Qi Yu had made up his mind that he would exhaust all means to free Yun Xi from Qi Rong's control.
Not even Qi Rong could stop him!
Staring coldly at Qi Yu, who seemed to have changed, Qi Rong's eyes darkened, and his chest seethed with anger. However, there was a hint of disdain on his lips.
"Whether she's a canary or not, she's destined to be mine for the rest of her life!"
He was well aware of Yun Xi's constant desire to escape from him. Yet, he pretended not to notice and did everything in his power to tie her to the Prince Xian's Mansion, making it impossible for her to break free from his control.
The only thing he was certain of now was Yun Xi's feelings for him.
Therefore, whether it meant breaking her wings or cutting down the branches she could rely on or perch on, he would lock her firmly by his side.
He would make sure that he was the only one in her heart, and she couldn't go anywhere!
"Love isn't about possession. You were wrong from the start, Uncle Seven!"
Qi Yu saw through Qi Rong's thoughts, and his voice involuntarily turned cold.
In response to Qi Yu's words, Qi Rong let out a cold snort.
"Before you lecture me, take a good look at yourself first!"
Qi Yu's expression jolted. Suddenly, he thought that he had always approached Yun Xi in a gentle manner, not wanting to startle the beauty. But what had been the result?
Yun Xi still hadn't chosen him.
Or perhaps, did Yun Xi think that he was not as reliable as Uncle Seven?
Qi Yu analyzed Qi Rong's words, and his face turned pale.
Just as they were talking, another young noble from the capital on the stage was beaten to a pulp and kicked off the stage like a sandbag.
Qi Yu quickly caught the man. Seeing that the man had fallen into a coma, anger welled up in Qi Yu's eyes. He glared at Qi Rong and growled,
"Uncle Seven, are you going to let the honor of the royal family be trampled on before you're satisfied?!"
Not only Crown Prince Qi Yu, but even the emperor on the high platform was filled with rage. He ordered someone to immediately stop the competition.
He had organized this competition not to let the dignity of the royal family be damaged. If it continued like this, how could he establish his authority in Kekeqin in the future?
He might even become a laughingstock among the people!
Looking at the emperor with a furrowed brow and a gloomy face, the surrounding palace servants cowered and didn't dare to make a sound. However, the empress dowager showed an unfathomable smile on her face.
She whispered a few words to an old maid beside her, and the maid left in a hurry after receiving the order.
Then, the empress dowager turned to the emperor and pretended to be worried as she reminded him,
"Son, all the court officials and the princes and princesses of Kekeqin are watching. We can't keep stopping the competition like this. It will arouse suspicion."
Hearing the empress dowager's words, the emperor frowned tightly. His fist clenched tightly under his wide sleeves.
He naturally knew that the competition couldn't be stopped indefinitely. However, he couldn't ignore the dignity of the royal family either!
Therefore, after weighing the two, he had no choice but to quickly stop the competition and make a readjustment.
The emperor unconsciously transferred his pressure to Qi Rong. Just as he was about to order someone to call Qi Rong forward for questioning, he heard the empress dowager beside him scold in a reproachful tone,
"I told you not to trust the Prince Xian too much. Look, as the host, we clearly had a good hand and could have won a great victory. However, because of his arrangement, we've lost so much face. Yet, he hasn't been willing to take the stage. I really don't know what his intentions are?!"
The empress dowager's words were like a thorn that suddenly pricked the emperor's heart.
He naturally had suspicions about Qi Rong. However, because of his outstanding ability, Qi Rong had removed many obstacles for him. Therefore, he had found Qi Rong very useful and had given him a lot of power.
"May I ask what advice you have, Mother?"
The emperor looked directly at the empress dowager with bright eyes, hoping that the always wise empress dowager could give him a way to solve the urgent problem.
Meeting the emperor's expectant gaze, the empress dowager pondered for a moment and then slowly said,
"There is a way, but I'm afraid it will be difficult for the Prince Xian."
The emperor's eyes flashed, and he immediately said,
"I hope Mother can give me some guidance."
At the moment, the most urgent thing was to regain the dignity of the royal family and establish authority in front of Kekeqin.
Therefore, even if it was a risky move, he had no choice but to take a chance!
A moment later, after hearing the empress dowager's suggestion, the emperor couldn't help but look surprised. He said very uncertainly,
"Mother, will this work?"
It was a good idea, but Qi Rong might very well lose his life!
Moreover, with Qi Rong's arrogant and overbearing attitude, he might not even agree to risk his life for the honor of the royal family!
Seeing the emperor hesitate, the empress dowager's face darkened. She retorted,
"Why not? You're the emperor, and he's your subject. As long as you give the order, do you think he can disobey it?"
The emperor's face was gloomy. The empress dowager then changed her tone and said,
"Moreover, if he really refuses, it only means that he deliberately made our royal family look bad in this competition with Kekeqin! In that case, we should be more vigilant about his impure intentions! Why don't you take this opportunity to see if he is really loyal to you?"
The empress dowager coaxed patiently, and the emperor couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
A moment later, the emperor made up his mind, and his eyes were clear.
"Mother is right. This competition is like a mirror. I already know what to do!"
He also wanted to see if this eagle dog he was proud of would turn its claws on its master!
If Qi Rong really had rebellious intentions, he must eliminate him before his wings were fully grown to avoid future troubles!
Not long after, the chief eunuch beside the emperor walked up to Qi Rong. He first bowed respectfully to him and then whispered a few words in Qi Rong's ear, conveying the emperor's meaning.
As expected, Qi Rong didn't show the slightest bit of surprise. He immediately nodded, indicating his agreement.
On the surface, the emperor let Qi Rong make his own choice, whether to accept the challenge or refuse. But in fact, there was no room for retreat.
Rather, it was exactly what he wanted! He had been waiting for this for a long time...
Seeing Qi Rong nod, the chief eunuch smiled amiably. He immediately stepped onto the stage and announced in a shrill voice,
"Single combat is too boring. His Highness the Prince Xian will challenge the remaining warriors of Kekeqin together! Please both sides get ready as soon as possible!"
The chief eunuch's words immediately caused an uproar in the crowd.
There was an outcry all around, and the emperor on the stage also showed a satisfied smile. He then added a rule in a loud voice,
"This competition is life or death! Neither side can hold the other accountable!"
He had great confidence in Qi Rong's martial arts. He stared directly at Qi Rong, meaning for him to kill the enemy and severely defeat the arrogance of Kekeqin!
In this way, even if Qi Rong lost in a one - against - six battle, it wouldn't be too embarrassing.
But if he won, it would surely shock Kekeqin and regain the face that had been lost before!
Either way, it would be much better than being constantly defeated by Kekeqin before.
Hearing the emperor's words, Yun Xi was shocked. She subconsciously tightened the handkerchief in her hand and stared intently at Qi Rong. Her heart instantly became filled with unease!