Several days later, it was Zhuque's birthday banquet.
She had invited all her good friends from Jiangnan, including several women.
At this moment, Yun Fan was suffering from a splitting headache, as he had no idea what gift to bring.
After careful consideration, Yun Fan finally came up with an answer.
...
The banquet was exceptionally lively.
After all, Zhuque was the newly risen God of War of the empire, so many guests were in attendance.
However, Zhuque's sharp gaze was not on these guests; she was waiting for Yun Fan.
"Cousin, it's been many years, and you've become even more beautiful!"
A teasing voice echoed, and everyone's attention shifted to the speaker. Upon seeing the arrival, the crowd collectively gasped.
The arrival was none other than Zhuque's cousin, Zhang Yuan.
Zhang Yuan hailed from the Zhang family. While not as dazzling as the four great families in Jinling, the Zhang family was still considered a first-rate aristocratic clan.
Zhang Yuan's mother was Zhuque's aunt, which was why he called Zhuque "cousin."
The two families had been very close in the past. The Zhang family's rise in Jinling was due in no small part to the Su family's support.
After all, the Su family's economic prowess back then rivaled that of any of the four great families, though their foundation was relatively weaker.
Their situation was similar to the Lin family's now. Although the Lin family's economy still hadn't reached the height of the Su family back then, they had Yun Fan as their son-in-law. Therefore, even though the Lin family was small, they could not be underestimated.
After the Su family's massacre, the Zhang family had severed ties with Zhuque. Consequently, Zhuque was unfamiliar with the Zhang family.
When she was in Jinling years ago, she had asked the Zhang family for help in investigating the murderers, but they had refused. Thus, she held no great affection for the Zhang family.
"Cousin, why have you come?"
Zhuque asked, puzzled.
Normally, this cousin, who followed the Crown Prince, was arrogant and domineering, treating her as a stranger. He never acted so affectionately as he did today.
Zhang Yuan chuckled, "Cousin, you jest. We are relatives. How could I possibly miss your birthday banquet to offer my congratulations?"
"Is that so?"
Zhuque sneered inwardly. The Zhang family hadn't even attended to congratulate her when she was enfeoffed as the God of War. Their presence today, she believed, could not be without ulterior motives.
However, it was her birthday banquet, and she particularly valued this event because of Yun Fan. Therefore, she did not want to ruin it.
"Cousin, please take a seat of honor!"
"Alright!"
Zhang Yuan, accompanied by his entourage, took a seat at a table.
Zhuque waited anxiously. Why was this person always late? Although she was accustomed to it, her heart felt uneasy at this moment.
Before long, Yun Fan arrived.
Seeing Yun Fan, Zhuque's face lit up with indescribable joy. However, when she noticed the women accompanying Yun Fan, her expression fell.
She cursed herself for being careless. She should have just invited Yun Fan alone.
"Why are you late again?"
Zhuque asked, displeased. But her dissatisfaction wasn't truly about Yun Fan's lateness; it was about him walking in with several women.
"Sorry, there was traffic on the road!"
Yun Fan used his usual excuse.
"I'll forgive you this time. Please take a seat first."
Zhuque said to Yun Fan.
"Okay!"
Yun Fan and the women walked over.
At this moment, Leng Ningshuang asked doubtfully, "Junior Brother, the way Zhuque is looking at you is strange. Could it be that you're involved with her too?"
Yun Fan shivered instantly. He thought to himself, "Seventh Senior Sister is too terrifying. With just a glance, she can discern people's thoughts."
He replied awkwardly, "Senior Sister, you worry too much. We are friends!"
"Friends?"
It was evident that Leng Ningshuang didn't believe him, but she didn't press further. Perhaps she was mistaken.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan, sitting at a nearby table, also spotted Yun Fan. A cold glint appeared in his eyes, as he had come to Jiangnan on the Crown Prince's orders.
