Chapter - 436 The Brides Pale Arms Parts the Red Clothing (11) (2/2)

Although she was speaking in a low voice, it was loud enough so that Zhou Zhiruo, as well as those who stood nearby, such as Song Yuanqiao, Yu Lianzhou, Yin Liting, and the eight Emei female disciples, could heard her clearly. Everybody's face was changed. The eight Emei disciples silently curled their fists inside their long sleeves; as soon as Zhao Min said anything else to disgrace the Emei Pai Sect Leader, they would make her suffer.

Zhang Wuji shook his head. ”I can't do it,” he said.

”So you decide not to honor your own word?” Zhao Min asked.

Zhang Wuji replied, ”We have stated explicitly that it cannot violate the 'xia yi' [code of brotherhood/chivalry]. Miss Zhou and I are engaged; if I do what you said, I will violate this 'xia yi'.”

With a cold laugh Zhao Min said, ”If you marry her today, then you are unfilial and doing an injustice. Didn't you see how your Yifu fell into others' wicked plot during the 'Tour of the Imperial City' at Dadu?”

Zhang Wuji felt anger rising in his breast. ”Miss Zhao,” he said in a loud voice, ”Today I respect you as my guest, therefore, I yield to you 30%. If you keep talking rubbish, don't blame me for offending you.”

Zhao Min was unfazed. ”So you have decided not to comply with my second request?” she asked.

Zhang Wuji remembered that with the honor she had as a princess, she did not hesitate to show her face in public [this is a literal translation of 'pao1 tou2 lou4 mian4', but I am sure the readers will understand what Jin Yong was saying], and ask him earnestly in the presence of all these heroes and warriors not get married. It must be because of her feelings toward him. He could not restrain his heart from softening. ”Miss Zhao,” he said gently, ”Since we have come to this, I am asking you … I am asking you to understand. I, Zhang Wuji, am an uncouth villager; I am not worthy … not worthy …”

”All right,” Zhao Min said, ”Why don't you look; what is this?” Extending her right arm, she held out her hand in front of Zhang Wuji's face.

As Zhang Wuji saw it, he was so shocked that his body shivered. ”This … this is my …” he said in a shaky voice.

Zhao Min quickly withdrew her hand and put that thing back into her pocket. ”It's up to you whether you want to comply with my second request or not,” she said, and then turned straight toward the main gate.

Nobody knew what kind of object she showed to Zhang Wuji, which made him looked so frightened and at a loss. Zhou Zhiruo's eyes were covered by the red veil, so although she heard the exchange between Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min, she was not able to see what it was.

”Miss … Miss Zhao,” Zhang Wuji anxiously called, ”Please don't go.”

”If you want to follow me, you must not bow to the Heaven and the Earth with your new bride too quickly,” Zhao Min said, ”A real man without a strong determination will suffer a lifelong regret.” She was speaking in a loud and clear voice, but her steps were not hindered at all; quickly she had walked pass the main gate.

”Miss Zhao, please wait! We need to discuss it further,” Zhang Wuji called out.

Instead of slowing down, she picked up her speed and called back, ”All right, as long as you do not get married today,” Zhao Min halted her steps, ”Then you can come with me.”

Zhang Wuji turned his head around and looked at Zhou Zhiruo; his heart full of regret and guilt. He wanted to say something to her, but Zhao Min had already out of his sight. The matter on hand was very urgent, he must take the bull by the horn. Thereupon he gritted his teeth and pursued after Zhao Min.