Chapter Sixteen: The Banquet at Chateau de la Croix (I)

  Zhao Yin and his entourage were on their way to Zhuquebao, which was located fifty miles southeast of Bianjing. The atmosphere was grand, with a circumference of tens of miles surrounded by the city wall. People came and went in an endless stream, with many merchants and traders doing business, making it seem like a small city. Just as Zhao Yin's group arrived, the Wu family elder was discussing the meaning of Zhao Yin's visit in the Purple Cloud Pavilion of Zhuquebao. The day before yesterday, Zhao Yin had sent someone to deliver his visiting card, which is how the Wu family knew he was coming.

  Wu Zhiyuan's siblings were overjoyed to learn of Zhao Yan's arrival, but as the head of the Wu family, Wu Haotian immediately convened a meeting with the family elders. The elders expressed their opinions, and no consensus was reached. Some said that members of the imperial family are insatiable and once entangled, it would be difficult to extricate themselves. Others argued that not everyone should be tarred with the same brush, especially since Zhao Yan had saved a member of the Wu family.

  Wu Haotian slightly raised his hand and made a quiet gesture, and the people in the Purple Cloud Pavilion immediately fell silent.

  "Zhao Kan's identity is noble, we can't lose our courtesy. The four major families appear to be prosperous on the surface, but in fact, they are still supporting the Song Dynasty this big tree. Moreover, Zhao Kan came this time also because of an appointment with Wu Zhiyuan. We can observe the changes quietly, but we must test him." Wu Haotian paused for a moment and said to an elder sitting in the first row below: "Huangfeng, go and invite Li Yannai's son Li Yue over. Just say that tomorrow is Wu Caixia's birthday, and there is a young man who wants to come and propose to Wu Caixia. Also, give Zhao Kan a cold reception and see his reaction. You go and do it."

  "Yes, master." Wu Haofeng bowed and accepted the order.

  "You all go down, remember not to lose your manners tomorrow." Wu Haotian said slowly.

  After everyone left, Wu Haotian said faintly: "Zhao Yan, I'd like to see if you have the qualifications to enter the Wu family's door."

  Since the day Zhao Jing rescued Wu Caiyun, Wu Caiyun has been a little absent-minded. Wu Zhongyuan and his sister grew up together since childhood, so they naturally understood her thoughts. However, in this ancient feudal dynasty, marriage was a matter that had to be obeyed by parents. But Wu Zhongyuan's brother and sister lost their parents early, dying at the hands of the Jin Dynasty cavalry who came south, and were raised by their grandfather, Wu Haotian, the head of the family. Wu Haotian's decision was also Wu Caiyun's fate. Wu Haotian couldn't help but know Wu Caiyun's thoughts, but the four major families all intentionally reduced their contact with the imperial family, and the Wu family was no exception. Therefore, Wu Haotian decided to test Zhao Jing.

  When Zhao Yin and his entourage arrived at the front gate of Wujia Manor, they saw six young men from the Wu family standing guard. Zhao Yin had expected Wu Zhongyuan to come out and greet him, but he was not there, which made him feel a little disappointed. Actually, Zhao Yin had intended to give the visiting card to Wu Zhongyuan, but the person who delivered the visiting card for Zhao Yin thought that his identity was too high, so naturally the visiting card should be sent to the highest level, and thus directly handed it over to the master of the Wu family, which naturally caused alarm among the Wu family members.

  "What are you people doing?" Seeing that Zhao's guards were armed, the six of them cautiously surrounded him.

  "Zhao Kan bowed with his fist and said: 'I am Zhao Kan. I have already sent a visiting card the day before yesterday, please report it.'"

  Several people exchanged a glance, and the leading guard first bowed and said: "I know that Your Highness is coming, but recently there have been multiple murders in the Zhuanxu Fortress. Anyone entering the fortress must be searched for hidden weapons, so please forgive my rudeness."

  The several men following Zhao Yi were already furious and ready to draw their swords in self-defense, but were stopped by Zhao Yi. He said softly, "Let them search."

