Chapter 007: You are indeed a pig
What does it matter? His father holds immense power in the court, second only to none, and your esteemed father is the Minister of War. Even when encountering Lu Mingxian, he must bow and pay his respects
To be intoxicated in the embrace of a beauty, and to awaken with the power to control the world? When will I, Lu Cheng, be able to achieve this step?
Indeed, as Lu Zhiwu took his seat, various gazes from around him turned in his direction, each scrutinizing him with expressions of disbelief and curiosity.
Lu Cheng remained composed as he looked at the man seated in the second position, who was Chen Yingbai, one of the current court's attendants, elevated to the title of Duke of Gaoping due to his merits. The attendants of Da Jian were no less significant than those of his court; they were all individuals of substantial power, ranking just below the princes in terms of status. Now, sitting at the lower position of Lu Zhiwu, this already represented a considerable show of respect towards Lu Mingxian.
Please come in, Second Young Master
A steward resembling that of a royal household personally led Lu Zhiwu forward, drawing the attention of many onlookers.
As soon as the princes arrived, they took their seats according to their ages. With a loud call from the chief steward of the Fourth Prince's residence, the grand banquet for Du Feifeng's birthday officially commenced
What these people have given are all items such as thousand-year-old ginseng, ten-thousand-year-old pine resin, hundred-foot-tall green maple, master calligraphy, ancient scores from previous dynasties, and contemporary famous paintings. Each piece appears to be quite valuable, but in terms of true practicality, they may not be worth more than ten thousand taels of silver.
In the next moment, a steward resembling a eunuch shouted sharply, "The second young master of the Lu family, Lu Zhiwu, presents the Fourth Prince with a 'Qingmu Phoenix Pattern Guqin' and a treasure, 'Bihu Lingjue Ding'.
What do you understand? Talking to you is like playing the lute to a cow
Brother Lu, please come this way
However, just as the chaotic mind-cleansing technique had finished operating, Lu Cheng's heart instinctively skipped a beat, as if he had secretly been caught peeking at his own secrets. His eyes suddenly widened, his ears instantly perked up, and he glanced towards the southeast, only to see several eunuch guards standing quietly, without discovering any suspicious figures.
Lu Cheng observed and reflected on the situation, increasingly convinced that he had made the right decision today. Among princes and nobles, without strong supporters, who would offer truly valuable treasures.
As I practiced the Chaotic Purification Technique, I noticed that this person must at least be a congenital master, or perhaps even more
Many people around recognized the jade and agate, and discussions erupted. As the voices grew louder, Lu Zhiwu felt a great sense of pride on his face, and his heart bloomed with joy.
Lu Cheng examined the four princes one by one, and could not help but feel admiration in his heart. Indeed, each of them was a dragon among men, a young talent, truly worthy of being great figures capable of competing for the throne of a nation. Someone like Lu Zhiwu, a frivolous young master, could not even be mentioned in the same breath as them. How rare it was for Lu Hou to refer to the Fourth Prince as a brother? Do you deserve that?
As soon as she appeared, nearly all the men's gazes in the room were focused on her
There, there, this is something I obtained from my father. The Fourth Prince has a great fondness for music, and it was quite difficult for me to find such a rare item.
His previous dream was merely to leave the Lu residence early and attain a free identity. Since learning the Chaotic Heart Cleansing Technique, he aspired to become a renowned general, guarding a territory and returning home in glory. However, upon witnessing the scene today, he even felt a surge of impulse to seize the dragon and claim the throne, ruling over the world.
Today is the grand birthday celebration of the Fourth Prince. High-ranking officials in the capital either came in person or sent representatives, with hardly anyone absent. Even many governors and military commanders from distant provinces have arrived. All the princes have gathered together.
"What a good item!" someone in the crowd exclaimed, recognizing its value.
