Chapter 9: The Art of Intrigue in the Court

He raised his wine glass, toasted to Lu Zhenying, and downed it in one gulp, laughing as he said: "Why must my niece be so polite? However, there are considerable difficulties involved. The bandits have significant power, and now that they have usurped the country, the situation is already settled, making it quite legitimate. If I were to raise troops on behalf of the two of you, I would need to summon allies to ensure a solid victory. However, although I have the intention, I find myself without a just cause for my actions. Even if I wish to unite the feudal lords, I fear there will be few who respond."

Lu Zhenying bowed once more to Dong Gengjie and said: "The traitorous scoundrels of the Cou country have allied with the wicked neighbors of the Guo country, claiming to possess an army of 200,000, their momentum is formidable. Only the city lord, a remarkable hero of his generation, can alleviate the worries of my sister and me. I raise this cup in gratitude to the city lord. " After saying this, he raised his head and drank it all in one go, leaving not a single drop.

Dong Caiqi said: "When you have some free time later, I will take you around the city." After a pause, he pointed at Pan Wan and smiled, saying: "This newly appointed guard of mine has had some conflicts with my sister, and I have already punished him severely. Later, I will also require him to come and apologize in person."

Pan Yan recalled Zhang Qianfeng's exquisite skills, and could not help but feel a sense of dread, saying: "I have some past grievances with that family from the neighboring country, alas, it can also be considered that we have some acquaintance."

He is cunning and calculating, intending to first take Lu Zhenying as his daughter-in-law, and then make Lu Zhenying a person of his own family. He cannot urge or force her to take action, and he can easily use the excuse that the timing is not right and remain inactive. By then, even if Lu Zhenying is dissatisfied, the situation will have already been set, and she will have no means to change it, but instead will have to consider matters for him regarding She Bocheng

In the center of the grand hall sat a robust man with a tiger's back and a bear's waist, his beard as iron, dressed in luxurious attire. He was none other than Dong Gengjie, the lord of Shebo City. To his left sat a young man with a loyal and honest appearance, who was Dong Gengjie's eldest son, Dong Caizhen.

Lu Yangming and the guards of Chouguo were taken aback, exclaiming: "Where did the city lord hear such words?" "My sister has never met Brother Caizhen, how could they hastily get married?"

Pan Yan sat behind Dong Caiqi and asked, "Your father appears to live a life of comfort and privilege, but from the way he speaks, could it be that he was once an extraordinary hero in the past?"

Dong Gengjie nodded and said: "That country is colluding with Guo State, audaciously defying the heavens and acting against justice. Do they truly not regard the principles of fairness and righteousness at all? Let alone the fact that the Son of Heaven is currently in power and all the states are united in loyalty; even if the authority were genuinely absent, I could not allow treachery to run rampant. Rest assured, my niece, I will certainly stand up for you."

Dong Caiqi inquired: "Is that your old acquaintance? If so, it would indeed be inappropriate not to meet."

Although Dong Caiqi is generous, she is not lacking in etiquette, offering a respectful greeting to everyone, which is indeed appropriate and measured. Lu Zhenying, who is of similar age, felt a sense of familiarity upon meeting her. Dong Caiqi, admiring Lu Zhenying's stunning beauty, smiled and said: "Miss Lu, I will consider myself the host here, so I won't be polite. May I call you sister?"

Zhang Qianfeng said: "Miss, this person claims to be a distant relative of the Tai family, and his behavior is reckless. If you could restrain him, that would be the best outcome."

Pan Yan also noticed that Dong Gengjie had decent skills, but he would definitely not be able to win against Zhang Qianfeng on the opposite side

Dong Caiqi laughed heartily and said, "You, in this lifetime, have fallen victim to your gluttony." He paid no mind to it and instead pulled the plate of noodles, heading straight towards the main hall

Dong Caiqi exchanged a few pleasantries with Lu Yangming. Although Lu Yangming was young, his words were appropriate, neither servile nor arrogant. Dong Caiqi greatly admired him and remarked, "The heir is indeed extraordinary"

She passed by the Lu family siblings and walked towards Zhang Qianfeng. Zhang Qianfeng is a renowned immortal from the Wanxian Sect, and the common people regard the Wanxian as those who ascend to immortality. His status is as high as that of a marquis in a small country. Dong Caiqi noticed Zhang Qianfeng's handsome appearance and dignified demeanor, which made her feel a bit shy, and she offered him a deep bow. Zhang Qianfeng said, "Miss, you are being overly courteous. I am just curious about how you and this Brother Taiyi are acquainted."

