Chapter 154: Chao Chao Draws the Sword
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“I wanna draw sword,” declared Chao Chao in her sweet, determined baby voice.
Seated at the edge of the court, Marquis Zhongyong scoffed dismissively. “Ridiculous. Your Majesty, even if you are fond of Princess Sunshine, you can’t indulge her every whim,” he protested firmly.
“She’s not even two years old and can’t reach the sword’s height. This is a joke,” Consort Xiao chuckled condescendingly.
“Father, if she can draw the sword, so can I. I am your true daughter. Can she really surpass me?” Princess Yi Ning challenged, leaning against Consort Xiao, her eyes sparking with rivalry.
“Your Majesty, you can’t let her disgrace North Zhao,” Marquis Zhongyong stood, amplifying the chorus of dissent.
The court officials rose in unison: “Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable. It’s downright childish.”
[Hmph, in this world, only I can draw the Radiant Sword!] thought Chao Chao, standing hands on hips, radiating arrogance.
Madam Xu felt a pang of worry but remained silent amidst the rising tensions.
Stepping forward, the crown prince said, “Father, let Chao Chao try.”
His conviction made the king hesitate. Looking down at Chao Chao, who met his gaze with serious, large, round eyes, the king knelt down. “Chao Chao, King Daddy entrusts the fate of North Zhao to you.”
All the ministers knelt in the hall, their voices echoing concern: “Your Majesty, the treasure of North Zhao is tied to the fate of the kingdom. This cannot be treated as child’s play.”
“Your Majesty, please reconsider!”
Amidst a hall filled with kneeling officials, the Protectorate Duke stood calmly, observing. If Chao Chao could protect the fourth prince, she was certainly more capable than most believed.
Ignoring the ministers’ objections, the king announced, “For the final round, let my adopted daughter, Princess Sunshine, go up.”
The Saintess of West Yue laughed softly. “The king of North Zhao truly has courage.”
The crown prince personally carried Chao Chao down the steps.
“Brother Crown Prince, aren’t you worried?” Chao Chao asked curiously, seeing his smile.
Setting her down gently, the crown prince replied, “Cheng Xi isn’t worried. Chao Chao, you can do it.”
[In this world, only you can draw the Radiant Sword.]
Step by step, Chao Chao approached the Radiant Sword. The people of West Yue couldn’t hide their amused smiles, thinking the absurdity guaranteed their victory.
“This is nonsense. The king spoils Princess Sunshine too much. Lu Chao Chao is not even as good as Jing Yao…” Madam Pei smirked, anticipating Chao Chao’s embarrassment.
Suddenly, the ground shook violently. Tables trembled and wine cups toppled, spilling wine everywhere.
Lu Chao Chao grasped the sword hilt, and the Radiant Sword sensed her presence, shimmering with anticipation.
She placed both hands on the hilt and gently exerted force… easily drawing the blade out.
The rusty sword gleamed brilliantly as it shed its rust, revealing its pristine form.
“Look!”
“The broken sword has been drawn!”
“Heavens, she really drew the Radiant Sword!”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
The Saintess of West Yue sat up straight, her previous laziness replaced by stern alertness.
“How… how is this possible?” The Saintess’s heart raced.
The sword’s aura enveloped the room, and almost everyone was subdued by its presence. This was no rusty broken sword; it was a divine sword, glowing with golden light, majestic and unrivaled.
“It’s truly a divine sword!”
The overwhelming aura made countless people kneel.
Lu Chao Chao hugged the Radiant Sword, “Old friend, I’ve found you…”
The once domineering Radiant Sword now hummed gently like a child.
“Your Majesty, Princess Sunshine has drawn the broken sword!”
“No, no, it’s a divine sword, a divine sword!” The Protectorate Duke was overjoyed.
The fourth prince, sitting beside Consort Xian, exclaimed, “Mother, did you see? Princess Sunshine is far more amazing than we imagined.”
Consort Xian nodded joyfully. Since the fourth prince stayed in the capital, her chronic illness had remarkably improved.
“My son is blessed. We must take good care of the princess.” Consort Xian had become a staunch supporter of the princess.
“Good! Good! Well done, Sunshine!” The king clapped and laughed, his joy uncontained as he watched the previously confident West Yue envoy’s face fall.
“Sunshine is truly the heart of North Zhao, the sun of North Zhao, and my pride!” The king’s affection for Sunshine was undeniable.
Lu Yuan Ze’s eyes widened in shock. “How can Chao Chao do this? How can she draw the sword?” His astonishment was palpable, as if a despised stone had transformed into a precious gem.
Consort Xiao dug her nails into her flesh, her jealousy and hatred almost tangible.
The king descended the steps and picked up Chao Chao. “Chao Chao will be the heart of North Zhao.”
The civil and military officials all knelt: “Heart of North Zhao.”
“Heart of North Zhao.”
“Heart of North Zhao.”
The crowd chanted loudly.
As the Radiant Sword was drawn, its aura filled the air, protecting all of North Zhao.
Lu Chao Chao gripped the long sword: “In North Zhao, no evil spirits are allowed.”
From today, North Zhao would no longer be plagued by evil spirits.
The faces of the West Yue envoys turned pale, and the maids glanced anxiously at the Saintess.
They had never intended to give the broken sword to North Zhao!
They had suffered a great loss.
Moreover, the broken sword had shed its rust and become majestic and sacred, a source of deep regret. They had never imagined that someone in North Zhao could draw the broken sword!
The Saintess’s face was grim, her heart unable to calm as she barely held onto her smile.
The king felt elated. [So what if you have a divine sword? I have Chao Chao.]
“Chao Chao, the divine sword is yours,” the king declared without hesitation.
“Your Majesty, this is unacceptable. Princess Sunshine is your adopted daughter. Such a divine sword should belong to the royal family,” protested Minister Jiang, a second-rank official with significant influence, immediately garnering many supporters.
As he spoke, the Radiant Sword flew out of Lu Chao Chao’s hand, heading straight for Minister Jiang.
Minister Jiang screamed, hiding behind a pillar as the sword narrowly missed him, leaving a deep mark.
He fell to the ground, the Radiant Sword hovering menacingly.
Everyone watched in terror.
[The Radiant Sword is still as petty as ever…] Lu Chao Chao spread her small hand: “Radiant, come back.”
Reluctantly, the sword circled Minister Jiang before returning to Chao Chao’s hand, exceptionally obedient.
The Saintess of West Yue saw this and felt a pain so intense she almost wanted to vomit blood.
“Saintess, the sword is gone…” The maid was on the verge of tears.
The Radiant Sword, now revealed to possess a spirit, commanded respect and fear.
No one in the court dared oppose it any longer.