Qin Jingheng is not indifferent to enjoyment, but at such a sensitive time, such ostentation is likely to attract criticism.
Xu Shenzhi quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, please calm down. These ingredients were delivered to your residence by four guests who said they were specially prepared for Your Highness to try."
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man with a refined appearance, seated first on the left, smiled and cupped his hands in response:
"Your Highness, please don't blame Mr. Xu. We were the ones who were impolite."
We have no other hobbies but a fondness for food, and we happen to have a chef from Fengjing working at home.
"I thought I'd take this opportunity to invite Your Highness to taste it and see if this Kyoto-style dish made in the south is authentic enough."
Qin Jingheng did as instructed, took a few bites, and nodded in agreement.
"It is indeed extremely authentic, and even more so, rare."
He was already alarmed; it seemed these four were quite capable, at least possessing an extremely efficient and secretive transportation channel.
The banquet began without the usual string and wind instruments and singing and dancing that are common at banquets in the capital. The atmosphere was not particularly lively; people chatted casually and commented on the dishes.
Qin Jingheng initially had a somewhat perfunctory attitude, but soon his impression of the four people changed drastically.
Because no matter how he steered the conversation toward local customs, poetry, or even occasionally tentatively mentioned the politics of southern Xinjiang or border defense, the four men could respond with ease.
His insights are unique and his words are incisive, yet there is not a trace of showing off. He always gets to the point and stops there, revealing a profound knowledge base and a broad vision.
This is no ordinary merchant; he is clearly a learned man with a refined air, possessing even the potential to govern the world.
Qin Jingheng always prided himself on being courteous to scholars and virtuous men. Upon seeing this scene, his initial contempt vanished, and he couldn't help but feel a genuine desire to befriend him.
He took the initiative to raise his glass in invitation, and his tone became much more sincere:
"I have benefited greatly from my conversation with the four gentlemen. May I ask your esteemed names?"
The four of them raised their glasses at the same time and gracefully drank the wine in one gulp.
After setting down their wine glasses, the refined-looking man on the left spoke first:
"My name is Wang Yun."
"Cui Shang."
"Feng Zhi."
"Li Ke".
Wang, Cui, Feng, Li?
Qin Jingheng's hand holding the cup suddenly stiffened, and the wine in the cup swayed slightly.
These four surnames exploded in his mind like a thunderclap!
A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes, and the gentle expression that had just appeared on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold scrutiny and vigilance.
He slowly set down his wine glass, his gaze piercing like a blade as he looked at Xu Shenzhi beside him. His voice was extremely low, already tinged with coldness:
"They...are from one of the four great families?"
Facing the prince's sharp gaze, Xu Shenzhi remained clasped in his hands, his tone unchanged:
"Your Highness is wise, the four gentlemen are indeed from the four great families."
They have come on behalf of their respective families, intending to discuss a major business deal with His Highness that would affect the future.
"Nonsense!"
Qin Jingheng immediately changed color and stood up abruptly, his sleeve knocking over the wine cups on the table, spilling the fine wine.
A surge of anger, stemming from being offended, rose to his head. His face was so dark it seemed to drip water, and his chest heaved slightly with rage.
He already knew his mother's attitude towards powerful clans; she was determined to eliminate them as quickly as possible.
With the struggle for the throne about to unfold, wouldn't it be tantamount to handing over a handle to the enemy to make things difficult for him by secretly contacting these powerful families at this critical juncture?
“Xu Shenzhi,” each word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, “you have crossed the line.”
However, Xu Shenzhi, who had always been respectful, humble, and obedient in front of him, did not show the slightest fear at this moment.
He even calmly refilled his glass of wine, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
"Your Highness, why are you so hasty in your anger?" Xu Shenzhi put down his wine cup, his tone so calm it sent a chill down one's spine.
"It would be wise to listen patiently to what kind of business the four gentlemen want to do with His Highness before making a decision."
Perhaps it's a lucrative deal that His Highness can't refuse?
Qin Jingheng stared intently at him, a strong sense of unease spreading wildly in his heart like a poisonous vine, almost seizing his heart.
Is this still the same cautious and meticulous staff member he knew?
At this moment, Xu Shenzhi slowly stood up and unhurriedly took out a roll of bright yellow cloth from his bosom.
That glaring color was reserved for imperial edicts or extremely important royal documents, yet he calmly handed the cloth to Qin Jingheng.
"Your Highness, it will only take a short while anyway. Why don't you take a look for yourself first?"
Suppressing his surging anger and disbelief, Qin Jingheng snatched the bright yellow cloth and unfolded it abruptly.
His eyes quickly scanned the words on it, and his pupils suddenly contracted!
That was not an imperial edict, but a scathing denunciation, every word of which was piercing to the heart!
Its content is presented from the perspective of a prince who is "concerned about the country and its people," and he does his best to refute the various "crimes" committed by the empress since she came to power.
They condemned him for being a hen crowing at dawn, turning the world upside down, and causing chaos in the court...
The article ends with an open incitement, suggesting that he be enthroned as king of Zhuque South Road, and proclaiming his intention to revive the Daqian orthodoxy, purge the court of corrupt officials, and quell the national crisis.
"Damn it!" Qin Jingheng's hands trembled violently.
As if the cloth were burning hot, he suddenly slammed it to the ground.
Still not satisfied, he kicked over the rosewood table in front of him.
In an instant, the cups and plates were in disarray.
The exquisite porcelain plate shattered into pieces, and the delicious food and wine were spilled all over the ground, with juices flowing everywhere, creating a chaotic scene.
"How dare you! Xu Shenzhi, and all of you!"
Qin Jingheng's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed at the four people sitting there calmly.
"How dare you plot rebellion?!"
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