Three days passed in the blink of an eye. On the day of the welcoming banquet, the Yingzhou Prefectural Government Office was exceptionally lively, with carriages and horses filling the gates and dignitaries gathering in droves. Not only local officials and gentry, but also dignitaries from neighboring prefectures and counties came to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Ying's heir.
Qi Mingyue arrived at a moderate time, and was escorted alighting from the carriage by Zhishu. Today, she had specially chosen a moon-white silk dress with cloud patterns, and wore only a white jade hairpin in her hair. She lightly painted her eyebrows and touched her lips with rouge. Although her attire was simple and elegant, it made her appear even more refined and noble, with unparalleled beauty.
As soon as he entered, Xie Ansu came to greet him. He was wearing an indigo long robe today, which made his face look even more handsome. When he saw Qi Mingyue, his eyes lit up: "Mingyue looks exceptionally elegant today."
Qi Mingyue nodded slightly: "An Su, you flatter me."
As the two were talking, a soft voice suddenly came: "Young Master Xie, Sister Qi, you've arrived so early."
Turning her head, she saw Bai Lian'er. Today, she was dressed in a pinkish-brown brocade dress, her hair styled in a high bun, and adorned with a hairpin with dangling pearls. She was dressed with great care. Upon seeing Qi Mingyue, she warmly took her arm and said, "Sister Qi, you look so beautiful today. It makes me look so gaudy."
Qi Mingyue withdrew her hand without changing her expression: "Miss Bai is joking."
Xie Ansu said calmly, "The banquet is about to begin, let's take our seats."
Today's banquet is held in the flower hall of the prefectural government office, which has already been properly decorated. The head seat is naturally occupied by Yao Xiuyan, the heir of the Duke of Yingguo, with the prefect and Headmaster Zhou on either side. The students from the academy are seated on the right-hand side, where they can clearly see the situation at the head seat.
At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), Yao Xiuyan entered the flower hall surrounded by a crowd. Today, he wore a dark-colored robe with gold thread, a jade crown, and a belt, making him appear even more handsome and noble. His gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on Qi Mingyue, before he calmly took his seat.
The banquet began with music and dance. After several rounds of drinks, the prefect rose to offer a toast, saying some flattering words. Yao Xiuyan responded with a smile, but his gaze kept glancing towards the side table on his right.
Seeing this, Bai Lian'er quickly stood up and raised her cup: "Your Highness has come from afar. On behalf of the students of Yingzhou, Lian'er toasts Your Highness, wishing you good health and longevity."
Yao Xiuyan raised his cup in a gesture of respect, but did not drink it. He simply said, "Miss Bai, you are too kind." He then turned his gaze to Xie Ansu, "This must be the talented young master Xie from Yingzhou, right? I recently read your 'Ode to the Ying River,' and your writing was truly remarkable."
Xie Ansu rose and bowed, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. My humble work is crude and unworthy of such praise."
Yao Xiuyan smiled and said, "Young Master Xie, there's no need to be so modest. Although I am a martial artist, I also enjoy reading poetry and literature." He then changed the subject, "I've heard that Young Master Xie and Miss Qi often discuss scholarship together; they seem to share similar interests."
These words, spoken casually, immediately silenced the hall. All eyes were fixed on Xie Ansu and Qi Mingyue.
Xie Ansu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Miss Qi is exceptionally talented, and I have benefited greatly from her teachings."
Yao Xiuyan nodded, then turned his gaze to Qi Mingyue: "What do you think, Mingyue?"
Qi Mingyue stood up, her tone calm: "Young Master Xie is learned and talented, Mingyue admires him." She looked up at Yao Xiuyan, the corners of her lips slightly raised, "But when did Brother Xiuyan start to enjoy discussing these refined matters? I remember you were the most impatient with these things when we were children."
These words shocked everyone present. No one expected Qi Mingyue to speak to the young master in such a manner, let alone address him so intimately.
Yao Xiuyan wasn't annoyed at all. Instead, he laughed and said, "Little sister, do you still remember what happened when we were little? Back then, you always followed me around wanting to learn how to ride horses and shoot arrows. You were much more enthusiastic about it than reading poetry and essays."
The two spoke as if they were old acquaintances. The people present exchanged bewildered glances, finally believing the rumors about the engagement.
Bai Lian'er's face paled slightly, and she forced a smile, "So the young master and Sister Qi are old acquaintances, no wonder..."
Yao Xiuyan interrupted her: "I have known Mingyue since childhood, and our families are old friends." He glanced at the whole room and said in a calm tone, "So the unfounded rumors I have heard recently are really laughable."
The prefect hurriedly said, "It is my dereliction of duty that allowed these idle rumors to disturb the young master."
Yao Xiuyan waved his hand: "Enough. But..." His gaze suddenly sharpened, "Spreading rumors and framing others is truly despicable. If I find out who is behind this, I will not let them off lightly!"
These words were spoken with a stern tone, and the hall fell silent instantly. Several people in the know secretly glanced at Bai Lian'er, noticing her deathly pale face and the slight trembling of her wine cup.
Xie Ansu stood up and said, "Your Highness is wise. The students of the academy all value their studies and would never do such a thing. It is probably just the nonsense of some idle people in the marketplace. Your Highness need not take it to heart."
Yao Xiuyan glanced at him and suddenly smiled, "Young Master Xie is indeed kind-hearted." He raised his cup, "Come, let me toast everyone, wishing Yingzhou a flourishing literary atmosphere and a wealth of talented people."
Everyone quickly raised their glasses in response, and the atmosphere eased slightly. Only Bai Lian'er was absent-minded, unaware that she had spilled half a cup of wine.
Midway through the banquet, Yao Xiuyan claimed to be drunk and left the table to sober up in the back garden. The prefect hurriedly offered to accompany him, but he politely declined, saying, "Let Mingyue keep me company for a while. We're childhood friends, it's a good opportunity to catch up."
Upon hearing this, everyone became even more convinced that the two had an extraordinary relationship.
Qi Mingyue followed Yao Xiuyan to the back garden. The moonlight, like water, shone on the pavilions and towers, adding to the serene atmosphere.
"Brother Xiuyan was quite impressive just now," Qi Mingyue said calmly.
Yao Xiuyan leaned against the railing, a half-smile on his face: "What? Are you blaming me for scaring your Young Master Xie?"
Qi Mingyue frowned: "Why does Brother Xiuyan always have to target him?"
Yao Xiuyan suddenly became serious: "Mingyue, I'm not targeting him. It's just..." He sighed, "Do you know why I came to Yingzhou?"
Qi Mingyue shook her head.
“Three months ago, I received a letter from the capital while I was at the border, saying that you were coming to Yingzhou to study.” Yao Xiuyan’s gaze was distant. “At first I didn’t care, until later I received a secret report that someone in Yingzhou wanted to harm you.”
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
