"Li Qiang!" she exclaimed affectionately, drawing the attention of everyone nearby, eager to witness the unfolding drama.

"Qinqing," Li Qiang acknowledged calmly.

"Li Qiang, you must come visit me sometime. Let's hang out!" Qinqing urged eagerly, her eyes flashing with mischief. The guests around them leaned in, curious to observe the interaction.

Shangguan Ning, maintaining his composed demeanor, interjected with a question. "Li Qiang, who is this?"

"Oh, this is Li Qinqing, daughter of the Wolf Demon Clan, one of our noble clans," Li Qiang explained.

"I see. Greetings, Lady Qinqing," Shangguan Ning responded evenly, though he did not bow or show deference, mindful of his own status. Qinqing, sensing his stance, became slightly irritated but chose not to voice it aloud. Instead, she redirected her attention to Li Qiang.

"So, Li Qiang, what do you say? Will you come to my place?" she pressed eagerly, ignoring Shangguan Ning's presence.

"Lady Qinqing, I don't think it's appropriate for an unmarried lady to invite a married man to her residence," Shangguan Ning interjected politely yet firmly, his tone carrying authority.

"Ning'er is right. I don't think it's a good idea," Li Qiang agreed, backing his consort's statement.

"Hmph! I'm not asking you! I'm asking Li Qiang," Qinqing retorted defiantly, pointing directly at Shangguan Ning.

Sensing an opportunity to assert his authority, Shangguan Ning subtly released his aura, directed at Qinqing. Overwhelmed by the sudden pressure, Qinqing involuntarily kneeled, unable to withstand the force of his presence.

"You! How dare you treat our young lady like this?!" Qinqing's maid protested angrily, pointing accusingly at Shangguan Ning. However, with a glance from Shangguan Ning, the maid also succumbed to the pressure and knelt beside her mistress.

The hall fell into a momentary silence, all eyes now on Shangguan Ning and the dramatic turn of events. His display of power and composure only solidified his position further, leaving no doubt about who held authority in this particular encounter.

Sensing the emperor's lack of immediate action, Shangguan Ning interpreted it as tacit approval for his behavior. He straightened his posture, allowing his calm demeanor to radiate an undeniable authority that contrasted sharply with Li Qinqing's brazen defiance.

“How dare I?” he replied, his voice steady and composed, but carrying an unmistakable edge. “You should know your place. Do you not realize that pointing at a royal could result in a death sentence?” Each word dripped with confidence and conviction, a reminder of the weight of his lineage. As a member of the Shangguan family, renowned for their noble bloodline, he commanded respect not just by title but by the legacy that came with it.

Li Qinqing's eyes widened, her indignation morphing into a flush of anger. “You’re just an outsider who was sold here for an alliance! I was meant to be his consort, but you took that away from me! You wench!” Her voice dripped with venom, each word an attempt to belittle Shangguan Ning’s position and reduce his worth.

Shangguan Ning, however, remained unfazed, his expression calm yet piercing. “You may see me as an outsider, but my status is far superior to yours. I am not merely a consort; I stand here as the sovereign consort of Helan Li Qiang, connected by blood and honor to a lineage far older than your clan,” he stated, his voice carrying an undeniable weight that resonated throughout the hall. 

The tension in the banquet hall escalated, and the other nobles held their breath, fully aware that they were witnessing a confrontation that transcended mere personal animosity. Shangguan Ning's poise and composure in the face of Li Qinqing’s aggression highlighted the stark difference in their statuses. While Li Qinqing sought to stir conflict, Shangguan Ning stood resolute, embodying the dignity of his heritage.

Li Qinqing’s confidence faltered as she felt the pressure of Shangguan Ning’s aura enveloping her, the weight of his noble lineage pressing down upon her. Realizing that she was no match for his status or the power he wielded, she took a step back, her bravado waning. 

“Know this,” Shangguan Ning continued, his voice low and firm, “the path you choose in this court matters. I am not just a pawn in a political game; I am a formidable player. If you wish to challenge me, you will find yourself crushed beneath the weight of your own arrogance.” 

As his words settled in the air, a hush fell over the gathering. The nobles exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of awe and apprehension. It was clear that Shangguan Ning was not to be underestimated, and the dynamics within the banquet hall had irrevocably shifted. 

“Wolf Demon Clan leader, is this how you raise your child?” the emperor’s voice rang out with authority, his displeasure palpable in the tense atmosphere. His gaze was stern, directing his ire at Li Qinqing's father, who stood among the assembled nobles, his face betraying a mixture of embarrassment and indignation.

The leader of the Wolf Demon Clan, a formidable figure in his own right, shifted uncomfortably under the emperor's scrutiny. He felt the weight of his clan’s reputation resting heavily on his shoulders as the murmurs of the court began to swirl around him.

“Your Majesty, I—” he began, but the emperor cut him off with a raised hand, silencing any excuses.

“Do you not see the disgrace your daughter brings upon your clan?” the emperor continued, his tone unwavering. “Her behavior in this hall is not only disrespectful to our sovereign consort but reflects poorly on you as her father. She is a member of a noble clan, and yet here she is, acting like a petulant child instead of the noble lady she is meant to be.”

