Chapter 279 The Banquet

After seeing off the Marquis of Xibo, who was filled with worry and reluctance, Boyi Kao was in a very good mood.

With the rescue of Ji Chang over, it was finally time for him to have free rein!

Let him come and see who's actually in Chaoge.

Everything was already set in stone, and the ministers, who hadn't even seen King Zhou, were extremely frustrated and disappointed. Therefore, when facing Boyi Kao, they were filled with guilt and embarrassment.

However, this young man, Boyi Kao, was completely unexpected.

He was calm and composed, as if no disturbances from the outside world could shake him in the slightest. He possessed a detached and magnanimous spirit, neither elated by external gains nor saddened by personal losses. The more you spent time with him, the more you couldn't help but admire him.

If the opposition from Bigan and others was out of a desire to protect the reputation of the Shang Dynasty and King Zhou, now that they have discovered Boyi Kao's talent and character, they feel more sorry for him as a person.

The son of the Marquis of Xibo has become a musician in Chaoge. Isn't this a case of a pearl being covered in dust, a fine horse being buried in a salt cart, and a dragon being stranded in shallow water? How can one not feel regret?

But King Zhou was still not satisfied. Soon after, he invited his ministers to a grand banquet.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing?"

Given his previous actions, Huang Feihu remained extremely cautious, even at what appeared to be a joyous banquet.

Bi Gan shook his head solemnly: "I hope Your Majesty's mood is just a passing fancy and you have no other intentions..."

Despite saying this, even Bigan himself didn't quite believe it. Unsure what King Zhou was up to this time, not only Bigan and Huang Feihu, but all the other ministers hurriedly entered the hall with tense expressions and quietly took their seats.

As expected, the beautiful Daji, as always, intimately accompanied King Zhou, while Shen Gongbao, who was quite trusted by King Zhou, sat in the head seat below, his face sinister.

Such treacherous concubines and ministers are more painful to behold than the sight of a wicked man; one should simply turn away and avoid seeing them altogether.

As the banquet slowly began, Yin Shou suddenly raised his wine cup, and a burst of unrestrained laughter echoed throughout the hall.

"My beloved ministers, you have worked hard for the Yin Shang Dynasty and made great contributions! Today, I, the King, am determined to share this joy with you all." King Zhou's gaze swept across the assembled ministers, his sharp edge revealed. "Bo Yikao, the son of the Marquis of Xibo, is an exceptionally skilled musician. I have specially ordered him to come and play a piece for you all. Please enjoy it."

Upon hearing this, the ministers instantly understood King Zhou's humiliating intention and the reason for this banquet, and their expressions turned extremely ugly.

Bigan frowned, his heart filled with indignation. He suddenly stood up, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, this is truly inappropriate! Boyi Kao is the heir apparent of the Marquis of Xibo. Such behavior is hardly proper. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider!"

Yin Shou's face instantly darkened, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

Upon seeing this, Shen Gongbao immediately stood up and said with a forced smile, "The King has shown such favor, and the Prime Minister not only is he not grateful, but he also wants to refuse? Could it be that you, like the Marquis of Xibo, harbor rebellious intentions? Otherwise, why do you always speak up for the Marquis of Xibo's son?"

Bi Gan trembled with rage and loudly protested, "Absolutely not! This old minister has worked diligently and tirelessly for the Shang Dynasty. Everything I have done is for Your Majesty and for the sake of the Shang Dynasty!"

At this moment, Daji parted her lips slightly and said in a sweet voice, "Since it is for the king's good, we should naturally follow the king's wishes. The prime minister's actions are rather puzzling."

Yin Shou nodded impatiently, rudely interrupting Bi Gan: "No need to say any more!" He then turned and loudly ordered: "Summon Boyi Kao to the palace!"

The voice echoed in the empty palace, carrying an undeniable majesty.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Boyi Kao calmly walked in, carrying a guqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument): "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Yin Shou nodded dismissively: "Bo Yikao, all the ministers have rendered meritorious service to the Great Shang. You shall play a tune for these meritorious officials. If you play well, I will reward you handsomely."

His words completely treated Boyi Kao as a lowly musician. Huang Feihu was so angry for Boyi Kao that he blushed, but Boyi Kao remained calm and said, "Yes."

He calmly took his seat, his hands gently resting on the strings. In an instant, exquisite music flowed forth like a gentle stream. His skill was astonishing, sometimes resounding like a grand bell, majestic and powerful; at other times, clear and melodious like pearls falling on a jade plate.

Immersed in the beautiful music, everyone marveled at Boyi Kao's extraordinary talent, their admiration and pity for him growing stronger; on the other hand, thinking of King Zhou's actions, they felt even more disappointed in him.

Even in corners unnoticed by King Zhou, many people couldn't help but reveal their dissatisfaction.

Seeing this, Bo Yikao, who amplified the emotions in everyone's hearts with his zither music, smiled with satisfaction. No one could take advantage of him; listening to him play the zither would definitely come at a price.

He accelerated the rift between the emperor and his subjects, which can be considered as contributing to the Investiture of the Gods war, so it's not unreasonable for him to receive more benefits in return, right?

Bo Yikao's gaze swept fairly over everyone in the hall, so who should he begin with?

...

The banquet finally ended, and everyone filed out of the hall. The moonlight, like water, bathed them, but it could not dispel the oppressive atmosphere that lingered there.

All eyes turned to Boyi Kao, who was holding the zither, their expressions filled with complex emotions. There was shame for their inability to stop King Zhou from humiliating Boyi Kao, and heartache for Boyi Kao's plight.

Bi Gan and Huang Feihu were filled with mixed emotions. They exchanged a glance and unconsciously moved towards Boyi Kao. But then, unsure of what to say, they hesitated for a moment.

In just a short while, Shen Gongbao had already passed him.

He walked straight to Boyi Kao, and after exchanging a few words, Shen Gongbao successfully took Boyi Kao away.

Huang Feihu looked worried: "Prime Minister, I'm worried that Shen Gongbao might harm the Crown Prince."

Bi Gan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said, "As it stands, the King still has some interest in the Crown Prince..."

Although this was an attempt to humiliate Boyi Kao, Bigan had to admit that it was a good thing in disguise, at least Boyi Kao's life was not in danger.

"Although Shen Gongbao is cunning and treacherous, he wouldn't dare to rashly attack Boyi Kao while the king is in high spirits. Otherwise, he couldn't bear the consequences of angering the king..."

Regardless of the worries of those behind him, Boyi Kao leisurely followed behind Shen Gongbao. Perhaps because he was just an ordinary mortal, Shen Gongbao was completely unprepared.

Watching his retreating figure, Bo Yikao's lips curled into a smile. Who would have thought that the first one to come would be a little leopard? Perhaps he really should open a Three Realms Zoo?