenly stopped.

After a year and half, he finally looked carefully at the wall poems again.

He had to admit, even with his disturbed mood, these poems and fine calligraphy were still stunning.

After all, she was once the foremost talented woman…

After thinking, he walked downstairs. Ahead in the flower garden, as expected, was a bloated figure struggling to bow to him.

Seeming unprepared for him to stop today, that figure appeared caught off guard, yet quite delighted.

He didn’t look at her, only saying coolly, “Do you want to return to Moon Flower Palace?”

The fat figure in the flower garden trembled.

“If you want to return, I’ll have someone escort you from the palace shortly.” Ming Yan’an said coolly. “Three days hence at Qu River, there’s a poetry assembly. Go win first place, then do as I say. Do well, and I’ll give you a chance to return to Moon Flower Palace, and will also designate Yue’er as heir apparent.”

The last sentence made her tremble again as she hurriedly bowed down. Momentarily overcome with joy, she couldn’t speak.

But he’d already stridden away, snow-white robes brushing past the golden fallen petals covering the ground.

She struggled to rise, gazing at his rapidly departing figure, her eyes still infatuated.

…

Three days later.

Not only Ningjin, but even the two counties of Judian were emptied of people, all gathering by Qu River.

Three days also allowed many to rush from other parts of hawksbill territory to attend this unique gathering.

Qu River was hawksbill territory’s largest river, also nearly spanning the entire realm. The section flowing through Ningjin had water clear as mirrors, winding and meandering, reflecting bluestone bridges and red lanterns on both banks. It had long become a scenic attraction in Ningjin, with famous sights like “Qu River Flowing Moon” and “White Pagoda Sunset Glow.”

Qu River’s best viewing positions and all passenger pleasure boats had now become hot commodities. With crowds easily causing incidents, Jing Hengbo, coming from modern times, naturally understood the pros and cons of large gatherings, delegating management to Zirui.

Palace female officials, having undergone strict multi-faceted training, though handling such matters for the first time, proceeded methodically. Zirui ordered announcements, blocked the Qu River area for preliminary inspection, divided viewing zones, and allowed timed entry with household registration… busy but orderly.

Jing Hengbo busied herself making money – after announcing the event, she immediately sent people to rent all Qu River pleasure boats for that day. Afterward, anyone wanting boats could have them at triple price.

Poor scholars without money could also board by composing poetry on the spot. Jing Hengbo used boat rental profits to hire veteran scholars specifically for this screening. Reviewed poetry required scholar signatures. If selected scholars won rankings, reviewing scholars would also receive reward silver. Thus scholars took it seriously, and afterward the best scholars and most discerning reviewers could be identified. Both would be useful.

Jing Hengbo held this assembly for three reasons: first, to establish authority; second, to gain fame; third, to create an atmosphere of “courtesy to worthy men, thirsting for talent, with scholars from across the realm coming to serve.” On one hand, being queen couldn’t rely on force alone – she needed to build her advisory team. On the other hand, literati voices sometimes represented public opinion. Their praise or criticism sometimes influenced impressions among common people and even official classes. Though Jing Hengbo had once won popular support, she’d lost scholarly hearts, triggering student protests. Now learning from experience, she made this showing first.

Boat prices tripled, and Qu River scenic viewing areas were also zoned for fees, decreasing by location quality. The back provided small stool rentals, naturally also for money. Though amounts were small and affordable to most, the sheer numbers added up!

She also purchased small fireworks specifically for wealthy households. When excellent scholars were evaluated, they could buy fireworks for “red rewards.” Someone would specifically announce: “So-and-so wealthy household adds splendor for Master So-and-so!” Using extra-loud voices and shooting large red fireworks across the river for all to see. This satisfied wealthy people’s vanity and sense of presence.

Scholars’ support groups were also allowed to make glow signs, banners, and hang slogans. Glow signs used local crystal that naturally sparkled under lamplight, in different grades with tiered pricing. Banners also used different materials, the most expensive being red brocade with yellow characters, more impressive than Jing Hengbo’s sedan. When opened, they stretched several zhang, naturally with different pricing to meet various class needs.