The other attendees watched intently, sensing the gravity of the emperor's words. They knew that in this moment, not only Li Qinqing’s standing was at stake, but also that of her father and the entire Wolf Demon Clan. The air was thick with tension, and the realization of potential consequences hung heavy in the room.

“I expect better from my nobles,” the emperor declared, his voice steady and commanding. “If you cannot instill respect and propriety in your offspring, perhaps you should reconsider your role as a leader. This court values honor and dignity above all, and any deviation from that will not be tolerated.”

As the emperor’s words settled in the hall, Li Qinqing’s expression darkened, her defiance shifting to a blend of embarrassment and resentment. The leader of the Wolf Demon Clan bowed his head, the weight of the emperor’s judgment settling heavily on him.

“I apologize for my daughter’s behavior, Your Majesty,” he finally managed, his voice low and filled with regret. “I will address this matter with her directly.”

“See that you do,” the emperor replied, his gaze piercing as he turned away, signaling the end of the reprimand. 

Shangguan Ning stood tall, his expression unwavering. In that moment, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that he had the emperor’s backing and that his position was secure, fortified by the recognition of his noble lineage and the strength he carried.

Unsettled by the emperor's reprimand and the growing embarrassment, Li Qinqing glared at Shangguan Ning, her confidence faltering but her pride refusing to back down. "I challenge you to a duel, Shangguan Ning!" she declared, her voice tinged with defiance. “Let’s see if you’re truly worthy of the title of sovereign consort. If you can defeat me, perhaps I will reconsider my place here.”

Shangguan Ning raised an eyebrow, unruffled by her challenge. A duel was a common way to settle disputes among the nobility, and he was no stranger to combat. Yet, he sensed that this confrontation was about more than just proving strength; it was an attempt to undermine his position and authority.

“Very well, I accept your challenge,” he replied, a calm confidence radiating from him. “However, let us make this interesting.” 

Li Qinqing's interest piqued. “What do you propose?” she asked, intrigued but cautious.

“I propose a bet,” Shangguan Ning continued, his gaze unwavering. “If I win, you must relinquish your noble title and vow never to approach Helan Li Qiang again. You will no longer have any claim or influence within the royal family,"

A murmur of surprise swept through the assembly, as the onlookers processed the audacity of Shangguan Ning’s proposal. To strip Li Qinqing of her title would be a significant blow to her status and reputation within the court.

Li Qinqing’s expression hardened at the ultimatum. “And if I win?” she countered, her tone defiant.

“Should you defeat me, I will willingly step aside and allow you to take my place as sovereign consort, and you can claim Helan Li Qiang as your own,” Shangguan Ning responded, the confidence in his voice unwavering. 

A hush fell over the banquet hall as the weight of the duel and its implications settled over the gathered nobles. It was a bold wager, and many wondered if Li Qinqing would accept.

With a fiery determination, Li Qinqing smirked. “Very well, I accept your bet, Shangguan Ning. Let the duel commence and may the best fighter win!” 

Shangguan Ning nodded, recognizing the challenge for what it was—a test not just of skill but of resolve and dignity. In this moment, both of their fates hung in the balance, and the eyes of the court were upon them, ready to witness the clash of nobility and strength.

"Very well," Shangguan Ning proclaimed, his voice resonating with authority. "Let it be known that anyone present here shall be a witness to our agreement. In three days’ time, the duel will commence."

A wave of murmurs swept through the banquet hall, the attendees exchanging glances filled with curiosity and anticipation. The emperor leaned back in his throne, intrigued by the unfolding events, while the empress observed with a mixture of concern and interest.

Li Qinqing, despite the underlying fear, maintained her fierce demeanor. "Three days it is," she said defiantly. "I hope you’re ready to face the consequences of your arrogance, outsider."

Shangguan Ning's calm demeanor remained intact. "It is you who should be prepared, Lady Qinqing. Underestimating an opponent is a foolish mistake." He turned slightly to address the assembly, his voice carrying a commanding presence. "I welcome all who wish to bear witness to this duel. May the outcome reveal the true strength of character and nobility."

The nobles, drawn into the drama, began to chatter amongst themselves, eager to see how this confrontation would play out. Many of them had already drawn their conclusions, some rooting for Shangguan Ning, recognizing his royal bloodline and the power he wielded, while others still clung to their biases against the newly appointed consort.

Li Qinqing shot Shangguan Ning a glare, a mix of determination and irritation flashing in her eyes. She was fully aware that this duel could change everything—her standing, her title, and her relationship with Helan Li Qiang.

As the tension in the hall escalated, the emperor raised a hand, commanding silence. "Let this duel serve not just as a contest of strength but also as a lesson in humility and respect. May the best contender prevail." 

With that, the banquet continued, but the mood had shifted. The excitement of the impending duel overshadowed the festivities, setting the stage for a showdown that would not only define Shangguan Ning’s status but also test the limits of Li Qinqing’s ambition.