Chapter 84: Blocking Her
A faint cracking sound was heard as a fissure appeared on the bronze wine cup in Xiao Li’s grip, crushed by his hand.
But suddenly, commotion arose at the entrance, drawing the attention of everyone present. Fan Yuan, too, was distracted by the noise and failed to notice Xiao Li’s loss of composure upon hearing those words. Instead, he remarked with a smile, "The Princess has arrived!"
Xiao Li lifted his gaze and saw Jiang Yu, Sikong Wei, and Fang Mingda from Southern Chen entering one after another, followed by Wen Yu and her mentor, Li Yao, appearing at the doorway.
The officials rose one after another to greet them. Xiao Li’s gaze, shadowed with gloom, settled on Wen Yu.
Wen Yu seemed to sense his stare and glanced briefly in his direction, her expression remarkably calm.
To the left of the main seat, a place had still been arranged for Li Yao. Wen Yu and Li Yao took their seats, inviting the officials to enjoy the feast to their heart’s content.
After three rounds of drinks, Wen Yu rose from her seat, cup in hand, and declared, "I have invited you all here tonight for three reasons. First, to thank you, my lords, for your loyalty and dedication to the Wen family even after our defeat at Fengyang, and for traveling thousands of miles to Pingzhou to assist me."
The officials, seeing this, also stood and raised their cups, repeatedly stating that it was their duty as subjects.
Wen Yu swept her gaze over everyone in the hall and continued, "Second, to celebrate the annexation of Tao Commandery. It is my great fortune to have Commandery Governor Yao and the other officials of Tao Commandery join our ranks."
Yao Zhengqing and the other Tao Commandery officials, who had been persuaded to surrender by Li Yao, hurriedly raised their cups and bowed. "We are grateful for Your Highness’s grace in granting us this opportunity to atone for our past mistakes. Henceforth, we pledge our unwavering loyalty to you!"
Sikong Wei, seated at his place, listened to Wen Yu’s words and, observing her youth, could not help but whisper to Jiang Yu and Fang Mingda, "This Princess of Hanyang is remarkably skilled at managing her subordinates."
Before Jiang Yu and Fang Mingda could respond, they heard Wen Yu address them.
"Third, to celebrate the imminent alliance between Great Liang and Southern Chen. From now on, Southern Chen and Great Liang can serve as each other’s shield and blade, no longer standing alone and vulnerable."
Sikong Wei and the other two rose, raising their cups with a smile toward Wen Yu. "Your Highness speaks wisely. Southern Chen, too, looks forward to the swift signing of the alliance treaty with Great Liang."
Wen Yu nodded politely to them, holding her cup with both hands. The smooth silk of her wide sleeves cascaded like water, their intricate embroidery shimmering brilliantly in the candlelight, resembling clear ripples. She addressed the officials in the hall, "This cup, I offer to all of you."
With that, she raised her sleeve as a shield and drained the wine in her cup.
The officials below followed suit, drinking their wine and then resuming their seats.
However, Wen Yu did not return to her main seat. Instead, she trailed the hem of her brocade skirt, embroidered with gold thread, and slowly descended the steps, stopping before Chen Wei’s seat.
A maidservant followed closely behind, carrying a tray that held a gilded wine pot and the cup Wen Yu had used.
Wen Yu took the pot and poured wine into her own cup and the one placed on the low table before Chen Wei. Setting down the pot, she picked up her cup and said, "In my humble beginnings, I was fortunate to receive your assistance, my lord, which has led me to where I am today. This cup, I offer to you."
Chen Wei repeatedly expressed his unworthiness, then lifted the cup Wen Yu had personally poured for him with both hands and drank.
Subsequently, Li Xun and Fan Yuan also received personal toasts from Wen Yu.
Xiao Li, unsure whether Wen Yu was drinking mild or strong wine, frowned slightly despite himself as he watched her down cup after cup.
But before he could ponder further, Wen Yu, after toasting Fan Yuan, paused in her brocade slippers before him.Wen Yu showed no outward signs of inebriation, her expression clear and composed, save for a faint, barely noticeable flush at the corners of her eyes.
With her slender, well-defined fingers, she lifted the wine pot and leaned forward to pour a drink for Xiao Li.
Xiao Li did not raise his gaze, his vision filled only by that pale, delicate hand holding the pot and the clear wine pouring from its spout. Though Wen Yu was separated from him by a small table, this was the closest he had been to her in months.
Amid the pervasive scent of wine, he faintly caught a trace of her unique, cool fragrance. Did it drift from the wide sleeves hanging at her sides? Or did it emanate from her hair?
