Chapter 631: Chapter 631

Fang Chuning knew that his mother was speaking out of anger. Killing Dugu Jing might sound straightforward, but the consequences ran deep. Killing a prince of the Beiman without cause would mean preparing for an endless conflict with them. Moreover, such an act would be the behavior of a petty, despicable person. Even Xie Jue, who was ruthless and unscrupulous, would never kill Dugu Jing without reason.

Xie Xun had just ascended the throne, and it was even less likely he would do something so irrational and widely condemned.

Fang Chuning said, "Mother, if Beining wants unification, Beiman must submit. This is the best opportunity—if we can defeat Dugu Jing, we can make it happen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

"Even when the late Emperor ruled, this was the Yuwen Family’s kingdom. I would never agree to you risking your life for such a purpose, much less now that it belongs to the Xie Family. I despise Yuwen Jing; if not for him, the Yuwen Dynasty would never have fallen. If the current Emperor wants unification, he should figure out a way himself. If a fight is necessary, he should climb the stage himself; it’s not your place to play the hero. Tunan, no matter what, your mother will never agree to this." Mrs. Fang was strong-willed and unwavering in her decisions. She had no intention of letting Fang Chuning gamble his life for Beining’s sake.

"I might not necessarily lose."

"How much chance do you have of winning?"

Fang Chuning was silent.

He couldn’t lie to his mother—he had no chance of winning. Against Dugu Jing, no one stood a chance. Mrs. Fang could tell from his expression that he knew he had no hope.

"If the Emperor wants unification, let him fight for it himself."

"That’s not realistic," Fang Chuning said. He couldn’t possibly expect Xie Xun to lead the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry himself; his status was different now. If Xie Xun were their commander, he would undoubtedly compete for the battle with him, just as he had competed to enter Xiyanshan to protect Xie Jue when his leg wasn’t even fully healed yet. If Fang Chuning didn’t step onto the stage, Xie Xun certainly would.

This duel—was unavoidable!

"If you go, that’s unrealistic too. Tomorrow your father is coming home; talk to him yourself."

"If he agrees, will you agree too?" Fang Chuning was ecstatic. If there’s truly a chance for unification, his father surely wouldn’t let it slip away—he would definitely agree.

"How could I forget?" Mrs. Fang patted her own head. "I was so infuriated I became muddle-headed, pinning my hopes on him. You’re my son; if I say no, it doesn’t matter who agrees—it won’t happen."

No mother in the world wishes to see her son fight in a duel destined for certain death. She also knew that if Fang Chuning realized he couldn’t defeat Dugu Jing, he would resort to dragging him down in mutual destruction.

After the duel was set, Xie Xun sent envoys to Ningzhou to notify the Beiman to send their delegation to the capital. Should anything happen to Dugu Jing during the duel, it was important to give the Beiman an explanation—they couldn’t allow Dugu Jing to fight alone in the capital without backup.

The Beiman definitely needed to know about this matter!

Fang Chuning disagreed with his mother, and the conversation couldn’t continue—it would only intensify the conflict. He decided to visit Zhang Boju and catch up; since returning to the capital, he hadn’t had a chance to spend time together.

Before leaving the house, Fang Lingjun hurriedly came running over. She too had learned that Fang Chuning planned to challenge Dugu Jing. "Brother, I don’t want you to go. Can you not fight Dugu Jing? Please?"

"Little girl, who says your brother has already lost? Why does everyone think I’m walking to my death?"

"Dugu Jing is so fierce—it terrifies me. Everyone says he’s the best in the world, unmatched in combat." Fang Lingjun held onto her brother’s sleeve tightly. "I don’t want you to take such a risk."

"In your mind, is he truly the best in the world?"

"Brother is the best in the world."

"Then that’s all that matters. Brother will surely win."

"But I don’t want to gamble."

"Without gambling, how can one achieve victory?"

"It’s all Second Young Master Xie’s fault. If it weren’t for him, how would there be such a wager? He set it—let him fight! Why do you have to?" Fang Lingjun blurted out, "It’s entirely his fault."

"Junjun, the wager was set by me—it has nothing to do with him." Fang Chuning gently stroked her head. "Don’t blame him; he didn’t do anything wrong."

"You’re so close with him, of course you’re defending him." Fang Lingjun protested, "He’s a prince. If Beining unifies, he’ll do whatever it takes—even sacrificing others—but you wouldn’t."

"That’s not true," Fang Chuning said with a soft laugh, giving up on trying to argue further. Smiling faintly, he added, "Ting Feng knew this kind of wager would cost me my life; he wouldn’t make such a bet with Dugu Jing."

Fang Lingjun was only half convinced but didn’t dwell on it further. All she hoped for was that Fang Chuning could promise her he wouldn’t step into the ring. But Fang Chuning would never make such a promise.

Zhang Boju had just returned home from court when Fang Chuning arrived looking for him. He was in his study drafting detailed clauses for the peace agreement with Sannan. Upon hearing that Fang Chuning had arrived, he happily invited him to the pavilion in the garden.

In the pavilion, Fang Chuning sipped his wine, watching Zhang Boju hurry over. He couldn’t help but chuckle, "Busy man—making me wait a quarter-hour in the garden."

"Since childhood, how many times have I waited for you? You only waited once—don’t complain now." Zhang Boju laughed as he ran over. "What brings you here? Weren’t you spending time at home with family recently?"

"Don’t even mention it. Just come drink with me!"

"Now this is rare—you didn’t ask Xie Jue to drink with you?" Zhang Boju said cheerfully, "You actually came to find me. Did you two have a fight?" Google seaʀᴄh novel·fıre·net