Chapter - 98 Everyone Showing Off Their Abilities (2) (1/2)

”Young lady, you are…?”

”I am called Mu Nianci (Nianci: ”to remember the mother”),” she answered, casting a grateful glance towards Guo Jing before bowing her head.

Guo Jing saw that the pole of the banner was at the foot of the bed, but the banner itself, with the inscription ”Tournament to find a husband” had been torn into shreds.

”Don't you wish to see a husband?” he wondered in surprise.

”Your father's injury is quite serious,” continued Wang. ”It should be looked after properly.”

Seeing the destitution in which they lived, he understood that the father and the girl had few means, and would have probably found it very hard to find the money for the medicines. He left two ingots money from his pocket and placed them on the table.

”I will return to see you tomorrow,” he promised.

Without awaiting the thanks of Mu Yi and his daughter, he took Guo Jing by the arm and left.

At the door of the inn, the four brocade clothed servants advanced towards them and bowed:

”Our young Master awaits your honourable visit, please follow us.”

Wang Chuyi agreed.

”Master,” Guo Jing said, ”wait to me one moment.”

He turned and ran to the counter of the inn, opened the boxes of delicacies offered by Wanyan Kang, chooses four cakes, carefully wrapped them in a handkerchief and put them in a pocket. Then he followed Wang Chuyi to the residence.

On the two sides of the large door painted in bright red, flags were spread on high poles. Two lions of jade, majestic and fierce, stood guard. A flight of white jade steps carried out to the large hall. The effect was impressive. Above the large door, there was an inscription in gold letters: ”Residence of Prince Zhao”.

Guo Jing knew that Prince Zhao was the title of the Sixth Prince of the Jin Empire, Wanyan Honglie.

”So,” he said to himself, full of fear, ”this Young Prince is the son of Wanyan Honglie? He knows me, it'll be terrible if I come upon him here!”

As he hesitated, there came the sound of drums and trumpets. The Young Prince, wearing gold crown and a red tunic, a gold belt tied around his waist, descended the steps to meet them.

However, he had a black eye, and a swollen face, marks of the keen combat of a few hours ago. Guo Jing was not in better state, with a swollen eye, bruises on his lips, his face and the cheek ravaged. Both felt amused, and could not prevent themselves from smiling.

Seeing the luxurious garb of Wanyan Kang, Wang's eyebrows came together and he followed him to the large room without saying a word. Wanyan Kang requested him to sit down in the place of honor.

”It's a distinguished honour that Master Taoist and Brother Guo have agreed to come here!”

As he did not kowtow to him and did not seem to recognize his membership of the Quanzhen Sect, Wang felt anger rise within him.

”For how many years were you taught the martial arts by your Shifu?” he asked.