Zhang Qi's muttering voice said: "Why can't I?"

  Her voice was soft and gentle, so much so that it made Langling Wang thirsty again.

  He poured himself another glass of wine, drank half of it with his head thrown back, and then handed the glass to Zhang Qi's lips, saying in a low voice: "Is your mouth dry? Drink."

  Zhang Qi was held too tightly by him and couldn't move easily. She twisted her upper body, lifting her head up, and turned to look at Lang Ling Wang, meeting his dark eyes that seemed bottomless, and his slightly flushed handsome face, suddenly becoming worried for him, and stuttered: "Don't drink, so much, it's dangerous."

  As soon as the words fell, Langling Wang's face sank.

  His arms tightened again.

  He had already held her tightly enough, so tightly that Zhang Gui could only twist and turn, but now he was holding her even tighter, causing Zhang Gui to almost suffocate.

  Her face flushed, she murmured softly and hummed: "Loosen up a bit." She asked nervously under his increasingly deep gaze: "Are you angry?"

  The King of Lanling looked at her with a serious expression, he didn't answer, but slightly moved her away.

  With this move, a hard object was pressed heavily between her buttocks.

  Zhang Qi was so frightened that she didn't dare move anymore.

  She opened her eyes wide, raised her head and stared at Lang Ling Wang with a silly expression. After a moment, she pinched his right index finger with her left hand, seemingly unintentionally showing it to him while whispering in a soft voice with a hint of disdain, "So young and not even grown up... desperate for food... and you promised too."

  Her muttering grew softer and softer, until finally under his piercing gaze, she tightly closed her mouth and obediently nestled into his chest.

  He was on top of her. She could feel the heat, the tension in his muscles, and the warmth of his breath.

  He was still pouring his wine mouthful by mouthful.

  Smelling the wine fragrance that floated over, she felt the heat on his body. Zhang Qi was afraid... He had a two-year agreement with her. If he couldn't hold back now and broke the agreement, it would be the end of him. Once, twice, three times... That...

  She had thought it over carefully. In the state of Chen, marrying a scholar from a humble background seemed like an empty and fleeting thing. But within the state of Qi, which was temporarily at peace, he would definitely take her with him, so she would follow. Anyway, he was a kind person, and she could use these two years to save some money. And then, relying on his power, find another way out... What she meant by "way out" was to establish some authority in front of his soldiers, quietly selling off ten or more of them. By the time they left, she would have both money and people. She just needed to find a safe place without war, like now, where she could live in hiding.

  If she were to be taken by him today, the seal would be broken and without even going to the Qi State, she would likely already be pregnant with his child... The rulers of the Qi State are one more absurd than the last, if she really stays there, all her dreams will be shattered.

  Thinking of the frightening part, Zhang Qi couldn't help but do this. She would stretch out her long and slender middle finger, then stretch out her slightly shorter index finger, and use her left hand to pinch the upper part of her index finger, then compare the two fingers, muttering in a small voice: "This one is so tall, this one is so short... unexpectedly also, starving doesn't pick food, starving doesn't pick food..."

  Suddenly, a soft chuckle came from above her head.

  Zhang Qi suddenly looked up.

  She was taken aback by Lang Ling Wang's stunning smile, his deep, dark eyes slowly retracting the smile as he gazed at her intently. He spoke in a measured tone, "I'm restraining myself... but if you continue to speak in such a coquettish manner..."

  Zhang Qi hastily accompanied with a smile, "I won't speak, I won't speak." She honestly closed her lips tightly, and in her heart, she couldn't help but mutter: I haven't grown up yet, I still have a childish voice, where did the coquettish tone come from? It's clearly you who are hungry for food.

  She quietly stuck to his chest. At this time, Zhang Qi only wanted to say a word, "Don't hold so tight", but she didn't dare to say it out loud.

  #######################################################################

  Xiao Mo couldn't help but glance over there, and after a look, he scrunched up his face to drink his wine. Lu Jun, the eldest son of Fan Yang's family, whom he had just met, also glanced at Zhang Qi and Lang Ling Wang.

  He glanced at her and said with a smile: "Xiao Mo is so annoyed, I don't know for whom?" Is it a handsome boy or a beautiful girl?

  Xiao Mo glanced at him and said, "That is the King of Lanling, State of Qi." After having dealt with Gao Changgong several times, Xiao Mo truly felt that no matter how beautiful his appearance was, he wasn't someone who could make this kind of joke.

  That kind of majesty can intimidate people to death!

  Lu Jun lowered his eyes and after a long while, he sighed softly: "In the past... riding horses in Kyoto, with carriages and horses, we young masters of aristocratic families, if our households didn't raise two beautiful catamites, it wouldn't be considered decent."

  He didn't want to say these things, so he smiled and asked again: "So, is this for the sake of that girl?" He glanced at Zhang Qi, furrowed his brow and said: "However, Zhang is just a private-born daughter. For Xiao Lang's identity, it would be easy to kill or control her. Can't Xiao Lang find a few people who understand him?"