Upon seeing the beautiful women beside Yun Fan, Zhang Yuan's eyes widened. He hadn't expected to find so many exquisite beauties in Jiangnan.
Any single one of these women was someone he had yearned for. He resolved in his heart that after dealing with Yun Fan, he would claim these beauties for himself.
Even if they were leftovers from Yun Fan, it didn't matter. Sometimes, leftovers could have a unique flavor.
Just as Yun Fan was about to take his seat, Zhang Yuan immediately made a move.
"Today is my cousin's birthday banquet. She is the God of War of the empire, and the guests here are all prominent figures. What right does a gangster leader from Jiangnan like you have to sit at this high table!"
The entire hall erupted in an uproar at his words. No one expected that there was someone in Jiangnan who dared to insult Yun Fan. They were all astonished by Zhang Yuan's audacity.
"Who is this idiot?"
Yun Fan pointed at Zhang Yuan and asked.
"You..."
Zhang Yuan was almost infuriated to death. This fellow dared to curse him.
"I am Zhang Yuan, the eldest son of the Zhang family of Jinling!"
Zhang Yuan angrily declared his identity.
Everyone instantly understood. So it was the young master of the Zhang family, no wonder he dared to be arrogant towards Yun Fan.
The crowd had heard a little about the Zhang family. After being supported by the Su family, they had treated the Su family as their patron. After the Su family's destruction, the Zhang family had abandoned even the Su family's orphan, Zhuque, and instead pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince, becoming his lackey.
Lin Tianxin scoffed mockingly, "I wondered who it was. It turns out to be the ungrateful young master of the Zhang family. Why aren't you staying in Jinling as a dog and barking nonsense here in Jiangnan?"
This statement struck a nerve with Zhang Yuan.
Zhang Yuan angrily threatened, "You dare to threaten me? Believe it or not, I can make your family disappear with a single word of my rage!"
"You just followed the Crown Prince, what's so great about that? If you dare, just try it!"
Yang Xuejian retorted without mercy.
"You guys..."
Zhang Yuan was furious. He hadn't expected these women, who appeared so charming and beautiful, to have such venomous tongues.
At this moment, Zhuque stepped forward to mediate.
"Sisters, don't bother with him. It's not worth it!"
Only then did the women cease their retorts.
Zhang Yuan, however, was stunned. Shouldn't his cousin be on his side at this moment? Although Zhuque was the God of War, the Zhang family didn't take her lightly.
Shouldn't Zhuque be trying to curry favor with the Zhang family?
At this, Zhang Yuan said to Zhuque, "Cousin, I am also a person of status. Now I've been mocked by these country bumpkins. You owe me an explanation!"
Since Zhuque was not actively supporting him, he decided to give her a subtle reminder.
"Alright!"
Zhuque said coldly, "Jiangnan is too small for you. Leave now and return to Jinling! After all, I didn't beg you to come. I didn't even invite you; you came crawling on your own!"
This statement was not just for Zhang Yuan but also for Yun Fan, implying that she hadn't invited this person and wasn't close to him.
Everyone was shocked that Zhuque didn't give Zhang Yuan any face at all. Wasn't she afraid of future retaliation from the Zhang family?
After all, the Zhang family had the Crown Prince backing them. Even if the Crown Prince might not necessarily succeed the Heavenly Emperor, with this patron, the Zhang family could continue to prosper.
Zhang Yuan was also stunned. He hadn't expected his cousin to be so dismissive. In the past, he would have smashed the venue and left haughtily.
But today, he had important matters to attend to, so he had to endure.
"Cousin, you jest. How could someone like me, with status and background, stoop to the level of these commoners!"
With that, Zhang Yuan returned to his seat.
"Tch!"
The women had thought Zhang Yuan was tough, but he turned out to be so cowardly.
In reality, with Zhang Yuan's vindictive nature, he wouldn't be satisfied so easily. He was likely already plotting his next revenge.
At this, many guests began to present Zhuque with gifts.
