PaiPai-Romane - Kapitel 103
“I just didn’t want to miss a good show.” She turned to look at the white hat.
As the two whispered to each other by the roadside, the dashing young swordsman in the white hat turned around. His gaze swept lightly across the crowd, landing directly on Tang Leyan and Beitang's faces, then darting left and right. He then looked at Chu Zhen.
Tang Leyan stopped talking and looked back without showing any emotion.
The young swordsman in the white hat glanced at the three faces, seemingly somewhat surprised.
After a while, she raised her chin, blinked her left eye, and actually gave this person a flirtatious look.
Tang Leyan and Beitang Yujian were both stunned.
In an instant, Tang Leyan nudged Beitang Yujian with her elbow and whispered, "Brother Beitang, you're quite the ladies' man. That kid... is giving you the eye."
“While I am indeed quite outstanding and eye-catching, however…” Beitang Yujian reached out and pushed her away: “Brother Le, are you sure? I have a strong feeling that he is trying to curry favor with you…”
Watching the two of them exchange questions and answers, Chu Zhen suddenly said in a deep voice, "Let's go back."
Turn around and leave first.
Tang Leyan said from behind, "It's for you."
Beitang Yujian stroked his chin: "It's clearly you."
As the two of them exchanged their questions, the man in the white hat smiled even more broadly. His eyes darted around watching the three figures as they walked away, before he turned back with a flirtatious air.
In the Military Affairs Office, Chu Zhen flung his robes and sat back behind the table: "The arrival of the Danning Kingdom's envoy in Shundu at this time is indeed a sign that a storm is brewing."
Chu Gexing bowed: "Yes."
“Ge Xing, the burden on your shoulders is getting heavier and heavier. Do you have confidence?” he asked.
Chu Gexing lowered his head: "Gexing will do his best."
"Yes, although they came for a marriage alliance, no one knows when it will actually happen. You'll have to keep a close eye on things."
Chu Gexing remained expressionless: "This is what Gexing should do."
Chu Zhen nodded, then suddenly said, "Things in the East Sea seem to have calmed down. I have ordered Ge Xun to return within three days."
"Hmm..." Chu Gexing remained noncommittal.
“Ge Xun has been traveling for a long time, it’s time for him to come back and rest.”
"Thank you for your consideration, Uncle Zhen."
Chu Zhen gazed at the unmoved young man before him, his expression utterly calm, and sighed deeply. He finally stood up, walked around the case to Chu Gexing's side, and said, "I know there's been a lot going on in Shundu lately, keeping you very busy. But you should also take care of yourself." "Gexing is fine, thank you for your concern, Uncle Zhen." He slightly raised his eyes, glanced at Chu Zhen, and then lowered them again.
"You've lost weight recently," Chu Zhen sighed.
Chu Gexing lowered his head: "Uncle Zhen, you don't need to worry about me. And... take good care of yourself."
"Hmm, you're a smart kid with your own opinions. Never mind, let's have a good get-together when Ge Xun comes back." Chu Zhen knew he couldn't say anything more. Chu Ge Xing's heart could only be opened to him on rare occasions. If he didn't want to, he wouldn't force him.
But he had already done everything he could for Chu Ge, such as summoning Chu Ge to retrieve Shundu...
Dark clouds loomed in the sky, threatening snow or rain. Chu Zhen glanced at the expressionless Chu Gexing, then slowly frowned, thinking: Gexun will surely return before that day.
With the arrival of the envoys from the Kingdom of Daning, Shundu became lively once again.
First came a series of banquets, with all the important civil and military officials of Shundu, including the six ministries and the two prime ministers, receiving invitations. Chu Zhen, as the head of the six ministries, was above the two prime ministers and naturally ranked first.
Tang Leyan was overjoyed and accompanied Chu Zhen to the event.
Chu Gexing was extremely busy. On one hand, he had to keep an eye on the Phantom of Shundu to prevent further chaos, and on the other hand, he had to patrol the imperial city, especially ensuring the safety of the envoys from Danning. He was overwhelmed and had no time to deal with these matters. Fortunately, after Chu Zhen informed him, the Supervisor of the Imperial Workshop sent people to participate in the security work within the palace; otherwise, he would have been short-handed.
