Ning Chen took the order, picked up the repeating crossbow and aimed it at a vermilion lacquer pillar across the hall.

Whip! Whip! Whip!!!

Bolt after bolt went out with a sound of tearing air and struck into the pillar, thunk, thunk, thunk.

There was an uproar among the officials.

It was the first time any of them had seen a crossbow that could fire one bolt after another.

As the saying goes, the outsider watches the show and the man who knows watches how it is done.

Eunuch Quan's eyes and Nie Liang's were shining.

The repeating crossbow really was a fine thing. It served for attack and it served for defense.

"Quan Sheng. Well?"

The Xuan Emperor only felt that it was very impressive, and turned his head to ask Eunuch Quan.

Eunuch Quan bowed. "Your Majesty, if every one of the inner palace guards had a repeating crossbow in his hands, not even a first-rate fighter out of the jianghu could get within half a step of Your Majesty."

The Xuan Emperor was greatly pleased.

"Ning Chen. This present is very much to this emperor's taste."

"Beloved Minister Ji. Get them made quickly."

Ji Mingchen took the order in a hurry. "Your subject obeys the command."

The Xuan Emperor beckoned. "Ning Chen. Come here."

Ning Chen came up to the dragon desk.

"Quan Sheng. Carry a chair over for him. Let him sit beside this emperor and drink with this emperor."

"Yes!"

Eunuch Quan brought a chair over.

Ning Chen sat down beside the dragon desk.

The great lords and ministers were full of envy.

To sit with His Majesty. Nobody had ever had such a distinction before.

Even the crown prince, after all, sat with the great lords and ministers.

The Xuan Emperor glanced at Quan Sheng. "Begin."

Quan Sheng came forward. "Music!"

Strings and pipes struck up.

The dancing girls came into the hall and began to dance.

These dancing girls had all been picked out with great care by the Ministry of Rites. Every one of them had a fine figure and an uncommon…