Chapter 56: The Emperor of Sharp Tongues

"Just look at the clothes I’m wearing—you can tell I’m ready. I’m quite satisfied with how the training ground turned out, and today is perfect for a trial with you, Bofu."

"If Your Majesty is prepared, shall we proceed to the training ground? I brought the two of you here as witnesses. What do you think?"

"That’s even better. There are so few people in this palace—just my empress and the Qiao sisters, plus you two. It makes things a bit livelier!"

"Is Your Majesty saying you want the Empress and the Qiao sisters to witness as well?"

It was Zhang Hong who spoke, and though he hadn’t said it outright, his meaning was clear: it was one thing for Liu Xie to lose face in front of him and Zhou Yu, but to embarrass himself before his own women would be far more costly—especially if it affected other matters later that night.

"It’s not really about witnesses, just about making things a bit more cheerful. The women should already be in the pavilion near the training ground. After all, they’re ladies, so it wouldn’t be proper for them to be too close. We’ll spar, and just act as though they aren’t there."

With that, Liu Xie was already rolling up his sleeves and striding out of the room.

Zhou Yu and Sun Ce exchanged glances, neither speaking, but both wearing faint, amused smiles.

Sun Ce pondered silently if Liu Xie took his imperial position a bit too seriously, thinking their relationship was strictly monarch and minister. If he truly expected a duel, surely Sun Ce would have to let him win.

But Sun Ce thought otherwise. He’d been bested in verbal sparring earlier, but now they were on his turf. How could he not teach Liu Xie a lesson?

When the four reached the training ground, they saw three figures already standing in the nearby pavilion. Though their faces were indistinct, it was clear they were three women with graceful figures.

Fu Shou and the Qiao sisters had arrived early, Fu Shou on Liu Xie’s orders, and the Qiao sisters out of curiosity.

Ever since learning that Liu Xie was indeed the Emperor of Han, Qiao Feng had been filled with worry about her situation, thinking that she and her sister, being given to Liu Xie by Sun Ce, might have been better off staying with Sun Ce.

Now, upon hearing from a maid that Sun Ce and Liu Xie were about to spar on the training ground, Qiao Feng couldn’t resist her curiosity and decided to bring her sister along, eager to see what kind of dynamic existed between the Little Overlord of Jiangdong and this emperor with a sharp tongue.

Qiao Shuang was simply there for the spectacle, but Qiao Feng was thinking more deeply. She’d analyzed the situation half the night, believing that whether Sun Ce held back during the sparring, and how much face he gave Liu Xie, would reveal Liu Xie’s current status and position in Jiangdong.

Arriving at the pavilion, they were surprised to find Fu Shou already there. After a brief conversation, they realized this mature yet alluring woman was the current Empress. Though she was Empress in name only, Fu Shou’s presence gave her an undeniable aura, especially before these two inexperienced young women. So, they obediently stood behind her.

Sun Ce stepped onto the brand-new training platform, circled it lightly, then took his place at the side and, seeing Liu Xie approach, pointed to the racks of weapons at either side, speaking first.

"I wonder which weapon Your Majesty favors. I have spent many years on the battlefield; when it comes to weapons, I propose Your Majesty select whatever suits you best, and I will choose from the remainder. How does that sound?"

Liu Xie hadn’t expected Sun Ce to be so generous toward him, considering that military men usually specialized in only a weapon or two in their lifetime.

The saying goes: ‘master of all eighteen weapons’ really translates to ‘mediocre at all eighteen.’ So Sun Ce’s proposal was a significant concession—if Liu Xie was proficient in even one weapon, he could pick it, and Sun Ce would take something less familiar, ensuring Liu Xie wouldn’t lose too badly.

Of course, if Liu Xie was all talk and had no real skill, that would be another matter.

Yet, hearing Sun Ce’s considerate words, Liu Xie stood opposite him, smiled politely, and waved his hand.

"Since I wish to spar with you, Bofu, and not fight to the death, fairness is paramount. As you mentioned, weapons are dangerous, and we are monarch and subject. We shouldn’t let this ruin our harmony. How about neither of us uses a weapon—a bare-handed match instead? Whoever is first thrown off the platform loses. What do you think?"

Both Sun Ce and Zhou Yu and Zhang Hong were stunned by Liu Xie’s apparent recklessness.

Just looking at their physiques, Liu Xie was noticeably smaller than Sun Ce, and now he wanted to wrestle him? It would have been better to use weapons and keep some distance—at least then he could spar a few rounds and avoid an embarrassing defeat.

If it came to wrestling, Sun Ce might toss Liu Xie off the platform in an instant, with his three women watching from afar. The humiliation would be immeasurable.

"Is Your Majesty truly set on this?"

"Exactly. What’s the matter, Bofu? Can’t spar without weapons?"

Sun Ce’s pride would not allow him to back down. His expression grew serious, and he nodded. "Very well, let’s do as Your Majesty proposes."

"Good!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Liu Xie took his position opposite Sun Ce and bowed deeply, showing his respect for his opponent.

This surprised Sun Ce; whatever else could be said about Liu Xie, his attitude was admirable, likely honed after years under Cao Cao.

Sun Ce returned the bow, then watched as Liu Xie suddenly leapt backward, creating some distance, and assumed a stance Sun Ce had never seen before.

A true expert reveals himself in action: with that leap, Sun Ce could tell Liu Xie’s speed was impressive, and he seemed to be a genuine practitioner.

Yet Liu Xie’s build was still small, so Sun Ce didn’t take him too seriously. With a single stride, he rushed toward Liu Xie, planning simply to grab him and toss him off the platform.