Chapter Twenty-Two: No Feast is Good (Part One)
The world is in turmoil, war rages; the winds and clouds are heavy, dragons and tigers meet. Four hundred years of Han dynasty's rise to power, yet Xiang Zhuang's sword dance was in vain.
Nearing the middle of the month, a bright moon shone in the sky, casting its silvery light across the land. The courtyard was tranquil under the moonlight, a gentle night breeze carrying a cool, refreshing breeze—everything was so pleasant. Red lanterns hung high under the eaves, and occasionally a beautiful maidservant carrying a tray would stroll by. Around the corner, there was a covered walkway across the water, the moonlight reflected in its surface, creating shimmering ripples. Occasionally, playful koi fish, unwilling to sleep, would leap, scattering countless points of moonlight, adding a touch of vitality.
At the end of the corridor, a tall door opened wide, leading to the banquet hall. Everyone had been seated for some time, and upon seeing Ye Yiqing and the others enter, they all rose, cups in hand, their attitude respectful. Ye Yiqing waved her hand, leading Mu Lian and the others to their seats.
Quietly glancing around, Mu Lian checked the names of everyone before her against the register kept by the Judicial Office, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It seemed that Liu Zhang really had a lot of influence; almost all the local officials and powerful families of Luo City were present.
As everyone took their seats, they noticed the head seat remained empty. Their expressions shifted slightly, a thousand thoughts swirling in their minds. Ye Yuqing, as the Director of the Imperial Stables, was a third-rank official, appointed by the Empress herself. Even the Military Governor of Luoyang, a second-rank official, should have been treated with the utmost respect. Yet, the banquet was already underway, the guests seated, and the host's tardiness was blatantly obvious.
"Haha, forgive me, forgive me, I'm late..." Accompanied by a hearty and deep laugh, a tall and robust middle-aged man strode in from outside the main hall.
The newcomer wore a horned crown, a ceremonial robe, a jade belt, and blue shoes; his attire was extremely magnificent and noble. He was none other than Liu Zhang, the military governor of Luoyang. His complexion was neither dark nor fair, his appearance neither handsome nor ugly, but his sharp, eagle-like eyes were intimidating. As he approached, one could see bulging blue veins on his arms and large, bony knuckles in his hands, indicating that he was a seasoned warrior with exceptional martial skills.
Mu Lian glanced at Liu Zhang out of the corner of her eye, quickly processing the information about him in her mind. This man was the top military scholar during the reign of the late emperor, his skill with the spear was unparalleled, and he was later transferred to the border, where he guarded Hexi. After the late emperor's death, Liu Zhang resigned under the pretext of mourning and lived in seclusion. He was reinstated in the third year of the Chunxi era, serving as the magistrate of Luocheng, and then promoted to the military governor of Luocheng, where he has now served for more than seven years.
If Mu Lian's prediction is correct, Liu Zhang must have been colluding with the deposed crown prince during the late emperor's reign. However, this man is extremely cunning and meticulous in his actions, so the empress was unable to touch him for a time after ascending the throne. Now that she has nurtured a tiger that is now a threat, he is acting more and more recklessly and blatantly.
“It’s alright…” Ye Yiqing slowly rose, her demeanor unhurried and elegant: “Luo City is the territory of the magistrate, so the magistrate may do as he pleases. It is only right that I follow the host’s lead…”
These words, seemingly a show of weakness in front of everyone, were actually a subtle rebuke to Liu Zhang. It's important to understand that no matter how arrogant a subject may be, in front of others, he still had to show some respect to the Imperial Commissioner appointed by the Empress. Liu Zhang's constant disrespect clearly indicated his disloyalty.
Liu Zhang's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. However, being a seasoned cunning old fox, he quickly chuckled and smoothed things over, saying, "What makes you say such a thing, Commissioner of the Imperial Stables? It seems the officials of Luocheng have failed to provide adequate hospitality. My fault, my fault..." He then beckoned and ordered, "Someone, serve Lord Ye well..."
As soon as he finished speaking, a group of stunningly beautiful veiled dancers came forward. Instantly, the hall was filled with fragrant breezes and the sounds of music and dance.
