Xiao Ji came because this military general was the first person to teach him martial arts.

More specifically, this person was the first martial arts instructor that Xiao Ji's mother hired when he was young.

We must never forget the kindness of those who taught us.

Since even a powerful figure like Xiao Ji has come, all the other invited officials have also arrived.

Since the protagonist of the evening is the general's daughter, who has just turned twenty, most of the guests are noble ladies and young men from prominent families in the capital.

"Sister Xinlian, this is a jade bracelet that I personally picked out for you at Huaguang Pavilion. Try it on and see if it suits you..."

“Little Xinlian, didn’t you say you wanted a pair of peace buckles a while ago? Look…”

"Miss Xinlian, what I'm giving you is jade coral..."

Because of Xiao Ji's connection, Fang's father, despite being only a fifth-rank official, had many noble ladies and gentlemen willing to associate with Fang Xinlian.

Even being able to establish some kind of connection with a powerful general who commands the army and the husband of the eldest princess would be beneficial.

Times have changed. Now, the one sitting on the dragon throne is not Emperor Mingde, who is wary of Xiao Ji, but Shang Changze, who values ​​Xiao Ji.

Naturally, many people wanted to curry favor with Xiao Ji, especially since Xiao Ji now had a good reputation.

Everyone knew that Xiao Ji doted on Shang Changge, and more and more noble ladies secretly admired and adored him.

Fang Xinlian is one of them.

At this moment, while dealing with the noble ladies and gentlemen surrounding her to congratulate her on her birthday, Fang Xinlian...

He kept glancing at Xiao Ji, who was drinking with Fang's father. Their eyes met briefly, then he quickly looked away.

She lowered her head and looked down, a suspicious blush quickly spreading across her cheeks, a mixture of joy and fear.

Yes, she was afraid of the general.

That was true before, and it is true now, but things are different now. Now, besides fear, I feel more affection for her.

After dealing with everyone, Fang Xinlian, carrying a delicate little wine glass, walked straight towards Xiao Ji.

Because Fang's father was also present, no one thought Fang Xinlian's actions were wrong.

"Xinlian."

Mr. and Mrs. Fang had a very good relationship, and they also doted on their daughter, Fang Xinlian.

Fang Xinlian dared not look at Xiao Ji, but instead bowed gracefully to her father and said:

"Father, I'd like to raise a toast to you. Thank you so much for preparing this birthday banquet for me. You've gone to so much trouble."

Mr. Fang said "good" three times and happily drank a glass of wine. Just as he was about to ask his daughter where her mother was, he saw his daughter holding the wine and looking at Xiao Ji. His heart skipped a beat, and he had a bad feeling.

Fang Xinlian mustered her courage and looked up to meet Xiao Ji's gaze. Her heart pounded as she looked into those cold, emotionless black eyes.

"Xinlian greets the General. It is a great honor to have the General attend Xinlian's birthday banquet..."

Fang Xinlian said a lot, but perhaps it was the intimidating power of Xiao Ji's eyes, which looked at her like a lifeless object, that prevented her from speaking.

Fang Xinlian spoke softer and softer, trying her best to suppress the fear that instinctively arose within her, and timidly raised her hand to say:

"Xinlian, Xinlian toasts the General."

Tonight, Xiao Ji is accompanied by Zhui Hun to the banquet. Zhui Hun, who is watching closely, understands the situation perfectly well.

He thought Miss Xinlian in front of him was courageous, and at the same time felt fortunate for Fang Xinlian.

Fortunately, Fang Xinlian toasted the general in front of her father, otherwise her situation would have been too embarrassing.

"Xinlian".

Father Fang knew Xiao Ji to some extent, so he quickly spoke before Xiao Ji could, calling his daughter's name in a low voice to remind her not to have any improper thoughts.

The general might give him some leeway, but the eldest princess wouldn't. Xinlian is really... sigh!

It's his fault; he never knew when Xinlian had developed such feelings for the General.

Just as Fang's father had predicted, Xiao Ji did give him some face, but only a little. His expression was relatively calm, but cold.

"No need for thanks. I am here tonight only because your father asked me to. This cup of wine is more appropriate for your father."

Fang Xinlian's heart skipped a beat, and she bit her lip. The stinging pain on her lips temporarily distracted her from her grief and fear, allowing her to barely maintain her composure.

"yes."

She shifted her feet slightly and turned slightly to face her father: "Father, thank you for what you have done for your daughter. I will toast you again."