Xiao Li dared not look too long or ponder too deeply. His hand resting on his knee unconsciously tightened, veins bulging prominently across its back.
After pouring the wine, Wen Yu picked up her own cup and said in a clear, resonant voice, "General Xiao has repeatedly rescued me from peril and achieved numerous military successes since joining the army. Encountering a general like you is a blessing to our Great Liang. This cup, I offer to you."
Xiao Li could not recall how long it had been since he had been this close to her, hearing her speak. Her voice was like a tiny feather brushing against his ear. Even before drinking the wine she had personally poured for him, his mind was already in a muddled state, as if intoxicated.
Yet Fan Yuan’s earlier words echoed in his ears, stirring a complex, indescribable emotion in his heart.
It was as if a gust of north wind had torn open a gap in his chest, letting the biting cold seep directly into his lungs—chilling and painful.
Xiao Li lifted his eyes and met Wen Yu’s cool, unruffled gaze. His throat moved slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he picked up the wine cup with one hand and drained it in one go.
As Wen Yu turned to leave, he made no move to sit down. Instead, he picked up the wine pot from the table and declared, "To earn the esteem of the Princess is the honor of a lifetime for this humble general. I shall drink another cup on my own."
With that, he raised the pot and drank directly from its spout.
This act won cheers from the entire hall, with the martial generals praising Xiao Li’s capacity for drink. Those who had been refused his toast before the banquet now flocked to him.
Wen Yu frowned slightly and cast a brief glance at Xiao Li before resuming her usual composure. With her maid in tow, she continued down the banquet hall, toasting each minister who had rendered outstanding service.
For her final toast, she bypassed many officials and approached Yan Que’s seat. Yan Que, taken by surprise, hurriedly reached for the wine pot to fill his empty cup, but Wen Yu was quicker. She took the gilded pot from her maid’s tray and poured the wine for him himself.
Flustered, Yan Que exclaimed, "Princess, this is too much…"
After pouring the wine, Wen Yu withdrew the pot and filled her own cup. "Since I left Luodu, Commandant Yan has been my escort. During the Pingzhou sacrificial rites, when assassins struck, it was Commandant Yan who saved me. For such great kindness, I must offer you a toast."
She raised her cup to Yan Que, then lifted her sleeve to conceal her face as she drank.
Whether out of fluster or some other reason, Yan Que did not drink immediately. However, aware that Wen Yu had already drunk and that every minister she had toasted along the way had done the same, he knew refusing would be inexcusable in front of the Southern Chen envoys and the entire Liang court. After a brief hesitation, he too raised his cup and drank.
Wiping the corner of his mouth, he said, "Thank you, Prin—"Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly raised a hand to clutch his neck in agony, then looked toward Wen Yu with disbelief before shifting his gaze to the gilded wine pot on the maid’s tray. Noticing a blood-pigeon gem embedded in the handle, black blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he rasped, "A double-layered wine pot…"
The poison was potent, and his body could no longer hold out. As he collapsed, he knocked over the low table, sending wine cups, bowls, and dishes crashing to the ground with a sharp clatter.
His bloodshot eyes fixed on Wen Yu’s direction: "You… you knew all along?"
Black blood seeped slowly from his mouth and nose. Before he could hear Wen Yu’s reply, he breathed his last.
Everyone present was stunned by the sudden turn of events. The three from Southern Chen hurriedly inspected the wine they had just drunk.
Wen Yu calmly regarded the wide-eyed, unyielding corpse of Yan Que and said, "I have always been clear about rewards and punishments. Having commended the meritorious, it is only right to settle accounts with the traitors, is it not?"
She released the bronze wine cup in her hand, and it struck the ground with a sharp ring.
Like shadows, maids who had been standing at the rear of the hall awaiting the guests’ orders slid daggers from their sleeves. In a swift motion, they stepped forward, restrained the officials who had not yet reacted in their seats, and before any struggle could ensue, slit their throats with the sharp blades.
Pools of blood bloomed across the banquet seats. Not only Sikong Wei, Jiang Yu, and Fang Mingda, but even the many Liang officials still seated in the hall were drenched in cold sweat, their backs soaked. They stared at Wen Yu, too terrified to make a sound, their spirits shaken.
The only ones who managed to maintain a semblance of composure were those trusted ministers whom Wen Yu had toasted one by one.
Yet even they had not anticipated the current situation. In the deathly silence, no one dared to break the stillness.