The military robe, known as the "sui pao," is worn by senior military officers during peacetime or in the evenings when combat readiness is not required. This robe differs from the regular attire, which is primarily loose and comfortable. In contrast, the military robe is fitted and close to the body, facilitating movement, essentially serving as a fabric version of military armor
Several princes gazed at her with eager eyes, unwilling to leave for a long time. Not to mention that her father is one of the three great generals of the current dynasty, wielding military power and holding significant influence, even Shi Miaoyin herself is a renowned beauty in the capital. It is unknown how many people present secretly admired her today
Has Brother Li arrived early
Is that Lu Zhiwu? Indeed, he is unlearned and incompetent. How dare he occupy that position
Amidst the bustling discussions of those around, Lu Zhiwu remained unaware. Only Lu Cheng, now a low-grade martial artist, who had also practiced the Chaotic Heart Purification Technique, remained as calm as still water and as unmoving as a mountain, regardless of the clamor and uproar in the arena. Every whisper within a hundred feet reached his ears with perfect clarity
Second Young Master, please.
The Fourth Prince's brows are like swords, exuding an extraordinary demeanor, and every gesture he makes carries an air of authority
The grand banquet began with each prince presenting birthday gifts, followed by the princesses, the officials, and the royal relatives, showcasing a dazzling array of rare and exquisite treasures, leaving many in awe today
Next, it is the turn of the Lu residence to present their tribute
Why does Lu Mingxian not show favoritism? Why does Lu Zhiwu go out of his way to curry favor? Giving away the Qingmu qin, even ten of them, is inconsequential, as it may not necessarily be appreciated by others. However, this jade and agate worth several million taels is practically a bribe. Does Lu Mingxian not fear being impeached by the court officials?
Lu Zhiwu, filled with exceptional excitement, strode forward and bowed to the various princes and young lords, saying, "I, Lu Zhiwu, wish the Fourth Prince endless fortune and everlasting vitality."
You ... ...
Indeed, human desires are endless. Lu Cheng let out a long sigh, silently reciting the Chaotic Heart Purification Technique, and the previously restless heart immediately calmed down.
He hardly heard the registration for the gifts being presented one by one. Unexpectedly, at that moment, apart from the Fourth Prince, the other princes, including the First Prince, Second Prince, and Seventh Prince, suddenly raised their eyes, either intentionally or unintentionally, to glance at Lu Zhiwu.
Isn't the instrument that your little sister has quite good, Brother Lu?
What is the relationship between the book "Seventeen Dynasties" and the claim that even a BMW, which can travel a thousand miles in a day, would take a hundred years to reach the Great Cloud Dynasty? Aside from innate masters, no one can survive the journey to the Great Cloud.
Shi Miaoyin was dressed in a casual robe, her figure exquisitely displayed, with alluring curves that made her appear even more spirited and poised, exuding a clean and sharp demeanor, resembling a female general of the military.
Lu Cheng instinctively looked up and saw that it was Shi Miaoyin, the daughter of the three great generals of the court, Shi Poshan, who was also delivering something. Not knowing until he looked, he was startled; today, Shi Miaoyin was actually wearing a set of military attire.
You mentioned the novel, but no one has been there. How did this Yun Qingmu come through? Is it really that far?
The second prince, Du Mingcheng, is as graceful as a jade tree in the wind, exuding a gentle demeanor that immediately suggests he is an approachable and courteous gentleman who values the wise and respects the talented
The strangest of them all is Prince Du Chunfeng, the youngest yet appearing the oldest. He possesses a maturity beyond his years, exuding an imposing presence without displaying anger. From the moment he appeared, his expression remained unchanged, as he solemnly nodded in acknowledgment to those who paid their respects to him, radiating an innate imperial aura that enveloped the surroundings
What? Did you misread it? Is it really jade and agate?
Indeed, I see no mistake; it is truly jade agate, a fine item. This jade agate is produced only ten taels a year in our dynasty. Looking at this jade tiger, it must weigh at least five taels, right
Lu Cheng could hardly imagine it. Feeling guilty, he glanced around nervously. There were nearly a thousand guests present, not to mention the guards, eunuchs, and maids, making it impossible to discern how many people were there at that moment.
Du Meng had thirteen sons, three of whom died of illness, one died in battle, and three voluntarily became marquises. Currently, the last opportunity to contend for the throne lies with the eldest prince Du Shiwei, the second prince Du Mingcheng, the fourth prince Du Feifeng, and the seventh prince Du Chunfeng, while the other princes each have their own supporters
As he gazed at the eager eyes surrounding him, Lu Cheng felt a surge of fire within his heart, an inexplicable and intense desire for possession and conquest. He wished that everyone should worship him, Lu Cheng, and that a beauty like Shi Miaoyin would come to him of her own accord.
