Chapter 35: Tang Qiong, Kneel and Acknowledge Your Master!

"Did I hear that right? This brat actually demanded General Qiong kneel before him!"

"You heard it correctly. That’s exactly what he said. I get it now—he’s not just arrogant, he must be insane. Only a madman would dare to utter such words!"

"To make a famed female general kneel for him? What gives him the right? He really must be crazy!"

"This kid is doomed today! The Tang family has given him several chances—he only needed to apologize and admit his fault, and no one would trouble him. But instead, not only does he refuse to apologize, he keeps putting on airs!"

"Exactly! This Ye fellow is acting way too much, even demanding General Qiong kneel? I want to kill him myself!"

...

The voices of the guests grew louder.

Many were filled with indignation, eager to step forward and teach Ye Tianci a lesson on behalf of Tang Qiong.

The entire banquet hall was in uproar.

Tang Qiong raised her hand, and instantly all the guests fell silent, watching her with anticipation, eager to see how she would deal with Ye Tianci.

Tang Qiong sized up Ye Tianci, her voice cold: "You want me to kneel before you?"

"Kneeling to me, Ye Tianci—does that make you feel wronged?"

Ye Tianci’s demeanor and tone mirrored Tang Qiong’s own just moments earlier.

Tang Qiong’s brows knitted, her eyes flashing with murderous intent: "Do you even realize what you’re saying?"

"You’re provoking a female general!"

"And this female general has the privilege of acting first and reporting later. Do you know what that means?"

Tang Yunhao stepped forward, a slight smile at his lips: "Kid, you had your chances to leave, but you insist on courting death, provoking General Qiong."

"She has special privileges. No matter what she does to you, she’ll be in the clear!"

Chen Kai’s eyes glimmered green as he knelt and kowtowed to Tang Qiong: "General Qiong, this Ye brat keeps challenging your family and ruining your apprenticeship banquet. You mustn’t let him off easily!"

Chen Bolin rebuked, "Akai, there’s no need for your meddling!"

"This man is disrupting General Qiong’s apprenticeship banquet, threatening President Tang, disrespecting the Tang family. General Qiong will surely deal with him!"

On the surface, he scolded his son, but in truth he was goading Tang Qiong, adding pressure.

Seeing Tang Qiong’s face darken like stormy waters, Lin Changli, terrified, rushed out from behind her and knelt: "General Qiong, Ye Tianci is my son-in-law. He’s young and ignorant—please spare his life! I’ll take him away at once!"

Lin Qingqian looked panicked too; Tang Qiong’s status was simply too intimidating. She was about to step out and apologize on Ye Tianci’s behalf, when the famed physician Xue Huaishu hurried from the crowd.

Xue Huaishu bowed respectfully to Tang Qiong and Tang Yunhao: "General Qiong, President Tang, this Mr. Ye is a remarkable doctor, and I share some acquaintance with him."

"I hope you two will grant me, Xue Huaishu, a bit of face, and spare him this time."

He anxiously waved to Ye Tianci: "Mr. Ye, hurry and apologize—admit your mistake."

At this moment, Liang Xianrong, head of the Liang family, could no longer stand by and stepped forward: "General Qiong, President Tang, I, Liang Xianrong, head of the Liang family, also plead for Master Ye."

---

"After all, today is General Qiong’s apprenticeship banquet. Bloodshed would be inauspicious. I beg you both to be magnanimous and let Master Ye off."

He too anxiously urged Ye Tianci to apologize.

The guests were surprised—who would have expected someone to plead for Ye Tianci?

Moreover, the ones pleading were Physician Xue Huaishu and Liang Xianrong, head of one of the four great families of Shu City—both prominent figures!

Despite their urging, Ye Tianci remained unmoved, his voice even calmer: "I am not at fault. Why should I admit it?"

"You need not speak for me. Step aside."

"Damn, he’s not even giving Physician Xue and Master Liang any face!"

"There’s no hope for this guy!"

"Just watch—he’s determined to put up a front, even if it kills him!"

Ye Tianci’s response made the guests even angrier.

Xue Huaishu and Liang Xianrong shook their heads, sighing as they stepped back, their goodwill toward Ye Tianci greatly diminished, disappointment weighing on their hearts.

Tang Yunhao sneered: "Physician Xue, Master Liang, it’s not that the Tang family refuses your request. As you can see, this Ye brat is far too arrogant. The Tang family has no choice but to act decisively!"

He looked to Tang Qiong, whose face grew darker as she stepped forward.

"I don’t take you for a madman. With such bravado, what are you relying on?"

She pointed to the apprenticeship platform nearby: "Today is my apprenticeship banquet. My master will arrive soon, and I do not wish for any more trouble."

"I’ll give you one last chance. If you’re willing to bow your head and apologize, I’ll let bygones be bygones."

On the platform rested a huanghuali wood chair, waiting for its master.

Ye Tianci blinked, gazing calmly at Tang Qiong: "You wish to know what I rely on?"

Tang Qiong nodded coldly.

Ye Tianci’s lips curved into a faint smile as he strode toward the platform.

"What is he doing?"

"Who knows? Is he planning to step onto the platform?"

"Is he insane? That’s General Qiong’s apprenticeship platform—the seat reserved for her master! How dare a cripple step up?"

"Damn, maybe he really is mad!"

...

Amidst the astonished murmurs, Ye Tianci actually ascended Tang Qiong’s apprenticeship platform, placing his hand upon the grand chair.

Tang Qiong’s eyes narrowed, murderous intent surging in her beautiful gaze, her voice icy: "That is my master’s seat. If you dare sit, I’ll make sure you die!"

Ye Tianci’s lips curled into a subtle smile as he slowly lowered himself.

---

"Tianci, don’t sit!" Lin Changli cried out.

"Ye Tianci, don’t sit!" Lin Qingqian’s face changed.

"Mr. Ye, you mustn’t sit!" Xue Huaishu exclaimed.

"Master Ye, you mustn’t sit!" Liang Xianrong called anxiously.

Amid their cries, under the astonished gazes of all the guests, Ye Tianci calmly sat upon the grand chair.

He rested his hand on the armrest, waved with serene composure: "Tang Qiong, kneel and become my disciple."

A collective gasp!

Every face in the room changed dramatically!

All mouths gaped wide enough to swallow an egg whole!

The vast banquet hall plunged into dead silence, so quiet a pin drop could be heard!

Everyone stared at Ye Tianci with incredulous eyes.

"He wants Tang Qiong to kneel and become his disciple? Damn, is he courting death?"

"Where did this lunatic come from—demanding General Qiong become his disciple?"

"A cripple, daring to utter such madness?"

"I can barely hold back—really want to wake him up with a splash!"

...

After the brief silence, a clamorous uproar erupted.

Many guests seethed with rage, not to mention the Tang family.

Tang Yunhao erupted: "Ye Tianci, you’re asking for death!"

"Niece Qiong, don’t tolerate him any longer. Strike and lay him flat! If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility!"

Tang Qiong, unable to bear it anymore, strode toward Ye Tianci, ready to act.

"Stop!"

An aged, dignified voice rang out.

The Tang family patriarch, Tang Zhenguo, strode into the banquet hall with his retinue!