"The Jiangnan New Capital Chamber of Commerce presents a pair of Blood Jade Kylins to the God of War, wishing you steady advancement and an early promotion to Marshal!"
"Jinling Tiansheng Group presents a box of White Jade Masks to the God of War, wishing you eternal youth and peerless beauty!"
...
One after another, guests presented their gifts. It had to be said that the guests had put considerable thought into choosing their gifts.
They couldn't be too expensive, nor too vulgar, striking just the right balance.
At this moment, someone from the military arrived.
"Marshal Lin personally inscribed a piece of calligraphy to congratulate the God of War!"
At these words, everyone was instantly shocked. Compared to the previous gifts, this one was far too precious.
Who was Marshal Lin? He was the most renowned Lin Wudi of the present era!
His calligraphy was priceless because he rarely inscribed for others, and many who sought his artwork were refused.
Even the current Crown Prince had never enjoyed such an honor. It was unbelievable that he would personally inscribe for Zhuque.
Marshal Lin's calligraphy was already a peerless treasure, but compared to the man himself, it was nothing.
Marshal Lin's personal inscription showed how much importance he placed on Zhuque. Even those who wished to cause trouble for Zhuque had to weigh their own capabilities.
After all, Zhuque had the invincible giant, Marshal Lin, as her backer.
Earlier, they had worried if Zhuque would face retaliation from the Zhang family after offending Zhang Yuan, but now it seemed they had worried unnecessarily.
The Zhang family, in Marshal Lin's eyes, was merely a petty, insignificant character. If Marshal Lin willed it, he could destroy them with a single hand.
Zhang Yuan, in particular, felt worse than if he had swallowed a fly. When Zhuque had previously shown him no respect, he had planned to retaliate against Zhuque after dealing with Yun Fan.
But now, even if he had a hundred times more courage, he wouldn't dare. Although he was the Crown Prince's dog, even the Crown Prince wouldn't dare to offend Lin Wudi.
After all, if he wanted to ascend the throne in the future, he would need Lin Wudi's approval. If Lin Wudi didn't support him, the Crown Prince might not be able to ascend the throne smoothly.
It was no exaggeration to say that if he offended Lin Wudi, the Crown Prince would likely kill him to appease Lin Wudi's wrath.
Even Zhuque was surprised that Marshal Lin would personally inscribe for her. However, after a moment's thought, she understood.
Her conferment as God of War was thanks to Yun Fan's efforts. Now, Marshal Lin inscribing for her was also due to Yun Fan's influence.
That's right. Although Yun Fan was just a boy from a mountain village, the strength and methods he displayed were enough to make Lin Wudi take him seriously.
Furthermore, he had uncovered the mastermind, Commander Yu, making his contributions even more significant.
She just didn't state it explicitly because Yun Fan was a low-key man, and it was this low-key, steady demeanor that deeply attracted her.
After this great commotion subsided, Zhang Yuan knew it was his time to shine.
Since he couldn't outwit Yun Fan with words, he would compete with him in gift-giving. He was determined to surpass Yun Fan.
Of course, he had another motive. Now that Marshal Lin valued Zhuque so highly, it indicated her impressive future potential.
If he could win Zhuque's heart, the Zhang family would be even more secure. Even if the Crown Prince fell from power in the future, the Zhang family could rely on Zhuque to maintain stability.
By any calculation, he wouldn't lose out.
To show his sincerity, he immediately swapped his gift, presenting a priceless luminous pearl to Zhuque.
The crowd gasped. They hadn't expected Zhang Yuan to present such an expensive gift. However, this didn't quite fit the occasion.
There were others present who could afford such a valuable gift, but none dared. To receive such an expensive gift on the God of War's birthday was not to honor Zhuque, but to harm her.
Upon seeing the luminous pearl, worth hundreds of millions, Zhuque's expression darkened. She was a just and upright God of War.
How could she accept such a precious gift? If this got out, it would undoubtedly draw widespread criticism.