  Zhao Kuang's weapons were all placed in the Jinlin School Field before he arrived, so the guards at the Shu Shi Fortress only found a small box containing his ring.

  "This is a gift for Miss Wu Caiyun." Zhao Yan said with a hint of dissatisfaction. Who can still be happy after being treated coldly despite coming with good intentions?

  After the inspection was completed, Zhao Kun and his entourage headed towards the Ziguang Pavilion in front of Chuishu Castle. The leading guard wiped away cold sweat, as Wu Haofeng had told him that if a prince with an escort came, he must be searched, and also informed the guard of Zhao Kun's identity. Searching a member of the royal family was a capital offense, but Elder Wu Haofeng had given a death order, so they could only risk their lives to do it.

  Zhao Yin had not gone far when a person suddenly rushed into his arms. Zhao Yin had already discovered him and gently held onto the person, who immediately apologized and escaped. Zhao Yin felt that he had an extra note in his hand, which read: "Brother Zhao, I am Wu Zhongyuan. Today is a strange day at Lingshuiguan. I was confined to my home for no reason. Take care of yourself."

  Zhao Kui handed the note to Wang Xichen and explained, "The person who gave me the horse last time is him." Wang Xichen also pondered for half a day without knowing what kind of medicine Wu Haotian was selling in his gourd, and could only remind Zhao Kui to take it one step at a time.

  Zhao Yin and his entourage arrived at the inner city of Shuixi Fort, where servants had already come to greet them. The group followed the servants' welcome to the Ziguang Pavilion. Along the way, Zhao Yin saw that the architecture of Shuixi Fort was unique and majestic, yet still retained the charm of lakes, mountains, and gardens. When they arrived at the Ziguang Pavilion, Wu Haofeng was already waiting inside.

  When he saw Zhao Yi, he knelt down and said: "Your Highness has arrived at the Zhuang Shi Fort, this place is flourishing and prosperous, I'm sorry for not welcoming you from afar, I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

  Zhao Yan immediately helped Wu Haofeng up and said, "Elder, you are old and don't have to be so polite." Before long, the elders as well as the seniors of the Quanxu Castle had all arrived, but most people did not recognize Zhao Yan and addressed him as younger brother.

  Just then Zhao Jie heard a report and said: "Li Yuan's son has arrived."

  A young master of extraordinary good looks had entered the Purple Light Pavilion, he was seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing a magnificent brocade robe, with a somewhat frivolous expression on his face, and at first glance, it was clear that he was an arrogant person. "Junior Li Yue pays respects to all seniors, my father and I learned that last time many Wu family juniors unfortunately fell, junior is heartbroken at the same time also hates the attacker to pieces, my father specially sent me to bring one thousand two hundred taels of gold to express our condolences, to support their families to live a good life."

  A small gift of 10,000 taels of gold was indeed a generous move. Wang Xichen leaned in close to Zhao Chen and whispered, "Looks like we've got some troublemakers arriving, I'll go take a look at where they're deploying our troops, just in case." Zhao Chen couldn't help but feel annoyed, this guy Wang Xichen was really enjoying the commotion.

  Wang Xichen had just left the Purple Light Pavilion when he overheard two servants discussing something. One of them said, "Isn't Miss Wang the one who dislikes that Li young master the most? Why did Master Wang deliberately invite him today?" The other servant replied in a low voice, "I heard that a prince is coming today, and Master Wang intentionally had someone go invite him. He also said that there's a young man who came to propose to Miss Wang, and now it's going to be lively." Wang Xichen thought for a moment after hearing this, and suddenly understood the meaning behind Master Wang's actions. It turned out that he was trying to choose a husband for Wu Caiyun, and all the arrangements were meant to test Zhao Jin. Haha, I have to go back and watch the commotion. After thinking to himself, Wang Xichen immediately returned to the Purple Light Pavilion. Zhao Jin looked at Wang Xichen's four guards who had gone somewhere, and Wang Xichen gave him a reassuring gesture, but Zhao Jin felt that Wang Xichen's gaze was filled with amusement.

