Chapter 9: An Encounter That Cannot Be Considered a Coincidence

After paying a small sum, they stored their belongings and found a table in the lobby of the inn. They ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, planning to rest until the formal commencement of Princess Yuanyuan's coming-of-age ceremony before heading out.

Liu Feng and Xiao Yue'er were quietly discussing their recent experiences. It was evident that the young girl was still in a state of mild excitement, although the long morning spent getting here and wandering around had left her somewhat fatigued. Nevertheless, her spirits remained high.

Upon leaving the inn, the streets were already filled with crowds, and many shops had closed early. Under such circumstances, the street vendors were certainly unable to conduct business, as the sounds of their calls and sales had vanished; perhaps they too had joined the throngs to witness this rare event that had not been seen in many years. Without needing to inquire, the three of them slowly followed the flow of people toward the city center, where the presence of soldiers maintaining order increased the further they went. "Only blades and guns can bring order to such a large-scale event, right?" Liu Feng said with a smile, speaking softly.

When the three of them arrived at the city center, it was already a sea of people, making it difficult to push forward. Seeing the anxious expression on Xiaoyue's face as she looked ahead, Liu Feng felt a bit regretful. He truly did not expect to have forgotten to calculate the time; with so many people now, how could they possibly see the platform up high

In no time, a chorus of gongs and drums resounded. Zhang Miao smiled and pointed to the high platform outside the window, "Yuguan, the time is approaching, the ceremony is about to begin. You might as well see for yourselves whether the legendary beauty of Princess Yuyuan is indeed true. However, it is said that Yuyuan has not yet found a suitor, which is quite strange. Could it be a tragedy similar to that of Princess Wencheng?"

Little Yue'er beside him covered her mouth and chuckled softly. Zhang Miao's face turned slightly red. "Brother Dou, I did not mean to conceal anything earlier. If I have offended you, please consider this my apology." He downed the wine in his cup in one go. "I merely noticed that Brother Dou and Miss Yue'er possess extraordinary qualities, which inspired me to seek friendship and knowledge. This tavern is merely my father's property; I am indeed a wandering scholar, recording the affairs of the world with a pen and conveying the principles of the world with my words. To put it simply, I am just a storyteller."

Liu Feng raised his wine cup, playing with it in his hand, "Brother Zhang, the saying goes that one can recognize a gentleman through drinking, but that only holds true if one is indeed a gentleman; otherwise, drinking this wine would be utterly tasteless"

Indeed, it is unexpected that Prince Lan would organize such a grand ceremony for his beloved daughter. Throughout history, apart from the princesses of the imperial family, there have been very few daughters of princes who could garner such widespread celebration among the citizens. Hearing is one thing, but seeing is believing; it seems that Prince Lan is truly beloved by the people.

Although Liu Feng is not as infatuated as Zhang Miao, he still finds it quite pleasant to gaze at beautiful women. He casually remarked, "Isn't the King of Dongyu only supposed to have one daughter? Why is there another princess?"

Zhang Miao nodded woodenly, "Brother Yuguan, I also think this is feasible. Has my sincerity finally moved the heavens?" Before he could finish his words, Zhang Miao suddenly fell onto the chair with a thud, murmuring, "No, this isn't real..."

"Hehe, what a delightful encounter, Brother Dou truly possesses remarkable talent, illuminating the complexities of life. " Liu Feng realized that he had inadvertently spoken profound words again, but since Dou Yin could brush it off, he naturally would not feel any psychological impact in front of this newly acquainted Zhang Miao, and simply laughed it off.

After drinking several cups of wine to calm his nerves, Zhang Miao finally emerged from his painful memories. At this moment, the ceremony outside was about to begin. Liu Feng finally saw the legendary Prince Lan, who, dressed in a python robe, ascended the high platform amidst the cheers of the people. He was so graceful, exuding a comforting charm, and his gaze was as sharp as that of a *picture*.

Xiao Yue'er smiled and blinked her delicate big eyes, which made Zhang Miao's handsome face flush red. Half-embarrassed, he waved his hands and said, "Of course, the jade attendant does not mind. With a lady like Miss Yue'er, who is as beautiful as a celestial being, by my side, naturally, there is nothing else in my eyes. Poor me, I have yet to receive the favor of any woman."

