Gongsun Ning's smile grew wider.
"Something like this would have too many holes. I still have to answer to Zhao Quan, and I don't want to make things too ugly."
'So it's because of Zhao Quan.'
After all, Zhao Chi was, strictly speaking, Zhao Quan's vassal Lord.
If Gongsun Ning deliberately twisted the facts and Zhao Quan decided to make an issue of it, it would indeed be very embarrassing for her.
'If that's the case...'
Zhao Chi shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I will be fighting the next match normally."
Gongsun Ning's smile froze.
The tip of her toe stopped toying with her shoe.
"What did you say!?"
Gongsun Ning's voice doubled in volume.
The two noblewomen behind her also widened their eyes in a glare.
The one on the left frowned. "Think carefully before you speak!"
The one on the right snapped, "Don't push your luck! Don't forget your place!"
Zhao Chi said, "I'm truly sorry, but I'm powerless in this matter."
