"You uncouth wretch!" Ouyang Ji rebuked him publicly.
"This esteemed gentleman is none other than the renowned Zhenguo Marquis of Da Liang, whose fame spans the realm! To even grant you a seat is an act of utmost benevolence! You seek to claim a place for your own maidservant?"
Ouyang Hong, Dugu Qun, He Wanli, and others, not to be outdone, chimed in with their own reprimands.
"Young Master..." Yue Lian nervously tugged at Liang Xiao's sleeve.
She wanted to say that she didn't need a seat, but she couldn't bear to speak up at this moment and cause Liang Xiao to lose face.
Liang Xiao surveyed the entire hall and asked, "Who is the host of today's gathering of heroes?"
"It is the Zhenguo Marquis," Gu Shaoyan immediately replied, not forgetting to give Liang Xiao a significant look.
Dugu Qun and the others also realized they had overstepped and hurriedly returned to their seats.
Qin Feng then turned to Liang Xiao and smiled, "If there are not enough seats, feel free to ask at any time."
With that, Qin Feng instructed the guards to prepare three more seats, for which Liang Xiao expressed his gratitude.
Dugu Qun and the others felt as if they had swallowed a heap of fly droppings.
The gathering of heroes was proceeding smoothly, and yet Liang Xiao had actually shown up?
They were astute enough to see that this Zhenguo Marquis held Liang Xiao in considerable respect.
However, with this development, had the protagonists of the gathering shifted to Qin Feng and Liang Xiao?
Seated opposite them, Ouyang Ji and He Wanli cast pleading glances at Dugu Qun, who could only offer a wry smile.
The officials from the Honglu Temple were also present, diligently recording events. Who knew if today's proceedings might even be etched into history? They certainly did not wish to be embarrassed!
Dugu Qun and Ouyang Ji's faces were ashen, their hands clutching their wine cups trembling violently as they glared at Liang Xiao.
Why was this impudent brat Liang Xiao always haunting them!
Under the astonished gaze of the palace attendants, a contingent of seven hundred soldiers entered the Honglu Temple.
"White Robe Soldiers?" The reception staff at the Honglu Temple were startled.
It was precisely the seven hundred White Robe Soldiers, led by Lü Changhe!
"We heard that the Anguo Marquis is to meet with the Zhenguo Marquis of Da Liang? We are here on imperial orders to maintain order!" Lü Changhe stated with a grave expression, presenting the Emperor's decree and making his intentions clear.
The officials of the Honglu Temple were greatly alarmed and dared not obstruct them.
The seven hundred White Robe Soldiers patrolled directly around Qin Feng's residence, their expressions solemn.
Lü Changhe, in particular, appeared tense, fearing any infiltration by assassins.
"Cousin, you must look after my beloved Liang, lest anything happens to him. Otherwise, I shall banish you to the frontier and never allow you back to the capital."
Recalling Xiao Qing's threat, Lü Changhe felt a chill run down his spine.
"Alas, I am your cousin, must you be so severe!"
Since the Shadow Guards were solely responsible for protecting the Emperor and paid no heed to Liang Xiao's safety, Xiao Qing had turned his attention to the White Robe Soldiers.
Liang Xiao, as he had wished, had Yue Lian and Luo Qingxue sit with him, leaving a separate seat beside them.
Qin Feng raised his wine cup to Liang Xiao and said with a smile, "The Anguo Marquis is a rare talent in the world. I have long admired you, and I offer you this cup."
A rare talent in the world? Long admired?
The faces of Dugu Qun and the others grew even more displeased.
The combined praise bestowed upon the other young men present did not even amount to what Liang Xiao had received!
Liang Xiao picked up the wine cup, sniffed it, and chuckled, "My apologies, I have been feeling unwell recently and am not fit to drink wine."
Upon hearing this, Qin Feng paused for a moment, while Dugu Qun and the others inwardly rejoiced.
"He refuses to appreciate the gesture!"
"No matter! Replacing wine with tea is also acceptable." Qin Feng set down his cup and, with a beaming smile, nodded.
A maid brought hot tea and poured a cup for Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao, observing Qin Feng's reaction, finally raised his cup and stood, exclaiming, "It is said that the Zhenguo Marquis is a man who values talent and treats subordinates with respect. Seeing you today, I can confirm this is true. I am truly impressed!"
The Minister of Rites, Gu Hong, and the Prefect of Jingzhao, Mu Lingming, could not help but frown. The other officials present immediately lost their composure.
"Liang Xiao, were you testing the Zhenguo Marquis just now? Do you truly understand your own worth, and what a renowned hero the Zhenguo Marquis is, to allow himself to be toyed with by you?" Ouyang Hong sneered.