Jing Hengbo had pre-arranged shops, provided methods, and negotiated profit-sharing. Those shops set up stalls days early displaying banner effects, naturally attracting many scholars’ attention. Everyone inquired about prices – business was quite good.

This wasn’t surprising. Jing Hengbo had long understood literati psychology. Literati craved fame, and in ancient times with poor information flow, scholars gaining renown wasn’t easy without passing state examinations. Other channels were limited. Presenting poetry to gain great scholar praise, and showing off at major important occasions were channels literati flocked to.

Shop assistants used silver tongues: “Sir, think about it – when the streets empty and Qu River overflows with people, over ten thousand will see your sparkling name flickering before them all night. You’d find it hard not to be remembered!”

Scholars listened with glowing eyes, wordlessly paying up.

Jing Hengbo watched with a smile: Too bad technology and time were insufficient, otherwise advertisements, scrolling electronic screens, flyers – everything would be working.

Large events were great money-making opportunities. Though backed by Sky Gray Valley production and income from arranged businesses along the way, with upcoming palace construction, military establishment, and court founding requiring rivers of silver, how could she not think of money-making methods?

None of these businesses benefited local merchants. All were her own shops. On her way to hawksbill territory, she’d arranged for veteran soldiers under Titled Colonels to open stores everywhere. In hawksbill territory she’d also sent people ahead to run shops. After half a year’s operation, most shops had established themselves. Naturally she now used her own people, while her subordinate shops could also infiltrate and monitor local merchants – laying groundwork in advance.

Those following her counted silver while exchanging glances: Was this woman a queen or profiteer? Where did all her strange schemes come from? Most critically, she could accurately grasp various social strata’s psychology, making corresponding strategies to fleece people. This talent wasn’t something ordinary people possessed.

Someone sighed: If Emperor’s Song hadn’t imposed so many restrictions, Her Majesty would have long since earned all Emperor’s Song people’s silver.

Jing Hengbo disagreed. Large events were limited after all. While fleecing commoners was possible, she needed to help them earn too. Speaking of governing a nation, she was still far off.

But staging such a big show had another benefit – Lingxiao Gate, unwilling to accept defeat and continuing the fight, couldn’t stage group battles anymore. To save face, they simply demanded one-on-one contests. Jing Hengbo didn’t mind – today at Qu River, she wanted everything together for maximum arrogance and excitement!

By evening, she heard Qu River banks were packed with people. She hurried to groom and dress, preparing to make a grand appearance.

Today was her official debut day in hawksbill territory. Jing Hengbo deeply understood how a leader’s image affected popular loyalty, deciding to be spectacular to the end.

For this she’d selected the finest tailors, working three days to complete an entire new outfit.

Actually she still lacked a magnificent large boat – painted pleasure boats couldn’t demonstrate a queen’s authority. Unfortunately, eager to drive away those door-blocking scholars, her hasty decision left no time for custom construction.

Recent days still saw people skulking around the entrance, inquiring about the beauty who’d announced the Queen’s decree that day, hoping for chance encounters. Some frivolous playboys had already made teahouse bets on who’d finally win the beauty, including one particularly arrogant fellow who insisted the beauty was definitely his, declaring that after winning her, he’d host ten tables at the finest restaurant Spring Apricot Tower, having the beauty toast everyone!

Jing Hengbo merely laughed. She’d been coveted plenty – if someone truly had the ability to make her toast, she’d be happy to oblige.

But that boastful person had briefly gained fame before vanishing. Three days later he reappeared with a crippled leg, claiming he’d drunkenly fallen into a ditch.

Not only that, but everyone who’d drunk at that banquet later fell ill.

Jing Hengbo figured it was probably Violent Dragon Pei’s work. But she quickly learned otherwise, because when Violent Dragon Pei heard about this, he declared he’d find that punk, castrate him, dress him in women’s clothes, and sell him to a brothel to serve drinks exclusively for the lowest peddlers and laborers.

