Sheng Yunrong narrowed her eyes slightly, and a barely perceptible gleam flashed in her eyes. She gently fiddled with the silk handkerchief in her hand, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of her mouth. At this time, the banquet hall of Sheng Mansion was very lively, and everyone was talking, but Sheng Yunrong's attention was always focused on that corner.

Pei Jinxiao was still wearing the dark-colored robe, his figure was as straight as a pine or cypress. He stood there quietly, with a hint of loneliness between his brows, as if he was isolated from the bustling and noisy surroundings.

Sheng Yunrong walked slowly towards Pei Jinxiao, her steps light as a dancer. She walked in front of him, smiled slightly, with a hint of provocation in her eyes: "Master Pei, it's been a long time since we last met, and you are still as elegant as ever."

Pei Jinxiao raised his head, his eyes clear as water, and smiled slightly: "Miss Sheng, you are becoming more and more charming."

Pei Jinxiao's words were not empty words. She flicked her sleeves lightly and said, "Master Pei, are you interested in participating in the Sheng Mansion banquet today?"

Pei Jinxiao nodded slightly: "The banquet at Sheng Mansion is naturally extraordinary. I am willing to accompany you."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with cunning, and she smiled gently: "Then I'll have to trouble Master Pei. I heard that Master Pei is an excellent zither player, I wonder if you can show off your talent for me?"

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with something strange. Sheng Yunrong was deliberately testing him. He smiled and said, "Since Miss Sheng is so kind, I naturally dare not refuse."

Then, Sheng Yunrong led Pei Jinxiao to the piano platform in the center of the banquet hall. Seeing this, everyone gathered around, wanting to see Pei Jinxiao's elegance.

Pei Jinxiao sat in front of the zither, gently playing the strings, and a melodious sound echoed in the banquet hall. Sheng Yunrong stood aside, listening attentively, with a hint of admiration in her eyes.

After the song was over, Sheng Yunrong was the first to applaud, praising: "Master Pei is indeed worthy of his reputation. His piano skills are truly amazing."

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly, stood up and said, "Miss Sheng, thank you for your praise. I only know a little bit."

Sheng Yunrong smiled softly and said, "Master Pei is too modest. It is a great honor to be able to hear such beautiful piano music at the banquet today."

At this time, the servant of the Sheng Mansion came over and whispered to Sheng Yunrong, "Miss, the banquet dishes are ready. Can we start the feast?"

Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly and said to Pei Jinxiao: "Master Pei, why don't we take the table together?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and walked towards the banquet with Sheng Yunrong. Everyone sat down one after another, and Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao sat together and talked to each other.

Sheng Yunrong asked: "Master Pei, is there anything new recently?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled softly: "The court has been busy recently, so there is nothing new. However, Miss Sheng, do you know that the court intends to use military force in the west?"

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with surprise, and she said, "Oh? The court wants to send troops to the west? Why?"

Pei Jinxiao said: "There have been repeated civil unrest on the western border recently. In order to maintain stability on the border, the court has decided to send troops to suppress it."

Sheng Yunrong frowned slightly and said, "Master Pei, do you think this war will go smoothly?"

Pei Jinxiao shook his head slightly: "Who can say for sure about war? However, since the court has made the decision, we as subjects can only obey orders."

A trace of worry flashed across Sheng Yunrong's eyes. She knew that this war would surely destroy many families. She sighed softly and said to Pei Jinxiao, "Master Pei, what do you think will happen to Western Wei after this war ends?"

Pei Jinxiao pondered for a moment and said, "After the war, Western Wei may be temporarily stable, but the problems on the western border have not been completely solved. If this continues, there may be greater hidden dangers."

Sheng Yunrong noticed everyone's gazes, and her cheeks flushed slightly. She forced herself to remain calm and said softly, "Mr. Pei, what you just said was really too much. Although my Sheng Mansion is not as good as the royal family, we will not allow others to bully us."

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly, with a hint of teasing in his eyes: "Miss Sheng, you misunderstood. I didn't mean to offend you. I just felt that the banquet at the Sheng Mansion was too dull, and I wanted to take this opportunity to liven up the atmosphere. If I have offended you, please forgive me."

Sheng Yunrong couldn't help but laugh and cry when she heard this: "Mr. Pei is indeed very eloquent, so I won't pursue it any further. But you have to promise me that you won't talk nonsense like this again in the Sheng Mansion."

Pei Jinxiao bowed his hands and said seriously: "Don't worry, Miss Sheng, I will keep it in mind."

At this time, Sheng Yuner, the second young lady of the Sheng Mansion, came over. She looked at Pei Jinxiao with a hint of curiosity in her eyes: "Mr. Pei, since you are the Prince of Jing, why don't you enjoy the glory and wealth in the palace, but come to our Sheng Mansion to join in the fun?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled and said, "Second Miss Sheng, you know that the prosperity of the world is like a passing cloud. Although I, Pei Jinxiao, am a prince, I yearn for the rivers and lakes and long to live the life of ordinary people. I came to Sheng Mansion today just to experience the fireworks of the mortal world."

Sheng Yuner widened her eyes, seeming to be very surprised by Pei Jinxiao's words: "Mr. Pei, are you really willing to give up the glory of the royal family and live the life of a commoner?"

Pei Jinxiao shook his head gently: "Second Miss Sheng, there are always some things in life that cannot be replaced by money or status. What I yearn for is freedom and sincerity, not hypocrisy and affectation."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Yunrong couldn't help but respect Pei Jinxiao. She said, "Mr. Pei, your insights are unique and admirable. However, since you yearn for freedom so much, why don't you stay away from the royal family and live a real life?"

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and said, "Miss Sheng, you know that the country of Western Wei depends on the royal family. As the Prince of Jing, I have the responsibility to protect Western Wei and the people. Even if I yearn for freedom, I cannot deviate from my duties. Only after completing my mission can I pursue my ideals."

After hearing this, Sheng Yunrong couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Mr. Pei, you are really a loyal and brave prince. It is a great honor for my Sheng Mansion to have the honor of meeting you."

Pei Jinxiao smiled and said, "Miss Sheng, you are too kind. I am just doing my part and fulfilling my duties for the people of Western Wei."

At this time, the servant of Sheng Mansion came over and said, "Miss, the wine and food are ready, and the distinguished guests can take their seats."

Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly and said to Pei Jinxiao: "Mr. Pei, please come with me to the table."

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and walked towards the banquet with Sheng Yunrong. Officials of all ranks stood up and saluted Pei Jinxiao, who returned the salutes one by one, appearing extremely humble and polite.

Pei Jinxiao still stood there, his eyes deep, as if waiting for something. When Sheng Yunrong approached, he smiled slightly, and that smile was like the warm spring sun, warm and dazzling.

"Prince Pei, it's been a long time since we last met. You're still as charming and elegant as ever." Sheng Yunrong's voice was soft, yet with a barely perceptible hint of teasing.

Pei Jinxiao smiled gently and responded: "Miss Sheng, you have become more beautiful. This banquet at the Sheng Mansion is really unforgettable."

The conversation between the two seemed polite, but there was actually an undercurrent. Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, with a bit of mischief in her eyes: "Your Majesty, are you praising me or the banquet at Sheng Mansion?"