Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Xue Fuguang, seated at his place, raised his glass to Zuo Jingmao.

Zuo Jingmao hadn't expected that Zuo Tiaohan could really bring Xue Fuguang to the banquet. His face was full of smiles, and he didn’t take Xue Fuguang’s remaining seated as an affront. Instead, he took the initiative and said, "The heir has graced our banquet despite his injury, which truly adds luster to the event. How about this: since the heir should not drink alcohol, let us toast with tea instead. Jingmao offers a cup to the heir."

Xue Fuguang declined with a smile, "Master Zuo, there's no need for such modesty. Your official rank was earned by your own merits, while I merely ride on the coattails of my ancestors. If anything, it is I who should be toasting to you."

Zuo Jingmao's smile broadened, and he was quite taken aback that Xue Fuguang, known as a dandy, could be so articulate. Even knowing it was just polite chitchat, he felt a flutter of pride in his heart.

Indeed, unlike these princes and nobles, he had earned his titles purely through his own efforts.

But, of course, what could be better than having the support of nobility to add further luster?

Xue Fuguang saw the glint in his eye all too clearly, took a sip of his tea, and chuckled inwardly.

Birds of a feather with Zuo Tiaohan.

After the exchange of pleasantries, Zuo Jingmao left to mingle with other guests, while Xue Fuguang leaned back in his chair.

He lounged with a casual air; the smile on his face faded as Zuo Jingmao walked away. Propping his chin in his hand, he watched the crowd, occasionally plucking a grape from the table to toss into his mouth.

He was the very picture of a languid cat.

Yet, these thoughts were only dared to be entertained silently within the minds of those present.

Xue Fuguang's gaze wandered over the banquet, observing the bustling maids and servants.

Few of the seated nobility paid any mind to their inferiors.

After a while, once he spotted the figure he had been waiting to see, a satisfied smile curled at the corners of Xue Fuguang’s lips.

Standing beside Xue Fuguang, Shaojing squatted with enthusiasm, peeling a pomegranate for him, quickly amassing a small pile on a plate.

The pomegranate seeds shone like rubies against the white porcelain dish, a sight most pleasing.

Xue Fuguang grabbed a handful to taste, then turning his head, he noticed Mu Jianshu approaching silently from behind and casually passed the dish: "Have some."

Mu Jianshu lowered his eyes, observing the youth wrapped in brocade robes, his slender, pale fingers held the edge of the porcelain dish, the tips stained with the red of pomegranate juice, blushed pink as if touched by rouge.

He accepted the dish but didn't eat, simply replying: "Thank you, my lord."

Shaojing pouted, feeling aggrieved, "My lord, I spent a long time peeling those for you. Why... why give them to him?"

Xue Fuguang couldn't help but be amused by his petty behavior: "What, should I peel a plateful myself to repay you?"

Dissatisfied with Mu Jianshu getting the fruit, Shaojing certainly didn't want the young master to trouble himself, so he could only murmur a complaint and let it be.

Mu Jianshu, standing to the side, heard every word of their exchange, yet his expression revealed nothing, as if he had heard none of it.

He had no intention of returning the plate still clutched in his hand to Shaojing.

Suddenly, there was a commotion from the women's area.

The assembled guests craned their necks toward the women's section and saw a young lady from the Zuo clan assisting the serene county princess, who seemed to have stained her dress.

Xue Fuguang instructed, "Shaojing, go and inquire what has happened to the county princess."

Shaojing responded eagerly, "Right away!" and scurried off without delay.

Not waiting for Shaoying to return, Li Zefeng at the men’s seating area made the excuse of needing to use the restroom to leave his seat.

Xue Fuguang casually observed the comings and goings of the people around him. With a lowered gaze, he brought the tea cup from the table to his lips, sipped the astringent tea, and turned to ask Mu Jian Shu, “Do you plan to keep standing there all night?”

The platter of bright pomegranates remained in the hands of Mu Jian Shu, who, with a mask covering most of his face, stood wooden and seemingly oblivious, indeed making it difficult for anyone to associate him with a spy from an enemy state.

In Xue Fuguang's gaze, Mu Jian Shu hesitantly reached for his mask, sliding it up to reveal a well-defined jawline and thin lips before tilting his head back to gulp down a plateful of pomegranates.

Xue Fuguang wasn't sure if he was mistaken, but he thought he detected a hint of reluctance and grievance in the other's demeanor.

It was just a plate of pomegranates - easily replaced. Why would the formidable enemy spy leader put on such an act for something so trivial?

