Chapter 56
Ji Fang gets up very early every day; his military habits require him to get up early for training.
After training at his own training ground for more than two hours, Ji Fang took a shower and then picked up Qiao Ye, who was sleeping soundly on his bed. Seeing that Qiao Ye was still sleepy when he was picked up, he shook him a few times in the air until he was awake and then put him on the bed.
Qiao was also annoyed by this way of being woken up. Usually, Ji Fang would let him wake up naturally, but when he needed to get up early, Ji Fang would wake him up like this.
Qiao pursed her lips and frowned, stretched, and then sprang out of bed to wash up.
Ji Fang was wearing a military dress uniform today, with shiny epaulets and colorful insignia on the chest. He couldn't understand them, but he felt that his master had a very dignified aura.
Qiao Ye looked at her master with sparkling eyes. Ji Fang adjusted his shirt and asked Qiao Ye, "Does it look good?"
Joe nodded.
Ji Fang's lips curled up, then he knelt down on one knee and tidied up Qiao Ye's pet clothes.
Qiao also wore a small camouflage outfit today, just like Chang Wei, which Li Cheng specially brought back.
When they went to the royal banquet, Ji Fang naturally tied a rope around Qiao Ye's neck. Then, Li Cheng led Qiao Ye and followed Ji Fang, taking a flying ship to the royal palace in the capital of Lizhou.
From the outside, the palace appears to be just a large, magnificent building with a rather understated color scheme. The soldiers standing around it stand ramrod straight, like emotionless sculptures. But if there is any disturbance, it's as if the soldiers in the terracotta army could instantly come to life and be ready for battle.
But once inside the palace, it instantly becomes magnificent and resplendent. The architecture is unique, with meticulously designed pavilions and halls arranged in a harmonious and orderly manner.
Qiao Ye and Li Cheng walked behind Ji Fang, looking at the various lifelike animals and exaggerated mythical beasts meticulously carved along the wide road. Staring at them for a long time, they felt as if they were alive, which made them a little scared.
The banquet was set in a large hall. It hadn't started yet, but many people were already inside. The hall was brightly lit, and the melodious music was captivating. The air was filled with a faint, refreshing fragrance. Qiao felt like she was seeing the world for the first time.
The guests included men, women, young and old. As soon as Ji Fang entered, Qiao felt many eyes, both open and subtle, being cast upon him.
Several older people immediately came over with smiles, wanting to shake hands with Ji Fang. There were also some who seemed to be in high positions of power, speaking to Ji Fang with the concern of superiors.
Qiao also noticed that Ji Fang seemed completely uninterested in the scene. When greeting people, he merely nodded and waved, showing no desire to speak, giving off a lukewarm feeling.
Qiao also felt that her master's attitude was a bit cold, but others didn't seem to feel neglected. On the contrary, they wanted to get close to Ji Fang. Even Qiao was praised for being well-raised.
Qiao looked down at his camouflage outfit and wondered: Does dressing like this make me look imposing?
Wei Liangguan also arrived. Upon seeing Ji Fang, he immediately ran over to greet him. After the important figures finished speaking with Ji Fang, he quickly pulled Ji Fang aside, saying, "Why are you so late? I've been waiting for you for ages!"
Ji Fang was pushed by Wei Liangguan to his seat. As soon as Ji Fang sat down, a waiter brought him drinks and snacks.
Ji Fang took off his gloves and responded to Wei Liangguang's nagging: "I'm too lazy to deal with these people, why did we come so early?"
Wei Liangguan leaned closer to Ji Fang and muttered, "No one else is qualified for this banquet. They all go to great lengths to attend and build connections. But you, you're too lazy to even bother."
Ji Fang relaxed, beckoned Qiao Ye over and hugged him, then placed the snacks and fruits on the table in front of him and let Qiao Ye eat.
When Wei Liangguan saw Qiao Ye, he looked at Ji Fang with a complicated expression: "I just wanted to say something when I saw you. This is such an important banquet, the Queen's birthday banquet for the Third Princess. Why did you bring Yuan Ren here? I didn't even dare to bring him. You used to say that I was wasting my time on frivolous things..."
Ji Fang fed Qiao Ye a bite of pastry and casually said, "The Third Princess celebrates her birthday every year, but she's never invited so many people before. Do you know why?"
