“Friend? Kid, what are you? Do you really think you’re worthy of befriending my lady? Even the Four Young Lords of Guandong would have to hold their breath and keep silent in front of my lady!” The man behind, still pressing his sword tip against Brian Carter’s back, gave a cold snort and interjected with extreme disdain.

The chill of the sword behind him seeped through the wound on his shoulder blade, straight into Brian Carter’s heart. The bone-deep contempt from the other party made Brian Carter, who came from the 21st century, feel an indescribable irritation. He wished he could turn around and give this guy behind him a good beating, so he could open his dog eyes and see clearly that he was a transmigrator from another world who knew everything.

“If the lady only judges people by their family status and attire, then Mr. Carter has nothing more to say.” Brian Carter felt a chill in his heart. The Four Young Lords of Guandong were outstanding young talents from the most prestigious families in the Central Plains, yet even they would hold their breath in front of this woman. Wouldn’t that make her status incomparably noble? But in these times, whose status could be so exalted? Her identity seemed almost obvious now. “No wonder the Li family has declined for decades. Even their servants are so short-sighted, yet they still hope to restore their ancestors’ glory. What a joke!”

“Huh?!” Both the young lady and the man surnamed Yuchi were startled, and even the warrior surnamed Xue was so surprised he forgot about Brian Carter’s earlier insult and mockery. “You know us?”

“Imperial bloodline, the Li family of Guanzhong, isn’t it?”

“Kid, you’ve got a sharp nose, but just that alone isn’t enough to clear you of the crime of trespassing in Her Highness the Princess’s private quarters.” The Yuchi man exchanged a look of surprise with the young lady, then looked Brian Carter up and down with interest. “Kid, tell me your real identity, and let’s see if I can find a reason to spare you.”

“Just a nobody, not worth mentioning. But if Lord Yuchi is going to be like this, I think I’d better not mention my name or identity.”

Brian Carter secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed he had successfully piqued their interest. These people treated human life like grass; if they really wanted to kill him without asking questions, he wouldn’t even have a chance to cry out his grievance. And these people were hard-hearted; begging for mercy would never save him. Now, the only way to save himself was to make them interested, to make them feel he was worth keeping alive.

“Kid, you’re really stubborn, aren’t you? Fine, I’ll give you a chance. Let’s see if you can convince me to spare your life.” The long-browed man finally laughed heartily. What a handsome man—though over forty, his heroic and mature bearing was something even Brian Carter envied a little.

“Lord Yuchi, why must you take my life?”

Chapter 7: The Li Family of Guanzhong

“It’s simple. First, you entered Her Highness the Princess’s private chambers. For the sake of her reputation, killing you is the best option. Second, since you’ve guessed our identities, you should know we have a purpose for appearing here and traveling by boat at night. To prevent any leaks, killing you is the safest way.” The long-browed man, David Bennett, smiled slightly and spoke calmly.

Brian Carter braced himself. His life was at stake. Although he guessed that the other party might not be as indifferent to his life as before, he had made the habitual mistake of showing off and had revealed their true identities, which now brought new variables.

The Li family of Guanzhong was now recognized as the foremost noble family in all of China. Although the Tang Empire had perished decades ago in the Huang Chao Rebellion, in terms of prestige and status, the bloodline passed down from Emperor Taizong still held extraordinary influence, whether among the warlords of the Central Plains or the aristocratic families of the South.

And in terms of strength, although the Li family of Guanzhong could not match their fierce neighbors—the Zhu family of Henan or the Li family of Jin from the Shatuo clan—they still ranked among the top families. Especially since they held the legitimate Tang imperial title, their influence was far beyond that of ordinary noble families.

The Liu family of Nanyang and the Xiao family of Xiangyang were both renowned noble families of Jingchu, with considerable power. However, their relationship was complicated. Once close friends, they had become bitter enemies in recent years due to personal grudges, leading to constant friction and even armed conflict.

Now, with important members of the Li family of Guanzhong suddenly appearing between Nanyang and Xiangyang, if this news got out, it would undoubtedly spark endless speculation among those with ulterior motives, and could even cause great turmoil.

“If I truly am friends with Her Highness the Princess, I believe talking late into the night by candlelight is not improper. As for the second reason—does Lord Yuchi really think you can travel between Nanyang and Xiangyang without attracting attention? Then how do you explain tonight’s assassination attempt?” Brian Carter gathered his thoughts and countered.

“You mean tonight’s assassination was aimed at Her Highness the Princess? Then tell me, who wanted to assassinate her? Why couldn’t it have been because of you?” David Bennett’s expression didn’t change.

“Lord Yuchi, if I can help you analyze the reasons behind it, does that qualify me to be Her Highness the Princess’s friend, or at least spare me from punishment?” Brian Carter replied with a sly smile.

David Bennett laughed. This guy was truly interesting. He nodded and said, “Agreed.”

Brian Carter pretended to glance around the cabin. David Bennett understood and waved his hand. Several armored guards left as ordered, leaving only a square-faced man in a gray robe behind.

“Is this good enough now?”