Chapter 466: Innocence isn't acted! (Please subscribe, please vote for monthly tickets)

Facing Xu Zifeng's invitation, Liu Hao also smiled: "Since Wang Shizi is hosting a banquet, we naturally have to show our support."

Xu Zifeng nodded with satisfaction and asked again: "By the way, have you seen Wu Qi?"

Xiao Ming pointed outside the window: "He just left, saying he was going to the Ministry of Rites."

After leaving the tea house, Xu Zifeng headed straight for the Prince of Anxi's mansion.

Hearing his intention, Li Ji readily agreed: "Since Wang Shizi is hosting a banquet, how could I not give him face?"

There was no need to think; Li Ji would definitely agree.

When following the Prince of Zhennan's army to attack the Sea Clan, Li Ji had received care from the Prince of Zhennan, so he definitely had to give Xu Zifeng face and would provide help when necessary.

But this "necessary" referred to situations without conflict with Li Chen; if there was a conflict with Li Chen, Li Ji would definitely help Li Chen.

How did that saying go? Li Ji himself was core Imperial Clan; he couldn't possibly rebel against the Imperial Clan.

Coming out of the Prince of Anxi's mansion, Xu Zifeng's confidence increased greatly.

He decided to try his luck at the newly established Ministry of Sect Affairs; after all, inviting another Minister-level figure would make the banquet's grade different.

However, in front of the Ministry of Sect Affairs, he was turned away.

"Minister Lin says she thanks Wang Shizi for his kindness, but she is busy with official business and really can't get away," the guard respectfully conveyed.

Xu Zifeng was a bit disappointed, but there was no help for it; his relationship with Lin Yue'e wasn't good, nor was it bad, so it was normal for Lin Yue'e to refuse.

Next, he detoured to the Ministry of Revenue, where there was another drinking buddy.

Who knew it was even more unfortunate; Lin Mo of the Ministry of Revenue had gone on a business trip.

Lin Mo was truly busy; as the saying goes, the capable do more work, and he was that capable person.

On the way to the Ministry of Rites, Xu Zifeng suddenly felt a bit melancholy.

Standing on Vermilion Bird Street, looking at the coming and going crowds, he realized for the first time that after so many years in the Imperial Capital, he had so few friends he could truly confide in.

"Wang Shizi?" A familiar voice came from behind.

Xu Zifeng turned around and saw Wu Qi walking over quickly: "I heard you were looking for me?"

Xu Zifeng's spirit lifted: "Yes, I'm hosting a banquet at the mansion tonight; you must come!"

Wu Qi smiled: "Since Wang Shizi invites, how dare I refuse?"

The two chatted as they walked, and Xu Zifeng's mood gradually improved.

The Prince of Zhennan's mansion was hosting a banquet, and the entire mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers, bustling with activity.

Xu Zifeng had invited almost all the powerful people he knew in the Imperial Capital, barely filling the entire courtyard.

The Gu cultivators from the Southern Frontier, wearing colorful ethnic costumes, stood in the corners, curiously looking at this grand Prince's mansion, occasionally letting out exclamations.

Li Ji, Wu Qi, and Liu Hao arrived earliest, the three sitting at the main table sipping tea and chatting.

"I heard we can see that Miss Wei who made Xiao Ming and Fang Qian fight each other tonight?" Li Ji asked with interest.

Wu Qi winked: "Isn't that so? It's said that for her, Xiao Ming even delayed a case in the Ministry of Justice."

Then several people looked at Xu Zifeng; after all, only Xu Zifeng had seen that so-called Miss Wei.

Xu Zifeng shook his head with a bitter smile: "You'll see when you meet her later..."

Just as they were speaking, a commotion suddenly came from the courtyard entrance.

They saw Xiao Ming walking in, looking proud, followed by a stunning beauty.

The woman was in her early twenties, a lake-blue long dress outlining her graceful figure; she only wore a white magnolia dangling hairpin in her hair, yet it made her look refined and elegant.