A drop of blood had splattered onto the toe of Wen Yu’s shoe. She cast a cold glance at it, then lifted her eyes and smiled as she turned toward the three envoys from Southern Chen. "My apologies for the discourtesy. Cleaning house in such a manner has made a spectacle before the three envoys."
Jiang Yu and the others could not muster a smile; Fang Mingda’s expression was particularly grim.
Before their arrival, they had been scheming to win over the aristocratic families already connected with them, gradually corroding the foundations of Pingzhou and Tao County, with the aim of reclaiming control over the three prefectures and one county in the near future.
But Wen Yu had promptly staged this act of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys.
This move was undoubtedly a warning to them: every action they believed they could conceal from heaven and earth was, in fact, fully observed by her.
It also served to intimidate those Liang officials of wavering loyalty—she permitted their mediocrity but would never tolerate divided allegiances. Otherwise, this would be their fate.
Realizing this, the three of them shuddered involuntarily.
This Princess of Liang possessed both benevolent virtue and thunderous methods. After this night, any attempt to sway the aristocratic families within Pingzhou City or the Liang officials who had pledged allegiance to her would be as difficult as scaling the heavens.
Wen Yu observed the reactions of the three from Southern Chen but seemed unconcerned with how they might respond. She merely instructed her subordinates, "How did settling a few traitors turn the banquet into such a state? Clean this up at once."
Zhao Bai signaled, and guards promptly entered to remove the corpses of the traitorous officials. Maids followed with bronze basins to wipe the blood from the floor.
The dishes at the tables near the traitors’ seats, spattered with blood, were taken away and replaced with fresh servings.
Yet, amid the overwhelming stench of blood filling the hall, who still had any appetite to lift their chopsticks?Many court advisors felt their stomachs churn, but in Wen Yu's presence, they dared not utter a single sound of discomfort, their faces turning deathly pale from suppression.
Fortunately, Wen Yu seemed weary as well. After the maids wiped the bloodstains from the floor, she said, "This princess is somewhat overcome by the wine and shall not keep you company further. Pray, enjoy the feast to your hearts' content."
Supported by Zhao Bai, she departed. Just as she was about to step through the doorway, she suddenly turned back and cast a glance toward the three envoys from Southern Chen: "Since the envoys also wish to sign the alliance treaty soon, should we not draft the letter to Southern Chen promptly?"
Sikong Wei and Fang Mingda remained silent for a moment, leaving only Jiang Yu to respond with an affirmative.
After Wen Yu left the hall, timid court advisors, smelling the lingering metallic scent of blood, soon turned green and pale, leaning over their tables to retch. The three from Southern Chen also left their seats.
Fan Yuan, observing the gloomy atmosphere at the banquet, feigned ignorance of the true reason and said, "What's this? Already vomiting from drinking?"
He laughed heartily, picked up a wine jar, and shouted, "Come, come, brothers, let's keep drinking!"
The martial generals, accustomed to scenes of killing, reacted less strongly than the civil officials. At Fan Yuan's urging, they quickly resumed drinking, and the banquet regained its liveliness.
Fan Yuan turned to clink glasses with Xiao Li but found him staring distractedly at the empty host's seat in the hall.
Fan Yuan slapped Xiao Li on the shoulder and said, "Don't overthink it. As long as we wholeheartedly serve the Princess, she will recognize our loyalty."
Xiao Li had drunk heavily earlier, and the alcohol was now taking effect, flushing his face. He withdrew his gaze, rested his head on his elbow as if drunk, and after a moment, said, "The Princess seems different from before."
Fan Yuan, chewing on peanuts, glanced at Xiao Li and said, "Don't treat the Princess as an ordinary master. Think about it—if the Prince were still here, what status would the Princess hold?"
Xiao Li fell silent, as if deeply intoxicated.
Li Xun finally found a moment to approach Xiao Li. Seeing him slumped over the table, he asked Fan Yuan, "Is General Xiao drunk?"
Fan Yuan replied, "Most likely. Those rascals just forced a whole jar on him."
Li Xun spread his hands helplessly. "What unfortunate timing. Lord Chen entrusted me to propose this match."
Fan Yuan laughed. "Don't worry, I mentioned it to Brother Xiao before the banquet began!"
Li Xun quickly asked, "What did General Xiao say?"
Recalling Xiao Li's reaction at the time, Fan Yuan felt that some hesitation in such matters shouldn't be considered a refusal. Scratching the back of his head, he said, "I didn't get to discuss it in detail with him before the Princess arrived."