  Logically speaking, those clever and cunning people under him should have already brought this poorly-born girl to his bed long ago. How did it end up being his turn today to be disheartened?

  Xiao Mo said faintly, "Among the southerners, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is not as strict as in your northern lands. In Jiankang, there are still many concubines who hold power." Therefore, although Zhang Gui's status was low, he had not yet reached the point where he could be casually manipulated by the son of another family.

  Lu Jun stared in disbelief, "The concubine dares to take charge?" He curled his lip in disdain and muttered, "What a joke!"

  He said indifferently, "The day before yesterday, my younger brother bumped into me. I took his concubine in front of my father and had the servants break his legs." After a pause, he added, "My younger brother is a fourth-rank official and the most talented in our family. But what does that matter? The difference between legitimate and illegitimate sons is like heaven and earth. Even if I killed him, no one would care. How can you people be so lacking in propriety?"

  Xiao Mo was indignant and said, "It's you people living in the north who are resentful of mixed bloodlines and no longer as noble as before, so you've made this distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children overly harsh."

  What he said is true. Just like in the Qing Dynasty, Han landlords were no match for the Manchu in terms of political power, so they vented their frustrations on women of their own ethnic group, imposing all sorts of restrictions on them, with rules that were harsh and infuriating.

  Lu Jun fell silent.

  Seeing Xiao Mo occasionally looking at Zhang Qi with a painful expression, Lu Jun said seriously: "Do you want me to help?"

  He gritted his teeth and said, "A girl of her background, you slept with her. It's her great fortune. She doesn't know what's good for her, she'd rather follow a barbarian than you, let me teach her a lesson!"

  Seeing Lu Junyan talking in the middle. Towards Zhang Qi's undisguised disdain, Xiao Mo became worried and shook his head.

  "You're afraid I'll hurt her? This kind of despicable person. You're also too arrogant."

  Xiao Mo was impatient with others speaking ill of Zhang Qi. He said in a low voice: "She blames me for not giving her the title."

  Lu Jun said, "Isn't it simple to have a name and status? Don't you have the rule 'once married, cannot remarry'? You can marry her sister and make her your concubine. After two years, if you still miss her, you can get rid of her sister, and although she is a concubine, there won't be a wife above her to suppress her, it's almost like being the wife."

  Xiao Mo fell silent, and he exclaimed: "You've thought about it too? How did you fail?"

  Xiao Mo waved his hand and smiled bitterly, saying: "Don't mention this." Seeing Lu Jun still staring at him, he said seriously: "She will come back to me by herself. You continue talking about that matter."

  *****************************************************************************************************

  Many Han people were chatting and laughing on this side. Yuwen Yue had been watching the two of them. She was getting a bit impatient, took a deep breath. After letting her stuffy chest relax a little, she stood up and walked towards Yuwen Hu's direction.

  Before long, she came to her father's side, sat down beside him and leaned against him. Yuwen Yue said in a low voice: "Father, you promised me. Is it good now?"

  She gazed at Yuwen Hu with pleading eyes.

  Yuwen Hu lowered his head and glanced at Yuwen Yue, then raised his head and stared at Prince Langya.

  Seeing his father's slightly furrowed brow, Yuwen Yue's heart skipped a beat: Had Father changed his mind? He had clearly said that Gao Changgong was a talented individual and wouldn't truly be valued in the state of Qi, so he could be won over.

  She didn't know that after seeing the King of Lanling himself, Yuwen Hu had somewhat looked down on him. Growing up to be like this, it's likely that the so-called military achievements were given to him by his good friends!

  After a moment of contemplation, Yuwen Hu suddenly raised his eyebrows and said, "Alright."

  Yuwen Yue was overjoyed. She bit her lip and asked, "And what about the concubine by his side? I don't like her. Father, I heard she was brought to Zhou by Chen Shi, shouldn't she be a gift for you?"

  Yuwen Hu glared at Yuwen Yue and ordered: "Go back and sit properly."

  "Yes, thank you father." Yuwen Yuehuan returned to her own quarters with a happy and joyful heart. She turned her head to look at the King of Lanling, then looked at the woman in his arms, soft as if she had no bones, and thought to herself: A concubine, actually daring to be so forward without regard for the occasion, don't blame me for being ruthless!

  The envoys of Chen and Qi arrived in Chang'an today, already tired from their journey. Tonight's banquet is just a formality to welcome them and wash away the dust of travel.

  The young emperor spoke a few words to the envoys of the two countries, and then a group of singing and dancing girls fluttered in, their clothes flying in the sound of drums and music.

  People who come here are not rich or noble, they have long been accustomed to this kind of singing and dancing. So the noise gradually responded, Xiao Mo was even more frequent among the major scholars, for a time, laughter continued.

  Yuwen Hu stood up.

  He is actually the one in power in this country, and with his presence, the whispers around him have decreased significantly.

