Chapter 277 Meeting King Zhou

"Your Majesty, Bo Yikao, son of Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo, requests an audience."

In the palace, where candlelight flickered amidst carved beams and painted rafters, and the air was filled with the fragrance of incense, King Zhou of Shang reclined languidly on his couch, his arms tightly embracing the delicate and alluring Daji. The table was laden with delicacies, and fine wine gleamed enchantingly in luminous cups.

Yin Shou laughed heartily as he slowly poured a cup of wine into Daji's luscious mouth. Daji playfully pouted, her eyes filled with affection. The two were immersed in this extravagant pleasure, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Upon hearing the guard's report, his mood was ruined, and Yin Shou's originally upturned lips instantly turned down, his brows furrowed tightly, and a hint of disgust flashed in his eyes.

If Ji Chang could foresee the fall of the Shang dynasty and the rise of the Zhou dynasty, and harbored rebellious intentions, what good could his son possibly be?

Without even thinking, he waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "I won't see him! Have the guards seize him and throw him in jail!"

Just then, Daji gently swayed her body, lifted her pitiful face from Yin Shou's embrace, and placed her soft, boneless hand lightly on King Zhou's arm, saying in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, wait a moment. I have heard that Boyi Kao is extremely skilled at playing the zither, and his zither playing is unparalleled. If Your Majesty were to summon him in and have him play a tune for us, wouldn't that add another delightful event?"

As Daji spoke, her eyebrows and eyes flickered, her gaze carrying a hint of cunning and seduction.

After listening to Daji's words, Yin Shou pondered for a moment, and a cruel smile gradually appeared on his lips. He found it quite amusing to humiliate Ji Chang's son in this way.

So he nodded with pleasure and said to his attendants, "Very well, let it be as the beauty says, summon Boyi Kao to an audience!"

Before long, Boyi Kao stepped into the hall with steady steps.

He stood tall and straight, his demeanor refined and elegant, his simple robe accentuating his outstanding presence, as if he possessed an innate air of integrity. His handsome face and composed manner caused both Yin Shou and Daji to pause slightly in surprise, while a hint of greed flickered in Daji's eyes.

"Bo Yikao greets Your Majesty."

"Yes, get up."

Although attracted by Boyi Kao's charm, Yin Shou's attitude softened somewhat when facing the beauty, but his evil intentions did not diminish.

He looked down at Boyi Kao with an air of unquestionable arrogance: "I've heard you're quite skilled with the zither. Now that you're here, play a piece for me and my beauty."

Bo Yikao respectfully accepted the order, his expression calm and composed. Yin Shou and Daji could not detect a trace of anger at being humiliated on his face, which inevitably made them somewhat disappointed.

Seeing him calmly walk to the zither table, sit down gently, and gracefully place his slender fingers on the strings, Yin Shou's mood improved somewhat, especially with the bright moon in the sky.

Immediately afterwards, melodious music flowed from Boyi Kao's fingertips, like a babbling brook or a gentle breeze in the forest, instantly filling the entire palace. The artistry was so superb that it made one feel as if they were in a fairyland, completely captivated.

Daji was captivated by the beautiful music. She rose and swayed her hips, dancing gracefully to the melody. Her figure was light and graceful, like a willow swaying in the spring breeze. With her flowing sleeves, she exuded charm and allure.

The captivating dance moves and Boyi Kao's zither music complemented each other perfectly, bringing Yin Shou an ultimate audio-visual feast.

As the music ended, its lingering notes echoed in the air. Emperor Yin Shou was overjoyed and couldn't help but clap his hands in praise: "Excellent! What a fine performance by Boyi Kao! He has surpassed all those so-called musicians!"

Having said that, he looked at Boyi Kao with the arrogance of a superior and asked with a smile, "You play the zither very well. Tell me, what do you want?"

Bo Yikao rose, bowed respectfully, and said humbly, "Your Majesty, my father Ji Chang has offended the majesty of Heaven. I, Bo Yikao, am willing to take the punishment in my father's place. I humbly beg Your Majesty to have mercy and spare my father."

Upon hearing this, Yin Shou's smile froze instantly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes. However, considering Bo Yikao's brilliant performance just now, he was unwilling to argue with him. He suppressed his annoyance and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, you may leave now. I will consider it."

Bo Yikao bowed again, then left the palace with neither arrogance nor servility, leaving only Yin Shou and Daji in the hall, where the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Daji's eyes flickered slightly as she thought of the pure and ethereal aura emanating from Boyi Kao and the fragrance that made her soul tremble. She couldn't help but feel even more greedy.

"Your Majesty—"

Daji leaned into Yin Shou's arms again. Yin Shou looked down at her and asked, "What's wrong? What are you thinking, my beauty?"

"Your Majesty, why not grant Boyi Kao's request?"

"Um?"

Yin Shou was already displeased upon hearing Daji's words, and now he narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Daji nestled beside him with a somewhat gloomy expression. His gaze seemed to be questioning, yet also warning.

Daji showed no sign of panic. She gently placed her jade-like hand on King Zhou's broad shoulder, kneading it softly and bonelessly. Her voice was delicate and melodious, as if it could drip water: "Your Majesty, why are you so angry? Look, under Your Majesty's supreme prestige, what is a mere old Marquis of the West?"

She paused slightly, her eyes sparkling, and continued with a smile, "In my opinion, it would be better to agree to Boyi Kao's request and keep him, the next Marquis of Xibo, in Chaoge, as a musician to play the zither exclusively for Your Majesty."

Yin Shou frowned slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, but he did not interrupt Daji.

Seeing this, Daji was secretly delighted and continued to persuade him cleverly: "Firstly, this will serve as a reminder to all the lords of the world, letting them know what the consequences will be for disobeying the king's decree. This will demonstrate the king's majesty and prevent the lords from having any disloyal thoughts. Secondly, you have heard it with your own ears. Boyi Kao's zither skills are indeed superb and extraordinary. Your Majesty is of unparalleled nobility and deserves to possess the best of everything in the world. Shouldn't his zither skills be enjoyed exclusively by Your Majesty?"

Hearing Daji's words, his expression gradually softened, and the gloom in his eyes gradually dissipated, clearly showing that he was somewhat tempted.

Daji saw through King Zhou's thoughts and pressed her advantage, continuing softly, "Besides, we're not in a hurry to release Ji Chang. Look at how filial Boyi Kao is; he'll surely come to beg Your Majesty again. After he begs several times, Your Majesty can bestow favor upon him. In this way, he will surely be grateful and willingly stay in Chaoge, playing beautiful music for Your Majesty day and night."

Upon hearing this, King Zhou finally smiled with satisfaction, all the gloom in his heart vanishing. He laughed heartily, reached out and pulled Daji into his arms, happily agreeing, "Haha, my beauty is absolutely right! We'll do as you say!"

Daji's smile deepened, becoming even more captivating.

She kept her word and diligently carried out Nuwa's orders. With Boyi Kao left behind, Ji Chang would inevitably become an enemy of Shang. In this process, it wouldn't be a problem for her to use Boyi Kao to cultivate, right?

Thinking of her future success in cultivation and eventual deification, Daji leaned closer to Yin Shou. She really liked King Zhou even more now...