Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1400: The Wager—All Bets Placed on Mu Hanyan

Mu Chengqi appeared somewhat intimidated by Mu Renda and didn't press the issue further. He turned his head, dismissing the conversation with a low grumble, "He's only riding on the coattails of his father and grandfather. If I possessed such a fortunate background, I would surely have achieved the rank of Sword Saint already, and this Young Master position wouldn't have fallen to a woman."

Mu Renda shot him another stern look, silencing him. Nevertheless, his expression still conveyed a distinct hint of contempt towards Han Yan.

Several members of collateral branches nearby knitted their brows, while others maintained a poker face. Some even displayed expectant looks, clearly nodding in agreement with Mu Renda's sentiments.

Han Yan paid no heed to this trivial matter. Considering their family's background, reaching the Third Stage of Sword Master before the age of thirty was, undeniably, a commendable feat for Mu Chengqi, making his arrogance somewhat understandable.

However, the journey to Lu'an City promised a relentless gauntlet of battles, fraught with perils unknown. She could not bring herself to fully trust such a companion for the arduous journey ahead; finding an opportune moment to temper his arrogance became paramount.

Before long, the contingent arrived at the Imperial Palace. After their identities were duly verified, the guards of the Forbidden Army at the grand gates courteously waved them onward, personally escorting them towards the Imperial Garden.

The Imperial Garden was a vibrant spectacle, teeming with people. In addition to the younger generation from the Eight Great Families, numerous heirs from the Capital's affluent and minor noble clans had also convened.

Upon spotting Han Yan, a wave of surprise rippled through the crowd, but their gazes quickly shifted away, feigning ignorance.

Although Han Yan had once valiantly defended Anyun's honor against Yue Fanchen, becoming a celebrated icon embraced by all citizens, so much so that public adoration almost confined her indoors, the populace at large harbored no personal grudges or conflicting interests with her. This situation was starkly different from the descendants of these noble houses.

The younger scions of the other Seven Great Families harbored existing animosities towards Han Yan. The expedition to Lu'an City served not only as a unified front against a common enemy but also as a stage for inherent rivalries. Consequently, it was only natural that these noble sons offered Han Yan no warmth in their greetings. Families of lesser standing, who owed allegiance to these Seven Great Families, were even less inclined to show her any favor.

The Imperial Garden buzzed with animated conversations and cheerful laughter among the young nobles, yet in the vicinity of Han Yan and her companions, an unsettling silence prevailed, with no one deigning to acknowledge their presence.

"No wonder he's hailed as the Capital's foremost socialite; the Young Master certainly knows how to network," Mu Chengqi remarked with a sour tone upon witnessing the scene. His constant, veiled references to the 'Young Master' betrayed his deep-seated dissatisfaction with Han Yan, fueled by envy and resentment that a woman held the esteemed position of Young Master.

"Chengqi, if you persist in showing such disrespect to the Young Master, you may as well return to Nanyu City and assume your own 'Young Master' title there," Mu Renda finally interjected, unable to contain his admonishment any longer.

"Brother Renda, what is the meaning of this? Am I not also concerned about the successful and safe completion of our mission? Observe the other families, so tightly united, while our Mu Family stands isolated and unsupported. Do you comprehend the peril we face once we enter the fray, with no aid forthcoming from any side?" Mu Chengqi retorted indignantly.

Mu Renda and the others fell silent. While they could discern Mu Chengqi's envy and jealousy towards Han Yan, they could not refute the underlying truth in his words. In the heat of battle, unless one attained the formidable Sword Saint Realm, altering the course of a conflict single-handedly was virtually impossible; the efficacy of teamwork was undeniable.

Han Yan's strained relationships indeed posed a significant risk to their prospects.

"Young Master Mu, you have arrived as well." At that precise moment, a young man approached their group.