However, the oblivious Zhang Yuan proudly approached Zhuque.
"Cousin, it's your birthday, and Uncle doesn't have much to give you, so I'll give you this luminous pearl. It represents my heart, shining like its light, guarding by your side!"
At these words, everyone understood the implication. Zhang Yuan was indirectly confessing his feelings.
If Zhuque accepted him, then receiving such a precious gift would be uncontroversial, akin to a boyfriend giving a gift to his girlfriend.
Amidst the crowd's curious gazes, Zhuque spoke.
"Are you stupid?"
"What?"
Zhang Yuan froze, not understanding Zhuque's meaning.
Zhuque said coldly, "Do you think I'd fall for a lackey like you? Take your gift and get lost!"
At these words, the crowd stared at Zhang Yuan as if he were an idiot. Of course, they were deeply astonished.
In their opinion, even if Zhuque were to refuse, she wouldn't have said it so harshly. It was evident how much she disliked Zhang Yuan.
This scene amused Yun Fan.
Zhang Yuan was instantly mortified. He had thought presenting the luminous pearl would win Zhuque's heart, as most girls in the world couldn't resist such a priceless and stunning luminous pearl.
"Cousin, what did you say?"
Zhang Yuan asked unwillingly, praying in his heart that Zhuque had misspoke.
However, Zhuque again said without hesitation, "I told you to take your luminous pearl and get lost. You, a mere lackey, are not worthy of this God of War!"
At this moment, the air seemed to freeze. The silent crowd even suspected if Zhang Yuan had a masochistic tendency.
She had made it so clear, yet he still wanted to be humiliated again. Was he a masochist?
"Pfft!"
Jiang Xueyan spat out the drink she had just taken. Although she and Zhuque didn't get along very well, she admired Zhuque's style of handling things.
She was straightforward, like herself, never beating around the bush, and her direct words were the most lethal.
The spotlighted Zhang Yuan wished he could find a hole to crawl into. He had truly embarrassed himself to the extreme this time.
He wanted to fly into a rage, but at the critical moment, remembering the Crown Prince's instructions, he decided to endure.
At this moment, he was akin to a Ninja Turtle.
"Since Cousin doesn't like it, I'll give you something else another day!"
Zhang Yuan said awkwardly.
"No need. I won't like any gift from you!"
Zhuque stated concisely.
Zhang Yuan felt his heart wounded once again, as if a red-hot steel needle had pierced him. It was utterly unbearable.
"Cousin, you jest!"
Zhang Yuan dejectedly sat back down at his table.
The crowd was speechless. They wondered if Zhang Yuan's thick skin was thicker than the city walls. He was still here after all this, was he staying for New Year?
It was then Yun Fan's turn.
To alleviate his embarrassment and also to target Yun Fan, Zhang Yuan immediately scoffed, "I'd like to see what special gift this country bumpkin can come up with!"
"Shut up!"
Zhuque's sharp reprimand silenced Zhang Yuan.
Yun Fan, of course, wouldn't bother with this fool. He didn't want to upset himself.
He took out a box. When the box was opened, it caused quite a stir.
To everyone's surprise, his gift was a few maple leaves. Although preserved, they were still vibrantly colored.
"These maple leaves are ones I've collected since childhood. There are ten in total. For the past ten years, I've made it a habit to collect a maple leaf each year."
"These ten maple leaves have accompanied me through the first half of my life. Today, I give them to you, hoping they will accompany you from now on!"
At these words, the crowd fell silent. Indeed, although they were just ten maple leaves, the story behind them was deeply evocative.
Furthermore, maple leaves symbolize longing. Could it be that Yun Fan was also subtly confessing his feelings to Zhuque?
The women were stunned.
Especially the other women, they instantly felt that the necklaces around their necks were no longer as appealing. Although these necklaces were also worth hundreds of millions, compared to these maple leaves, they wished they were the ones receiving the maple leaves instead of the heavy necklaces.
"Hopeless!"
