Chapter 579: First Volume, Chapter 579: United in Attack

First Volume, Chapter 579: United in Attack

The sun slanted westward; nightfall descended silently, and lanterns flickered to life.

The guests in the Wai Yuan never even saw Li Qian's face, and left the banquet with good grace.

Even the sons of noble households departed one by one; the remaining guests were at best Fifth Rank Officials.

The Wai Yuan had been cleared out; half the seats in the Nei Yuan had been removed.

The large round table was replaced by individual square tables, arranged in rows of eight, three on the left and three on the right, totaling six rows.

Under the swift coordination of the lute-playing woman, servants placed a wine table at the Bei Zun Wei.

The remaining heavyweight guests took their seats in turn.

Even Qi Huang Zi Li Yong, who was not on the original plan, was assigned a seat.

The lively Xi Yin shed its daytime clamor and gradually grew solemn.

This night banquet, crucial to the future of Shedynasty, officially began.

Under the intense anticipation of all, the main hall's Door slowly opened, and Li Qian appeared before them, clad in a splendid python robe.

"Congratulations, His Highness, on your birthday—may your life be eternal and boundless."

All guests rose and bowed in unison.

The cry of "eternal and boundless" was effectively a "letter of allegiance" delivered to Li Qian.

Li Qian beamed, his gaze sweeping the entire banquet hall as he waved back repeatedly.

"Thank you all for your kind words—no need for such formalities; please be seated."

Only after Li Qian spoke did the guests return to their seats.

Li Qian sat cross-legged on the floor, ready to have the lute-playing woman direct the servants to serve wine and food, when Li Yong's voice cut in first.

"I offer my heartfelt congratulations, Elder Brother, on your birthday!"

Li Yong sat just below Li Qian; now he stood alone before Li Qian, hands clasped, bowing deeply and solemnly.

Seeing this unwelcome competitor, Li Qian was inwardly furious, yet forced a thin smile onto his face.

"Little seventh, you're too thoughtful."

"Earlier, I was buried in state affairs and had no time to spare—I forgot to send you an Invitation Card. Please forgive me, little seventh."

All present were old foxes who had long roamed the Imperial Court; how could they miss the hidden meaning in Li Qian's words?

He was clearly mocking Li Yong for showing up uninvited, shamelessly.

Everyone had already bet their future careers on Li Qian.

Having chosen to walk this path to the end, they naturally gave Li Yong no favorable looks.

Snickers rose and fell around the hall.

Li Yong, however, remained unperturbed, smiling broadly: "Elder Brother, you exaggerate."

"Since DaxiangPrinceDeath, you have been the elder brother to all the Princes in the Hou Gong, and have shouldered much of the Emperor's burdens."

"You've worked tirelessly, poured your heart and soul into your duties—we've all seen it."

"I'm only eager to care for you, how could I ever blame you?"

"Moreover, you've always been frugal, rarely holding Birthday Banquets at great expense to the people; now that you've finally held one this year, how could I possibly miss it?"

Facing Li Yong's flawless reply, Li Qian snorted inwardly.

He suppressed his contempt and gestured for him to sit.

"I appreciate your good intentions, little seventh—please take your seat."

Li Yong bowed again, then sat down, every gesture radiating deference toward Li Qian.

Unfortunately, no one in the hall was a fool.

Li Yong had come to the banquet only to keep a close eye on Li Qian.

The so-called brotherly affection among the Princes was all fake!

Qin Feng, sitting nearby, watched the false flattery between the brothers and couldn't help but chuckle.

The hall had been utterly silent; even though Qin Feng had tried to lower his voice, the laugh was still jarringly loud.

In an instant, every pair of eyes turned toward Qin Feng.

Xie Yun'er frowned slightly and, under the table, pinched Qin Feng's thigh hard.

Ignoring his grimace, she shot him a furious glare.

"At such a crucial moment, how could you burst out laughing? What am I supposed to say to you?"

"Watch yourself!"

Seeing Xie Yun'er's stern expression, Qin Feng bowed and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

But inside, he groaned.

Even now, Qin Feng remembered the scene of his reunion with Xie Yun'er.

He had thought she'd truly changed—transformed from the notorious tigress of Jingdu into a poised, refined lady.

The truth proved him wrong.

After only half a day together, Xie Yun'er had revealed her true colors—her fierce, domineering demeanor was no different from a housekeeper's.

Sigh.

He already had Shen Qingci and Liu Hongyan as two older sisters, constantly watching him.

Now Xie Yun'er had joined the ranks—his hard times were only beginning.

Seeing Qin Feng's miserable expression, Xie Yun'er rolled her eyes and snapped: "Do you think I want to manage you?"

"It's because Second Sister insisted, before leaving, that I keep you in check in Jingdu."

"You're a troublemaker—if you're not whipped for three days, you'll tear the roof off. Without someone watching you, there's nothing you wouldn't dare do."

Qin Feng rubbed his nose, his old face flushing red.

He thought: no wonder he'd always felt Xie Yun'er was growing into a nagging housewife—she'd clearly learned it from Liu Hongyan's true teachings.

At that moment, a soft snort came from across the table.

"You're a Marquis of ten Battalion Commander, yet you have no manners at all!"

Turning to look, Qin Feng saw the Princess of Qiyang Commandery, head held high, expression full of contempt.

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow.

Had he owed her something in his past life? Otherwise why did she always pick on him?

Forget it—he'd rather ignore her!

Li Qian naturally noticed Qin Feng too, and immediately narrowed his eyes, asking softly: "Marquis Qin, what's so amusing?"

"Why not share it? Let everyone enjoy it together."

Facing Li Qian's question, Qin Feng rose and bowed.

"Just some trivial, petty matters—I wouldn't dream of troubling His Highness."

Qin Feng replied lazily, utterly dismissive.

Just as he was about to sit back down, the Assistant Minister of Justice seated diagonally across suddenly barked:

"When His Highness asks you something, you answer!"

"Don't think that as a minor Marquis you can be careless—even if you were made a Duke, before His Highness you must tread lightly, obey without question!"

"Here, there are only masters and servants—no National War heroes!"

Earlier, Qin Feng had been wondering when Li Qian would strike.

And now—through the Assistant Minister of Justice—he'd already begun his move!

Perfect.

Otherwise this damned banquet was so boring, Qin Feng was nearly crawling with boredom.

Qin Feng, who had been bending to sit, straightened up again, smiling sweetly at the Assistant Minister of Justice.

"His Highness hasn't said a word—what's your business here?"

"The Prince isn't rushing—why is a dog barking?"

"You're a lousy lackey—if you're going to bite, first check your master's expression."

Called outright a lackey with no mercy, the Assistant Minister of Justice turned red then white with rage.

Though he refused to admit it, the truth was plain.

Furious and humiliated, the Assistant Minister of Justice stood up, pointing at Qin Feng and roaring: "You wretched, disrespectful little beast!"

"Didn't your father ever teach you how to be a man?!"