Mu Chengqi was evidently somewhat afraid of Mu Renda and didn’t say much more. He turned his head away dismissively and muttered in a low voice, "He just benefits from his father’s and grandfather’s influence. If I had such a good background, I might have already been promoted to Sword Saint, and the position of Young Master wouldn’t have gone to a woman."

Mu Renda glared at him again, making him shut up. However, his demeanor still showed a bit of disdain towards Han Yan.

Several Branch Family Members nearby furrowed their brows, while others remained indifferent, some even showed expressions of anticipation, evidently agreeing somewhat with Mu Renda’s words.

Han Yan didn’t care about this trifling issue. Given the Branch Family’s background, reaching Third Stage Sword Master by the age of thirty was indeed something for Mu Chengqi to be proud of, and his arrogance was understandable.

However, going to Lu’an City would inevitably be a grueling series of battles, with unknown dangers ahead. She dared not entrust her back to such a companion; she needed to find an opportunity to curb his arrogance.

In no time, the group arrived at the Imperial Palace. After verifying their identities, the Forbidden Army Guards at the gates waved them through, personally escorting them to the Imperial Garden.

The Imperial Garden was a sea of people. Besides the younger generation of the Eight Great Families, other heirs from the Capital’s wealthy and smaller noble families had also arrived.

Seeing Han Yan, everyone displayed surprise, but soon turned their heads away, pretending not to see her.

Although Han Yan had once valiantly defended Anyun’s dignity against Yue Fanchen, becoming a symbol admired by all citizens, even to the point where she was too overwhelmed by public enthusiasm to step outside, the common people after all had no personal grievances or interests at odds with her. This was different from these noble family descendants.

The younger generation of the other Seven Great Families already had some grudges with Han Yan. This trip to Lu’an City was both a joint effort to resist the enemy and also a rivalry, so it was only natural that these sons of noble families did not greet Han Yan with any warmth. Other wealthy families, depending on these Seven Great Families, were even less likely to welcome her.

The Imperial Garden was bustling with conversation and laughter among the young nobles, but around Han Yan and her companions, there was a chilly silence, with no one paying them any attention.

"No wonder the Capital’s number one playboy; the Young Master indeed has good relations." Seeing this scene, Mu Chengqi said sourly. His remarks, constant references to the Young Master, revealed his dissatisfaction with Han Yan, envious and resentful that as a young woman, she could become the Young Master.

"Chengqi, if you continue to be disrespectful towards the Young Master, you can return to Nanyu City and be your Young Master there." Mu Renda couldn’t hold back anymore and rebuked him heavily.

"Brother Renda, what do you mean by this? Am I not also concerned about the success and safety of our mission? Just look at the other families, tightly-knit, while our Mu Family stands isolated and without support. Do you know how dangerous that will be once we enter the battlefield, with no help on either side?" Mu Chengqi said indignantly.

Mu Renda and the others remained silent. Although they could see Mu Chengqi’s envy and jealousy towards Han Yan, they couldn’t deny the truth in his words. In battle, unless one reached the Sword Saint Realm, it was almost impossible to sway the tide alone; teamwork was vital.

Han Yan’s poor rapport was indeed dangerous for them.

"Young Master Mu, you’ve come as well." At that moment, a young man approached.

"Brother Zhang." Han Yan called out. This young man was Young Master Zhang, Zhang Chihua. When Han Yan first arrived in the Capital, she helped his son recover from a hidden ailment, dispelling the rumors that the young son of the Zhang Family was a born loser. Thereafter, the Zhang Family Patriarch, Zhang Moyang, wisely allied with the Mu Family, and Han Yan grew closer to them as a result.

"I heard you went to Shangyue Country. I was worried you wouldn’t make it back, but luckily, you returned just in time." Zhang Chihua said with a hearty laugh.

"Brother Zhang, are you also preparing to go to Lu’an City?" Han Yan inquired.

She was aware of the Zhang Family’s situation. Their strength, within the noble families of the Capital, was already at the bottom and was nearly expelled. Internal strife was constant, only held together by Zhang Moyang alone. If Han Yan guessed correctly, Zhang Moyang had likely gone deep into the Longyan Mountain. If anything happened to Zhang Chihua in Lu’an City, the Zhang Family might be doomed.

"Not only am I going, but any capable of battle among the Zhang Family’s younger generation will accompany me." Zhang Chihua declared.

"What!" Han Yan was slightly startled. Sending the younger generation of each family to Lu’an City meant they all held back to some extent. Mu Ze’s younger brother and some playboys, despite reaching First Rank Sword Master or Great Swordsman level, were left in the Capital by Mu Rui’an due to their youth and lack of combat experience.

Other families likely did the same, leaving some talent as seeds for the future recovery of their family should anything unfortunate occur and the young elite suffered casualties.

The Zhang Family, already thin in numbers and not as strong as the other families, let Zhang Chihua take all able-bodied Zhang Family members to Lu’an City—a clear high-stakes gamble. After the battle for Lu’an City, the ranks of the noble families and other wealthy families would undoubtedly shift significantly. Compared to other cautious families, the Zhang Family’s all-out approach could mean prominent achievements in Lu’an, greatly enhancing their status in the Capital’s ranks.

But if Lu’an City fell and Zhang Family members suffered heavy losses, it would be a different matter. Other families kept a degree of power to ensure future revival chances, whereas the Zhang Family’s roots could be entirely jeopardized in Lu’an City.

"Before Father went to the Longyan Mountain, he discussed with the family elders that even at the risk of annihilation, our Zhang Family must fully assist the Young Master Mu in defending Lu’an City. This is our best opportunity to rise. Father also wanted me to convey that our family’s fate now lies in Young Master Mu’s hands, hoping not to be disappointed." Zhang Chihua explained.

Only then did Han Yan realize that the Zhang Family was indeed gambling everything, placing their entire bet not on Zhang Chihua and the Zhang young, but on her.

Recalling that wise and resolute old man, Han Yan felt deeply touched. Zhang Moyang’s decision was certainly for his family’s rise, but it was also unreserved support and trust in the Mu Family and Han Yan herself.

Besides, Mu Renda and others were quietly moved. As the strongest elite of the younger generation in the Branch Family, they were inevitably going to become future family heads, understanding both the significance of the Zhang Family’s move and their high hopes and trust in Han Yan.

Mu Chengqi’s face turned red. He just complained about Han Yan’s poor rapport and isolation among the nobles, yet the Zhang Family promptly offered such wholehearted support to Han Yan, entrusting everything to her. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Mu Chengqi felt as if he had been slapped hard across the face, his face burning with shame. Worse still, he had been the one to deliver that blow himself.

"The Emperor has arrived." An Inner Official announced loudly.