Leng Ningshuang was deeply disappointed in her heart. Had Junior Brother truly strayed further down the path of a harem protagonist?
How could she help him repent and return to the simple days of the past?
Alas! Life was like this.
Subsequently, Leng Ningshuang downed a large glass of wine by herself, feeling that her mission was arduous and long.
At this, everyone's gaze turned to Zhuque, waiting to see her reaction.
However, upon seeing Zhuque's reaction, everyone fell silent.
Zhuque appeared deeply moved, her eyes reddened, clearly on the verge of tears.
In reality, Yun Fan had no ulterior motive in giving her the maple leaves. He simply hadn't had time to buy a gift and had nothing else presentable.
Therefore, he could only give these maple leaves to Zhuque. As the saying goes, "A thousand-mile gift of a goose feather carries profound affection," especially since these leaves had accompanied him through the first half of his life.
He figured it might be enough to smooth things over.
At this moment, Zhang Yuan sneered, "I thought you'd bring some precious and unique gift. So it's just a few leaves. As expected of a country bumpkin, a complete disgrace!"
At his words, he and his subordinates burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha!"
However, their arrogance appeared as a clown's performance to the crowd. Didn't they see Zhuque was so moved she was about to cry?
Unexpectedly, Zhuque suddenly became furious. "Guards, escort them out!"
With that, dozens of people stepped forward, ready to drive Zhang Yuan and his group out.
Zhang Yuan and his group were stunned. This shouldn't be happening! Just a few leaves, and they could fool Zhuque like this?
But they couldn't leave yet, as Zhang Yuan had a mission.
So, he quickly said, "Cousin, please calm down. I won't speak anymore, alright?"
Only then did Zhuque order the guards to stand down.
Thinking that her angry expression wasn't a good look, Zhuque mentally cursed herself for being careless and immediately shifted to a moved expression, saying to Yun Fan, "Yun Fan, thank you. I really like these gifts!"
"As long as you like them, as long as you like them!"
Yun Fan breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. He had finally managed to fool Zhuque.
At this, Zhuque said to him, "I will cherish these gifts forever because they are the most precious gifts I have ever received!"
"It's not that exaggerated!"
Yun Fan gave an awkward smile.
At this, Zhuque felt it was time to confess. She had prepared so much for this moment to confess to Yun Fan.
Since this blockhead wasn't making a move, she had to be the one to act.
However, before she could confess, Yun Fan was pulled away by the women, who kept urging him to drink. The atmosphere in the hall also became more festive.
Many people came to toast Zhuque.
Zhuque was dumbfounded. This was not the outcome she had desired. With so many people toasting her, she could only reciprocate.
She was almost bursting with anger. Fine! Her meticulously planned confession was completely wasted.
In fact, the women had guessed Zhuque's intentions. As fellow women, they understood women perfectly.
Since they couldn't shut Zhuque up, they would pull Yun Fan away, denying Zhuque the opportunity to confess.
This was akin to taking away someone's path, leaving them with no way forward.
It could be said that this was undoubtedly the most frustrating birthday banquet Zhuque had ever had. Although the banquet lasted for a long time, she never found an opportunity.
Several times she wanted to go to Yun Fan to confess, but the women kept plying him with drinks, completely denying her the chance.
At this moment, she inwardly cursed Zhang Yuan to death. If it weren't for Zhang Yuan's incessant chatter, she would have confessed successfully long ago.
She already disliked Zhang Yuan, and now her dislike had deepened. If she could, she would have loved to strangle Yun Fan.
Seeing Zhuque's crestfallen expression, the women wore smug smiles. What if you're the God of War? Can you compete with us?
When the banquet dispersed, Yun Fan, already very drunk, left.
Seeing that everyone else had left but Zhang Yuan remained, Zhuque walked over and coldly asked, "Aren't you leaving yet?"
Zhang Yuan felt the overwhelming malice of the world.