Jing Hengbo couldn’t be bothered finding out who did it – with so many subordinates, anyone could have.

Sudden commotion arose outside, then Zirui entered with a surprised expression: “Someone’s sent congratulatory gifts for Master.”

Jing Hengbo wasn’t surprised. With her recent stunning momentum and takeover of three counties, gift-givers flowed like crossing fish. She waved dismissively for them to be stored.

But Zirui said, “You might want to look. It’s a gift from Shadow Pavilion’s Master Mu.”

Jing Hengbo paused. Half a month without seeing him, busy fighting without much thought, but now hearing his name, her heart somehow stirred.

She dropped her comb and walked outside. A large group surrounded in a circle with constant amazed exclamations.

Pushing through the crowd, Jing Hengbo couldn’t help but freeze, blurting out, “Beautiful!”

In the clearing sat a sedan chair, but not an ordinary cloth or soft sedan – clearly a Queen’s Phoenix Sedan in form!

But this phoenix sedan differed from Emperor’s Song’s version. Emperor’s Song’s sedan was bright yellow, airtight, with even windows covered by three layers of gauze, completely stifling. Once inside, the stuffiness was unbearable, so she’d never liked riding it.

This sedan was entirely precious ebony – the wood alone surpassed Emperor’s Song’s Queen’s Phoenix Sedan. Ebony sank to sea bottoms, extremely hard, making jade-metal sounds when struck. The deep black sedan body gleamed with restrained yet weighty luster under evening sunlight.

Unlike Emperor’s Song’s Queen’s Phoenix Sedan carved full of colorful flying phoenixes creating visual chaos, this sedan body only had carving on the lower half, while the upper half was entirely carved as a red phoenix, brilliant as fire. The phoenix head and body formed the sedan top, head held high with a pearl in its beak, the pearl perforated to rain countless fine crystal strings forming a half-body crystal curtain.

The phoenix wings spread wide, wingtips also dropping countless crystal strings. The phoenix tail curved down, carved as the backrest, three tail feathers arching forward as armrests. The entire phoenix displayed spread wings, drooping tail, raised head gazing forward – posture proud yet graceful. Not to mention the exquisite carving with every detail perfect. Even the phoenix eyes used huge obsidian as pupils, surrounded by fine topaz inlay. Under sunlight the deep black eyes refracted flowing light, truly resembling a pair of majestic yet alluring eyes gazing upon all beings.

Ying Bai circled the sedan several times, then crouched down and knocked on the cloud patterns of the lower ebony sedan body. With several clicks, the sedan bottom quickly extended four wheels, instantly becoming a carriage.

Ying Bai stood up: “These wheels are relatively light, unsuitable for long-distance racing, but extremely fast short-term. This is for emergency escapes in dangerous moments.”

Everyone was already stunned – this sedan’s exquisite carving and priceless value aside, the key was its ingenious design combining ultimate beauty with thoughtful practicality. It was hard to imagine what kind of person could create such a design.

“Who sent it?” Though stunned, Jing Hengbo asked an obvious question.

Zirui smiled: “Shadow Pavilion’s Master Mu is quite thoughtful. Presumably thanking Master for that day’s life-saving escort.”

Jing Hengbo gazed up at the sedan. The phoenix eyes gazed calmly back at her. Suddenly a strong feeling surged in her heart – this was a kindred spirit!

Only someone who deeply understood her could give such a gift!

It was a Queen’s Phoenix Sedan, proclaiming her identity to the world, yet lacked the complex restraints and oppressive atmosphere she’d detested. The entire design expressed the freedom, openness, and boldness she yearned for.

This perfectly matched her thoughts: She wanted to be queen. Not a puppet, but a true queen controlling herself and the world!

Heart surging, she bit her lip and circled the sedan several times. Though extremely pleased, she suddenly felt something incongruous.

