Chapter 727: Private Banquet

In this life, one should have a few close friends.

Actually, Chen Wuji was afraid that Chen Wu Yin would treat him just like Chen Li did—honoring him highly both in public and private, calling him lord outside and family head inside.

If that were the case, those past experiences would truly become irretrievable memories.

Fortunately, Chen Wu Yin did not do that.

As soon as Chen Wuji heard that he just wanted to give him a simple hint, he immediately refused.

Chen Wuji laughed and scolded, then immediately gave Chen Wu Yin the nickname Xiong Paozi, but Chen Wu Yin was very happy.

This is exactly what he wanted.

This is also a rare moment of relaxation.

Today's gathering was relatively simple; besides Xu Zengyi and Qian Yong, everyone else was from the Chen family.

However, it wasn't many—just Chen Wuji, Chen Li, and Chen Wu Yin, three people.

"Today we don't discuss public affairs, just drink!"

Before the banquet began, Chen Wuji set the tone for this feast he had personally prepared.

No matter how major the affair, it could wait; today he just wanted to be happy and carefree, have a drink, chat, and talk about Xishan Village.

Everyone at the table readily agreed, immediately focusing all their energy on drinking; they first gave Chen Wuji a round-robin toast, each taking a turn to toast him.

After one round, the jug of wine beside Chen Wuji was already empty.

He also felt a bit dazed.

Qin Zhanhong stood up holding a wine bowl in one hand, saying, "My lord has already said beforehand that today we have no titles, just pure drinking and chatting about the past. Since that's the case, I think as a Chen family wife I should also offer a cup to all the uncles and brothers."

Tonight, Qin Zhanhong and Lu Wanwan have been attending to his left and right, responsible for pouring wine for Chen Wuji.

"This is indeed appropriate, but drink less." Chen Wuji said.

Qin Zhanhong curled the corner of her mouth in a faint smile, lightly nodded, and said, "Everyone, my lord has already nodded; why don't I, as a proper woman, take charge and lead a drinking game? Just toasting is rather bland."

"Madam, your talent rivals that of any man; please, madam, propose the topic!" Xu Zengyi raised his hand and said.

"I'm a martial man, not skilled at drinking games; let's use the simplest flower as the rule, following the seating order of the uncles and brothers." Qin Zhanhong held up her wine bowl, her gaze sweeping the field, her eyes contemptuous.

"I'll go first: 'Among the flowers, a jug of wine, I drink alone, no kin.'"

Xu Zengyi sat in the first seat on the left, taking the second character.

He pondered briefly, then blurted out, "Peach blossoms today follow the flowing water."

Next was Qian Yong; he had already been thinking when Qin Zhanhong opened her mouth.

But when it came to it, he still couldn't come up with anything: "Flower... willow catkins all gone... forget it, I'll drink!"

"Children chase yellow butterflies in haste, flying into the rape blossoms with nowhere to find."

"Suddenly, as if a spring wind came overnight, thousands of trees burst into pear blossoms."

……

One round of drinks ended at breakneck speed, and in the blink of an eye it was Qian Yong's turn again.

Qian Yong's eyes went black; he silently raised his wine bowl, "I'll drink, drink!"

Today he felt this occasion wasn't really suited for him, but since the lord invited him, he couldn't not come.

Fact proved, today this occasion was truly unsuitable for him.

If this trend continues, tonight's alcohol will likely be consumed entirely by him.

He understands drinking games.

But when it comes to poetry, he's completely ignorant, having not memorized a single piece.

After several rounds of the drinking game, Qian Yong truly could hardly bear it.

He had already consumed almost two jugs of wine.

He helplessly stood up and said, "Madam, why not change the way? If we keep drinking like this, everyone's lips will dry, while I alone will end up with a round belly—truly unsightly."

He couldn't figure it out—before the Chen clan raised arms, they were all honest farmers; where did they learn so much poetry? They responded without hesitation, just blurting it out.

Compared to them, he is utterly a boor ignorant of literature.

His remark provoked laughter from everyone; Chen Wuji raised his hand and said, "We drink not to see who can drink the most; on the march, we must avoid hangovers—just enough is fine."

Qian Yong clasped his fists.

If not stopped in time, he suspects he'll really end up sleeping under this table today.

Everyone else answered fluently, but he alone was hesitant and at a loss for words, only able to bury his head and drink heavily.

It was too painful.

Qin Zhanhong sat there proudly, then whispered to Chen Wuji, "My lord, how did I perform? I've retrieved the situation for you."

Chen Wuji: ……

No wonder she suddenly proposed a toast—it was actually to get revenge on him.

This protective nature of hers.

……Not bad.

It's just that her reaction was a bit over the top.

At the start of the banquet, toasting him was normal.

Without Qin Zhanhong's purposeful pouring, the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.

Everyone simply chatted, clinked cups casually, and enjoyed pleasant conversation.

The next day.

Although they had drunk heavily the previous night, military affairs could not be delayed.

At the yin hour, the army buried their pots to cook rice, struck camp, and set out.

After Chen Wuji rose, he as usual made a round of inspection in the camp; after the army set out, he sneaked into the wagon and lay down.

Not fully awake, I need to get a little sleep.

After sleeping less than half an hour, Chen Li suddenly came to report, "My lord, we've encountered assassins."

Chen Wuji had to crawl out of the carriage, asking, "How is it?"

"All have been slain; a pity they are a band of death soldiers, each with poison hidden in their mouths, so we couldn't take any alive." Chen Li said, "They were hiding on our army's essential route, apparently planning to take advantage of the pre‑dawn darkness to attack the family head, but were discovered by our army's scouts."

Chen Wuji rubbed his face hard, forcing himself to wake up a bit.

"Are assassins nowadays this brazen? They dare to extort the army—just how confident are they in their own abilities?"

"To be honest, hearing this sounded like Arabian Nights to him."

"Those of the divine punishment at least knew to pretend under the name of an auspicious omen to approach him."

"These guys are something else—they actually hid on the essential route, planning to assassinate him while he was in the army."

"Just how little do they think of his central army's defensive strength and our scouts?"

"Any casualties among our people?" Chen Wuji asked.

"Yes, we lost seven scouts." Chen Li said.

"Fortunately, the enemy's hiding place was very close to our army's route; a shout from the scouts was heard by the main force, otherwise they might really have been able to approach the family head."

Chen Wuji said coldly, "Have Lao Kong go over and see if we can identify them by their clothing! This bunch of street‑rat‑like scum is simply outrageous."

Chen Wuji didn't want to get too involved in Rivers and Lakes affairs, but repeatedly trying to trade his head for silver has truly angered him; once the Nan Jun campaign is completely over, this will be the first target he deals with.

With these matters, he now has ample reason to ride into the Rivers and Lakes!

"Martial Hero Breaking Prohibitions"—these people too ought to be given a tight hoop.

After Chen Li received the order and departed, Chen Wuji sat on the carriage shaft, thought for a moment, and then brought people along to follow.