Li Molin and Yu Ke walked to the center of the hall. Li Molin bowed slightly and said with a smile, "Greetings, Lord Zhang."
Zhang Chao nodded, expressionless, and said in a deep voice, "Please have a seat, guest."
Li Molin smiled faintly, reached into his robes and pulled out a fiery red bead the size of a pigeon egg. He took a few steps forward and handed the bead to Zhang Chao, saying with a light smile, "This is a cold-repelling bead. As long as you wear it, you won't need to wear thick cotton clothes to resist the cold. This bead is a gift from me to Lord Zhang since we've just met. I hope you won't find it offensive."
Zhang Chao looked up at Li Molin and saw that the man in front of him had an outstanding temperament. Although he was giving him a gift, his posture was relaxed and elegant, without showing the slightest servility.
This child must have an extraordinary background.
After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Chao took the fiery red bead. He felt a warm sensation as soon as he touched it, and that warmth instantly spread throughout his body, making him feel warm and comfortable.
Zhang Chao held the bead in his hand, his expression softening, and said gently, "Young Master Li, you're too kind. Please have a seat."
“Okay.” Li Molin nodded and turned to sit in the first seat below Zhang Chao.
Yu Ke quietly sat down on the chair next to Li Molin.
Zhang Chao looked at the trembling little girl beside him and said with some displeasure, "Ruo'er, what are you standing there for? Serve some tea!"
"Yes, sir!" the little maid replied in a flustered manner, then turned and hurried away.
Zhang Chao looked at Li Molin with a gentle expression and asked, "I haven't asked where Young Master Li is from yet?"
Li Molin smiled faintly and said, "I come from an ordinary farming family. My hometown is a small place. Even if I told you, Lord Zhang might not know. So, it's better not to tell you."
"Oh?" Zhang Chaoda didn't believe it, but seeing that Li Molin wouldn't say anything, he didn't ask any further and just waited quietly for Li Molin to reveal his purpose.
Ruo'er quickly brought over two cups of tea. Li Molin took the tea, brushed off the foam with the lid, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Good tea."
Zhang Chao chuckled and said, "If Young Master Li likes this tea, I will have a maid send some over to you later."
"Lord Zhang, you're too kind." Li Molin glanced at Yu Ke as if it were an accident, then suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "Oh right, I haven't properly introduced this young master Yu Ke to Lord Zhang yet."
"Oh?" Zhang Chao looked at Yu Ke with great interest upon hearing this.
Yu Ke stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings, Lord Zhang."
"Young Master Yu, please don't stand on ceremony, have a seat." Zhang Chao said gently, then turned to look at Li Molin, waiting for him to continue.
Li Molin took a sip of tea and continued, "Although Yu Ke comes from a humble background, he has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood. Although he has not achieved official rank, he is a well-rounded individual skilled in both literature and martial arts. In my opinion, such a talented person should serve the royal family! What do you think, Lord Zhang?"
“This…” Zhang Chao finally understood Li Molin’s intention. His mind raced, weighing the pros and cons over and over.
Looking at Zhang Chao's appearance, Li Molin subtly revealed a hint of contempt on his lips. He placed the teacup on the table, then suddenly changed the subject, asking with a smile, "Lord Zhang, is this Cold-Repelling Pearl still working well?"
Zhang Chao was taken aback. He carefully sensed it and felt a warm sensation all over his body, as if he were under the warm spring sun. He placed the bead on the octagonal table next to him, and instantly felt an icy chill, making him shiver. He quickly grabbed the cold-repelling bead back into his hand and couldn't help but look at the thin clothes worn by Li Molin and Yu Ke. He sincerely said, "This cold-repelling bead really has miraculous effects."
Li Molin smiled and said calmly, "To be honest, Lord Zhang, I have a summer-repelling pearl and a dust-repelling pearl here. If Lord Zhang can fulfill my and Yu Ke's wishes, I am willing to offer both pearls as a gift."
Zhang Chao was instantly tempted. His eyes darted around, and after a long pause, he said, "As far as I know, a new Moon-Viewing Terrace has recently been built in the palace. His Majesty has decreed that a moon-viewing banquet will be held on the fifteenth of next month. Several officials will be able to accompany the banquet, and I, though unworthy, will be one of them. On that day, I can take Young Master Yu with me and strongly recommend him to His Majesty. If Young Master Yu is truly capable, he will surely gain His Majesty's favor."
"Excellent!" Li Molin clapped his hands and laughed, "Thank you, Lord Zhang!"
Zhang Chao gripped the Cold-Repelling Pearl tightly, his expression becoming even more gentle. He smiled and said, "Young master, there's no need for such formalities. Someone, bring breakfast. Also, instruct the kitchen to prepare a banquet; I wish to entertain my distinguished guest!"
As soon as Zhang Chao finished speaking, Ruo'er's weak voice came from outside the door: "Yes."
Li Molin sat in the chair, bowed slightly, and smiled, "Thank you, Lord Zhang."
Zhang Chao laughed heartily and began to talk to Li Molin about other things, but no matter how he tried to probe, he couldn't get anything useful out of Li Molin.
Zhang Chao had no choice but to patiently chat with Li Molin, while Yu Ke remained silent, looking slightly reserved, behaving just like a naive young man.
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