Book 18 Chapter 08 – The Birthday Banquet
The newly built Premier Mentor Residence is the most imposing architecture besides Xianyang Palace. It is even more outstanding than Zhu Ji’s Oasis Palace.
The residence faces the Palace exactly and is surrounded by high walls. After passing through the main gate, there is a large courtyard that can serve as a training ground for one thousand men. There are three main buildings and they are connected by extensive corridors. From south to north, everything is made of the best wood or clay. The four sides are surrounded by slopes and all the buildings have elaborate roofs and are supported by double pillars. It is as imposing as can be.
A room in the main hall is dedicated to be the ancestral hall. Besides the main halls, there are nearly thirty separate blocks of buildings which are used for housing, storage, cooking and other purposes. The buildings are divided neatly according to left and right side of the halls.
Lush greenery can be found around the main halls and it was an inviting environment. The residence must have been designed by a famous architect, highlighting Lu Buwei’s enormous wealth.
Anyone of importance in Xianyang City was all present. With the additional excitement of witnessing Xiang Shaolong and Guan Zhongxie’s duel, everyone was highly enthusiastic and the atmosphere has reached a feverish pitch.
Over ten thousand lanterns were lighted for the celebrations and congratulatory messages on auspicious red cloth can be found hanging on the main gate and all over the gardens, adding to the celebratory mood.
Scores of family warriors are dressed in neat warrior uniforms and were guarding the main gate, preventing people from coming in uninvited.
After entering the door, there are counters for guests to register themselves and present their gifts. It was a well prepared arrangement. Despite the numerous guests streaming in incessantly, everything was well laid out and there were no signs of chaos.
All the three main halls are open to accommodate the guests and the hall in the centre is naturally the largest, with the ability to seat a thousand guests. The other two halls can only seat about five hundred guests each.
Those who were assigned to the sub halls can only accept their fate helplessly as they are not as influential as those in the main centre hall. They can only pray to squeeze into the main hall to watch the fight later on.
When Xiang Shaolong arrived, none of the guests have been seated yet and were dispersed around the hall exteriors and gardens, chatting among themselves. The air is filled by their voices.
It is a beautiful night with a new moon and the absence of snow. There is still five days before the beginning of spring so the weather is warming up, adding flavour to the birthday event.
For those who lack the awareness, this boisterous celebration is just a cover for the intense power struggle of the Qin empire. Xiang Shaolong is confident that tonight’s victory or loss will directly impact the future of the seven states during the Warring Period and decide the history of China.
He is the pivotal point in this struggle.
When his large entourage arrived at the main gate of the Premier Mentor Residence, there was a mad rush as everyone wanted to see their hero.
Riding besides Xiang Shaolong, Lord Changping joked: “Those people who bet on your loss must be very disappointed to see you so energetic and refreshed despite the brothel visit last night.”
Xiang Shaolong joked back: “If I really lose, I need not go back to the Wu Residence. My father in law has placed a huge bet on me. If I caused him to lose money, what do you think will happen?”
Lord Changping was stunned: “I did not know your father in law is a gambler.”
Xiang Shaolong whispered: “He is not a gambler but he will love to see Po Hu going bankrupt when honouring his loss. After that, let’s see what he can use to bribe the officials and royal family members.”
Lord Changping burst out laughing and leapt down his horse.
Tu Xian who is in charge of welcoming the guests advanced towards them. Ordering his men to rein in the horses, he whispered to Xiang Shaolong: “That man is secretly wearing a soft armour that is specially made by Yue Blacksmiths. You better attack his head. Otherwise, he can allow himself to be pierced by your spear without suffering any harm and take this chance to kill you.”
Xiang Shaolong whispered back: “Did you see me bring a spear tonight?”
Tu Xian was taken aback and seemed to understand but doesn’t seem to understand too. Someone came up to them and he can only swallow his question and spoke about some other unimportant stuff.
Sounds of music can be heard playing from the main hall, indicating that some important guest has just entered.
As Tao Fang is busy presenting their gifts, Xiang Shaolong glanced around and noticed most of the guests are unwilling to enter the halls to see Lu Buwei but are loitering around the courtyard engaging in idle chatter while enjoying the decorations and landscaping. Qin Qing just arrived too and joined Ji Yanran and the girls. With other female members of the royal family, they were joking and giggling, attracting plenty of attention from other guests. On one hand, they were attracted by their beauty and other the other hand, they were puzzled that they can still joke and laugh in a relaxed mood despite knowing that their hubby is going to fight a strong opponent later on.
