Chapter 640

Pei Ye walked along the edge of the banquet field and could feel the gazes falling on him from time to time. It was not strange to think about it; on this occasion today, the only two outsiders were him and Yongji.

Everyone knew Yongji's origin and purpose, but this young man who inexplicably entered the family banquet didn't have any introduction.

Of course, one couldn't expect that Her Highness Jinyang would bring him to greet everyone.

Pei Ye passed Li Cannan, passed Li Youlong and Li Yujin, and then stopped in front of Li Zhi's table.

Li Zhi raised his head to look at him.

In fact, even counting the competition on the Winter Sword Platform before the New Year, Pei Ye felt that this was the first time he had stood so close to this Fourth Highness.

When he cut his sword blade into Li Zhi's neck on the Winter Sword Platform, it was indeed closer than this, but at that time he was drunk and dazed, and his spirit was also drifting. Li Zhi in his field of vision couldn't see his face clearly, just like a symbol, and it seemed like a dream after waking up.

And at this time, Pei Ye looked at him. His hair was simply tied up, his face was overly clean, his clothes seemed to be passed down from the Jin Dynasty, without patterns, very simple, a pair of cloth shoes on his feet, and the traces of hand work were very obvious.

He seemed to only absorb the most basic and necessary physical needs, and apart from that, he was not stained by this world at all.

"Yan Inspector Pei Ye, wishing the Fourth Highness peace." Pei Ye bowed with his fists.

After taking his seat, Pei Ye was the first person to talk to him, because others were also used to it. Li Zhi wouldn't chat, or rather, most of the time he wouldn't respond to any words coming toward him.

But this time he spoke very rarely: "Peace to you."

Seeing the first sentence was successful, Pei Ye felt relieved: "On the Winter Sword Platform last time, this subordinate was unruly after drinking, and the sword edge slipped. I ask for Your Highness's forgiveness."

"No matter." Li Zhi looked at him, his face plain, but his eyes were very focused, "What is your business?"

"This subordinate heard that the Sage once bestowed the Qilin Holy Fire upon Your Highness. I don't know if there is such a thing?"

"Yes."

Pei Ye clasped his fists and bowed, saying earnestly: "This subordinate is ordered to handle a case today and has some difficulties. I ask to borrow a wisp."

Li Zhi was silent for a moment and shook his head: "Don't borrow."

"..."

"What else?"

"I ask Your Highness to think three times, or wait until Her Highness the Ming Ming Niangniang arrives, and Your Highness can discuss it with her before answering this subordinate." Such a crisp refusal actually exceeded Pei Ye's expectations, and he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

Because he believed Li Zhi had insight into his thoughts.

There was no need to make any explanation. He walked over, and Li Zhi knew he was here on behalf of Li Xizhou. He asked Li Zhi to borrow the Qilin Fire, and Li Zhi knew he was here to confront the Prince of Yan's mansion.

When discussing with Li Xizhou at the Zhu Jingdian, Li Xizhou said just that. There was no need for any strategy and timing, no need for explanation and rhetoric; just let him go and borrow it, and it would naturally work if it worked.

But what if it didn't?

Li Xizhou didn't say, and she probably hadn't anticipated this part either.

Pei Ye turned his head to look at the red dress in the corner. Li Xizhou was looking at him, seemingly also a bit surprised that he had encountered an accident.

"No need." Li Zhi said, "The Ming Ming Niangniang will agree, but the Qilin Fire cannot be borrowed."

"Why?" Pei Ye frowned, "What concerns does Your Highness have? We can discuss it."

"No need to discuss." Li Zhi looked at him, his eyes were very clear, and his voice was very calm, "The Qilin True Blood is a major matter of the country, held only by the Father Emperor and me. Unless necessary, it is never leaked."

"..."

Pei Ye was silent for a moment, bowed with his fists, and turned to leave the table.

Although this refusal was unexpected, "unless necessary" was not "any situation" after all, so there was still room for long-term deliberation. He was an outsider in the matter of Qilin Blood, so he could go back and discuss it with Li Xizhou, and then take some chips to talk about it.

After lowering his head and taking a few steps out, stepping into the shade of the pavilion, a familiar voice came from his ear: "You directly asked them for the Qilin True Blood. If it really succeeds, it would inevitably make me look a bit funny."

Pei Ye stopped and turned his head. Beside the pavilion railing, Yongji in black was lying on it, looking down at him slightly, revealing the same smile as that day at the Phantom Tower.

Pei Ye paused, turned his steps, and came under the railing: "Why, if I take a few drops of Qilin Blood, can I melt it into my own bloodline?"

"That would be a fantasy. Qilin Blood is actually a symbol of the contract with the Qilin. If you swallow a few drops of Qilin Blood yourself, your body will probably have changes, just like a mortal taking a Mirage Realm mark. In terms of the authority of the five surnames, it is an offense, but it can't be called a disturbance."

