Having made these preparations, the three headed straight for the Li residence. As they drew nearer, they could clearly hear the bustling sounds of conversation coming from inside…
Little Baka arrived at the gate, uttered a few coded words, and soon a middle-aged man came out. After a brief exchange of greetings, the man led them inside without any hindrance…
This made Li Zhu realize that the Li family had deep ties with the Japanese; otherwise, how could they have entered the mansion so easily? Other high-ranking officials would have undergone questioning and body searches, yet they were directly and personally ushered into the mansion by the eldest son of the Li family…
"Why did you arrive so early, Takeda-kun?"
Li Zimu, the eldest son of the Li family, asked the little bastard in confusion.
"I have important news to report, so I came back early..."
Little Baka said with a serious face!
Li Zimu didn't dare ask what the news was, but he didn't care either. Whatever the news, if the Li family wanted to know, the leaders of these Japanese would eventually tell them...
"Since we're having a grand banquet today, and you're back, let's have a simple meal together. However, there aren't many seats available, so I'll have to trouble you to sit at the very end, Mr. Takeda..."
Li Zimu said somewhat embarrassedly!
"Brother Li, please don't take it to heart. It was my failure to inform you of my whereabouts beforehand that caused the Li family so much inconvenience. I am already extremely grateful to be able to sit here, so there is no question of me being wronged..."
Little Baka said very politely!
This made Li Zhu take another look at the little bastard. It seemed that the Japanese had thoroughly learned about Chinese culture and etiquette, even reciting this string of polite words so fluently…
The group was led into the banquet hall, and the three of them sat down at the last table. When everyone saw that Li Ziming had personally greeted several people, but was seated at the last table, they couldn't help but take a few more glances. However, no one recognized them, and they all wondered who the three people who had just entered were...
"Gentlemen..."
Just then, the white-haired old man sitting in the main seat spoke up, and the entire banquet immediately fell silent as everyone looked at him…
Li Zhu naturally looked intently as well, since it was quite far away and it was indeed difficult to see clearly without careful observation...
He noticed that although the head of the Li family was old, he was full of energy and had a very aggressive look in his eyes. Through the man's thin clothes, Li Zhu could even see his muscles...
This made Li Zhu secretly admire him. This old man was quite something. At such an advanced age, he could still maintain his physique. Although his hair looked gray, his shoulders were not hunched at all, and the muscles hidden under his clothes proved that this head of the Li family was no ordinary person...
"I am deeply grateful for your kind invitation to gather at my home, Li Tiande. Therefore, I have prepared a small feast to express my respect. I propose a toast to everyone; let us all enjoy ourselves to the fullest today. I'll drink this first..."
As he spoke, Li Tiande downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, and the guests below immediately applauded and cheered, also finishing their drinks in the same manner…
They've all come here today to beg Li Tiande for favors; we have to give them that face…
"We are deeply grateful for the hospitality shown to us by Patriarch Li, but now that an army is pressing in, what should we do?"
At this point, someone couldn't help but bring up the topic, immediately changing the atmosphere of the banquet. Everyone began to discuss the matter of the approaching army, and many expressed their hope that Li Tiande could step in and mediate, in order to prevent widespread bloodshed...
Li Tiande was aware of what these people were thinking, but he still interrupted them and spoke loudly.
"Today we're just here to drink and have fun; we can talk about other things later. I've arranged some singing and dancing for everyone, so please take a look..."
Li Tiande clapped his hands, and then musicians and dancers filed in, immediately filling the banquet with singing, dancing, and fragrant aromas…
The crowd looked grim; without Li Tiande's assurance, they had no interest in looking at these things...
Some people were even whispering about whether they should send their beautiful wives over, hoping to gain Li Tiande's protection...
Li Zhu overheard everything. He never expected that Li Tiande, at his advanced age, would still have such a hobby. It proved that liking young and beautiful women is not limited by age...
"Master Li, it's truly disappointing that these ordinary women have caught your eye..."
Just then, a discordant voice rang out!
Upon hearing this, someone immediately couldn't help but retort.
"The dancers of the Li family are renowned for their talent, beauty, and elegance. Who would dare to utter such arrogant words?"
"Indeed, the dancers at the Li residence are the most beautiful I've ever seen..."
"I'd like to see who dares to say that..."
Everyone turned to look at the speaker, and when they saw it was Zhu Yougui, their expressions turned ashen. They had offended the Prince of Jin's faction for no reason at all…
Once everyone recognized Zhu Yougui, they all fell silent and stopped talking…
"Why do you say that, Your Highness? Is it because I have failed to entertain you properly? If so, then please forgive me for being unable to receive you..."
This is practically driving people away. The only family that would dare to expel members of the Zhu family from Jin is probably the Li family…
However, Zhu Yougui did not leave, but continued speaking.
"I say this naturally because I have seen even more beautiful dancers..."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Li Tiande's face was grim, and he looked at Zhu Yougui with great suspicion...
"Your words are meaningless. If you cannot show me someone more beautiful than these dancers today, don't blame me for kicking you out of the Li residence..."
Li Tiande looked at Zhu Yougui, his words carrying a hint of threat, but no one found anything wrong with it. Even Zhu Wen had to show Li Tiande some deference, let alone a prince who was not favored by Zhu Wen. It didn't matter if they offended him...
More importantly, Zhu Yougui had just suffered a defeat, and his forces had completely collapsed, leaving him without any deterrent power. His presence here was undoubtedly to seek the protection of the Li family. Giving the heir, who needed his help, a little show of force wouldn't hurt...
"Since I dared to speak so arrogantly, I naturally want to let Patriarch Li meet me. As for whether what I said is true, I believe Patriarch Li will certainly give a fair evaluation..."
Upon hearing Zhu Yougui's words, a glint of light flashed in Li Tiande's eyes—a fierce desire for a beautiful woman. He couldn't help but look at Zhu Yougui expectantly. Although the urging in his eyes was obvious, Zhu Yougui didn't immediately call for someone to come out…
Instead, he spoke to Li Tiande.
"Patriarch Li, I can summon the person, but..."
"But what..."
Li Tiande quickly pressed for an answer…
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