Chapter 573: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 666: Wine Over Three Rounds

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Shangguan Xingyan lowered his head and gazed at this adorable little fellow, only to see his small mouth slightly open, letting out a soft, tender cry: "Uncle, Uncle!" That voice was clear and melodious, like a heavenly chorus, instantly melting Shangguan Xingyan's heart.

Shangguan Xingyan looked at the little child's pair of large eyes, and a feeling of closeness welled up in his heart unbidden.

He recalled Shangguan Xingyu in his childhood, who was also just like this, innocent and pure, endearing to all. Thus, he smiled and said to the little child: "Xiao Jing'er, these eyes of yours really do resemble your mother's when she was little."

Immediately after, he carefully cradled Xiao Jing'er, wearing a smile as he first greeted An Wang and An Wangfei.

Then, he turned around and greeted Qianqian warmly. At this time, Yan Wang and Yan Jie were both not at home, so there were not many people present.

Seeing this, An Wangfei hurriedly instructed the servants to serve the dishes quickly. Before long, one exquisite dish after another was brought to the dining table, steaming hot and fragrant, making one's mouth water.

An Wangfei enthusiastically arranged Shangguan Xingyan to sit at An Wang's right side, while An Wangfei herself sat at An Wang's left. In this way, Xiao Jing'er ended up right beside Shangguan Xingyan.

Originally, this seat should have been Yan Si's, but Xiao Jing'er was exceptionally fond of this uncle and insisted on sitting next to him. For Xiao Jing'er's small request, everyone naturally indulged her greatly and readily agreed.

Everyone had just taken their seats when they saw servants carrying dishes walk in. These dishes not only excelled in color, aroma, and taste, but their plating was also extremely exquisite, pleasing to the eye.

An Wang picked up his chopsticks first, picked up a chicken drumstick, placed it in Shangguan Xingyan's bowl, and said with a laugh: "This pair of chopsticks has never been used by this King; you quickly taste how this chicken drumstick is."

Shangguan Xingyan looked at the chicken drumstick in his bowl, and a warm current surged in his heart, as if he had returned home.

He glanced gratefully at An Wang, said thanks, then bit into the chicken drumstick without hesitation. The tender, juicy chicken meat released bursts of fragrance between his teeth, giving his taste buds immense satisfaction in an instant. He chewed contentedly and couldn't help but exclaim in praise: "As expected, the food at An Wangfu is still the best!"

While Shangguan Xingyan savored the delicacies, he secretly pondered whether there would be chances to come here often to mooch meals in the future. Just as he was thinking, Yan Si suddenly interjected: "Sure, sure, sure, don't just say you're coming yourself — even if you bring my father-in-law and mother-in-law along, it's no problem!"

Shangguan Xingyan's heart stirred, recalling what his own Huangdi had once said, and he hurriedly replied: "Deal, deal, deal, but when the time comes, don't you shut the door and refuse to let me in just because I come every day."

Yan Si laughed heartily, raised his wine cup, first toasted toward An Wang, then clinked cups with Shangguan Xingyan, and said boldly: "Rest assured, my father isn't that stingy, right, Dad?"

The corner of An Wang's mouth curled up slightly; he raised an eyebrow at Yan Si, then also raised his wine cup, clinked it with Shangguan Xingyan, and said with a smile: "Naturally. Younger Brother, drink a few more cups tonight, and after you're done drinking, don't leave — just stay at An Wangfu directly."

Hearing this, Shangguan Xingyan hurriedly thanked him: "Then many thanks, Uncle; I'll impose tonight." Finished speaking, the three of them together drained the wine in their cups in one go.

An Wang said with a laugh: "No imposition; tomorrow when we go to morning court, you can return to the Yizhan then. After court ends, you'll follow the other people from the Yizhan and enter the Gong together." Shangguan Xingyan heard this and hurriedly agreed: "Alright then, I'll drink a few more cups tonight."

At this moment, Yan Si noticed Shangguan Xingyu sitting to the side, looking somewhat anxious.

He understood in his heart that Shangguan Xingyu was worrying about his parents far away in Dongying. Thus, Yan Si hastily asked: "Eldest Brother-in-law, how have my father-in-law and mother-in-law's health been recently?"

Shangguan Xingyan didn't even think before replying immediately: "Their health is fine, no need to worry. After a while they'll probably be able to meet."

Hearing these words, a large stone in Shangguan Xingyu's heart finally settled. However, no one paid much mind to the second half of Shangguan Xingyan's sentence, only taking it as words to comfort Shangguan Xingyu.

Just like that, everyone ate and chatted idly. As for the true purpose of Shangguan Xingyan's visit this time, everyone tacitly kept silent about it.

After all, today was a family banquet; no one wanted to discuss official business, only wanting to enjoy this rare time of reunion.

Wine over three rounds, a faint flush rose on Shangguan Xingyan's face, his gaze also becoming somewhat hazy — clearly he was already a bit drunk. Under the influence of alcohol, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak without restraint.

He lifted his wine cup and said to An Wang sitting in the seat of honor: "Uncle, this time I come bearing a heavy mission! Tomorrow you must help me speak no matter what!"

At this time, the others at the banquet had already eaten their fill; hearing Shangguan Xingyan's words, everyone looked toward him in unspoken agreement.

Seeing this, An Wangfei immediately understood; she swiftly instructed Chunxi beside her: "Quickly go shut the door tight, then stand guard outside — don't let anyone in."

Chunxi received the order and immediately moved. She hurried to the Men Kou, shut the door, then quick-stepped to Outside, stood firm, and vigilantly observed the surroundings, ensuring no one approached.

Seeing everything was arranged properly, An Wang then set down the wine cup in his hand, looked at Shangguan Xingyan, and slowly asked: "So, what exactly is the matter you've come for this time? How should this King help you?"

Shangguan Xingyan steadied his spirit slightly, then said: "My Huangdi said, this visit is to offer Dongying to the Dachang Emperor, and to find a way to make the Dachang Emperor agree to some requests favorable to us."

Hearing this news, An Wang's heart was like stormy waves, difficult to calm. He knew deeply that if Dongying Guo truly surrendered, then Dachang would become the only nation under heaven, truly achieving the great undertaking of unification.

In that case, during Imperial Elder Brother's reign, not only could he accomplish magnificent merits, but he would also live up to the expectations of the ancestors.

However, An Wang also understood that making a country surrender is no easy matter; it inevitably involves many complex conditions.

He couldn't help but grow curious — just what kind of conditions could make Dongying Guo willingly give up sovereignty? Thus, he suppressed his inner doubt and asked: "Younger Brother, I wonder what these conditions specifically are? Could you reveal a bit in advance, so this King can have some preparation tomorrow?"

Seeing this, Shangguan Xingyan replied without hesitation: "Uncle, ever since my younger sister married over, we've been family; I naturally trust you. As for this time's conditions..."