Chapter 84
Book 8 Chapter 8: Chancellor of Qi, Tian Dan
Light shone through the inner hall and faint music can be heard.
Security is especially tight and scores of shadows can be seen everywhere.
Right outside the door of the inner hall, there are fifteen to sixteen st.u.r.dy and serious-looking Qi warriors. This is the first time Xiang Shaolong has seen such a parade at a banquet location.
Among them, there is a young and handsome swordsman who is especially majestic and carries an imposing air. His athletic frame appeared from the corridor garden and he marched over in big strides. Bowing, he greeted politely: "This must be the glamorous Mister Dong that Chancellor Tian has been eager to befriend. Your subject is Qi citizen Dan Chu, head of Chancellor Tian’s personal bodyguards. I take this opportunity to wish Mister well."
Xiang Shaolong was awe-struck and returned the compliments.
Shan Rou and Zhao Zhi had mentioned Dan Chu before. He is Qi’s famed general and possess outstanding swordsmans.h.i.+p. He truly matches up to his fame. He has a rare domineering spirit that emits right from his bones.
After the pleasantries, Dan Chu beamed at Pu Bu: "Brother Pu can hand over Mister to General."
Pu Bu was intimidated by his spirit and hastily agreed.
Dan Chu projected the posture of a guide and invited Xiang Shaolong to walk in front of him.
The gate keepers retreated to two sides and allow Xiang Shaolong to enter the inner hall.
At that instant, someone announced: "Mister Dong Kuang is here!"
Xiang Shaolong thought of the sword scar on Shan Rou’s b.r.e.a.s.t.s and wondered how she managed to stay alive after trying to a.s.sa.s.sinate Tian Dan twice.
Xiang Shaolong crossed the door ledge and saw Tian Dan for the first time.
He knew it was Tian Dan not because of the two well-built and cool-looking Liu Zhong Xia and Liu Zhong s.h.i.+ bodyguards c.u.m brothers behind him; nor was it the full white outfit he wore that contrasted with the rest of the flowery costumes. It was because his spirits and complexion are hard to forget once you set your eyes on him.
He had heard about the Liu brothers from Shan Rou and Zhao Zhi.
No wonder Ji Yanran who has seen heroes from all over the world is also impressed with him.
Tian Dan is around forty with a slender frame with a high nose bone like an eagle’s beak. Coupled with his high cheekbones, they form a threatening air. Adding his thick eyebrows and penetrating sharp eyes, he exudes leaders.h.i.+p and dominance. It is no accident he managed to rise from a small official post and occupy one of the most powerful positions under the sky.
Seated beside him, the traitorous Zhao Mu looks like a kitten beside a tiger.
There are twenty people seated around the table. The biggest surprise Xiang Shaolong had was seeing the voluptuous Zhao Queen. Except for palace banquets, this is the first time he saw her at an official’s private banquet. It seems that Tian Dan’s status is high enough for her to make the concession.
Familiar faces like Guo Kai, Le Cheng and Zhao Ba are not present. Those present were Guo Zhong, Guo Xiu’er, Ji Zhong, Li Yuan, Han Chuang, Lord Longyang and Zhao Ya.
There were two Qi citizens. One of them is ‘old friend’ Qi Yu. Seated left of Zhao Ya, he spoke incessantly but Zhao Ya paid no attention to him.
The other is a knowledgeable and fine-looking scholar. With a wide and full forehead, he gives an intellectual impression.
A group of musicians were initially playing on the side. When Zhao Mu heard about Dong Kuang’s arrival, he clapped and the ten over musicians left through the side door. The inner hall quietened.
Tian Dan’s glare shot towards Xiang Shaolong like an arrow. Observing him, he was obviously shaken by his bearing. His eyes shone and he stood up. Putting his hand out, he chucked: "People say fame is exaggerated. I say fame is understated. Finally, I get to make your acquaintance. What great fortune!"
Other than the three ladies, which are the Zhao Queen, Guo Xiu’er and Zhao Ya, the rest of the guests are forced to stand up and welcome Xiang Shaolong after seeing Tian Dan’s example. Li Yuan is the most unwilling, but his att.i.tude has improved probably due to Ji Yanran’s effective strategy.
Xiang Shaolong respects Tian Dan for his open and easy-going nature. He did not put on any airs like Prince Xinling. If he were to compare both of them, Tian Dan won him by half a grade.
He increased his speed and paid his respects to Zhao Queen before he faced Tian Dan and shake his hand strongly with both hands.
Tian Dan’s hands are wide and thick until the bones cannot be seen. Yet, they feel strong and warm.
The legendary character sized him up and grinned: "Imperial Uncle (Li Yuan) has told me on several occasions that Mister is not only great with horses but also highly-skilled with the sword!"
Xiang Shaolong looked over to Li Yuan unconsciously and forced a smile, nodding his head slightly.
Tian Dan gently commanded the Liu Brothers: "Add a seat beside me for Brother Dong!" In the same breath, he introduced Qi Yu and Tian Bang, the military advisor. Tian Bang seems to be related to Tian Dan.
After the commotion, everybody settled down again.