Her eyebrows were like paintings, her lips like vermilion, her skirt rippling like water as she walked, dignified yet with a touch of liveliness.

"This must be Miss Wei Manying, right?" Li Ji's eyes lit up, and he stood up to welcome her. Wei Manying bowed gracefully, her voice like a clear spring: "Greetings, Prince of Anxi."

She turned to the others and greeted them one by one, her behavior appropriate, her conversation elegant—neither overly enthusiastic nor distant, making everyone feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Xiao Ming enjoyed the envious gazes of the crowd proudly.

Although Wei Manying wasn't his woman yet, with that annoying guy Fang Qian not here tonight, he was already satisfied.

Wei Manying was calm on the surface but calculating inwardly.

She had long wanted to come to such occasions crowded with powerful people to expand her connections, but she hadn't been able to speak up because of her status.

This time, Xiao Ming invited her, and she feigned reserve for a moment before agreeing.

Just as Wei Manying became the focus of the whole scene, a commotion suddenly came from the other side of the courtyard.

They saw Li Meng, dressed in purple, walking over accompanied by Ma Hei.

The silver ornaments in her hair jingled, and the silver bells on her wrists made crisp sounds with her steps.

Unlike Wei Manying's dignified elegance, Li Meng's beauty carried the wildness and innocence unique to the Southern Frontier; a pair of almond eyes were clear to the bottom, and when she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared on her cheeks.

"This is..." The wine cup in Li Ji's hand nearly fell.

Xu Zifeng introduced: "This is Miss Li Meng from the Witchcraft Holy Land of the Southern Frontier, the daughter of the Holy Master."

Everyone present couldn't help but gasp.

Who could have thought they would see two beauties with such different styles but equally stunning looks tonight?

Ma Hei followed Li Meng nervously, fearing she would make a fool of herself because she wasn't familiar with Central Plains etiquette.

Who knew that Li Meng's innocent and lively conversation instead became a highlight, and those young masters of noble families scrambled to surround her, trying all sorts of ways to make her happy.

"Miss Li's silver bracelet is truly unique; is it a craft unique to the Southern Frontier?"

"I heard the Moon-Gazing Gu flower of the Southern Frontier only blooms at night; I wonder if I might have the honor of seeing it?"

"Is Miss Li visiting the Imperial Capital for the first time? Would you like me to be your guide?"

Xiao Ming even forgot Wei Manying existed, rushing to Li Meng in one step: "Miss Li, I am Xiao Ming, Manager of the Ministry of Justice, and I have long admired Southern Frontier culture..."

This was his old "lick-dog" habit acting up.

Seeing this, Xu Zifeng kicked Xiao Ming hard under the table.

Xiao Ming then came to his senses, turned his head, saw Wei Manying's face was cold as frost, and hurriedly retreated with a sheepish laugh.

The banquet began in such a subtle atmosphere.

Fine wine and delicacies were constantly served, and amidst the clinking of glasses, the powerful people each had their own thoughts.

Wei Manying still maintained a perfect smile, seemingly not holding hostility toward Li Meng's arrival.

Li Meng innocently tasted the Central Plains delicacies she had never seen before, occasionally letting out surprised exclamations.

Xiao Ming looked left and right, unable to bear neglecting Wei Manying, yet unable to stop stealing glances at Li Meng.

And Xu Zifeng was busy greeting guests, occasionally having to mediate the atmosphere.

Wei Manying got to know all the powerful people at the scene and then left first.

Because she knew that if she were to compete with Li Meng here, she would be hated; it was better to leave a good impression of not being able to hold her liquor.

She also saw that Li Meng's innocence wasn't acted.

And Wei Manying had her own social means; if she wasn't the only one being pampered here, there was no point in staying.

After Wei Manying left, Xiao Ming wanted to see her off, so he naturally left too.

And what Wei Manying didn't know was that if she had stayed a little longer, she could have seen the true powerful people of the May Tian Ce Dynasty!

Because the person who appeared next made everyone in the hall stand up directly!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 467 =====