Chapter 106: My Husband’s Unmatched Valor (Special Release)

Liu Degui wasted no words. He stepped forward, planted his feet firmly in a horse stance, centered his breath, and, with a sudden motion, hefted the golden chest. The moment the expert made his move, the entire hall erupted in applause.

Yet, after only three steps, Liu Degui’s face flushed, and the golden chest unexpectedly slipped from his grasp with a loud crash. The hall was instantly thrown into alarm, and Baili Hai's expression grew terrifying, his whole body radiating a chilling aura.

In truth, Liu Degui was rather frustrated. His cultivated inner strength leaned toward the gentler side; unlike Dugu Tianqing, whose style was bold and forceful, Liu Degui's was ill-suited for such exertion. He could lift the chest, but only for three steps—this was the reason.

A thought sparked in his mind, and he was about to recommend someone to the emperor, when suddenly, from the Eastern Chu ministers, a man darted forth, saying, "Your Majesty, I propose someone capable of lifting the golden chest."

This man had shifty eyes and a sly demeanor. Seeing him, Liu Ling’er’s anger surged; it was none other than Wu Magistrate, Wu Rong’er’s brother. He was notorious for his scheming. When he and Liu Rufu worked together on flood control, he embezzled funds and was punished by Liu Rufu with a beating. Ever since, he bore a grudge, ceaselessly slandering Liu Rufu before the emperor.

It was he who encouraged Liu Ling’er to marry Baili Xian, who suggested stripping Liu Rufu of his military command, and, most unexpectedly, when Western Wei proposed a marriage alliance, he recommended Liu Rufu as the groom.

Outwardly, he acted loyal and diligent, but his intentions were anything but pure. If Eastern Chu and Western Wei were to go to war, Liu Rufu would naturally be unable to lead the troops. And now, Wu Magistrate played another trick. If Liu Rufu could lift the chest, it would be a glory for the nation; if not, his reputation would be tarnished.

Liu Degui cast a disdainful glance at Wu San, but ultimately held his tongue. As the nation’s general, Liu Rufu’s strength was unquestionable. Liu Degui knew Wu San was nothing but a sycophant, but the emperor favored his sister and enjoyed his schemes, leaving Liu Degui powerless.

"Oh? Since Wu Magistrate has made the recommendation, what does General Liu think?" Baili Hai looked toward Liu Rufu, his gaze full of expectation.

Liu Rufu rose. "I obey, Your Majesty. Permit me to give it a try." Though he greatly disliked Wu Magistrate, this was a moment to serve his sovereign. Even without Wu Magistrate’s suggestion, he would have stepped forward.

With those words, he strode ahead. Under the eyes of all, he squatted and bent down, lifted the golden chest, and marched toward the Empress Dowager. His movements flowed smoothly, not as effortless as Dugu Tianqing’s, but nearly so. The hall's applause erupted once more, louder than before.

"My goodness, Father is truly formidable!" Tan Cai’er, seated beside Liu Ling’er, gazed with shining eyes, pride radiating from her face. "It seems my husband is so heroic! Thank heavens for blessing me with such a remarkable man."

Wu Magistrate was dumbfounded. He had assumed Liu Rufu would fail to lift the golden chest, but the outcome was the opposite, leaving him bitterly disappointed. His beady eyes darted, and Wu San suddenly schemed. He extended his teacup, and with a sudden clatter, the cup fell, shards scattering across the floor.

The incident was abrupt. Liu Rufu inadvertently stepped on a shard, his strength faltered, and the golden chest was about to drop.

Liu Ling’er was instantly anxious, wishing to tear Wu Magistrate limb from limb. Tan Cai’er covered her mouth in worry.

In that critical moment, Baili Xian, seated at the table, sprang forward, swiftly moved to Liu Rufu’s side, and caught the golden chest just in time, taking it safely from Liu Rufu’s hands.

Everyone in the hall held their breath. Even Dugu Tianqing’s heart raced. He admitted he could never match Baili Xian’s swift action. Had the chest fallen, it could have crippled someone’s feet.

Baili Xian, chest in hand, stepped around the porcelain shards and set it gently before the Empress Dowager. His face was calm, breath steady; most impressive was the grace of his rescue. The crowd rose and applauded, and even Dugu Tianqing’s face showed admiration.

Wu Magistrate was nearly scared out of his wits, dropping to his knees with a thud. "Your Majesty, witnessing General Liu’s valor, I failed to steady my teacup. Please forgive this mistake." Baili Hai was furious; had Baili Xian not intervened, Eastern Chu would have suffered a dreadful humiliation.

Liu Ling’er glared resentfully at Wu Magistrate, longing to propose his execution, but remembering it was the Empress Dowager’s birthday, she suppressed the impulse. Still, she etched this incident in her memory, knowing she would have ample opportunity for revenge.

The Empress Dowager Chu Meier spoke, "Wu Magistrate’s slip nearly led to disaster. According to custom, he should be punished with the rod, but as today is my birthday, I wish not to mar the occasion. My son, perhaps dock his salary for two months? What do you think?"

Baili Hai nodded, and Wu Magistrate’s salary was immediately docked. Wu Magistrate accepted the punishment with relief, not daring to utter a word, for losing two months’ pay was far better than being beaten half to death.