  He only saw him take a step towards King Langling, and when he saw his figure, Zhang Gui lightly got up from King Langling's knees, then bowed her head and retreated, sitting down on the low table beside him. As she sat down, she quietly glanced at Yuwen Hu, furrowed her eyebrows in thought for a moment, and then turned her eyes.

  She saw her body slightly leaning forward, and the whole person seemed to be prostrating himself on the back of King Lanling.

  As Yuwen Hu approached, Langling Wang stood up, and more than half of the light was blocked. Zhang Gui's entire person was hidden in the darkness.

  Yuwen Hu looked at Zhang Qi with a glance and secretly frowned.

  He had long known about Zhang Qi's background.

  He had thought that Chen Guo was sending such a delicate and refined girl from a noble family to Zhou Di, either to curry favor with the new emperor or to please Yuwen Hu. But this Lanling Wang was bold and intercepted her instead.

  But now, seeing Zhang Yi's behavior, he was puzzled.

  She's like this, obviously she has long been won over by the Prince of Lanling. Could it be that Chen Guo sent this woman here to serve the Prince of Lanling?

  Thinking of this, he found it hard to speak up.

  He withdrew his gaze, and Yuwen Hu raised his wine cup towards Langya Wang, laughing loudly: "Since ancient times, heroes have emerged in their youth. The Prince of Langya is not only a hero, but also has an extraordinary appearance, rarely seen in the world."

  The laughter that had just erupted suddenly subsided.

  Yuwen Hu is of what status? He praises Langling Wang as a rising star, but he himself deserves scrutiny.

  The King of Lanling smiled and raised his wine cup, toasted to Yuwen Hu, then tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, saying softly: "I dare not!"

  With an attitude of neither arrogance nor humility, there is a sense of dignity.

  Yuwen Hu burst out laughing again. Laughing, he solemnly said to the Prince of Lanling: "The Prince of Lanling is such a talent, it's a pity to be under Qi. If the prince is willing to come to my Zhou land, I can make him the commander-in-chief of the three armies!"

  It became even quieter.

  Gao and Gong were so young, yet as soon as they opened their mouths, they were entrusted with the command of the three armies. How highly esteemed is this?

  It's just that the position of commander-in-chief is too casual. Zhang Gui, who had been keeping his head down like a cat, looked up at this point. Zhou and Qi have always been at odds, so why did Yuwen Hu make such a public display of affection towards Prince Lanling, and even invited him with great enthusiasm? Is he trying to sow discord among the rulers of Qi?

  She couldn't help but worry about Lang Ling Wang.

  The King of Lanling bowed his head and replied seriously: "The Grand Preceptor is overpraising, although I am unworthy, my family and country dare not be disrespectful."

  This clearly says he won't leave his own country again.

  Yuwen Hu had been sailing smoothly for so many years and hadn't heard such a direct refusal. His old face sank.

  In an instant, the grand hall cooled down several degrees.

  Yuwen Hu smiled again and said kindly: "The Prince of Lanling is still young. By the way, I heard that you have been searching for your mother?"

  Mother? I went to Jiankang three times and never found a trace of her. Could it be that she fell into the hands of Yuwen Hu?

  As soon as he thought of Yuwen Hu's mother still being detained domestically, Langling Wang's heart sank.

  When he saw Lang Ling Wang's face change slightly, Yuwen Hu called kindly: "Yuè ér, come here."

  "Huh?"

  Yuwen Yuerong stepped in, her feet barely making a sound on the floor. As she approached Langling Wang, she glanced at Zhang Qi in the darkness, and her movements became even more demure.

  The King of Lanling must have liked women who were so delicate and gentle.

  She walked to Yuwen Hu's side, imitating Zhang Qi's manner, and glanced at Langling Wang with a shy expression from under her eyelashes before turning to Yuwen Hu and calling out in a soft voice: "Father."

  Yuwen Yue's slender legs and elegant appearance were bright and refreshing, but when she imitated the southern girls' flirtatious glances and calls, Langling Wang's left hand on his thigh suddenly trembled.

  Yuwen Hu looked at his daughter with affection and turned to Langling Wang, proudly introducing her: "This is my eldest daughter. Not only is she skilled in archery, but also well-versed in literature and etiquette, a shining pearl of Chang'an. I heard that the Prince of Langling has not yet married, so today I'll take it upon myself to arrange a good match, what do you say?"

  Yuwen Hu nodded and lowered his voice: "Now that the Duke has become my son-in-law, it will be much easier to find whoever you're looking for."

  The King of Lanling sank into thought.

  Zhang Qi quietly raised her head, and once again met Yuwen Yue's gaze, which was as sharp as a knife. She hastily lowered her eyes to avoid his gaze, and Zhang Qi's heart began racing: If he agrees, what will I do? In that case, I'll still go beg Xiao Mo, kneel before him and ask him to take me back to the Chen Kingdom.

  ##

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