Hua Linglong admired Ning Chen a great deal. And not just her—the heroes of the jianghu all held him in high esteem.

Ning Chen's prestige wasn't limited to the army, the common people and the court... It actually ran high in the jianghu too.

Seeing how sincere Ning Chen was, Hua Linglong didn't want to snub him.

She thought for a moment. "Since my lord prince speaks so highly of him, let him help me hand out porridge these next few days, and this commoner woman will see whether he's everything my lord prince says he is."

That was what she said. What she actually meant to do was keep Xie Siyu around for a few days, then send him packing on some excuse or other... That way she wouldn't snub Ning Chen, and she'd be rid of the guy for good.

She shot Xie Siyu a sidelong glance. As if I need you to protect me.

Hua Linglong's own skills were very good. In the jianghu she counted as a second-tier master... She could easily deal with the ordinary thugs who came to make trouble.

Ning Chen looked at Xie Siyu and smiled. "Brother Xie, show her what you've got."

Xie Siyu gave a cool nod.

Ning Chen shook his head helplessly, then changed the subject and called out, "Come on, let's all drink to Heroine Hua and thank her for her warm hospitality!"

"Heroine Hua, to you!"

Pan Yucheng and the others rose to their feet.

Hua Linglong didn't put on airs. She raised her cup. "All of you are heroes who defend the country and its homes. This commoner woman sitting at one table with you all—it's this commoner woman's honor... To you!"

Everyone clinked cups across the table and drained them.

Ning Chen smiled. "Heroine Hua, the food's about to get cold. Can we pick up our chopsticks now?"

"My lord prince, please!"

Ning Chen turned to the others. "Everyone, dig in."

Soldiers and men of the jianghu had one thing in common: they were bold and open-handed.

Over the meal, everyone passed the cups back…