Footsteps sounded and Tian Zhen and Tian Feng emerged out of nowhere and started to fill up the wine cups. By using these two girls to serve the guests, one can tell how much importance he placed on Tian Dan.
Tian Feng did not appear to know Xiang Shaolong’s real ident.i.ty. Although she peeped at him, there was no change in her composure. Tian Zhen has kept her promise to Xiang Shaolong and has even withheld the secret from her own sister. Based on this alone, Xiang Shaolong felt responsible for her.
When Tian Zhen is pouring wine for Xiang Shaolong, her delicate hands actually trembled.
While other guests are chatting with their partners, it did not escape Tian Dan’s eyes. He questioned: "Why is Little Zhen so nervous?"
After he spoke, everyone was focusing on Tian Zhen.
When Tian Zhen saw Xiang Shaolong, it is like seeing a light in the ocean of suffering. Misery swirled through her heart and she lost her calm. Interrogated by Tian Dan, she thought she had exposed Xiang Shaolong. She panicked and the bronze jug crashed onto the table and wine splashed over Xiang Shaolong’s vest.
Zhao Mu’s countenance changed and was about to hurl abuses.
Xiang Shaolong gave a big laugh and supported the terrified and shaking Tian Zhen. Soothingly, he coaxed: "It’s Ok. It’s Ok. Beauty, please don’t take it to heart." Lowering his head for a whiff, he exclaimed: "Good wine!"
Everyone was humoured and have a good laugh.
Zhao Queen joked: "People drink wine. Mister Dong sniffs wine."
As Tian Zhen is propped up by Xiang Shaolong on her back and hand, she cooled down and believed that this long awaited gentleman will protect her well.
Zhao Mu knows that it is not a time to blame her and ordered lightly: "Dismiss yourself."
Both girls kneel down to pay their respects and withdraw to the back.
Zhao Mu looks like he has something to say to him. Standing up, he invited: "Mister Dong, please come with me. I trust that my clothes should fit your body."
Xiang Shaolong excused himself and left with him.
Once they stepped out, Zhao Mu spoke in a low voice: "I have investigated Tian Dan’s intentions. He is quite offended with King Xiaocheng. He hinted that if I can overthrow Zhao, he will do his best to lend a hand."
Xiang Shaolong secretly cursed: IDIOT! For Tian Dan, a chaotic Zhao will give him more opportunities.
Instead, he proclaimed: "What is the deal with Qi Yu? Why did he leak your relations.h.i.+p (with Tian Dan) to Zhao Ya?" This is a pre-emptive tactic.
Zhao Mu sighed: "Don’t simply discount Zhao Ya as a free for all ****. In actual fact, she is more intelligent and powerful than anyone. Qi Yu only needs to say a wrong sentence and she will blackmail him."
Reaching the inner chamber, Zhao Mu got fresh new clothes for Xiang Shaolong to change.
Xiang Shaolong intentionally mentioned: "Marquis is truly resourceful. Acquiring these twin beauties that look exactly like each other is no easy feat. "
Zhao Mu’s face showed dilemma. Sighing: "Why don’t you say so earlier? Tian Dan tried them last night and was showering with praises. Needless to say, I have presented them to him. How can I break my promise now?"
Xiang Shaolong’s heart sank to the bottom and his face showed total disappointment.
Zhao Mu has regarded him as his confidante and able a.s.sistant. Frowning he suggested: "These is an alternative. And success will depend on how important are you to Tian Dan. "
When they returned to the banquet, the courtesans have just finished performing.
Lord Longyang haughtily hit on Xiang Shaolong: "Mister Dong’s luxurious clothes have made me look at you differently!" Winking at him, he continued: "Marquis has promised to bring Mister Dong to attend to my sick horses. Why has he not made good his word?"
Everyone witnessed Xiang Shaolong’s embarra.s.sment and felt sorry but hilarious at the same time.
Zhao Mu knows that Xiang Shaolong is straight and laughed: "Mister Dong is always running off to the farm. How can I grab hold of him?"
Tian Dan joined in the laughter. Digging Lord Longyang: "If it is only for horses, I have a few vets. Of course they are not as good as Brother Dong but we can let them have a try first and see if they can solve the problem on behalf of the expert." Lord Longyang recognized that Tian Dan is jesting with him. "Hiyah!" he cried and gave him a look.
Tian Bang the scholar approached Xiang Shaolong: "My country has a horse named Playful. It runs like the wind and n.o.body has been able to tame it. We have tried both hard and soft tactics but to no avail. Since we have the good fortune to meet, I wish to consult Mister."
Once spoken, even Tian Dan furrowed his eyebrows, knowing that he is out to make things difficult.
How can anyone predict how to tame a horse without laying his eyes on the horse beforehand? But if Xiang Shaolong said he needs to see the horse first, it becomes a lame excuse that anyone could have given and does not add to his reputation.
Amazingly, Xiang Shaolong answered at leisure: "In The Art of Horse Taming, the initial step is to make it defenceless against you, but this is a low method used by common folks. The best would be to make them view you as equals and treat them with utmost care. The wildest horse will start to listen and cooperate."
Mentioning this, he could not help but look opposite to Zhao Ya who is seated