Because of her busy schedule, Tang Leyan saw him much less often, which made her especially happy. She was able to be with Chu Zhen without having to deal with that weird guy, and she felt indescribably happy.
At the banquet, amidst the clinking of glasses, she sat behind Chu Zhen, smiling coldly as she observed her surroundings. The leader of the envoys from Danning Kingdom was none other than that flamboyant young man in the white hat. He had changed his attire, but it was still strikingly white, except that his robe was embroidered with various patterns in gold thread, giving it an indescribable air of nobility.
"Feng Feisheng thanks Your Majesty for your warm hospitality," the young man said politely, raising his cup.
In the interplay of light and shadow, Emperor Shun simultaneously raised his cup in a gesture of respect: "Your Highness, you are too kind. Please do not stand on ceremony."
He answered fluently, displaying the air of a dashing young man. After several rounds of drinks and countless trivial conversations, he finally said, "Feng Feisheng has heard that Shun's recent martial arts champion is an unprecedented master who was able to defeat General Huwei in just a few moves. I wonder where he is now?"
Tang Shaoxuan was taken aback, his gaze passing over the nine-tiered altar and landing on the red-clad man beside Chu Zhen.
Tang Leyan was hiding behind Chu Zhen, bored out of her mind, staring at his figure with the intention of doing something naughty. Her ears twitched, and when she heard the words "Martial Arts Champion", she immediately tilted her head and looked over Chu Zhen's shoulder at Feng Feisheng, the Prince of Danning, opposite her.
This kid is deliberately trying to cause trouble, isn't he?
She wondered if he had overheard her conversation with Beitang on the street that day.
I sensed something was off about his expression at the time. If I had known, I would have brought Beitang to the palace too; we would have definitely seen a good show.
Unfortunately, now it seems like he's the protagonist of this drama.
All the civil and military officials in the room turned their gazes toward Feng Feisheng the moment he spoke.
Along with the high and mighty Emperor Shun.
Tang Leyan sighed and thought: Feng Feisheng, Feng Feisheng, your name is really wrong. You should be called Feng Fasheng, to keep making sounds.
No one answered for a moment.
However, Feng Feisheng's gaze followed the gazes of all the ministers, drifting over in that direction.
Tang Leyan was naturally not afraid of being looked down upon.
However, her plan to secretly poke Chu Zhen's back has now failed.
Just as he was thinking about how to deal with what was to come, he heard the person in front of him say, "I've heard that Prince Feng is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is the new champion in both literature and martial arts in Danning. What, would you like to have a match with our new champion in martial arts?"
The one speaking was Chu Zhen.
Dragon and Tiger Fight in the Capital Chapter 122 Feng Feisheng
When it comes to competition, Tang Leyan is naturally not afraid.
Instead, it carried a sense of eager anticipation.
However, upon hearing Chu Zhen speak, it quietly lowered its eyes and sat still, adopting the obedient and silent demeanor of a sheep.
After Chu Zhen finished speaking, Feng Feisheng smiled and said, "Although Feng Feisheng had this intention, it's just that..."
"However, this is a wedding banquet for a peace alliance, and it is not appropriate to engage in swordplay. If Your Highness is interested, the delegation will stay in Shundu for seven days. Within those seven days, there will be an opportunity to exchange skills." Before he could finish speaking, Chu Zhen raised his cup and said calmly, "Your Highness, please."
He really said everything.
Feng Feisheng's eyes flashed as he glanced at Chu Zhen, then looked at Tang Leyan, who was packing sheep behind him.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, or perhaps because Chu Zhen couldn't see her behind her, just as Feng Feisheng's gaze fell on her face, she turned slightly to the side, glanced at him, pursed her lips, and gave him a disdainful smile.
Feng Feisheng saw the smile clearly, but remained calm on his face. He raised his cup and said, "Since the Grand Councilor has said so, Feng Feisheng will respectfully comply."