"Brother Zhang." Han Yan responded. This individual was none other than Young Master Zhang, Zhang Chihua. It would be recalled that upon Han Yan's initial arrival in the Capital, she had aided his son in recovering from a peculiar ailment, effectively dispelling the persistent rumors that young Master Zhang was born with a deficiency. From that point onward, the Zhang Family Patriarch, Zhang Moyang, had astutely forged an alliance with the Mu Family, fostering a closer bond between Han Yan and the Zhang household as a consequence.

"I had heard you ventured to Shangyue Country. I was quite concerned you might not make it back in time, but fortunately, you returned just when needed," Zhang Chihua exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

"Brother Zhang, are you also making preparations to journey to Lu'an City?" Han Yan inquired.

She was well aware of the Zhang Family's precarious standing. Within the Capital's noble circles, their influence had dwindled to the fringes, placing them on the brink of expulsion. Internal conflicts were a constant plague, with only Zhang Moyang's solitary efforts holding the family together. If Han Yan's assessment was accurate, Zhang Moyang had likely undertaken a perilous expedition deep into the Longyan Mountain. Should any misfortune befall Zhang Chihua in Lu'an City, the Zhang Family's very existence could be jeopardized.

"I am not only going, but all capable fighters among the younger generation of the Zhang Family will accompany me," Zhang Chihua declared.

"What!" Han Yan was slightly taken aback. Dispatching the younger generation from each influential family to Lu'an City implied a certain degree of holding back. Mu Ze's younger brother and some spoiled nobles, despite achieving the First Rank Sword Master or Great Swordsman level, were kept in the Capital by Mu Rui'an due to their immaturity and insufficient battle experience.

Other clans likely adopted a similar strategy, preserving some talented individuals as seeds for the family's future recovery should unfortunate events lead to heavy casualties among their young elites.

The Zhang Family, already numerically inferior and less powerful than other prominent clans, allowed Zhang Chihua to lead all able-bodied members to Lu'an City—a clear indication of a high-stakes gamble. Post the conflict for Lu'an City, the hierarchy of noble and wealthy families would undoubtedly undergo a significant reshuffling. In contrast to the cautious approach of other families, the Zhang Family's all-out commitment could pave the way for remarkable achievements in Lu'an, thereby elevating their standing within the Capital's elite circles.

However, if Lu'an City were to fall and the Zhang Family members suffer catastrophic losses, the outcome would be drastically different. While other families retained a reserve of strength to ensure future revival prospects, the Zhang Family's very foundation could be completely jeopardized in Lu'an City.

"Before Father departed for Longyan Mountain, he conferred with the family elders. It was decided that even at the peril of annihilation, our Zhang Family must render our utmost assistance to Young Master Mu in defending Lu'an City. This represents our finest chance for advancement. Father also instructed me to convey that our family's destiny now rests in Young Master Mu's hands, and we hope he will not disappoint us," Zhang Chihua explained.

It was only then that Han Yan grasped the full extent of the Zhang Family's gamble, placing their entire reliance not on Zhang Chihua and the Zhang youths, but squarely on her shoulders.

Recalling that sagacious and resolute elder, Han Yan felt a profound sense of being moved. Zhang Moyang's decision was undoubtedly aimed at securing his family's ascent, but it also signified an unreserved endorsement and unwavering trust in the Mu Family and Han Yan herself.

Furthermore, Mu Renda and the others present were quietly impressed. As the most formidable elites of the younger generation within the Branch Family, destined to become future clan leaders, they comprehended the gravity of the Zhang Family's bold move and the immense hope and faith placed in Han Yan.

Mu Chengqi's face flushed crimson. He had just lamented Han Yan's perceived lack of connections and isolation among the nobility, only for the Zhang Family to immediately pledge such wholehearted backing to her, entrusting all to her care.

Mu Chengqi felt as though he had been struck forcefully across the face, his cheeks burning with shame. To make matters worse, he was the very one who had delivered that self-inflicted blow.

"The Emperor has arrived," a dignified Inner Official announced sonorously.