The people of Qin are open-minded and loved this kind of environment. Those who have the most fun are the young beauties from prestigious families like Ying Ying and Lu Dan’er. It is also a good time for the young men to showcase their literacy talents. The scenic settings make it even better for them.
While Xiang Shaolong and the others are talking about Po Hu’s gambling racket; Lu Dan’er appeared out of nowhere and wriggled her finger, signalling Jing Jun to go over to her.
It so happens that a group of young children walked between Jing Jun and Lu Dan’er so Jing Jun did not see her signal. Xiang Shaolong saw her first and feeling cheeky, he walked over and pretended to lecture in a strict tone: “You are going to get married soon and do not even know how to greet your elders. What is the world coming too?”
With her hands on her waist, Lu Dan’er wailed: “Hng! Whose elder are you? Do you even care if I am getting married? Yi!” She recalled that Xiang Shaolong is Jing Jun’s Third Brother and her face turned red instantly. Stomping her foot, she cried: “You are so irritating, you big bully.”
Xiang Shaolong burst out laughing and pushed Jing Jun who has just came up to them towards her. He proudly smiled: “Dear Dan’er, I will wait for the day you kneel down and offer me your wedding toast!”
At a disadvantage, Lu Dan’er dared not berate him. Holding Jing Jun’s hand, she slipped away into the crowd with him.
Shaking his head and sighing, Ying Ying’s voice suddenly rang out beside him: “Official Xiang!”
Turning around, Xiang Shaolong got a big fright: “What is your expression so pale?”
Ying Ying bitterly smiled: “I did not sleep well for many nights. Ai! Since things have come to such a stage, what more can I say?”
Xiang Shaolong plainly state: “No matter what happens tonight, it can be considered a closure for you. In the future, dedicate all your love to Brother Duanhe and be a good wife and mother!”
Ying Ying moved closer and softly asked: “Tell me, if Guan Zhongxie never appeared, would you have married me?”
Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “By now, I think there is no need for such kinds of questions or answers!”
Ying Ying insisted: “No! If I do not find out the truth, I will never be satisfied.”
Xiang Shaolong helplessly confessed: “Once, I did have feelings for you.”
Ying Ying lowered her head and whispered: “If anything happens to you tonight, I will not marry… Ai! I will not say anymore. Ah!”
Looking at her crestfallen face, Xiang Shaolong can only shake his head with a bitter smile. Ying Ying seems to think that he will certainly lose.
Xiang Shaolong naturally wasn’t bothered by her thoughts and went back to Lord Changping and Teng Yi’s side. Lord Changping inquired: “What did my sister say?”
Xiang Shaolong replied: “Nothing interesting.”
Lord Changping coldly snorted: “How can there be nothing interesting? She may have decided to marry Duanhe but is still pining for Guan Zhongxie. She kept saying you are not his match. How infuriating.”
The other guests are beginning to enter the banquet halls. Wu Yingyuan felt embarrassed to stay outside for too long and waved to everyone to enter together.
Since he is their senior, everyone obeyed without question.
Lu Buwei, Lu Niang Rong and his sons are at the main door welcoming the guests. The air is filled with congratulatory messages.
Lord Changping is probably the most unassuming and easy going Left Premier of Qin. Despite his exalted status, he entered the hall alongside Xiang Shaolong and Wu Yingyuan, offering his congratulations to Lu Buwei.
Wu Yingyuan is an experienced man when it comes to socializing. He comfortably wished Lu Buwei a long list of auspicious congratulatory phrases.
Xiang Shaolong could not help but think about the close relationship between Lu Buwei and the Wu Family in the past compared to all the present hostility. His heart is troubled with mixed emotions.
In his mind, Lu Buwei must have condemned Xiang Shaolong to lose the fight and his life. With a delighted and welcoming expression, his face is glowing with pleasure and was chatting and joking without a care in the world. When he spotted Xiang Shaolong, his eyes lit up. Abandoning his other guests, he personally welcomed: “Tonight is my lucky night. I celebrate my birthday and will gain a fine son in law. With my success, life has no more regrets.”
Xiang Shaolong was thinking that his biggest regret is his inability to be the King of Qin. On the surface, he acted normal and offered his congratulations like everybody else.
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