Wei Liangguan frowned in thought, moving a little closer to Ji Fang, which caused Ji Fang and Qiao Ye to shift to the side.
Wei Liangguan stepped back a little: "What do you mean? What information do you have?"
Just then, the ceremonial officer appeared at the front of the hall, and everyone immediately fell silent. The king and queen appeared, accompanied by the third princess and several princes.
Qiao also stopped eating; she couldn't let her host lose face on such an important occasion.
In a world where technology is so advanced, there are still kings. And other countries in this world are basically the same, all with royal courts. However, there are multiple checks and balances on national power. Joe doesn't understand politics and is too lazy to learn about it. He just considers it an opportunity to broaden his horizons.
The king's voice echoed in the hall. After some opening remarks, the banquet officially began, and Joe continued to eat.
Wei Liangguan pressed on the previous topic, and Ji Fang glanced at the exquisitely dressed and adorable Third Princess not far away. Wei Liangguan followed her gaze and then heard Ji Fang say, "The Queen wants to find a marriage partner for the Third Princess."
Wei Liangguan was puzzled: "The Third Princess has only just come of age and hasn't even finished university yet. What kind of marriage alliance is this?"
Ji Fang casually remarked, "Yes, why is the Queen in such a hurry?"
Wei Liangguan couldn't help but think, "Both the Third Princess and the First Prince are born to the Queen. Arranging a marriage between the Third Princess and the First Prince is definitely an attempt to consolidate power for the First Prince. Why the rush? Could it be that His Majesty..."
Wei Liangguan stopped speaking in time, and Ji Fang looked thoughtful. The two of them looked at the elderly king on the main seat. At this moment, the king also looked over. The two raised their cups to toast each other and drank them down in one gulp. The king did not drink any. To be precise, the king did not touch a drop of alcohol. Ji Fang saw the king put down his cup. Although the king did not try to hide it, his hand trembled slightly.
Ji Fang narrowed his eyes. The king's condition was probably not good. Sure enough, the king did not stay long and left after letting everyone enjoy themselves.
Inside the hall, people were clinking glasses and enjoying themselves with singing and dancing. Outside, the garden was open, and some people had already gathered together to play games.
Qiao knew that everyone here was a person of high rank and power, so he didn't dare to wander around. He just stayed by Ji Fang's side and ate delicious food.
When Ji Fang saw that Qiao Ye wanted to drink the wine in his hand, he gave Qiao Ye a sip. Qiao Ye found it too hard to drink and stuck out his tongue because it was so spicy. Ji Fang was amused by Qiao Ye and called a waiter to bring Qiao Ye some fruit wine.
Ji Fang is not usually a cheerful person. In addition, he has strong mental power and a kind of intimidating aura. Apart from politicians who want to win him over, even young people who admire Ji Fang do not dare to easily go up to him and chat.
But that smile was like an iceberg melting, striking the hearts of young men and women whose hearts were fluttering with spring fever, making them wonder if they were special enough to make this solemn and imposing person smile at them.
Although the Third Princess Mu Jingjia has just come of age, every move she makes exudes nobility and dignity, while every smile and frown reveals the liveliness, intelligence, and beauty that a young girl should possess.
Before the banquet, Mu Jingjia was earnestly instructed by her mother to find a supportive husband for her elder brother. She could choose from several men on the list and was urged to make a decision as soon as possible.
She lowered her eyes slightly and looked up at the powerful young general that her elder brother most wanted to win over. In the past, when she saw him, his cold and hard aura made her feel scared. Once, she met his gaze from afar, and the bloodthirsty look in the general's eyes, who had just returned from the border, gave her nightmares for several days.
She was now secretly observing Ji Fang. How could such a frightening person raise such an adorable primitive human? This primitive human looked just like the recently popular Qiao on the internet.
General Ji actually laughed, and when he laughed, he didn't seem so scary.
Mu Jingjia intentionally walked over to Ji Fang. Many people talked to her along the way, and quite a few young men fawned over her. She responded politely and appropriately.
He approached Ji Fang and Wei Liangguan, clinked glasses with them in greeting, and Ji Fang nodded in response, saying, "Happy birthday, Third Princess!"
Mu Jingjia said thank you, then looked at the original person and tried to start a conversation, asking, "What an adorable original person, are you from the army?"