Lu Zhenying nodded and said: "We have come from afar as guests, and it is entirely up to Sister Dong to make the decisions."

Dong Caiqi frowned slightly and said, "What is the matter that requires such seriousness? Has that family from Po Lu City come? I have told my father countless times that I would rather die than marry that incompetent person"

Dong Gengjie smiled and said, "Not at all, not at all. I have a proposal that aims to achieve a beautiful outcome." Pointing to his eldest son Dong Caizhen, he continued, "My eldest son Caizhen is astute and capable, and he has always been wise. When I grow old, I will pass my position to him, making him a marquis. I see that Miss Lu possesses both talent and beauty; how about we arrange a betrothal and marriage between her and Caizhen? Once our two families are united, I will no longer be considered an outsider to the Chou family. How could I remain uninvolved in such a well-founded matter? With my face and connections as Dong Gengjie, I can assert our case, and all nations will respond to my call."

Lu Zhenying said: "Thank you for your concern, City Lord. Although we have encountered some setbacks, now that we have arrived here and are under the protection of the City Lord, we have nothing to worry about. There is no need to elaborate on the difficulties we faced along the way." With just a few understated words, he completely disregarded the hardships endured earlier.

Lu Zhenying was also greatly shocked, but after weighing the pros and cons, she quickly calmed down and said aloud: "The city lord thinks too highly of me, Lu Zhenying. Since the city lord has such good intentions, how could I not recognize them? I only hope that the city lord makes this promise: if I marry Young Master Cai Zhen, the city lord shall raise troops within one year to punish the traitors, Cheng and Guo; otherwise, it would be considered a breach of trust and contrary to the promise."

After she finished meeting with everyone, she immediately took her seat. Dong Gengjie instructed someone to pour wine and serve dishes. The guests raised their glasses to toast the Lu siblings. Since Lu Yang was the youngest, Lu Zhenying stood in for him. Dong Gengjie noticed that Lu Zhenying was exceptionally beautiful and her words were wise and sensible, which pleased him somewhat. He asked, "Lu niece, our country is thousands of miles away from Shebo City. You have traveled a long way; did you encounter any difficulties on your journey?"

Pan Yan then secretly asked: "Which emperor did your father mention?"

Dong Caiqi gazed intently at Zhang Qianfeng, having long heard of his great reputation, she felt deep respect and admiration in her heart. However, in such a public setting, she could not afford to act inappropriately, so she had to compose herself and smiled, saying: "Thank you for your guidance, esteemed immortal."

Lu Zhenying saw that Pan Yan's appearance had undergone a complete transformation at this moment, resembling that of a refined scholar. He secretly praised her and said, "That matter is not worth mentioning, it is hardly worth discussing. Sister, you are being too polite."

On the winding path: "I stole gold from the young lady's home to buy food, and was caught by her. The young lady, being magnanimous, instead valued me. Are you feeling envious, you rascal?"

But when I think of dreaming, I am terrified, my heart feels like dead ashes, and I dare not think further

The captain shook his head and said: "Certainly not, we are well aware of the young lady's temperament, how could we harm you, the son of a noble family who has come here seeking refuge, and also a renowned expert from the Wanjian Sect, both of whom are rare and esteemed guests"

With a deep bow, he smiled and said, "Thank you, Miss Lu, for the meal. It is this bag of food that has allowed me to survive and regain my senses."

Zhang Qianfeng felt alert and thought: "He indeed did not die; this person possesses extraordinary skills and is by no means an ordinary individual. I must not be careless."

Feeling troubled and restless, I thought to myself: "I do not know this, nor do I know that. Asking random questions is truly annoying. Pan Yan, your mind is utterly useless; it would be better to remain asleep, lost in dreams, than to wake up."