"Your words are too harsh, sir. The Anguo Marquis speaks from the heart; his words and actions are beyond the comprehension of ordinary men." Qin Feng raised his cup again to reciprocate.
Ouyang Hong felt as if a fishbone were stuck in his throat, unable to respond.
Everyone began to ponder strategies to prevent Liang Xiao from further triumphing.
Just then, a figure entered the bamboo grove uninvited, wearing a mask and possessing a robust physique.
"Commander Ding?"
Under the astonished gaze of everyone, Ding Wuyi bowed to Qin Feng, then approached Liang Xiao and said, "Anguo Marquis, I am here under orders to accompany you!"
"Clink—"
Dugu Qun, startled, dropped his wine cup onto the table, soaking the surface.
Qin Feng glanced at Ding Wuyi and, with a sudden realization, pointed to the seat next to Liang Xiao: "So the distinguished guest the Anguo Marquis mentioned is Commander Ding. Please, take the honored seat!"
Ding Wuyi merely nodded, took out a treasure box from his sleeve, opened it, and produced a silver needle. He then proceeded to insert the needle into the cups of Liang Xiao and his companions, as well as the teapot, to test for poison on the spot.
The expressions of the assembled company grew even more grim, while Liang Xiao, Qin Feng, and Ding Wuyi remained unperturbed.
The atmosphere became even more stifling. Those who had been chatting and laughing moments before now sat in fearful silence.
Ding Wuyi, the commander of the Shadow Guards, was a formidable figure who had even executed imperial officials. He possessed the authority to act first and report later, making him someone no one dared to provoke!
Even such a person had been dispatched by the Emperor to protect Liang Xiao?
Dugu Xiao and Ouyang Sheng felt an unprecedented sense of defeat. The pastries on the table lost their flavor, and the wine in their cups became unappealing.
While the others maintained their composure, Qin Feng and Liang Xiao conversed at ease, seemingly paying no further attention to anyone else.
"Have we become mere background characters?" Dugu Qun gnashed his teeth, yet was helpless.
What had started as a gathering of heroes had inexplicably transformed into a grand event hosted by Qin Feng for Liang Xiao!
"Marquis, Zhuo Lingjun is here to visit!"
A guard rushed in with the urgent news, shocking everyone. Even Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue were taken aback.
Zhuo Zifang was also here?
Qin Feng quickly rose to greet him, escorting Zhuo Zifang to the main seat and sitting beside him.
Zhuo Zifang bowed to the assembled company and said, "I heard that Liang Xiao and all of you are here to pay respects to the Zhenguo Marquis of Da Liang. I hope the Zhenguo Marquis and all of you will be lenient and not make things difficult for Liang Xiao, as he is only nineteen years old this year..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Liang Xiao and Luo Qingxue looked moved, while Dugu Qun and the others felt their faces burn.
At nineteen, this young man had already gained the favor of two of the most outstanding figures of the current era, while they, a group of elders, were still here, yearning for their judgment.
"Rest assured, Zhuo Lingjun. The talents of the Anguo Marquis surpass mine tenfold. How could I, a junior, dare to show him any disrespect?" Qin Feng smiled.
His words stunned the entire assembly!
"Surpass me tenfold?"
Qin Feng, hailed by the people of Da Liang as a "once-in-a-millennium" talent, the Zhenguo Marquis, had publicly uttered such a humble statement!
"The Zhenguo Marquis is too kind!" Even Liang Xiao's aged face flushed with embarrassment, and he offered a polite smile.
The State of Da Gan and the State of Da Liang shared common origins. During times of peace, there were commercial and cultural exchanges between the two nations, hence Zhuo Zifang was equally revered in Da Liang, just as Qin Feng enjoyed renown in Da Gan.
The assembled guests finally understood that if they stayed any longer, they would only be acting as "background chatter." Leaving now would save them further embarrassment. They all rose and took their leave.
In a short while, only Liang Xiao, Qin Feng, Zhuo Zifang, Ding Wuyi, Yue Lian, and Luo Qingxue remained seated.
Seeing that everyone had departed, Zhuo Zifang finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Liang Xiao with a face full of warmth.
"I am nearing the end of my days and cannot compare to you young heroes. Cherish your time and communicate well. I hope you can dedicate yourselves to fostering good relations between our two nations."
Qin Feng stood up and tried to persuade him to stay, but Zhuo Zifang insisted on leaving.
"Zhenguo Marquis, if you have something to say, please speak it directly," Liang Xiao said with a smile.