Chapter 1192 A Bright Future

Compared to the relatively quiet inner courtyard, the main hall for tonight's banquet was bustling with noise and unusual activity.

In fact, the Duke's mansion had hosted such grand banquets before, but since those who associated with the Duke were all important officials in the court, they were all cautious and prudent in their words and deeds. However, tonight, apart from Shen Wuzheng and Guan Ao, most of the people Yuwen Ye had invited to the door were military generals who had fought alongside him in bloody battles. These people were almost born with nothing to do with being refined and cultured. If no one was in charge, they might just tear the roof off.

Hearing the loud laughter in the distance, Shang Ruyi couldn't help but whisper, "We're setting off tomorrow, so let's not let either of us get drunk tonight."

Yuwen Ye simply smiled.

However, instead of heading straight to the main hall, they stopped and went to a side hall. Although it was quiet there, it was full of people inside – the thirteen warrior monks who had rescued Yuwen Ye on the banks of the Yellow River.

These people had stayed at Hulao Pass since that thrilling battle. This time, they came to Luoyang with Shen Tu Tai. It was Yuwen Ye who insisted that they attend the banquet tonight no matter what. However, since these people were all monks, they could not drink alcohol or eat meat, so they could not join the military generals. Therefore, a vegetarian banquet was held for them.

The one accompanying them was naturally the kind boy.

Although it was a dozen or so young people sitting together, it was far less noisy and boisterous than the military generals gathered together over there. It was quiet here, with everyone's hands clasped together and eyes lowered in meditation. Only when they saw Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi arrive did they immediately stand up and chant Buddhist prayers: "Amitabha."

Shan Tong'er hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to the two of them: "Your Highness, Your Highness."

Yuwen Ye waved his hand to signal him not to be so polite, and then bowed to the dozen or so monks, saying, "Masters, it's been a long time."

Jueyun and the others greeted each other with their hands clasped together.

Yuwen Ye said, "Our stay in Luoyang this time is very short. We will be setting off back to Chang'an tomorrow. Therefore, we specially invited you all to come to Luoyang to express our gratitude for your previous rescue and assistance. We have prepared a simple meal to express our appreciation."

Na Jueyun quickly replied, "Your Highness is too kind."

Yuwen Ye added, "In addition, the Princess has prepared twenty carts of rice for you, and she will set off with you back to Yanyue City tomorrow."

The monks were overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly chanted Buddhist prayers in gratitude. Na Jueyun stepped forward and said to Yuwen Ye, "We came to Luoyang and learned that Your Highness had taken this place without bloodshed, which made us very happy. In this chaotic world, using swift and decisive means to deter the demons and cleanse the world of its turbidity shows the compassion of a bodhisattva; and Your Highness still showed compassion for the people of this city, refraining from raising the sword of slaughter, which is a great merit."

"..."

"When we return to the temple, we will chant sutras and offer praises to Your Highness every day, hoping that Your Highness will have a bright future."

Upon hearing the last few words, Yuwen Ye's eyes lit up.

He said solemnly, "Thank you!"

After saying this, he asked everyone to sit down. Then he and Shang Ruyi picked up the two cups of plain wine offered by Wo Xue and said to everyone, "My wife and I offer this plain wine to express our gratitude to you all."

After saying that, the two of them raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

Jueyun and the others also put their hands together and chanted prayers in unison.

After finishing his drink, Yuwen Ye said to Shan Tong'er, "It's too chaotic over there, so you shouldn't go. Stay here and have a proper meal with your masters."

Shan Tong'er nodded obediently. Just as Yuwen Ye was about to turn and leave, he heard him hesitate and whisper, "Your Highness."

Yuwen Ye turned to look at him: "Hmm?"

Shan Tong asked softly, "Will my fourth brother and fifth sister come?"

They had been in Luoyang for the past few days, but to give Liang Youying some space to think, Yuwen Ye told them not to bother her. So, Shan Tong'er hadn't met with them yet, and they were to set off back to Chang'an tomorrow. If Liang Youying still refused to change her mind, they would probably have to part ways.

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi exchanged a glance, their expressions both becoming somewhat solemn.

In fact, Shang Ruyi had been waiting all day without receiving any news that Liang Youying was coming. But after thinking for a moment, she smiled and said to Shan Tong'er, "Your fourth brother isn't a fool, and neither is your fifth sister. They will come."

Upon hearing her "guarantee," a happy smile immediately appeared on Shan Tong'er's still childlike face.

Yuwen Ye then led Shang Ruyi out.

After turning a corner, you arrive at the lobby.

The atmosphere here was completely different from that in the side hall. It was noisy and chaotic. As soon as I walked in, I saw people pulling and tugging at each other, talking and laughing loudly. The wine hadn't even been served yet, but people were already a bit drunk.

In the main hall, two tables were placed at the head of the table, one on the left and one on the right, for the two princes who were on this expedition to Luoyang: Prince Qin, Yuwen Ye, and Prince Qi, Yuwen Cheng. Princess Qin naturally sat with Prince Qin.

Down on either side are the military officers under their command.

There were many more people sitting on Yuwen Ye's side, and Shen Tu Tai was naturally sitting at the first table, but next to him was Shi Yu Tao, who looked somewhat dazed.

Shang Ruyi was taken aback. According to the merits and rewards, the one sitting with Shen Tu Tai should be Shen Wuzheng, because they had followed the Prince of Qi to Luoyang since October last year. They had suffered the most and made the most contributions in the past year. As for Shi Yutao, although he also had merits, he was a surrendered general after all. His merits were only made when he entered Luoyang. Moreover, the battle had not yet started. He should not be sitting next to Shen Tu Tai.

However, as soon as Shang Ruyi saw Shen Wuzheng at the second table being held by Pei Xingyuan's sleeve, she knew what was going on.

It must be that Pei Xingyuan wouldn't allow Shen Wuzheng to sit in front of him and forcibly pulled him down. Shen Wuzheng could handle everyone else, but he couldn't do anything about him. And since Guan Ao and Guan Chiying at the third table were family, they could only pull Shi Yutao to Shen Tu Tai's side.

No wonder it's so noisy.

Mu Xian, Cheng Qiao, Xue Lin, and others were originally supposed to be here, but they requested to go outside the city to enjoy themselves with the soldiers in the camp, and Yuwen Ye granted their request.

Finally, there was one table, which was empty.

Pei Xingyuan, who was chatting and laughing with everyone, would occasionally glance at the table, then look outside, a worried expression on his face.

After seeing everything clearly, Yuwen Ye led Shang Ruyi inside.

Upon seeing the two of them arrive, everyone stood up and bowed. Yuwen Ye simply raised his hand and said, "No need for formalities," before leading Shang Ruyi inside. As they walked, he turned his head to look at the empty tables on the other side.

He asked, "Has the King of Qi and his men not arrived yet?"

Before anyone could speak, Shang Ruyi said, "I've been waiting all day, and none of his people have come, nor has he. I've already sent people to urge him twice. Should I send someone over again?"