  During the time Wang Xichen was away, Li Yue gave gifts to everyone present, but ignored Zhao Chen and Wang Xichen as if they were air, not even saying a word. Li Yue said to Wu Haotian: "Master, there is still one more gift for Cai Xiang Miss, can I let junior personally deliver it to Miss?"

  Wu Haotian nodded slightly, and Li Yue's heart suddenly burst into bloom. Since seeing Wu Caiyun at the Lantern Festival, he had determined that he would not marry anyone else. However, he was young and wealthy, with a handsome appearance, so many girls liked him. At a young age, he had already married nine wives. His father hoped for the prosperity of the family and did not stop him, but instead helped him. He spent a lot of money without hesitation. Wu Caiyun was extremely disgusted with Li Yue, but Li Yue was also a stubborn person who kept trying to please her. During holidays, he would not stay at home but would run to the Wu family's residence. Li Yue gave gifts generously and was very good at talking. Although Wu Caiyun could not be won over, many members of the Wu family liked Li Yue.

  Li Yue saw Zhao Jing and the others at this time, and exclaimed in surprise: "Ah, there are still people, who are you? I didn't notice earlier when there were many people." Li Yue was clearly humiliating Zhao Jing. Zhao Jing turned his head to Wang Xichen and said: "Brother Wang, it seems like a mosquito was buzzing just now." Wang Xichen replied in a low voice: "It's still only a blood-sucking female mosquito."

  The Wu family members in the Purple Light Pavilion were holding back their laughter, Li Yue's face was flushed with embarrassment, and just as he was about to lose his temper, Wu Caiyun appeared with an ancient zither. Li Yue immediately put on a gentlemanly expression and smiled warmly: "Miss Caiyun, it's my honor to see you." He handed her a brocade box, which he opened with ease, revealing a white jade comb inside. In ancient times, combs could be used as tokens of betrothal, symbolizing the promise to comb one's hair for a lifetime, or in other words, to be together forever. Wu Caiyun didn't take the comb; instead, she quickly walked over to Zhao Jian and whispered reproachfully, "You're here."

  "Hmm, unexpected visit, Miss Wu is well." Zhao Yan said calmly.

  Wu Caiyun originally wanted to ask Zhao Jin if he had come to see her, but seeing how coldly he was treating her, she couldn't help but have tears well up in her eyes. Li Yue saw this and became both jealous and furious, shouting: "What kind of thing are you, daring to make Miss Caiyun angry? Do you believe I'll have someone kill you? If you're brave, leave your name behind." Zhao Jin looked at Li Yue calmly and said: "I am Zhao Jin. If you want revenge, come to the Golden Scales Arena in the west of the city anytime."

  Good, you wait, Li Yue didn't even say goodbye to Wu Haotian before leaving in a huff.

  Zhao Jian saw Wu Caiyun's pear blossom-like face and couldn't help but feel a soft spot in his heart. In fact, Zhao Jian only had good feelings towards Wu Caiyun, without any ulterior motives. Moreover, even if he really wanted to marry Wu Caiyun, he might not live past half a year, so why bother delaying her youth? One can't be too selfish.

  Zhao Jian took out the small brocade box and put the ring on Wu Caiyun's slender fingers. The diamond sparkled brightly on Wu Caiyun's hand, making her look exceptionally beautiful and noble. Seeing this scene, Zhao Jian suddenly felt a wave of dizziness - hadn't he also dreamed of putting a ring on a girl's finger in his past life?

  Zhao Jian held onto Wu Caiyun's hand without letting go, while Wu Caiyun looked both shy and sweet. It wasn't until Wang Xichen couldn't bear to watch anymore and poked Zhao Jian from behind that he came back to reality. The entire Wu family stared at Zhao Jian in shock, and he felt extremely embarrassed, forcing a laugh as he said, "The ring doesn't fit well." However, this explanation didn't even convince himself, and Wang Xichen almost burst out laughing.

  In the end, it was only when Wu Haotian announced that dinner would begin that the awkward Zhao Jian and blushing Wu Caiyun were finally released. Wu Caiyun excused herself to go to the back hall.