Chapter 97
Book 9 Chapter 11 – Zhao Palace On Fire
As all the guests are swarming in, Xiang Shaolong pondered over Ji Yanran’s words. The more he thought, the more uneasy he is and slipped out to find Wu Guo.
Wu Guo happened to be spouting nonsense with a group of guests who have yet to enter the banquet hall. He was startled to see Xiang Shaolong and he embarra.s.sedly came to his side and asked: "Third Master is leaving so soon?" Xiang Shaolong does not hold it against him and seriously spoke: "Notify Second Master at once. Tell him that Prince Xinling has sent a team of experts to Handan and could take tonight’s chance to steal the Lu Gong Secret Manual"
Wu Guo scratched his head: "The palace guards and the city guards like us do not mix. Unless approved by King Xiaocheng, we will get thrown out."
Xiang Shaolong agreed that this is a problem. He warned: "In this case, get second master to send someone to monitor the palace from outside. If there are any suspicious people, he can use this excuse to infiltrate. Oh! If we can only use our elite troops. Pay attention to the secret tunnels entrances. Prince Xinling may even have the map of the secret tunnels or even a spy in the palace."
Wu Guo left with his order.
Xiang Shaolong heaved a sigh of relief and head back to the banquet.
Before he could take another step, a melodious voice sounded out from his left: "Mister Dong! Please wait."
Xiang Shaolong found the voice familiar and looked towards the source.
Under the company of eight female attendants, Guo Xiu’er was dressed in a flamboyant red cheongsam. Walking along the left stone path, it appears that she is about to take part in the engagement dinner.
Xiang Shaolong halted and unnaturally congratulates her.
Guo Xiu’er returned the favour and discharged the attendants: "I need to have a word with Mister Dong; all of you wait for me at the side."
The attendants were taken by surprise and retreated to a distance.
Guo Xiu’er ran her eyes over Xiang Shaolong. In an unhappy tone, she sighed: "Father’s orders cannot be disobeyed. Xiu’er has no choice. Can Mister understand what I mean?" Xiang Shaolong is stunned by her frankness and was dumbfounded. In such a short time, he does not know how to reply her.
Even if there is no obstacle between them, based on the family rivalry between Wu and Guo, there is no way that he can marry her!
Guo Xiu’er smiled sadly and turned around. When she turned back, there is a jade pendant on her hand. She stepped closer and pressed it into his hand, emotionally saying: "Xiu’er cannot give my body to Mister so I have to replace it with this jade pendant. If you have feelings for me, please wear it and I will die without regrets."
Finis.h.i.+ng, she lowered her head and hastily walked towards the main hall while the attendants frantically caught up.
In ecstasy, Xiang Shaolong held the jade pendant tightly. The jade pendant is still warm with her holding.
He opened up his palm and took a closer look.
It is an ancient jade carving of a phoenix. If he had brought back to a 21st Century auction, the proceeds will be able to last his expenditure for a lifetime.
Thinking of this, he scolded himself.
The girl is pa.s.sionate and innocent but he has such crazy notions.
Shaking his head, he hanged the pendant around his neck before partic.i.p.ating in the feast.
The main hall is full of activity. Hundreds of servants are shuttling in and out of the main hall, serving the guests with dishes and wine.
There are four VIP tables facing the main door.
The first table is Guo Zhong and his wife with Li Yuan and Guo Xiu’er. The other three tables are taken by Empress Jing, Tian Dan, Lord Longyang, Han Chuang, Ji Zhong and other people.
The other tables are lined up on the two sides. Each side has three layers of tables and each table seats four people. The centre area is left open for the performances of singers and dancers.
A group of musicians were based on both sides of the main door and were actively playing their instruments. The air is filled with drumming and cheering and everyone is in a celebratory mood.
While everyone is distracted by Guo Xiu’er entry, Xiang Shaolong slipped to the back row of the tables and wondered where he should sit?
The seats are arranged according to status and he cannot just take any empty seat.
Fortunately, the Guo Chief Housekeeper Gao Bai saw him from afar and rushed forward informing: "Princess Ya has instructed servant that she wants to sit with General. General, please come with me."
Xiang Shaolong panicked. If he is seated with Zhao Mu, Ji Yanran and Zhao Zhi have nothing to say. If he sits with Zhao Ya, they will be jealous and throw tantrums at him. There is a price to pay for having multiple lovers.
He ignored this potential problem and accompanied Gao Bai to the VIP tables.
Among the distinguished guests, many of them are viewing this legendary City Commander for the first time and many of them greeted him.
The women are all eyeing his well-build frame and heroic air. Xiang Shaolong was having mixed feelings. He disregarded every stare and blindly followed Gao Bai, walking between the tables and the wall. Gao Bai stopped and bowed: "General please be seated."
Xiang Shaolong looked carefully and he saw three pairs of beautiful eyes staring straight back at him.
Zhao Ya, Ji Yanran and Zhao Zhi are seated on the same table as him. The other table is Zhao Mu, Guo Kai, Cheng Dan and Zou Yan.
Xiang Shaolong was rejuvenated and silently admire Zhao Ya’s thoughtfulness. He sat on the far end of the table beside Zhao Zhi. This is a smart move. If he had sat between two girls, the third one will be neglected. This is also to show his respect for the three girls.
Every guy is envious of him to share the table with three ladies while every girl is dying to replace the three girls to get closer to this popular figure.
The drumming stopped suddenly and sounded again. Over a hundred pretty courtesans glide into the main area and began singing and dancing.
Zhao Zhi whispered: "Sister Yanran told me to ask you where you went earlier?" Xiang Shaolong joked: "Can’t I even go to the bathroom?" Zhao Zhi leaned towards Ji Yanran to pa.s.s the answer and whispered back: "Why are you in the bathroom for such a long time?" Xiang Shaolong could not hold back his laughter and nearly choked on his food. He endured and asked: "When has Zhi Zhi become a telephone? Every business can be big or small. Even the heavenly G.o.ds has no control."
Zhao Zhi burst out