This gift somewhat exceeded her expectations – though pleasing, it seemed slightly mismatched with the impression Master Mu from their journey had left her.

Master Mu was gentle, steady, yet cunning – the type who didn’t like showing off but struck decisively. This sedan’s design was extremely bold. Just seeing the phoenix tail feathers and wings’ soaring posture, one could feel the designer’s free and easy heart.

One unwilling to be known, one uncaring whether known or not.

Had Master Mu sensed her nature and designed this to suit her?

Seeing her enchantment with the sedan, Pei Shu stood aside with a dark expression yet a disdainful cold smile at his lips.

Hmph, just a broken sedan – what was so special?

What he planned to give was a painted boat comparable to palace dragon boats!

But… Pei Shu’s mouth drooped again. The painted boat wasn’t in hand yet. The original owner was bankrupt and selling property. He’d spotted one boat and sent people to buy it, but the owner kept delaying response. His wish to have her ride that painted boat, arriving slowly amid countless amazed and envious gazes, had been shattered.

Hmph, regardless of anything else, he’d chop that merchant’s legs off later and buy that painted boat. He wanted to ride the painted boat with her, floating on lakes, holding hands, surveying rivers and mountains, receiving everyone’s envy…

When his beautiful dream ended, he heard more amazed voices, this time behind him.

Turning around, his pupils seemed directly pierced by sunlight, slightly contracting.

Jing Hengbo had finished grooming and arrived in full dress.

A snow-white cloud brocade qipao wrapped her body. High collar, pankou buttons, slightly padded shoulders, fitted waist, hem dropping to ankles. The snow-white fabric had no embroidery but was edged with pale gold seawater pattern wide borders. Cloud brocade was high-grade silk available only in Dong Tang, extremely precious, darkly woven with gold thread, sparkling with subtle gold light from different angles. Due to rarity and preciousness, wealthy families only used it for mounting famous paintings. Now innovatively worn by Jing Hengbo. At first glance simply snow-white, at second glance gold light flickered like lake surfaces under bright autumn sun – low-key yet luxurious, gorgeous yet restrained, perfectly matching Jing Hengbo’s temperament.

Over this she wore a pale gold short cloak only reaching the waist, adding nobility.

But everyone’s gazes focused more on her body – qipao best displayed feminine charm and figure. When Jing Hengbo first appeared, everyone felt like seeing a huge, exquisite jade vase from afar. Now watching her move, they sensed those amazingly smooth body lines, the wonderful gathering from fullness to slenderness, the natural extension from slender to pert curves. Adding one part would be too fat, subtracting one part too thin. Wherever eyes fell, that point was stunning temptation – from chest, from waist, from hips, like the finest craftsman’s countless revisions and polishing, finally achieving the most soul-stirring, perfectly proportioned feminine figure.

Her walking posture was also different from usual – her figure taller, back straighter, neck slightly raised, steps small but unrestricted. As she moved, the entire garment’s subtle light flowed, and the swaying hem revealed glimpses of snow-white shoe tips. Her waist’s movement thus appeared even more rhythmically beautiful and full of feminine charm, radiating wonderful, youthful yet sensual allure.

Everyone in the courtyard seemed to hold their breath, watching her approach gracefully, watching her walk gracefully toward the sedan. Someone murmured, “She’s born to be a queen…”

When she reached their side, their just-released breath suddenly tightened again – that dress actually had side slits! The slits went up to her thighs!

As she passed by their side, one could faintly glimpse a line of crystalline white, appearing and disappearing…

This was true seduction! Feminine allure ten thousand times more sophisticated than complete nudity.

Modern dressing experience and aesthetics might not necessarily apply in ancient times, but the display of a woman’s exquisite figure and assets would always be soul-stirring.

While walking her catwalk, Jing Hengbo glanced around – everyone was too stunned. What were these expressions? Was this amazement? She’d put effort into today, finding the finest tailors, drawing three drafts, selecting the most expensive fabrics. With silk stockings left in Emperor’s Song, she’d found precious silk and modal blend, barely managing to produce one pair that was still too thin with insufficient durability – hopefully they wouldn’t tear later…

Having suppressed herself too long, she deliberately wanted to be spectacular today, but couldn’t read everyone’s reactions – was it too shocking? Unacceptable?

