Chapter 196 Outside the City Gate, the Grand Prince

When Fan Jian heard what Fei Jie said, he pretended not to care.

He raised his chin slightly, stroked his beard gently, and said in a calm tone: "Humph, it's just two boys going out for some experience, it's not a big deal."

However, there was a barely perceptible flash of concern in his eyes.

Isn't Fan Jian also worried about Fan Xian and Fan Sizhe?
But as the head of the family, he cannot easily express his emotions.

The wind blew gently, and Fan Jian's robe fluttered slightly.

He stood there, seemingly calm and composed, but in fact he was looking forward to the return of his two sons.

He knew that they would inevitably experience many hardships and dangers outside, but he also believed that they had enough ability to cope with it.

Upon hearing this, Fei Jie said unhappily, "Just keep talking tough! Who knows how worried you are in your heart."

After saying this, Fei Jie's voice gradually dissipated into the air.

The wind was still blowing gently, and the quietness of the Fan Mansion seemed to have deepened.

Fei Jie's words seemed to still echo in the air, causing ripples in Fan Jian's heart.

He frowned slightly, but did not refute Fei Jie's words.

Fan Jian knew that what Fei Jie said was true.

He was indeed worried about Fan Xian and Fan Sizhe, but he just didn't want to admit it easily.

Beneath this seemingly calm appearance, his heart is also full of concern and expectation.

The sunshine shone on Fan Jian, but it could not dispel the worry in his heart.

He stood there, lost in thought, wondering how much hardships his two sons had experienced outside.

Two days later, the delegation returned to Beijing in a grand manner.

However, by a coincidence of fate, they happened to run into the troop of the eldest prince of Northern Qi.

For a moment, the atmosphere on the street became tense.

Xin Qiwu from the Honglu Temple hurried forward to negotiate with Fan Xian.

Fan Xian deliberately evaded the question with a sly smile on his face. He raised his chin slightly, with a hint of pride in his eyes.

Fan Xian said slowly, "Master Xin, this is not an easy matter to handle."

Xin Qiwu looked anxious and tried to persuade Fan Xian, but Fan Xian remained unmoved and instead revealed his identity as the eldest princess.

There was a hint of intimidation in Fan Xian's words: "Lord Xin, you know that the eldest princess is of noble status. In this situation, what do you think we should do?"

Xin Qiwu's face changed slightly. He knew very well the importance of the eldest princess.

Under Fan Xian's pressure, he had to report the situation truthfully and think about how to solve it.

Fan Xian looked at Xin Qiwu's embarrassment and laughed inwardly. He continued to put pressure on the eldest prince, asking him to give way.

Fan Xian's tone was firm and unquestionable: "Lord Xin, the only way to avoid unnecessary trouble is to let the eldest prince give way. Go and discuss this with the eldest prince as soon as possible."

The wind blew gently, and the atmosphere on the street became increasingly tense.

Fan Xian stood there, waiting for Xin Qiwu's response.

Su Wenyi looked at Fan Xian's aggressive look, frowned slightly, and advised: "Fan Xian, don't be too arrogant when you meet the eldest prince.

The eldest prince is a rare good man among the princes.

He is also a warrior, so he is the most likely person to support you."

There was a hint of worry in Su Wenyi's eyes. He knew Fan Xian's character very well and was afraid that he would act on impulse and cause unnecessary trouble.

Su Wenyi continued, “The eldest prince is upright, generous and kind.

If we can treat each other with courtesy during this encounter, perhaps we can avoid many unnecessary conflicts.”

Fan Xian was silent after hearing Su Wenyi's words. Although he had his own plans in mind, he had to admit that Su Wenyi's words made sense.

"I see."

Fan Xian finally responded. Although there was still a hint of stubbornness in his tone, he also restrained some of his arrogance.

Su Wenyi looked at Fan Xian and felt a little relieved.

Su Wenyi's thoughts were churning.

The reason why he persuaded Fan Xian not to fight with the eldest prince was actually due to a deeper consideration, which was for the sake of the army.

In Su Wenyi's opinion, the eldest prince holds a very important position in the army.

If Fan Xian had a conflict with the eldest prince, it would likely affect the stability of the army.

Under the current situation, the stability of the army is crucial to the safety of the country.

He knew very well that once there was turmoil in the army, various forces would take advantage of the opportunity to rise up.

By then, the whole country will be plunged into chaos.

Su Wenyi didn't want to see this situation happen, so he tried his best to persuade Fan Xian to remain restrained.

Su Wenyi narrowed his eyes slightly, silently thinking about his next move in his mind.

After listening to this, Fan Xian nodded in agreement, then he dismounted from his horse, walked steadily to the front of the eldest prince, and bowed slightly.

His face showed just the right amount of respect, but his eyes revealed a barely perceptible stubbornness.

The eldest prince looked at Fan Xian's attitude and couldn't help feeling dissatisfied.

He felt that the other party was too unruly and needed to be taught a lesson in order to maintain his own dignity.

"Fan Xian, I know you. I heard that you are a man of both civil and military talents?"

The eldest prince's voice was low and powerful, with a distinct sense of oppression.

Fan Xian showed no sign of weakness. He straightened his back and looked directly into the eyes of the eldest prince. "Your Highness, I am too kind. I am only a civil servant.

If I have offended you, please forgive me, Your Highness."

The atmosphere between the two of them suddenly became tense, as if it was about to explode.

At this moment, the Princess of Northern Qi unexpectedly stood up and supported Fan Xian.

The Northern Qi princess' voice was clear and pleasant, but it carried an unquestionable force as she spoke: "My lord, Fan Xian's mission to Northern Qi has made a huge contribution to the peace between the two countries. Why are you making things difficult for him?"

When the eldest prince saw that the Princess of Northern Qi actually spoke up for Fan Xian, his curiosity grew even stronger.

He really couldn't figure out what charm Fan Xian had that could make the Princess of Northern Qi stand on his side.

However, as a general, the eldest prince would naturally not show weakness in front of his soldiers.

His eyes became more determined, and he said firmly: "I must enter the city gate first today."

His words were full of majesty, as if they could not be questioned.

The eldest prince knew that his decision not only concerned his personal dignity, but also the morale of the army.

At this critical moment, he cannot give in at all.

Fan Xian narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the eldest prince's determined look, and was quickly thinking of a countermeasure in his mind.

At this time, Su Wenyi took a step forward and said calmly: "Make way, we want to go in first."

His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable power.

The eldest prince was shocked when he heard this. Although he had heard of Su Wenyi before, he had never really seen Su Wenyi's strength.

Now Su Wenyi’s tough attitude forced him to re-examine this character.

(End of this chapter)