Chapter 44: Trivial Matters in the Capital

  Zhang Rui was really anxious and didn't know what to do. Forget it, might as well confess honestly.

  "Min'er, if I told you that I have another woman outside, would you be angry?" Zhang Rui was naturally cautious, after all, the other party was a princess, and in the 21st century, it was a monogamous society. Suddenly, Zhang Rui was still a bit stunned.

  "Hmph, look at you being so worried. So it's this that's been on your mind all along. In this day and age, it's normal for men to have three wives and four concubines. Although I'm a princess, if I were to beg Father Emperor, you could take another concubine and it wouldn't be a big deal. A man as excellent as you, I know I couldn't possibly have you all to myself." Liu Min tried her best not to show sadness. Even the most magnanimous woman can tolerate her husband taking a new wife, but she would never be happy about it.

  "Really, that's great, I'm relieved now. My Mian'er is indeed a princess, with such a broad mind and tolerance. I love you so much!" Zhang Rui excitedly gave Liu Mian a kiss on the cheek.

  This rascal, he's always bullying people. Liu Min's little face was red and adorable. The saying that a woman in love has an IQ of zero isn't unfounded. Liu Min bashfully buried her head into Zhang Rui's chest, at least for now they were happily sharing the thrill of defeating Huang Zhong together, she had to cherish this moment well. She didn't know when it started, but Liu Min found herself unable to leave Zhang Rui's side anymore.

  Holding on like this for a long time, Liu Min gradually discovered that Zhang Rui's hand was somewhat unusual. This bastard, he knew how to bully people. So she fiercely twisted his waist... Zhang Rui was in so much pain that he couldn't speak, but he didn't break the joyful moment that belonged to the two of them. Instead, he chose to endure the pain and enjoy it...

  "Ah, I told the Emperor that I wanted to see you first, but now it's been so long. I don't know if the ceremony in the great hall is over yet. It's all your fault, causing trouble for no reason! You've delayed things for so long." Liu Min complained, continuously tapping on Zhang Rui's chest.

  Zhang Rui looked at Liu Min's red little face, big eyes, and curved eyelashes. She couldn't help but kiss Liu Min's little face again, naturally provoking another round of good beating from Liu Min.

  The two of them horsed around for a while, tidied up their clothes (why tidy up? Do I need to ask?), and then walked out of the side hall towards the main hall. When they arrived at the main hall, indeed everyone had already dispersed, leaving only a small yellow gate sweeping the floor.

  "Is that Lord Zhang? Magistrate Cao just instructed me to tell you that he is waiting for you outside the palace." Little Yellow Gate said to Zhang Rui and then left.

  Liu Min rolled her eyes at Zhang Rui, meaning it was all his fault. The audience in the main hall had ended anyway. Zhang Rui smiled mischievously and provoked another round of massage on his waist.

  "Alright, Min'er. Since Meng De said he's waiting for me outside, something big must have happened. You go back first, and I'll come find you after the morning court tomorrow." Zhang Rui finished speaking and strode rapidly towards the palace exit.

  "Meng De, what's going on? Why are you waiting for me here?" Zhang Rui asked as he saw Cao Cao waiting outside.

  "The General has sent someone to inform us that he is hosting a banquet at the General's Mansion to welcome and refresh us. Generals Huangfu and Zhu have already gone ahead, so I'll wait for you here." Cao Cao seemed somewhat uneasy, and Zhang Liao guessed that Yuan Shao should also be among the invited guests.

  Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were both under He Jin before they each led their own army, and in terms of appearance, family background, or ability (in He Jin's opinion), Yuan Shao was undoubtedly more favored by He Jin.

  Cao Cao had already sensed Zhang Liao's indecisiveness towards him and Yuan Shao through Xun Yu. This time, after meeting Yuan Shao, Zhang Liao would surely be won over by his unique charm. Without a doubt, Cao Cao still lacked some confidence in front of Yuan Shao at this moment.

  Cao Cao walked ahead, lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing about the happy times with Zhang Rui. If possible, Cao Cao sincerely wished for Zhang Rui to follow him. But who knows? Maybe Zhang Rui didn't care about Cao Cao after all? After all, Zhang Rui's personality wasn't one that would be interested in befriending someone from a humble background like Cao Cao.

  The scene inside the general's residence was exceptionally lively. He Jin, as the host, naturally sat at the top, with Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun sitting on either side of him, while Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Xun Yu and his nephew sat below them. Two seats were empty at the lower end of the right-hand row, presumably reserved for Cao Cao and Zhang Liao.

  Cao Cao and Zhang Rui arrived later, first announced their guilt, then sat down in their own positions. The banquet finally began formally.

  At the banquet, Yuan Shao was clearly not on the same page as Cao Cao, Xun Yu and Xun You had already followed Cao Cao, so Yuan Shao couldn't afford to put in too much effort, while Zhang Liao was still unaffiliated. Yuan Shao repeatedly offered Zhang Liao a toast during the banquet, while Cao Cao seemed lost in thought, appearing somewhat distracted. It has to be said that at this moment, Yuan Shao looked handsome and majestic, full of spirit and vigor, every gesture showing his heroic demeanor. To be honest, Zhang Liao was really taken aback by Yuan Shao's charm (it was all because of the external appearance association in their past lives). But thinking about Cao Cao's kindness to him, Zhang Liao felt conflicted... How should he choose?

  The wine party soon ended with Cao Cao and Zhang Liao each harboring their own thoughts. Although Yuan Shao did not explicitly invite Zhang Liao during the banquet, everyone understood the implication.

  Huangfu Song patted Zhang Rui's shoulder, and indeed, if he had to choose himself, he would also be in a dilemma. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were the two most outstanding among their next generation, so how should they choose? However, as long as it was for the great Han, either way was fine.

  Huangfu Song didn't know what would happen later, but Zhang Rui naturally did. This wasn't the same as serving the great Han... Zhang Rui anxiously followed Xun Shi and his nephew back, only he didn't know that a sinister plot had already begun because of him...

  "Is what you're saying true? Then Zhang Liao actually followed Cao Cao to He Jin's mansion for a banquet?"

  "Let the Duke know, I just saw it with my own eyes." This voice wasn't that little yellow gate who had just informed Zhang Rui, but who else could it be? The palace was full of ears and eyes belonging to Zhang Rang and others, and Cao Cao's leftover little yellow gate turned out to be one of Zhang Rang's trusted followers.

  "Good, Zhang Rui, since our ways are different, don't blame me for being ruthless and merciless then. This Western Garden's Eight Schools' Commander-in-Chief can forget about it, and as for this Imperial Son-in-law, I'll have to find a way to ruin him too. If this person becomes the Imperial Son-in-law, wouldn't that be like finding another enemy within the palace? This imperial palace can only be controlled by me alone." At this moment, Zhang Rui's face was twisted and sinister, without any hint of his usual calm and peaceful demeanor.

  "Quickly invite Zhao Zhong, Duan E and other officials to come over for discussion." Zhang Rang ordered the little yellow gate.

  Xiao Huangmen rushed to invite people, while Dong Zhuo, who was preparing to take office in Liangzhou after thanking him, also left Luoyang City at this time. Humming... This Luoyang City, I, Dong Zhuo, will definitely come back. The forces of all parties are surging, and tomorrow may be destined to be an extraordinary day.