The courtyard was silent when someone suddenly shouted, “Aiyo, Little Seven, your nose…”

Jing Hengbo looked – holy crap, this guy’s eyes were glazed, nose bleeding drip by drip, already staining his chin red…

Looking again, even among the six comedians who’d never shown much interest in her, half seemed about to have nosebleeds. Wu Shan lowered his head, hands together, rapidly chanting “Amitabha,” apparently reciting purification mantras, chanting once while glancing at her, chanting once while glancing at her…

Zirui and Yong Xue’s eyes sparkled with little stars – pure envy. Tian Qi’s eyes were askew – pure jealousy and resentment.

Ying Bai leaned against the wall, one leg bent, drinking wine. He drank while glancing, muttering to himself, “Though I’m not interested in her, I can’t help being soul-stirred. Ha, you better not go crazy later…”

“Thumbs up!” Jing Hengbo beamed, snapping her fingers. “Sister’s charisma remains undiminished, still absolutely stunning! Get in the car! Let’s go!”

“…”

Truly, not speaking was like immortals descending; speaking was like cosmic destruction.

Getting into the sedan, Jing Hengbo suddenly wondered where Pei Shu was. She’d expected to see that guy with nosebleeds spraying the wall.

Such self-control – thumbs up!

…

Pei Shu rushed out from his room and caught up with the procession.

One of his subordinates saw him, saluted, then suddenly felt something was wrong. Looking again, Pei Shu glared, “What are you looking at? Never seen a handsome man?”

The subordinate instantly vanished in fright. Pei Shu irritably adjusted his clothes.

What was there to look at? He’d just gone to change pants.

In that moment, he’d indeed spurted – though not nosebleed or saliva, but… truly embarrassing to mention.

No comparison with others. Others had at least seen her dressed up before and had mental preparation. This was his first time seeing her in full regalia.

Others weren’t like him, confined for years, hot-blooded and vigorous, practicing supreme yang internal energy, often burning with internal fire, not to mention seeing his beloved woman in such soul-stirring posture.

He’d stopped breathing entirely.

Her beauty couldn’t be concealed even in plain clothes and simple hairpins. He knew her formal dress would be radiant, but only now realized that even the wildest imagination couldn’t envision her elegance.

A beautiful woman who knew how to dress and display her advantages, possessing fashion skills beyond this era, was simply lethal.

So he was fatally wet and couldn’t be seen, quickly sneaking back to change first.

Pei Shu found it strange – were all Dahuang men sick? How could they bear to treat her that way? Such a beautiful woman wearing such soul-stirring clothes, standing on city towers – shouldn’t all men in the world want to compete for her rather than territories?

If Jing Hengbo knew his current thoughts, she’d probably slap him – you think this is some male fantasy novel?

While mounting to catch up, Pei Shu regretted that today’s black robe didn’t seem to match her well…

A subordinate skilled at reading expressions approached with a smile: “Young Marshal’s black robe today makes you appear even more upright and profound. With the Queen, one black and one white complement each other perfectly.”

“You’re right!” Pei Shu laughed heartily. “I’ll always be the one who complements her best!”

…

Qu River’s banks swarmed with people. Small boats sailed on the river while countless red lanterns lit gradually on willows along both banks, reflecting half the river in red shadows, then scattered by gentle paddles.

Both banks were packed with crowds. Among them, pre-arranged people held the most impressive, largest banner:

“Black Water Queen, Accomplished in Literature and Martial Virtue, Forever and Ever, Unifying the Martial World.”

The words were written by Jing Hengbo – obviously plagiarized. She liked these words, and whether appropriate or not, her liking was enough.

Below the Queen’s banner were various awesome “advertising” banners:

“The world’s talents are in Hawksbill, Hawksbill’s talents are in Doushan!”