Li Xun sighed. "Never mind. I'll ask General Xiao myself tomorrow."
Noticing Xiao Li slumped on the table, his ears and cheeks flushed with drunkenness, Li Xun called for attendants to help Xiao Li to a guest room to rest.
A cool breeze swept across the pavilion, and the half-moon reflected on the rippling surface of the lotus pond.
Li Yao, leaning on a cane, walked alongside Wen Yu on the lakeside path and asked, "Is the Princess feeling troubled?"
Wen Yu's expression remained unchanged. "No."Li Yao gazed at the princess who now seemed capable of shouldering the restoration cause with composure. The stern and rigid old man let out a faint sigh, saying, "As you continue down this path, Princess, the blood on your hands will only increase. Yet all rulers must temper their character through such trials. Since ancient times, emperors have been said to harbor deep suspicions, but few realize these suspicions are sown through repeated betrayals. I once doubted your ability to lead the restoration because even your late brother only grasped benevolence, never daring to wield the sword. Now that you have unleashed this beast, your ministers may begin to fear you. You must gradually grow accustomed to this."
Wen Yu watched the clear moon reflected in the water and replied softly, "Yu understands."
Thinking of Yan Que, Li Yao's expression grew complex. "When I served in the royal residence, though I rarely involved myself in household affairs, I saw that traitor several times in your father's presence. His betrayal for personal gain makes him deserving of death. Do not dwell on him excessively."
Wen Yu said, "Teacher need not worry for me. My suspicions of him did not begin yesterday. I shall not grieve."
Li Yao asked, "Since you intercepted the letters that traitor sent to Pei Song and ordered them resent, was it to make Pei Song suspicious?"
The lake breeze made Wen Yu narrow her eyes slightly. "I wish to place my own people near my sister-in-law, but sending them abruptly might alert Pei Song. If he believes there are spies among his advisors watching them, it would be safer to send people to my sister-in-law's side."
Li Yao nodded. "This method is feasible."
The night had deepened, and frogs croaked across the lotus pond. Wen Yu had someone escort Li Yao back.
Before leaving, Li Yao said, "Princess, tonight you have thoroughly eradicated the hidden spies and intimidated all ministers with your decisive actions before departing for Southern Chen. Since the flood disaster, you have slept little each night. In the coming days, there is no need to rise early for the study. Rest well."
Wen Yu expressed her thanks and watched Li Yao depart. She then said to Zhao Bai, "I wish to walk alone. You may return as well."
Zhao Bai sensed Wen Yu's somber mood tonight and guessed she wanted solitude. After a moment's thought, he said, "This servant will wait at the crossroads and come find you in one hour. Would that be acceptable?"
Knowing Zhao Bai's stubborn nature would prevent him from leaving first, Wen Yu nodded in agreement.
She tread along the lakeside stone path under the moonlight, walking aimlessly forward.
The alliance with Southern Chen was eighty percent certain to be finalized.
With pillars like Chen Wei, Li Yao, Li Xun, and Fan Yuan, even if she went to Southern Chen, Pingzhou and Tao County would remain stable. Moreover, with military provisions restraining Southern Chen, and after capturing Xinzhou and Yizhou, Southern Chen would not dare play tricks. She would have ample time to fully consolidate these two territories...
Yet why did a faint heaviness still linger in her heart?
Wen Yu recalled Xiao Li's gaze and unusual behavior at the banquet, feeling the weight in her chest intensify. As she unconsciously frowned, a hoarse voice sounded ahead: "You want me to marry Lord Chen's daughter?"
It sounded like an accusation, but the voice, softened by drink, carried a mellow tone that muted its coldness, making it seem more like emotions long suppressed.Wen Yu lifted her gaze and saw a person leaning against the stone wall in the dark corner ahead, arms crossed. Their face was completely hidden in the shadows, but the tall stature and the faintly bulging elbows beneath the fitted clothing exuded an oppressive aura, making one feel as if they had been cornered by some predatory beast hunting in the darkness.
Author's Note: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2024-03-18 23:59:20 and 2024-03-22 02:50:03~
Special thanks to the following for nutrient solutions: Miss Friday (67 bottles); 46190020, 30801746 (10 bottles each); Gu You (6 bottles); Please Eat Lettuce (3 bottles); Huan Mu Ji (2 bottles); Career-Driven Third Miss, Ji Ji, Mu Zi Speaks Books, kfpy_L, 65140677, Sister Xin (1 bottle each);
I am deeply grateful for everyone's support. I will continue to work hard!
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