Pah, relying on the power of others, a fool indeed. When Lu Mingxian learns of this tomorrow, he will surely scold him thoroughly
General Shi's Mansion, Miss Shi has sent 76 pieces of the 'Western Tang Bianzhong'
"You truly are a pig" Lu Cheng stood behind Lu Zhiwu, feeling a mix of cold laughter and a sense of satisfaction in his heart.
"All the princes are here..." Suddenly, a loud shout echoed, and all the princes finally arrived
Is it just my illusion? It can't be possible? If I reach the level of a low-grade martial artist, I should be able to instinctively evade Ma Chengwei's lethal strike, which is a sixth sense possessed only by grandmasters. Now, as a low-grade warrior, my power has increased by more than tenfold. Based on my earlier intuition, it is certain that someone has just taken notice of me
What about this name ...? ... "Bi Hu Ling Jue Ding"? What does "Ling Jue Ding" mean? Ascending the throne as emperor? You, Lu Zhiwu, are not just bold, but also as foolish as a pig
Since the establishment of the Dajian Dynasty, no crown prince has been appointed; all princes are eligible to ascend the throne, and everything is determined by strength. Those who do not wish to contend for the throne may voluntarily apply to be conferred as a marquis, with a territory of one hundred miles, ruling over a domain of their own, living as a wealthy marquis within the nation.
Seeing Lu Zhiwu sit down in a carefree manner, Lu Cheng and Lu Hou exchanged a smile behind him
Who could it be
The various ministers and high-ranking officials of the court each presented their gifts, yet many knowledgeable individuals noticed the inappropriate aspects of the scene. Gradually, no one discussed the items presented by Lu Zhiwu anymore, but everyone looked at him as if he were a pig.
What a fine qin, it is indeed a rare Yunqing wood. I have heard that the Great Yun Dynasty, which is abundant in Yunqing wood, is separated from us by a full seventeen dynasties. Very few people from our dynasty have ever been there, and I do not know if this is true or not
Lu Cheng and Lu Hou followed Lu Zhiwu all the way to the first row on the left side of the hall before finally stopping, and their position happened to be the same as that of Tu Shuran, which was the first one
On the side, Lu Cheng and Lu Hou hurriedly presented gifts to the people of the imperial palace, each reporting the names of their respective gifts
Lu Zhiwu returned to his seat with a smile, and he could faintly hear some people discussing the ancient zither. He couldn't help but feel immensely proud. However, at that moment, someone in the distance, a middle-aged scholar, suddenly exclaimed, "Wow, that 'Emerald Tiger Soaring to the Summit' seems to be made of extremely rare jade and agate; it must be worth at least two hundred thousand taels of silver!"
Brother Lu is truly thoughtful; I have also searched for a month but have not found a single piece of ancient music that is presentable
The second young master of the Lu family has arrived
If Lu Zhiwu were a bit smarter, he would have politely declined and taken a seat behind the first row or in the second row, which would have been more appropriate
I see not just two million, but even five million or more
Lu Hou was smiling because he felt that his family's young master held a prestigious status, sitting in the first position. Lu Cheng was smiling at Lu Zhiwu's ignorance, daring to occupy the first seat. Even his father, Lu Mingxian, would have to decline a few times before being able to take a seat there
Amidst the screams, two young eunuchs raised two treasures high, signaling for everyone to see clearly. This was in accordance with the court regulations, which stipulated that neither officials from various departments nor princes were allowed to present valuable items such as gold, silver, or precious jewelry to one another, as doing so would be considered corruption and embezzlement
Lu Cheng closely followed Lu Zhiwu, remaining composed as he surveyed his surroundings. Although he was now a low-ranking warrior, when he activated the Chaotic Heart Purification Technique, he concealed his true self within, appearing to the outside world as nothing more than a frail young servant.
The great prince Du Shihui has been engaged in battles for many years, possessing formidable martial skills and an imposing presence. Upon seeing him, Lu Cheng immediately recognized that this individual was already a top-tier warrior, with one foot stepping into the realm of martial masters. He did not conceal this fact; the powerful aura of a top-tier warrior emanated from him in waves. Many young gentlemen and ladies, who were as weak as those unable to lift a chicken, could not withstand the boundless killing intent surrounding him and retreated one after another