"Then he won't lend it to me."

Yongji laughed in a low voice. His pupils were not light, but very pure black, like his own eyebrows and hair.

"Didn't I say it? Because it's a major matter of the country." He said, "The carrier of the Great Tang's authority, the symbol of the sacred, is like the Nine Tripods placed in the ancestral temple by the Zhou royal family. Although it's useless, how could it be lent to you to make soup?"

"Then is there no other way to borrow it for use?"

"I said, they won't lend it."

"But I need to use it."

"Then you have to think of some ways... just like me."

"Just like you," Pei Ye looked at the banquet, "relying on marriage as a tool to get Qilin Blood?"

"You are definitely unwilling."

"Of course I'm unwilling." Pei Ye said bluntly, "Do you treat people as people?"

Yongji was not angry, lowered his eyes to look at him, and only his voice slowed down: "Just this, and you have to use all your thoughts, crying and begging, and it might not succeed."

"Why, does your father need Qilin Blood to save his life, and can't live without Qilin Blood?" Pei Ye lowered his head and wrapped the binding on his wrist, "Then I'm going to shout."

"Hahaha." Yongji folded his arms, leaned down toward him, and said in a low, cold voice, "After leaving the palace, I'll cut you into three sections."

Pei Ye looked at him with a smile: "Is that so? It's a pity that your old cub has already been slaughtered. I have to lose a move to you in this game, little master."

"Is that so? It's a pity that your old cub has already been slaughtered. I have to lose a move to you in this game, little master."

"It's four moves. Above, I'll cut off your two dog heads first, and after going down, I'll let Old Man Yue cut off another round." Pei Ye lifted his neck and leaned toward his face, "Hey, I've never checked. Before you were born, did you really have a pair of dog brothers and dog sisters?"

Yongji smiled, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: "The only reason you can live until now is that I haven't found an opportunity to take action myself."

Pei Ye smiled, but didn't leave, turned his head to look at the banquet field walking with elegance.

Yongji was still lying on the railing, just like at the Phantom Tower. He seemed to enjoy the time standing with this young man in front of him more.

After a long while, Yongji said indifferently: "Of course I want Qilin Blood. If I don't have Qilin Blood, who will guard the northern border? Relying on this group of trash from the five surnames? You like to be a dignified fool. Why, did 'dignified' help you get Qilin Blood from Li Zhi's hands?"

Pei Ye didn't answer: "I ask you, why didn't Yu Sicheng come? Won't he come to help you say a few words at this banquet?"

Yongji laughed indifferently twice: "None of your business."

Pei Ye stood up and left, leaving this pavilion.

The vulgar words dissolved into the cool tenderness of the spring night. Although many people cast gazes at the conversation in the corner, no one took it into their ears.

The scent of spring flowers and pastries, the whispers of nightingales and palace maids, the princes in black or yellow robes chatting in low voices with each other; looking at it, it was all a scene of kindness and politeness.

Pei Ye sat down behind Li Xizhou. The woman was supporting her chin and watching quietly. He told her about what had happened, and Li Xizhou was silent for a moment.

"Was it within your expectations?" Pei Ye said.

"No," Li Xizhou shook her head, "I know Qilin Blood is very important, but is it considered leaking to borrow it for use in the palace?"

This sounded more like a sigh than a question. She lifted her head. At this time, the sky was truly dark, the yellow faded, and a full moon hung high in the sky.

The Ming Ming Niangniang's carriage finally arrived. The mother of the country, as pale as autumn flowers and as noble as the summer moon, stepped down from the carriage, and the people at the table stood up to salute one after another.

Li Huang's gaze soon fell on the red dress in the corner with slight surprise, and then Pei Ye also looked at Li Xizhou in surprise as she put down her wine cup and stood up with everyone to salute the Ming Ming Niangniang earnestly: "Wishing Mother Ming Ming Niangniang peace."

He was stunned for a moment and also bowed with his fists.

"... All Qilin children, please be exempt from formalities." Li Huang had a very gentle and beautiful appearance, her features were atmospheric and gentle. If a person grew their face according to their profession, then she was born for "Ming Ming Niangniang."

"Jinyang actually came to the banquet today; why are you sitting here." Li Huang had a smile of surprise, as if she was also slightly at a loss, "—Yujin, quickly invite Eldest Sister to the seat of honor."

Li Xizhou smiled: "No need to trouble, Mother Ming Ming Niangniang. It's all a family banquet, no need to be particular. I like sitting in the corner and chatting with friends."

Li Huang's gaze fell on Pei Ye for a moment, turned around and ordered something to the eunuch who was with her, and smiled at them again, only then taking her seat in her own place.

After a few breaths, several palace people added a table for Pei Ye beside Li Xizhou.

"..." Pei Ye thanked her in a low voice and sat down at the table with his clothes gathered.

