Jun Zhenxian was waiting for his 'grandson' to come out. When he saw Jun Hua, his face lit up. He rarely went in the front line, so Jun Hua's face was also a big surprise for him. Seeing the face that looked similar to his own son, he was pleasantly surprised.
"Grandpa, don't tell me that my face shocked you so much?" Jun Hua wore a helpless expression.
Jun Zhenxian laughed, not embarrassed at all about his stunned face that he showed, "You looks so much like Qing'er* when he was young."
"Well, I am your granddaughter."
"Yes, you're right. Come on, I have already prepared the carriage." He gestured towards the waiting carriage.
"Yes Grandpa."
- Inside the palace -
There were already four people waiting, two pairs of old and young men. Two of them were Nanglong Souka and Nanglong Soujin. The other pair was Lan Teng and Lan Ping. Among the big families in the capital, only the three of them have high achievement in military: the Nanglong family, Lan family, and the one that had yet to arrive, Jun family.
The Jun and the Lan family were both completely focused on military affairs which would make them fall once their military was suppressed. This was what happened to Jun family fifteen years ago and they already had nearly fallen completely if not for some genius left behind.
"Those Jun family sure takes their time," Lan Teng said condescendingly. They have never once had good relations with the Jun family. They were always at each other's throats and competed with no holds barred. The Jun family's fall was something he had dearly hoped for so long, but hadn't yet to happen.
"Their location is the farthest," Nanglong Souka retorted calmly, "Besides, it is still not the appointed time yet."
Lan Teng threw murderous gaze at Nanglong Souka, but said nothing more. The Nanglong family had influence both in military and government. Not only that, Nanglong Souka himself was a prime minister who was still in his prime age. There were two prime ministers in the Ming Kingdom: Prime Minister of Left was Lin Tang and the other, Prime Minister of Right was Nanglong Souka.
They were the four biggest families in the kingdom and soon, there would only be three, since the Jun family had long lost its qualification. The four families were always at each other's end. They would banter, at times would have some friendly relations, but never too close.
Lan Ping threw a hostile gaze at Nanglong Soujin, "Since our old men are arguing, what about you? Do you want to join in?"
"Not interested."
"Why?"
"You're not worthy," Soujin replied indifferently.
Lan Ping suddenly had the urge to strangle the man in front of him. He once heard about him and knew about his achievements. Compared to him, Nanglong Soujin was far more astounding and powerful. So although unwilling, Lan Ping could only choose to restrain himself.
Nanglong Soujin indeed didn't put Lan Ping in his eyes. For him, only someone as accomplished as Jun Min could make him look at that person. The others were only decoration that did not hold much importance.
He was getting bored when the eunuch suddenly announced the arrival of Jun family. Once again there were just two people headed inside. However, this time it was a boy who came, not a girl, with the old man Jun Zhenxian.
The four pairs of eyes strained deeply onto the boy. Jun Min was indeed a celebrated name especially in the places he was leading. However, the boy had never shown up in the capital prior to this day. They too only had known about it from the spies they placed on the border so they were particularly curious about him. How could a fourteen year old boy become a general?
With just one look and they were already baffled. The boy's stature was very slim, just like a girl. His refined clothes and his peaceful aura would make people mistake him for an average young boy. Among the four of them, only Nanglong Soujin sensed something amiss. The impression that Jun Min gave him was like a sleeping lion, a beast in a human skin.
Nanglong Soujin lips perked up. He felt like this challenge was going to be interesting.
"Hahaha, have you all waited for long?" Jun Zhenxian laughed. Instead of apologizing, this old man chose to make fun of his old friends.
Lan Teng's brows creased up. He never liked this old man who could not seem to read the situation and would possibly create troubles. Nanglong Souka shook his head helplessly. His old pal had never changed; he was always the same playful and shameless old man.
"So, this is Jun Min?" Nanglong Souka shifted his gaze towards the boy. Jun Hua raised her head and her calm eyes met with those of the old man.
"My name is Jun Min, it is a pleasure to meet you all."
Jun Min's voice sounded a bit childish. Boys normally mature later, but usually at 14 years old, their voices would have already started to change. Jun Hua had not yet perfected Jun Min's voice as it would sound strange. She could only use her real voice and lower it down to sound different. In any case, it was unlikely she would meet them as a girl.
Lan Ping stared at Jun Min with hate. This boy was clearly only a kid, how could he become so famous within such short time?
Jun Hua turned her head and met the two young generals' stares. She had long heard about them, even before she stepped into the battlefield. However, seeing them now made her more certain that they were truly powerful. Her gaze remained calm as she stared back at them.
"Little boy, do you have confidence to finish this challenge?" Lan Ping started to provoke her.
Jun Hua didn't have any idea about what kind of test the emperor had prepared. However, no matter what that person would throw at him, she was ready to accept it.
"Yes, I have," she replied.
Lan Ping truly hated the way Jun Min kept his calm demeanor. He was about to provoke her again when the eunuch announced the emperor's arrival.
"The emperor has arrived!"