He then said to Zhuque, "Cousin, I have something to discuss with you!"
"I have nothing to discuss with you!"
Zhuque replied impatiently. If not for her status, she would have wanted to chop Zhang Yuan in half long ago.
Zhang Yuan said, "I know Cousin hates our Zhang family, but there are things our Zhang family can't help."
"I am here representing the Crown Prince!"
"What does the Crown Prince want?"
Zhuque asked, confused. She had already thoroughly investigated the Crown Prince. Although young, he was quite cunning.
He had garnered many factions in Jinling, showing great ambition to succeed the Heavenly Emperor.
She had no contact with the Crown Prince and no dealings with him, so she didn't know what he wanted.
Zhang Yuan said proudly, "The Black Dragon Association, led by Yun Fan, commits evil deeds in Jiangnan and is a veritable tumor on Jiangnan. The Crown Prince hopes you will eradicate this tumor!"
At these words, Zhuque scoffed inwardly. If Yun Fan could be considered a tumor, then there would be no good people left in the world.
She didn't know why the Crown Prince wanted to kill Yun Fan, but it was impossible for her to eliminate Yun Fan. First, she liked Yun Fan very much. Second, she was no match for Yun Fan.
This was simply absurd. How could she deal with Yun Fan for the Crown Prince, even if the Crown Prince might be her superior in the future?
Don't think she cherished the position of God of War that much. If she was pushed too far, what was wrong with not being the God of War?
"Sorry, this God of War doesn't think he's a tumor, so I cannot agree!"
Zhuque stated directly.
Now it was Zhang Yuan's turn to be dumbfounded. He hadn't expected Zhuque to dare defy the Crown Prince's wishes. It was too audacious.
He then said again, "Cousin, this is the Crown Prince's will. If you don't fulfill it, with just a word from the Crown Prince, your position as God of War will end. I hope you won't be willful and will fulfill the Crown Prince's instructions. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, you will be among his trusted officials!"
Zhuque said disdainfully, "Tell the Crown Prince that an officer in the field does not have to obey celestial commands. If he truly wants to strip me of my position as God of War, then take it. The prerequisite is that Marshal Lin agrees!"
She was not swayed by Zhang Yuan's words at all. "Trusted officials"? Although the Crown Prince had a noble status, he might not necessarily ascend the throne.
Moreover, it wasn't easy to remove her. Even if the Crown Prince wanted to, he'd have to see if Lin Wudi agreed.
Zhang Yuan was surprised by Zhuque's stubbornness. He said, "Cousin..."
His words were interrupted by Zhuque, who warned, "If you dare to say another word, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Zhang Yuan sheepishly shut his mouth. Although he was the Crown Prince's lackey and could be arrogant and domineering, Zhuque didn't even give the Crown Prince face. Dealing with him would be child's play!
Therefore, there was no need for him to linger. As he left, he said to Zhuque, "Cousin, Yun Fan is destined to die. I advise you not to get too close to him, lest you be implicated!"
Zhuque said coldly, "My affairs are none of your business, and you are not qualified to meddle!"
After Zhang Yuan left, Zhuque said to her subordinates, "Find a deserted place and arrest them!"
"God of War, he is the eldest son of the Zhang family and the Crown Prince's follower. If we act rashly, it might..."
Her subordinate reminded her subtly, intentionally leaving the sentence unfinished.
Zhuque scoffed, "What are you afraid of? Just do as I say. Also, find out why the Crown Prince wants to deal with Yun Fan!"
"Yes!"
Her subordinate hurried away. They already had a plan for this operation; they could kidnap Zhang Yuan without using the military's name.
...
Staggering back to his rented room, Yun Fan felt dizzy. The women had wanted to escort him back.
But the question of who would escort him became an issue. The women had argued fiercely over it, so while they were arguing, Yun Fan slipped away alone.
He might as well go back himself.
However, at this moment, his vision blurry with alcohol, he saw a person ahead. This person was none other than Ye Qingcheng.