Dong Gengjie was once a warm-hearted and fearless hero, unafraid of heaven or earth. However, after becoming the city lord, he enjoyed the riches and comforts of life, leading to a significant reduction in his boldness. Being in a high position, he faced numerous internal and external enemies, and his heart had endured many setbacks, causing him to lose his fearless spirit. At this moment, he contemplated deeply and realized that if he agreed to the young lady's request, any slight misstep could lead to a great disaster. Conversely, if he refused and word got out, it would tarnish his reputation.

Pan Yan looked again at the guests and recognized the siblings Lu Zhenying and Lu Yangming, as well as the highly skilled Zhang Qianfeng. These few had just arrived at this place, their faces showing signs of weariness from the journey. Upon seeing Pan Yan, Lu Zhenying blinked her beautiful eyes in surprise and said, "Ah, it is you! You are that Taiyi elder brother from the mountain. You rolled down the slope and surprisingly were not injured."

As one steps into the hall, a red carpet unfolds, and tall, dark columns adorned with gold stand on either side. Candle holders are placed throughout, and the hall is furnished with exquisite tables, chairs, and cushions. A large fire pit burns fiercely, sending up waves of heat, making the great hall warm as spring.

Lu Zhenying raised his eyebrows and asked: "The city lord is wise and must have a plan. Please inform my sister and me, and we will certainly not refuse, as it is within our capabilities and is only right."

He pondered for a moment and thought: "This matter cannot be declined, otherwise I, Dong Gengjie, will become a laughingstock in the world, losing all my reputation. However, I cannot agree hastily. Yes, I only need to do this and that, delay for a while, and observe the changes."

The ministers at the banquet cheered loudly, praising her for her heroic demeanor. However, a few individuals secretly expressed their concerns: "The neighboring countries of Guo and Chou are not easy to deal with. Sheboche City is backed by the vast grasslands and has had frequent conflicts with the barbarians and demons. If we were to fall out with these two nations again, we fear that the flames of war would continue to rage, leaving the people in distress"

As the two individuals walked along the way, a group of white-armored guards approached. They were the elite of the Snake Lord City, known as the White Bone Guards. The leader, with a joyful expression, said: "Miss, the city lord is welcoming esteemed guests and is looking for you. A grand banquet will be held shortly, and if you do not make an appearance soon, the city lord is likely to become very angry."

Dong Gengjie smiled and said: "Good, you truly are the daughter of a general. Your father and I shared a deep friendship in our youth, fighting side by side against the beastly claws of the monsters outside the Snow Mountain, bound by life and death as close friends. Now that you have come to me, you shall not suffer even the slightest grievance."

Dong Gengjie saw his daughter bringing a strange guard, which was already puzzling. When he noticed that this guard was greeting the young master of the neighboring country and seemed very familiar with him, he was even more surprised. However, it was not the right time to ask questions, so he said: "Child, why don't you quickly come and greet the heroes of the Lu family from the neighboring country, as well as this esteemed Zhang Qianfeng."

Dong Caiqi looked astonished and retorted, "Do you truly not know who the Son of Heaven is? He resides in the country of the Lingxia mountains, and he is the sovereign to whom all the feudal lords pledge their allegiance. Although my father is referred to as the city lord, his status is equivalent to that of the feudal lords, and he has always held the Son of Heaven in high regard"

Pan Yan exclaimed: "So it is them, they have indeed arrived here."

Lu Zhenying pondered for a moment, then decided to speak frankly. He stood up to propose a toast and said: "Lord City Master, our country is unfortunate, plagued by treacherous ministers within and bandits outside, stirring up trouble and causing the situation in the country to deteriorate, leaving the people in distress. My sister and I have also suffered persecution, pursued by wicked bandits to this place. Our fates have been fraught with misfortune, and our identities are dubious. We have come here, fearing that we might implicate you, Lord City Master, and I feel deeply remorseful in my heart." After saying this, he bowed deeply, his eyes slightly red, truly appearing pitiful and evoking respect from others.

Dong Caiqi asked again: "What grievance do you have that has led you to provoke others once more"

Dong Caiqi proudly said: "My grandfather, during his expedition to the northeastern desert, displayed such extraordinary martial prowess that it astonished the surrounding hundreds of miles in the northern region. Even the far northern demon kingdom dared not show him any disrespect. If you were to spar with him, a single move would turn you into a meat pie."

I snatched their food and then jumped off the cliff to escape