"Hurry up and serve the meal first, don't let the two little generals go hungry." Li Huang smiled and arranged her skirt, lowered her head and sat down. On that side, the two little girls were sitting properly, one obediently and the other shaking her head, and on the table, the Snow Doll side only had one less, and the other plate was already empty. "During the New Year, I wanted to hold a banquet in the Qiongju Garden to taste the first touch of spring in the Renwu year. Unfortunately, the Sage is too lazy to take another step, and none of us can persuade him."

Several consorts laughed. Li Yujin smiled: "We eat our own; having Mother Ming Ming Niangniang here is enough."

Li Huang glared: "Just saying rebellious words."

Laughter arose at the table.

Once the banquet started, more pearls released light, mixed with moonlight to make the venue even brighter. The prepared dishes were served one by one. Li Huang smiled: "A total of thirteen dishes, all of which I called the Imperial Kitchen to discuss one by one in the palace. There are two western dishes, which I demonstrated to them. These thirteen dishes together have a name, called 'Burning Snow and Brewing Spring,' with a sweet and clear taste. Everyone, taste it, and tell me if there are any defects."

Li Cannan said crisply: "The first dish is Snow Doll; I guess the last dish is the Elm Pod Curd made in the Qiongju Garden."

Li Huang smiled helplessly: "Living in the Penglai Palace every day, you haven't learned anything else, but you've seen all of my little culinary skills."

Li Cannan laughed.

Pei Ye thought about it. This was indeed the first time he had seen this second Ming Ming Niangniang. He withdrew his gaze and chatted with the woman beside him: "This Ming Ming Niangniang seems to be quite good."

Li Xizhou looked at him: "I didn't say she was bad either."

"I thought she would pretend not to see you." Pei Ye picked up a piece of fish with chopsticks, "But she even prepared a table for me."

"That would be a waste."

"What?"

"I couldn't finish all this; it was meant for you to eat in the first place."

Pei Ye smiled and lowered his head to pick up food: "How did you know I couldn't eat two tables."

"..." Li Xizhou admired him, turned her head back and said, "If others act and you can't see it, it seems you are not fit to live in the palace in the future."

"What?"

Li Xizhou supported her chin and looked at the banquet field: "I was sitting here early on. Did you think no one would report it to her? Why prepare a few more tables, including yours."

Pei Ye paused his chopsticks, still put the fish slice into his mouth, and looked at the banquet field, which was soft and moist with light and full of laughter, watching the relaxed and happy expressions on everyone's faces, and couldn't help but move his throat.

"But it's very good like this too."

"... Mm?"

Li Xizhou supported her chin and watched the field quietly and gently: "It's really rare to be able to sit together, laughing and saying some words. Isn't it precious enough?"

They were talking about the newly served dish at the table. Li Huang didn't neglect anyone at the table, especially Yongji, and remembered to give some care to the two tables on Li Xizhou's side from time to time.

"Look, Yujin always looks toward Li Chen's side." Li Xizhou lifted her finger and couldn't help but reveal a smile, "Actually, he likes Li Chen very much; he has been since he was young, but Li Chen played with girls since he was young, didn't hunt, had a very different temperament, and was of a different age, so he couldn't play with him at all."

"... Then why does he treat Li Chen well?"

"Because Consort Xian and Consort De were very good before. When Consort Xian was pregnant with Li Chen, Consort De often told Yujin to take care of this younger brother." Li Xizhou said with a smile, telling the old stories in the palace like a sister combing the relatives for her younger brother, "But Yujin wasn't big when Li Chen was born, and when he grew up, he had his own preferences, so he didn't love bringing children. By the time he grew up and looked back, Li Chen had already played with Li Cannan."

"Hmm..."

"Mother, Ming Ming Niangniang, I'm full!" Li Wuyan wiped her mouth, stood up, and said crisply, impatiently going behind to get her small fishing rod.

Her mother hurriedly held her: "Don't be rude, the banquet has just started."

Li Wuyan frowned: "But I'm full."

Li Bijun sat properly to the side, waiting obediently for the next dish to be served, tilted her head and looked at her fearfully, and raised her hand, wanting to pull her back.

Li Huang smiled: "Hurry up and let her go play; why force her to accompany us to say boring words—Little General, what are you going to do?"

"Reporting to Ming Ming Niangniang, I am going to fish." Li Wuyan held the fishing rod and saluted earnestly.

"Alright, if you catch a fish tonight, I will immediately order the Imperial Kitchen to cook it for you." Li Huang smiled and turned back to order, "The lakeside is slippery; send a few palace people to follow."

Li Wuyan poked her head to look at Pei Ye. Pei Ye waved his hand at her, so she ran back by herself with some disappointment.

The sky gradually turned cold blue, and the full moon became more and more conspicuous above. Li Huang withdrew her gaze from Li Wuyan and said warmly: "Although tonight is mainly for eating, there is still a family matter to chat with you all about."