Looking at Xiaoyue, there was no sign of opposition in her eyes. She stuffed the pastry in her mouth and said, "Why not, Brother Zhang? It is better to meet by chance than to be invited. Since we are acquainted, it must be fate. Wouldn't it be better to go together?"

Seeing Liu Feng's worries, Zhang Miao, standing nearby, smiled and pointed to a relatively grand restaurant: "Brother Dou, there are too many people here, and it will be difficult for us to move forward. Our view is obstructed, and we certainly won't be able to see the princess's coming-of-age ceremony in a while. Why not follow me to that restaurant above, where we can enjoy a meal while appreciating the event, wouldn't that be delightful?"

Upon seeing him, Liu Feng thought of a person, Dou Yin, his uncle. He also possessed the demeanor of someone in a position of authority. In his mind, he imagined Dou Yin dressed in a python robe, and suddenly, Liu Feng's heart was shaken

Regaining his composure, Zhang Miao said with a serious expression, "Princess Xianhua is the eighth daughter of the late emperor. There are rumors that she disappeared after her eighth birthday, only to reappear when the late emperor was gravely ill. She played a crucial role in the power struggles within the royal family at that time. However, she remains unmarried to this day, which is why she is still referred to as a princess. I never expected Princess Xianhua to be so beautiful and captivating."

Liu Feng followed Zhang Miao's指示, and the second floor of the restaurant was crowded with people, just like other tea houses and inns in the vicinity. However, the third floor was sparsely populated, and there were still seats available at this time. Naturally, these were reserved for individuals of special status. Zhang Miao's ability to secure a place there indicated that he was not an ordinary person. Given this opportunity, Liu Feng certainly would not refuse. He squeezed to the entrance of the restaurant with Zhang Miao, where he saw Zhang Miao whisper a few words to the manager, who then respectfully led them to a private room on the third floor.

Before long, the crowd on the street began to surge, and the people in the lobby gradually departed. Putting down his teacup, Zhang Miao smiled and said, "It seems that it is about to begin. I wonder if Brother Dou would be willing to go together?"

Liu Feng set down his wine cup, shook his head with a low laugh, "If Brother Qi Xiu has set his sights on her, then jump from here to the high platform and perform a beautiful display of handsome men scattering flowers. I believe it will surely touch Princess Yu Yuan. Perhaps even Prince Lan will be moved by your sincerity, and immediately betroth the princess to you"

However, the two women behind her, one large and one small, are also extraordinary beauties, and the three of them together naturally drew attention to the climax. Zhang Miao swallowed hard, "Isn't this the most treasured Princess Yu Xiang of the Eastern Yu Emperor? The one beside her is actually the most mysterious Princess Xianhua of the Eastern Yu royal family"

Liu Feng glanced at the somewhat dazed Zhang Miao and said, "Brother Qi Xiu, it seems that your romantic fortune has arrived. I should also learn from you and buy some fans to toss around; perhaps this way I can win the hearts of beautiful women as well"

Xiao Yue'er's face suddenly turned shy, her beautiful eyes glancing around as she stared at Zhang Miao, who quickly clasped his hands in a gesture of surrender. Perhaps too excited, the thin fan in her hand slipped from her grasp and flew out the window. When Zhang Miao came to his senses, he found that someone had already picked it up. From behind, it appeared to be a young lady with loose cloud-like hair and an elegant figure.

Liu Feng felt his hands trembling and quickly drank from his cup to conceal the turmoil within him. Fortunately, at that moment, Xiao Yue was listening to Zhang Miao recount the details of the royal women's coming-of-age ceremony, and neither of them noticed Liu Feng's loss of composure. Clenching his fist, Liu Feng resolved to ask his uncle for clarification once he returned from Yuling City.

"Yuguan" is the name given to Dou Yin when Liu Feng was ten years old. Since he had never ventured out, Liu Feng had never used it, and today, when it was mentioned for the first time, he felt a bit awkward. "Hehe, then it is better to comply with your wishes and the books. I will no longer be polite; Yuguan may call me Qixiu, which means to align oneself with virtue and cultivate oneself with morality. Today, having met Yuguan, we should drink three hundred cups together." Zhang Miao's lingering resentment dissipated, and he felt a surge of joy, filling Liu Feng's cup with wine, and naturally, they enjoyed drinking and laughing together.

