The two walked side by side. Li Chang'an lowered his eyes without saying a word, seemingly deep in thought, while Feng Beichuan took out his jade bone fan and leisurely waved it.
"How about it? With someone backing you up, don't you feel like you've got wings?"
Feng Beichuan warmly put his arm around Li Chang'an's shoulder. Although the position was a little uncomfortable due to the height difference between the two, it did not affect his good mood.
"Hmm? Not bad...tsk, are you trying to ruin your arm?"
Because he had been contemplating politics, Li Chang'an was momentarily stunned and didn't react immediately. After responding, he frowned and glared at the restless hand on his shoulder.
Feng Beichuan tactfully withdrew his arm, and the two of them left the palace gate, mounted their horses, and headed towards the imperial city.
Today is the day Li Chang'an is hosting a banquet for the recluses.
With the help of these powerful figures, Li Chang'an not only gained more insights into the art of governing the country, but also gained more support and a voice in the court.
Although Feng Beichuan had previously been on her side, few other ministers in the court truly trusted Li Chang'an. However, times have changed, and Li Chang'an has become a rising star in the court.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Li Chang'an, as the host, busied himself with various tasks, while Feng Beichuan readily followed behind to help.
Once everyone had arrived, the dishes were served. This was also the first time Li Chang'an had eaten and drunk at the same table with all these great figures.
"It is truly an honor for me that you all are willing to help me. I have specially invited you to this banquet today to express my gratitude. I will drink first!"
Li Chang'an stood up and gracefully toasted everyone, who in turn raised their glasses in return.
"As the saying goes, a good bird chooses a good tree to perch on. It is also a kind of opportunity for us to follow Princess Chang'an. We have to thank the Regent for his introduction. Don't you all agree?"
Yi Yangshanren smiled, raised his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp. He then poured himself another cup and turned to Feng Beichuan, saying, "To the Regent!"
"Not at all, please don't be so polite!"
Feng Beichuan also raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.
The atmosphere in the restaurant immediately became lively, and Li Chang'an felt infected by it. He specially toasted Feng Beichuan with a glass of wine in front of everyone to express his gratitude.
"There is one more thing. For the sake of convenience, His Highness and I have decided that we will both use summons to contact you from now on."
Speaking of which, this idea was actually Feng Beichuan's. After saying that, he glanced at Li Chang'an sitting next to him, and the woman smiled faintly at him.
After this incident, Feng Beichuan and Li Chang'an became much closer.
"However, I will still keep all of your tokens safe. Although we will be using the summons to communicate from now on, those tokens can be considered a special gift from you all to me."
Li Chang'an's attitude was very sincere, which made everyone like her even more and confirm that this princess of Shengnan Kingdom was indeed an upright and reliable person.
"I understand, I understand. As the saying goes, we're all family, so let's not be formal. It'll be much easier for us to keep in touch once you two have gotten married and are living together in the Regent's Palace!"
Uncle Mingrui said half-jokingly. Perhaps because he had drunk some wine, his face looked ruddy. Compared to his usual stern and aloof demeanor, he looked more like a playful old man at this moment.
After hearing these words, everyone couldn't help but cast ambiguous glances at the two of them.
Li Chang'an felt awkward and wanted to leave on the spot, but out of courtesy, he held back. He couldn't help but wonder what he had done to cause such a misunderstanding.
Or perhaps, someone said or did something behind our backs in front of these people that caused misunderstandings.
Thinking of this, Li Chang'an couldn't help but glance at Feng Beichuan beside him, silently questioning what good deeds he had secretly done.
After sensing that strange gaze, Feng Beichuan remained calm and composed. He simply shrugged slightly and pursed his lips at the slightly angry woman, indicating that he was absolutely innocent.
Although Feng Beichuan appeared oblivious, he was secretly overjoyed.
Sooner or later, they will become a family.
Li Chang'an was at a loss. He opened his mouth, ready to speak and refute the rumors, but Yan Qianhe, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up first.
"Uncle Mingrui, you're so old, why do you still like to make jokes like this? It makes people so embarrassed."
Yan Qianhe, with his righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor, seemed somewhat out of place among the others at the table.
After being lectured like that, Uncle Mingrui felt a little embarrassed, so he punished himself by drinking three cups of wine.
Li Chang'an couldn't help but cast a grateful glance at Yan Qianhe. Fortunately, someone gave him a way out in time, which ended the awkward situation so quickly. Otherwise, even if he had personally denied it, he would probably have been suspected by everyone of trying to cover it up.
Yan Qianhe glanced at Li Chang'an indifferently, her slightly raised eyebrows carrying a hint of arrogance. She wasn't helping Li Chang'an; she just spoke up because she felt uncomfortable.
Although she knew there was no possibility between her and Feng Beichuan, and she had long since given up hope, Yan Qianhe still felt extremely unwilling after learning about Feng Beichuan's feelings for Li Chang'an.
She was clearly no worse than that woman, so why was Feng Beichuan so eager to get close to Li Chang'an while avoiding her like the plague?
Could it be that he actually likes tomboys like Li Chang'an?
Thinking of this, Yan Qianhe couldn't help but roll her eyes at Feng Beichuan, despising his taste in women from the bottom of her heart.
Just then, Feng Beichuan met Yan Qianhe's eye roll. Yan Qianhe didn't shy away from it, calmly looked away, picked up the wine glass in front of her, and drank it all in one gulp.
Feng Beichuan felt bewildered and had no idea what he had done to offend them.
After the little incident, everyone continued eating, drinking, and chatting.
The atmosphere was lively, and Li Chang'an put aside her earlier discomfort and joined the conversation, though she mainly acted as a listener.
Being with these experts, Li Chang'an found it very enjoyable to learn a lot just by listening to their conversations, and he was almost completely absorbed in it.
Feng Beichuan listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with a few words and telling jokes to lighten the mood, but he also made sure to serve food to Li Chang'an.
"General! General!"
The lively atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by this incongruous shout. Li Chang'an looked in the direction of the sound and found that it was a soldier in the military camp who looked somewhat familiar.
"General, something terrible has happened! Please come with me to see what's going on!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com