“The world’s literature totals one dou, Scholar Xi alone possesses seven sheng!”

“Want to know where the literary champion is? Tonight at Qu River, glorious and elegant!”

…

Beside the awesome banners costing more money were various slogan signs with scholars’ names. Twinkling like little stars, filling the sky with brightness.

From afar, Jing Hengbo saw those banners and stars. She squinted and observed for a while, then instructed Zirui, “Later record the names of those making banners and signs. Give me a list.”

“Yes. Does Master want to recruit them?”

“Wrong – never recruit them.” Jing Hengbo laughed. “Literati can have pride but not lack backbone. Those making their own banners and signs for self-promotion are too fame-seeking. No matter how good their writing, they’ve lost dignity and grace. Employing such people will cause future troubles.”

Zirui nodded, “Truly talented people disdain such acts.”

Her eyes sparkled with little stars again, feeling the Queen was truly wise. Then she heard the Queen slowly say, “But this list is mainly for remembering wealthy households. We sell banners very expensively. These people willing to make them must be very rich. Record the list to fleece them later.”

Zirui: “…”

Better not praise the Queen too early in future!

Still one street from the riverside, the road was blocked and the sedan couldn’t proceed.

Through conquest and recruitment, Jing Hengbo now had considerable forces, forming a long procession. At the front were loud-voiced people for clearing the way, now shouting, “The Queen arrives!”

The noisy crowd quieted, everyone turning around.

They saw the ebony sedan gleaming black and restrained, with a colorful phoenix spreading wings approaching, carrying a beauty in snow-white garments and golden light.

Two layers of crystal curtains sparkled with fragmented light, dazzling enough to blind, while the person inside wore clothes that also glittered with gold, making her even harder to see clearly. One only sensed the woman on the phoenix carriage had ice-snow skin and graceful bearing – a single glance stole one’s breath.

Common people instinctively made way, without being called, automatically kneeling – Hawksbill hadn’t seen royal authority for years and had forgotten monarch-subject etiquette. However, that phoenix sedan clearly showed extraordinary nobility, its occupant clearly superior to others. People’s legs involuntarily weakened, unable to resist bowing in worship.

Ceremony naturally possessed power to inspire respectful submission. This was why Jing Hengbo insisted on a grand entrance today. She hadn’t completely conquered Hawksbill, hadn’t occupied Shangyuan Royal Palace, hadn’t formally ascended as Queen, hadn’t gained complete recognition, yet wanted a sufficiently majestic and noble early appearance to leave Hawksbill people with the impression of “legitimate master,” gaining cognitive initiative. She couldn’t appear shabby while forcing people to kneel – she needed people’s sincere submission and voluntary respect, requiring her own overwhelming royal aura and the most noble ceremony that inspired reverence at first sight.

She’d worried that her hastily prepared carriage wasn’t magnificent enough, but unexpectedly Master Mu sent this truly awe-inspiring sedan.

Master Mu was truly an extremely thoughtful and considerate person.

Jing Hengbo didn’t wave and blow kisses excitedly. After Emperor’s Song’s ordeal, she understood that leaders should maintain dignity, especially when establishing authority initially. There were many ways to win hearts – being perpetually approachable wasn’t necessary.

Her performance at Emperor’s Song ceremony, though immediately winning popular favor, also aroused rulers’ vigilance and resentment. Learning from pain, now she wanted to show off.

“Master, there’s metallic scent among the surrounding crowds,” Zirui reported quietly.

Her nose was especially sensitive, enhanced through Seven Peaks Mountain training. She could smell different odors within ten zhang.

Metallic scent naturally meant many people carried weapons.

Ningjin’s martial world people had been mostly expelled, tonight’s dueling Lingxiao Gate people were under surveillance. If crowds still contained many armed people, they were naturally assassins.

Before she finished speaking, “swish swish” sounds came from the crowd as dark flashes struck directly at the phoenix sedan!

“Assassins!” The crowd cried, scattering in all directions.