"A gentleman of noble character, as if cut and polished, as if carved and refined..." The ethereal and melodious singing voice floated in the hall, lingering endlessly, its beauty capable of resonating for three days. Everyone's expression tightened, and the old scholar swayed his head and echoed, as if listening to celestial music.
Ye Yiqing's expression shifted slightly. She hadn't expected Liu Zhang to use a honey trap right off the bat. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Mu Lian standing to the side, and Ye Yiqing's slender fingers unconsciously twitched. No, no, with such a beauty beside her, even feigning intimacy wouldn't work.
Suddenly, the melody changed, and a fragrant breeze swept in. A seductive red-clad dancer twirled directly towards the envoy. Her red gauze dress fluttered gracefully, her movements incredibly swift. Accompanied by a shower of petals, the dancer's hands flew, her dance unpredictable and ever-changing. At times, she resembled a flying apsara from Dunhuang; at other times, she moved with breathtaking grace. In harmony with the rapid and complex sounds of the strings, the audience was dazzled and mesmerized, completely forgetting where they were.
Even Lord Ye, the Director of the Imperial Stables, was not exempt from the invitation. At this moment, his eyes were fixed on her, and he felt a surge of affection as he gazed at her. He found her to be so beautiful, and it was a joy in life. His hand, which had originally intended to refuse, unconsciously turned into a gesture of welcome.
The dancer in red smiled alluringly, her charm only amplified. She bowed slightly, her ample breasts revealing a deep cleavage that stirred the imagination. She extended her slender hand, concealing a cup, its contents perfectly still, gleaming in the light: "Greetings, Lord Ye. Please drink this cup to the brim..."
As if by some strange impulse, Ye Yiqing reached out to take the wine cup. Suddenly, with a thud, the attendant Ye Xun staggered and knelt on the ground, loudly begging for forgiveness: "Ye Xun deserves to die, young master, please forgive me..."
The sudden noise startled Ye Yiqing, instantly bringing him to his senses. He glanced at the red-clad dancer holding a wine cup before him, then leisurely withdrew his hand, smoothing his sleeves, and said indifferently, "A mere maidservant is not worthy to offer me a toast..."
The effort had been in vain. The dancer in red felt a surge of resentment. If the envoy had accepted her cup of wine in public, it would have given him ammunition. If he then revealed his identity as a courtesan, her master could be impeached for "excessive indulgence," which would be a legitimate reason.
"Get out of here..." A cold female voice rang out from the side.
The dancer in red quickly glanced at Meng Yuan, who was wearing a mask, her expression showing a hint of surprise, but she quickly regained her composure and said in a soft, aggrieved voice, "Please forgive me, my lord, I will take my leave now..."
Behind her, Mu Lian, disguised as A Zhe, glanced at the red-clad dancer's retreating figure, her face hidden, lost in thought. So alike, so incredibly alike. Not just in appearance and voice, but in mannerisms and speech. Mu Lian always trusted her intuition, so if she wasn't mistaken, the red-clad dancer was indeed the long-lost Yun Shan.
The music and dance resumed. Meanwhile, the military governor Liu Zhang seemed completely oblivious to what had just happened, remaining silent. No one else in the room spoke either; everything in the hall remained as before. Only Ye Xun, limping to his feet, was on the verge of tears.
Not only was he ambushed in broad daylight despite his own skill, but what's even more infuriating is that he couldn't even figure out who ambushed him or where it came from. Luckily, he was quick-witted and immediately apologized; otherwise, he would have certainly caused the young master to lose face. That was absolutely unacceptable. Ye Xun's injury was a minor matter; the young master's reputation was a major issue, and he couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
Glancing out of the corner of her eye at the frustrated expression on the young guard Ye Xun's face, Mu Lian's lips curled slightly, and she lightly flicked her fingertips. A gust of wind swept by, and the young guard's previously sore and numb knees suddenly stopped hurting.
Ye Xun's eyes widened instantly. He tilted his head slightly to look around, but still found nothing. Frustrated, he lowered his head again. "Sigh, it's all my fault for not being skilled enough."
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