His gaze slowly swept over Tang Leyan's face, and then, extremely slowly, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass.
From then until the end of the banquet, amidst the lively conversation, he never glanced at her again.
Everyone praised Prince Feng Feisheng of Daning Kingdom for his outstanding demeanor and skillful handling of affairs.
Although this person appears somewhat sharp and outspoken, he is actually very adept at handling situations, possessing a smooth and sophisticated approach that leaves even the most discerning old ministers unable to find fault with him.
At the banquet, at the request of Prince Feng Feisheng, Emperor Shun, after some hesitation, finally decided to have the delegation escort Princess Yinyue back to Danning in seven days.
Feng Feisheng smiled broadly, thanked the emperor for his great favor, and said that the peaceful relationship between Daning and Da Shun would last forever.
These words delighted all the ministers.
The news soon reached the inner palace, which angered a certain unruly princess and caused another incident.
And we'll leave that aside for now.
After the banquet, Chu Zhen took Tang Leyan back to the mansion.
He has always preferred to ride in a sedan chair, but these past two days he has switched to riding a horse.
Tang Leyan held the horse's reins and followed beside him, silently lost in thought.
Seeing that she had been silent the whole way, Chu Zhen was afraid that she was feeling down, so she asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Tang Leyan raised an eyebrow: "It's nothing, just a small matter."
Chu Zhen, observing the situation, asked, "Are you concerned about Prince Feng Feisheng's matter?"
Tang Leyan smiled lightly: "I don't even consider those kinds of people a threat."
Chu Zhen saw a hint of arrogance on her face, and realized that she was indeed young and impetuous, so he couldn't help but smile as well.
Tang Leyan looked at him: "Uncle Zhen, thank you for getting me out of that predicament. But... don't go causing trouble." Chu Zhen looked at her.
"How do you know?" Her dark eyes darted around.
“When you saw him yesterday, you were already whispering with Beitang. Does that mean you’re not interested in him? In my opinion, the young master seems to have quite a background, and he’s very intelligent. Rather than making an enemy, it’s better… if there’s nothing wrong with it, don’t provoke him.” He sighed.
"Since you've put it that way, Uncle Zhen... I'll just avoid him from now on." She shrugged, not wanting to put him in a difficult position.
Chu Zhen smiled with satisfaction: "It's good that you think that way."
As the two were talking, they heard someone shout in the distance, "Don't let him get away!"
Le Yan raised an eyebrow and immediately rode forward to block Chu Zhen's path.
A figure appeared from afar, moving with lightning speed, and soon appeared in front of Chu Zhen and the others.
Behind him stood countless soldiers, whose attire suggested they were the troops of the Nine Gates Admiral.
"Who goes there!" Tang Leyan's eyes flashed. With a sharp shout, she flicked her red sleeve, which flashed with white light, and flew towards the person.
The man reacted swiftly, letting out a roar. He spun several times in the air like a whirlwind, then dodged past Tang Leyan and Chu Zhen and rushed backward.
"Impressive skills..." Le Yan thought to herself.
However, her only thought was to protect Chu Zhen, and her move just now was intended to force that person back; she had no intention of chasing after him. Besides, Chu Gexing's men were already catching up. There was no need for her to worry about it.
But Chu Zhen behind him said, "Go and help the Nine Gates Admiral capture people!"
The dozen or so military officers following behind immediately agreed and turned to chase after the person.
Tang Leyan frowned, thinking to herself, how could they possibly catch up with the people on the ground at their speed?
However, she only wanted to protect Chu Zhen and did not stop the person. The opportunity vanished in an instant, and the person's speed was astonishingly fast. It was about to float away from Tongcheng Avenue.
At that very moment, a clear phoenix cry reached everyone's ears.
Tang Leyan suddenly turned around and saw a lithe white figure not far away, soaring into the air. The sword in her hand flashed and transformed into the shape of a phoenix about to take flight, flapping its wings and swooping towards the man in black.
Another muffled groan rang in his ears, and a rain of red swords fell from the sky, causing the man's body to split open mid-air and fall to the ground.