Chapter 120: Feast of Flourishing Elegance

Before he knew it, the sky had grown dark, and Su Ye had finished his affairs and rushed over.

At that evening's banquet, Su Ye formally set up a feast to entertain the three princesses.

The night deepened, and the bright moon hung high.

On this tranquil and mysterious night, a grand banquet was taking place in Su Ye's luxurious mansion in Azure Spirit City.

The mansion's lights were bright as scattered stars, illuminating every corner.

In the meticulously arranged banquet hall, fragrances filled the air, and the melodious strains of strings and bamboo added a touch of joy and romance to this special night.

Su Ye sat upright at the head seat, wearing a splendid brocade robe embroidered with exquisite patterns, displaying unmatched nobility and dignity.

His movements were calm and unhurried, every detail revealing the bearing of a regional lord.

Meanwhile, the three princesses who had arrived were each peerlessly elegant; their coming undoubtedly added more splendor to the banquet.

With a pleasant melody, the three princesses slowly entered the banquet hall.

They were dressed in splendid garments, adorned with glittering jewels, like three celestial maidens descended to the mortal world, breathtakingly beautiful.

Su Ye rose to his feet, smiling as he greeted them.

Si Luoying and the other two princesses also returned the greeting gracefully.

Their faces were absolutely beautiful, their bearing refined, and their gestures revealed an innate aristocratic aura.

As princesses of the imperial family, regardless of their individual personalities,

they were faultless in etiquette.

Meanwhile, Guo Jia stood to the side, silently observing everything, smiling without speaking.

He knew his task was already completed—he had not only succeeded in buying time and dispelling the princesses' anxieties,

but also, in his own way, made them feel greater favor and trust toward his lord.

As the servants successively served the dishes, the banquet officially began.

Su Ye, Si Luoying, and the others each raised their cups and drank, and the atmosphere gradually grew lively.

Yet, atop this seemingly harmonious feast, the conversation and interaction among the four were filled with the pretense of mere performance.

"The three princesses have come from afar; it is truly an honor for Cangzhou."

Su Ye smiled and spoke, his voice low and magnetic: "I wonder whether the three princesses have grown accustomed to the local customs and sentiments of this northern Cangzhou?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness the Prince." As the elder sister, Si Luoying set aside her usual bold demeanor and replied elegantly, "The local customs of Cangzhou have a unique charm; we three all like them."

"That's good." Su Ye nodded politely, then turned to another princess: "I've heard the Fourth Princess excels at music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; I wonder if I might have the honor of beholding her talents in the future?"

"Your Highness overpraises me." Si Luoshi laughed modestly, "I merely know the basics; it's not worth mentioning."

"The Fourth Princess is too modest." Su Ye laughed, "Come, let us all raise our cups and toast to tonight's banquet."

The four raised their cups and drank; the atmosphere seemed to become even more harmonious.

Yet, in this conversation, it was not hard to notice the subtle relationship among the four.

Su Ye was striving to maintain the gathering's harmony and liveliness, while the three princesses, while preserving their reserve and elegance, were also covertly observing his every move.

As the banquet progressed, the conversation among the four became richer and more complex.

They discussed poetry, songs, verses, and prose, as well as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; they also talked about the local customs and political landscapes of various states.

In this conversation, Su Ye and the three princesses all displayed outstanding talent and wisdom; their words were full of sharpness and implication, as if they were engaged in a silent contest.

The four's actions were also full of drama.

Su Ye at times raised his cup to drink freely, at times chatted and laughed with the princesses.

And from time to time he glanced sideways with his peripheral vision toward Guo Jia's direction.

To be frank, in dealing with women,

Su Ye truly lacks the rich experience of that playboy Guo Jia.

Meanwhile, the three princesses at times listened to their lord's narration, at times exchanged glances with each other.

Each of their actions seemed to carry a deeper meaning, as if they were conveying some information to one another.

While Su Ye strove to display his demeanor and talent, he was also covertly observing the three princesses' reactions and attitudes.

And the three princesses, while maintaining their elegance and reserve, were also covertly assessing the abilities and character of this Yun King's heir.

They were all making thorough preparations and considerations for a future marriage alliance.

One could say, these four people,

harbor eight hundred hidden schemes in their hearts.

This banquet is far more than a simple feast; it is also a spiritual exchange and clash between Su Ye and the three princesses.

As the night grew deeper, the banquet, amidst the four's battle of wits and courage, entered its conclusion.

The moonlight was like water, and the tranquil night was veiled in a thin layer of silver radiance.

At this moment, in a secluded pavilion within the rear garden of Su Ye's mansion, a conversation unknown to others was taking place.

Su Ye leaned against the pavilion's column, his face showing some fatigue, his eyes flashing with a complex light.

Although his recent performance with the three princesses had been splendid, it also left him feeling somewhat mentally and physically exhausted.

One could say, these three princesses truly live up to being the carefully cultivated daughters of the Qian Emperor.

Their speech is flawless, revealing no weakness.

Most importantly, these three little vixens observe no martial ethics.

When the three secretly clashed with Su Ye, they coordinated with each other.

Several times they managed to lead Su Ye around by the nose.

Therefore, at this moment Su Ye needs someone to confide in, to ease the oppression in his heart.

And at this moment, sitting opposite him is precisely that alcoholic strategist who lives by drink and scheme—Guo Jia, courtesy name Guo Fengxiao.

This drunkard may seem unreliable on the surface, but he possesses extraordinary wisdom and keen insight.

He always could, whenever Su Ye needed, devise plans and strategies to solve problems.

Feng Xiao, you say, how was my performance just now?

Su Ye spoke first, breaking the night's silence.

Guo Jia took a sip of the wine in his hand, smacked his lips, as if savoring the wine's aroma and also as if pondering the lord's question.

Your performance, my lord, is flawless; all three princesses are bewitched by you.

After a while, he then spoke slowly, accompanied by exaggerated body language.

He's not quite used to everything arranged for Su Ye.

Can't you be serious for once!

Looking at the still drunk Guo Jia, Su Ye laughed and cursed.

Hmph, bewitched?

Just putting on an act for the occasion.

I can't see them being moved at all.

Then he let out a cold chuckle, slowly.

My lord, you are indeed perceptive, observing even the finest details.

Guo Jia held the wine gourd and praised, saying, "However, the three princesses are indeed not ordinary folks."

They must also be secretly observing the lord's every move at tonight's banquet.

I know." Su Ye nodded, "So I must be extra careful, lest they see through my true intentions."

My lord, rest assured; with me here, I will certainly lend you a hand.

Guo Jia patted his modest chest, assuring that he still had some experience in dealing with women.

(End of chapter)