May I borrow the table side to rest for a moment, my friend

Liu Feng exchanged a glance with Xiao Yue'er, suppressing the surprise in his heart at encountering someone from the miscellaneous family right after he had just come out. Perhaps others were unaware, but how could Liu Feng, who had been specifically taught knowledge in this area by Dou Yin, not know? In later generations, this group would be the leaders of public opinion, and their influence is not something ordinary people can compare to. Raising his cup and finishing the wine within, he said, "Brother Zhang, your words are too heavy. Since I am fortunate to have your kindness, I shall not be pretentious. We are of similar age, so you may call me Yu Guan from now on"

Ignoring Zhang Miao's sentiments, Liu Feng fell into deep thought. His uncle, Dou Yin, had once mentioned that many sects, in pursuit of power, had linked themselves with the imperial family. Looking at the ethereal and transcendent Princess Xianhua on the high platform, Liu Feng couldn't help but ponder: since a woman could influence the struggle for power within the imperial family, what secrets might lie behind her?

After wandering around for quite a while, Liu Feng checked the time and decided to find an inn with Xiao Yue'er. Due to the large number of visitors in Yuming City today, there were no available rooms. However, Liu Feng was not concerned; his main intention was to store some items he had just purchased at the inn, so that he could enjoy his sightseeing later with ease

Zhang Miao paused at this moment, looking at the two individuals before him. In the eyes of the public, the status of a storyteller is lowly. If the individuals before him were to behave like ordinary people, then Zhang Miao would consider himself mistaken in his judgment and would immediately turn away.

The gentleman before me appears to possess a noble demeanor. Upon seeing Xiaoyue, his eyes merely flickered with a hint of admiration, devoid of any lascivious expression that one might find distasteful. He does not seem to be the kind of rogue drawn by Xiaoyue's beauty. He smiled and replied, "Of course, everyone is a guest here. Please, my friend, come in."

Liu Feng looked up and saw a graceful young man of similar age, dressed in a white robe and holding a thin fan. Upon surveying the surroundings, he realized that the inn's lobby had already filled with people, though he did not know when this had happened

Concealing the thoughts in his heart, Liu Feng finally sorted out the secrets he had kept for many years, feeling much lighter. Together with Zhang Miao and Xiao Yue'er, he watched the ceremony on the high platform outside. Princess Yuanyuan was indeed a beauty, and her appearance on stage caused quite a stir.

After the dishes were served, Zhang Miao raised his glass with an awkward smile and said, "Brother Dou, drinking wine reveals a gentleman; this glass of wine is my toast to you."

The latter expressed his gratitude and gladly took a seat. After a short while, the waiter brought tea. This person seemed to have a naturally cheerful disposition, engaging in conversation with Liu Feng and the other person while savoring the tea.

Everything suddenly became clear; the hidden books, the secrets of various sects, the dark compartments that only the royal family could access, the advanced techniques, that sharp aura—he dared not think further, for in the year of his birth, the second prince of the Western Han dynasty went missing in the Battle of Lanjiang

The three of them were all young men. Liu Feng found the other party quite agreeable, and since he had nothing better to do, he thought it wouldn't hurt to make a connection, so he struck up a conversation. After exchanging surnames, Liu Feng learned that the other man's name was Zhang Miao, a person from Dongyu, and a wandering scholar who had come to Yubing City just to join in the fun. Although Zhang Miao's demeanor suggested he was more than just an ordinary scholar, Liu Feng chose not to point it out. After all, what was the need to seek too much from a chance encounter? Wasn't he also introducing himself as Dou Feng at the behest of his uncle?

Liu Feng quickly leaned out to take a look, and he saw the girl who had just picked up Zhang Miao gazing at the window with eyes full of spring. However, her appearance... Liu Feng finally realized that a beauty like Huahua truly exists, and he looked at Zhang Miao with a sense of pity, while the little Yue'er beside him could no longer hold back her laughter.