Well then, if he liked them so much, Xue Fuguang thought, he'd simply send more his way when they returned.

As he pondered this, Shao Jing came rushing back, sweating profusely with urgency, "Young Master, it's terrible! Someone is slandering the lady, accusing her of a clandestine meeting with Master Li!"

Xue Fuguang immediately gathered his robes and rose, his face etched with anxiety, leaning on Shao Jing as they hurried towards the courtyard.

Mu Jian Shu followed by his side, and seeing Xue Fuguang's feet touch the ground, he suddenly reached out to encircle his waist, pretending to offer support as they moved forward together.

Xue Fuguang paused for a moment, then placed his hand on the arm around his waist, realizing he didn't need to exert any strength in his legs, and the pain from his wounds seemed to vanish.

Shao Jing, now with no role to play, stood perplexed: "?"

……

In the courtyard, Xue Wanxi could have never imagined that the sister she trusted would betray her, using the despicable tactic of leading a man into her room while she was changing clothes!

Had it not been for the unexpected outcry from a servant, she would have fallen prey to Li Zefeng's schemes today, her reputation in tatters!

The banquet was already bustling with guests, and the promise of excitement drew even more spectators.

Eyes flitted between Xue Wanxi and Li Zefeng, as many began to speculate the details of the affair in their minds.

Xue Wanxi trembled with indignation, remaining silent under the scrutiny of curious and strange gazes.

Opposite her, Zuo Taohuan spoke with heartfelt concern: "Wanxi... I'm sorry, I had no idea. Alas, had you informed me earlier, this unpleasant encounter could have been avoided. Wanxi, no matter how fond you are of Master Li, as a lady, you must observe propriety. You could have simply waited for Master Li to formally ask for your hand. I believe the Prince is a reasonable man and would not stand in the way of true love. Why resort to such measures…"

Li Zefeng, playing along, bowed his head in apparent shame: "Miss Zuo is correct. I have neglected the teachings of the sages. However, this incident is not related to Wanxi—it was I who implored her to meet me. Wanxi, out of kindness, agreed. Our affection is mutual, and upon resolving today's events, I will proceed to the Prince's estate to request her hand in marriage. I hope everyone present can act as if they have seen nothing today…"

Xue Wanxi's personal maid, Xiao Cha, flushed with anger at their shameless behavior: "You two are fabricating lies, slandering my mistress! I serve her day and night and have never seen this Master Li before. How can there be talk of mutual affection? Moreover…" Her mistress had merely come to change her clothes, only to encounter a man intruding and to be falsely accused of a clandestine meeting.

"Xiao Cha," Xue Wanxi said, closing her eyes tightly.

She was kind and gentle, but no fool—how could she not understand Zuo Taohuan's intentions behind her actions?

It never crossed my mind that my sincere affection for her would be repaid in such a manner.

When she opened her eyes again, the fury in them had vanished, replaced by a chilling calm. Her voice was cold, devoid of the tenderness she once had for Zuo Tiaohan, "Zuo Tiaohan, I treated you as a true sister, yet this is how you betray me. What a 'good sister' you are."

Zuo Tiaohan seemed to brim with grievance, tears welling up in her eyes in an instant, "Wanxi, you can't treat me this way just because I couldn't cover for you today."

Xue Wanxi sneered, "Spare me the act. Who are you crying for? It's fitting for a member of a collateral branch, unfit to be seen in public. Is this how the Grand Minister teaches his nieces?"

It was the first time Zuo Tiaohan had seen Xue Wanxi so stern and fierce; she seemed petrified, her eyes reddening even further, "Wanxi..."

Xue Wanxi silenced her, "Hold your tongue. You dare to address the princess by name? Who gave you such courage, who taught you these manners? Even if the Grand Minister himself were here, he would not be entitled to address me by my name so familiarly."

Li Zefeng, who had been about to call out "Wanxi," swallowed his words upon witnessing Xue Wanxi's sudden assertiveness, managing a strained smile, "Your Highness, it was Li's lack of foresight. Please, do not blame Miss Zuo..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence before Xue Wanxi cast a frigid glance his way.

Then she gave her cold command, "Gong Xuan, slap Li Zefeng twenty times as a minor punishment for his disrespect."

Author's Note: First day of being a full-time writer!

I've organized the outline, hoping not to hit a writer's block during my full-time period (praying hands).

Blowing kisses to all my treasures, I've seen all your comments, and I will take good care of myself, hehehe.

The number of nutrient solutions is almost at two hundred, and the comments have surpassed a hundred, let's go for a double release tomorrow! !