Wei Liangguan was flattered to see that the Third Princess not only greeted them but also wanted to chat with them. He was a little shy and excited, and his voice became excited and high-pitched: "No, it was raised by Ji. I also have one, but I didn't bring it with me. Does the Third Princess like the original humans?"
Mu Jingjia's large eyes revealed a look of liking as he looked at the original human and studied it: "There's a real original human that's become quite famous online recently, named Qiao Ye. I feel like he looks a bit like that original human."
Wei Liangguan, like a peacock eager to show off, immediately chimed in, "Third Princess, you have a good eye! This is the original human. His name is Qiao Ye. Ji Feng took him out to act a while ago. Qiao Ye is really something. He bravely saved someone, and someone even gave him a banner, which is hanging in his office!"
Wei Liangguan gave a vague explanation, as if he were the owner of the farm, with the banner hanging in his office, boasting and bragging.
Mu Jingjia kept glancing at Ji Fang, looking at him with particular interest and asking in his eyes, "Really? Then can I... touch it?"
Wei Liangguan eagerly came over, picked up Qiao Ye, and handed her to Mu Jingjia, saying warmly and generously, "That's great! Qiao Ye is so docile; she's never attacked anyone, and she's incredibly smart. With a beauty like the Third Princess, Qiao Ye will definitely like you."
Mu Jingjia was a little overwhelmed by Wei Liangguan's enthusiasm, but she managed her expression very well. She gently touched Qiao Ye's hair with her gloved hand, showing that she liked the original person very much, but restrained herself from touching him. Her eyes were filled with curiosity and surprise.
Qiao Ye had a few white crumbs of pastry hanging from the corner of his mouth. He was dumbfounded as Wei Liangguan held him up in mid-air and offered him to a stranger. He looked at Wei Liangguan, who was about to spread his tail feathers like a peacock, with resentment in his eyes: Did you get my permission to use me to woo girls?
Ji Fang remained silent, letting Wei Liangguan pull the Third Princess along. He had no desire to have any connection with her. He inadvertently exchanged a glance with Wei Liangguan, and after a moment of mutual understanding, he said, "I need to use the restroom."
Mu Jingjia watched helplessly as the person she was trying to chat up left, her gaze following him somewhat impatiently for a moment, but Wei Liangguan quickly pulled her attention back.
Ji Fang went outside for some fresh air and ran into Zhou Shiqing, who had come out with him. Zhou Shiqing squinted and waved his hand as if to slap Ji Fang, but Ji Fang inadvertently turned to the side and met his gaze. Zhou Shiqing awkwardly lowered his hand, still flashing a bright white smile, and said, "At this banquet, if we're talking about talented young men, Commander Ji is second to none. Everyone's wondering which family's son-in-law such an outstanding person as Commander Ji will ultimately become."
Ji Fang sneered: "I dare not compare myself to Commander Zhou as a young talent. His Majesty values your abilities and has entrusted you with important responsibilities. Your Second Army is located in a national defense fortress, and you are also in charge of the capital's defense. Besides, you are older than me. If anyone is going to get married first, it is you who is in a hurry. No matter what, I could never get ahead of you."
Ji Fang believed that both he and Zhou Shiqing would be on the list of those the Crown Prince was trying to win over. Zhou Shiqing and his father were both shrewd people. Over the years, they had never participated in the power struggles between the two princes, but had only served the King wholeheartedly. If he were to marry the Third Princess, it would be a blatant show of support for the Crown Prince.
The successor is not yet clear, and the Zhou family, being intelligent, will not take sides too early.
Besides, if the Third Princess were to marry Zhou Shiqing, it would be a real injustice to the Third Princess, given that Zhou Shiqing is such a boorish man.
Qiao was also used by Wei Liangguan to curry favor with Mu Jingjia. Mu Jingjia had never been in contact with the Yuan people since she was a child because her mother particularly disliked them.
She had overheard servants vaguely mentioning that the reason her mother disliked Yuanren was because her good-for-nothing uncle had kept many women and engaged in absurd acts.
When Mu Jingjia was a child, she didn't know what absurd things were. As she grew up, she did know, but compared to the absurd things her uncle did to the original people, these things were nothing.
Looking into the pure eyes of the Yuanren, Mu Jingjia felt that humanity was corrupt. The Yuanren were a million times more adorable than the Cohens. But it was a pity that she didn't even have the freedom to raise a Yuanren. Her mission was not yet complete. At least she could have limited choices regarding her life's most important matter.
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