Jing Hengbo snorted coldly, about to flash out of the sedan when suddenly the top and both sides shook.

The phoenix wings on both sides suddenly extended iron plates with rapid “clap clap clap” sounds as hidden weapons all struck the plates.

A figure flashed, appearing before the sedan with a long sword like autumn water, spreading silk-like light curtains directly at Jing Hengbo’s face: “Demon woman, die!”

Jing Hengbo prepared to dodge when suddenly the phoenix head above opened its beak and spat black smoke.

The assassin charged from the front, bending down to strike, face directly toward the phoenix head, and he was currently shouting that standard line with mouth open.

“Puff.” The smoke hit his face. His face instantly turned blue as he fell “thump” beneath the sedan.

The street fell silent. Jing Hengbo’s raised buttocks froze mid-air.

Holy crap, that’s it?

Before she and her guards acted, this sedan solved the assassin problem?

Awesome!

People who hadn’t fled far gathered again, gazing at the sedan with flashing eyes, then at the assassin who’d appeared earth-shakingly but pathetically collapsed, their eyes full of amazement.

The Queen was mighty! Assassins suddenly appeared yet she didn’t move, even her sedan was full of mechanisms!

Jing Hengbo snapped back to awareness, shouting, “Capture him for thorough interrogation!”

Guards approached, dragging away the unlucky assassin. The carriage shook as side steel plates retracted into wings and the phoenix beak closed.

Zirui said amazedly, “Truly a grand gift!”

Jing Hengbo nodded – indeed a grand gift. Though she could handle assassins herself, the sedan’s demonstration better deterred villains.

An expert couldn’t even penetrate the Queen’s sedan!

“Study this sedan’s mechanisms tomorrow…” she muttered, thinking she must thank Master Mu properly when she saw him, wondering if he’d come today.

The assassin became an atmosphere-adjusting interlude. The sedan proceeded to the riverside amid people’s respectful reception, with commoners automatically making way and many gazing at the sedan with sighs of amazement.

But Jing Hengbo felt anxious, asking Zirui, “Where’s the boat?”

Today’s literary and martial contests on Qu River would occur on boats. She’d prepared a good boat captured from Lingxiao Gate that should now be sailing slowly toward her sedan, but no large boat was visible on the river.

Yong Xue on the other side suddenly said briefly, “There.”

Looking up, Jing Hengbo gasped for the second time today.

The river sparkled, reflecting moonlight uniformly. In that uniform moonlight, a tower ship slowly approached.

The tower ship was extremely large with three stories, entirely unusual white color, almost blending with moonlight, so she hadn’t noticed initially.

The white wasn’t monotonous because the entire ship’s edges were decorated with locally produced, extremely rare yellow sandalwood presenting lustrous golden yellow more noble and brilliant than gold itself, yet without gold’s nouveau riche quality, appearing noble and restrained. This color scheme made one feel this was a noble woman’s vessel.

The ship had three stories with connecting stairs, exquisite windows, blazing lights, and flowing music.

Though elegantly designed, the hull was massive with iron-wrapped corners. Looking closely, the iron wasn’t ordinary but deep-sea black iron, precious metal specifically for forging fine swords. Using this to wrap the bow meant ramming would punch holes in opponents.

The deck was covered with red long-haired felt, set with rosewood wide chairs with bright yellow cushions ready. There were even small tables beside chairs with delicacies, fruits, fine wine, and snacks. Two young maids knelt beside tables, filling golden cups.

Luxury and strength combined, elegance and solemnity coexisted.

“Holy crap…” Jing Hengbo pointed at the ship, angrily saying, “Whose boat is this? So flashy? Appearing here now, isn’t this upstaging me? My boat compared to this is a sampan! Quick, quick, go smash it for me…”

Before finishing, the ship suddenly raised a flag – snow-white with gold borders, inscribed with golden characters: “Jing”!

“What! The! Hell!” Jing Hengbo became even more furious: “That bastard dares share my surname!”