At such a banquet, it was impossible for female guests to wear veils. So Zhang Gui took off her hat as soon as she entered the hall, and followed King Lanling with her head down, her face and figure hidden in his tall shadow.

  After sitting down, she also lowered her head, letting herself be completely under his shadow. Yet, there were still many gazes cast upon her.

  The noise was still echoing, and the envoys of Qi and Chen states were coming in continuously. When Xiao Mo and Wei Gongzhi entered the hall, the hall lit up again, and those noble ladies who attended the banquet finally shifted their gaze from Langling Wang to look back.

  At this time, a loud noise was heard, and it was Yuwen brothers and sisters who entered together. As they approached, many of the surrounding noble young men gathered around.

  During this process, people would occasionally glance in the direction of Langling Wang.

  Yuwen Cheng, surrounded by the crowd in the middle, still had a pale face. He pushed away the crowd and strode towards the Little Emperor.

  He came to the emperor's presence, and saw him holding his hand in a salute, saying loudly: "Your Majesty, I have heard that the King of Lanling of Qi is both civil and military, and is a rare talent. Among the envoys of Qi, there are also many talents. My subordinates also have several able men, and I wish to try their strength with those of Qi!"

  The voice was loud and clear, everyone in the hall could hear it distinctly.

  In the silence, the young emperor nodded slightly. He had not spoken yet, but Yuwen Cheng had already taken a few steps forward on his own initiative, came to the hall, bowed to Langya Wang and said with a smile: "I wonder if the king dares or not?"

  He raised his head, and without waiting for Langling Wang to respond, he pointed at Zhang Qi behind him and ordered: "The king's concubine, I think she is quite good, why not use her as a bet, what do you say?"

  From start to finish, he took charge on his own initiative. The young emperor didn't even have a chance to speak up, and as the envoy, Langling Wang also had no opportunity to refuse!

  This Zhou Dynasty is indeed his Yuwen Huaji's family!

  The envoys of Qi and Chen looked at the young emperor who had just ascended to the throne at the same time.

  The little emperor's face wore a smile. At this time, he was actually looking at Yuwen Hu with a flattering expression, as if it were a normal occurrence. On the other hand, some of the powerful officials in the palace had darkened their faces, while others lowered their heads.

  Yuwen Hu narrowed his eyes, and the light in his pupils shot out from between his half-open eyelids. He glanced to one side. At that moment, an inner attendant on that side nodded slightly, indicating that he had taken note of all the officials who showed sympathy or indignation towards the young emperor in the hall.

  Yuwen Cheng was still staring at Langling Wang, staring at Zhang Qi.

  His thin and gloomy handsome face wore a smile, the expression staring at King Lanling had a hint of complacency and a hint of venom!

  This is his territory. Just wait for Langling Wang to agree, and he can be abolished today!

  In the midst of the silent ravens and sparrows, Prince Langling raised his head.

  He stared at Yuwen Cheng for a moment. A low and melodious voice faintly sounded, "Not comparable!"

  As soon as these two words came out, a buzzing sound filled the air. Yuwen Cheng was about to mock him, but saw Langling Wang with his hands clasped across his chest, coldly saying: "No matter whether it's archery, horseback riding, music, chess, calligraphy or painting, if you, Yuwen Cheng, were to compete with me in person, that would be a different story."

  Yuwen Chengyi stiffened.

  He burst out laughing and said, "Is it that besides you, King of Lanling, there is no one else who can match up?" He raised his head and said, "For a commander, all he needs to do is give orders and commands, why must he take action himself? The king's words are truly laughable!"

  He pointed to the corner of the beautiful woman and said, "If the king wins, he can take these ten beauties back. Don't worry, they are all virgins. If the king wins, he can be a new groom for ten nights!" He raised his head and burst out laughing loudly, "Using ten beautiful virgins to exchange for a concubine played by the king, this deal is not a loss, right?!"

  "Is there no one else in Qi but you, the King of Lanling?!" This sentence is a blatant provocation, a challenge to the national prestige of Qi!

  As soon as this statement came out, everyone has no way to retreat. If the King of Lanling makes excuses again, it would be cowardice and damaging to national prestige. Not only will he be ridiculed in Zhou's territory, but also when he returns to Qi State, he will be held accountable.

  This matter is no longer a trivial matter of several concubines, but a contest between countries.

  The King of Lanling narrowed his eyes slightly.

  Zhang Qi quietly raised her head.

  In the darkness, she quietly approached Lang Ling Wang and softly said: "Chang Gong, if it's about zither, books or painting, I can give it a try." No matter what, she couldn't fall into Yuwen Cheng's hands. Moreover, just now outside the palace, facing Yuwen Cheng's provocation, she retorted back, and she felt that Lang Ling Wang liked her like that. Since he wanted her to be strong, then she would be strong.

  The people around were stunned. In their impression, the new concubine of the king was weak and timid, but did they know that she also had a confident side? After all, this was a one-on-one competition against the entire country, and yet she was so confident that she could surpass the Zhou people in music, literature, and painting.

  Zhang Yi's words were out, and he lowered his head. At this time, the King of Lanling had solemnly responded: "Good!"

  Yuwen Cheng's face revealed a satisfied smile as he spoke.

  Gazing steadily at Yuwen Cheng, the King of Lanling said slowly: "As I am the envoy, the content of the trial should be decided by me. What does Young Master Yuwen think?" He turned to the young emperor on one side and asked: "What does Your Majesty think?"

  The young emperor nodded and said, "This is natural." He turned to Chen Shi on the side and said in a loud and clear voice, "All the great talents of the three countries are here, and Chen Shi will also participate."

  As soon as this was said, the humming sound in the hall rose again. The various envoys gathered together and after a brief discussion, the chief envoy spoke out loudly: "In that case, respect is not as good as obedience."

  "Alright." As soon as the Little Emperor's voice fell, Prince Langling said: "Then let's have three competitions, horsemanship, archery, and zither skills."

  At this time, Xiao Mo Qinglang's voice rang out, "Add another game of Go." He slowly stood up, and in the bright light, his white robe was as bright as the moon. He saw him looking gently in Zhang Yi's direction, and said slowly: "My Chen Guo's bet is also the same as yours, if I win, this new beauty, Lanling Wang, will belong to me, if I lose, I am willing to give a thousand taels of gold and ten fine horses!"

  Boom! The discussions in the hall all boiled over.

  This young and handsome envoy of Chen Guo is really generous. He actually offered a sky-high price of one thousand taels of gold and ten fine horses in exchange for a beauty they had already given away.

  Indeed, he is a man from a wealthy country. He truly regards wealth as dirt! These one thousand taels of gold and ten fine horses are nothing to a country, but compared to Yuwen Cheng who only offered ten ordinary beauties to force the Qi people to gamble, this is boundless extravagance!

  In comparison, Yuwen Cheng's behavior was arrogant and stingy, which made the people of Zhou feel a bit embarrassed.

  Yuwen Cheng was also embarrassed, his eyes narrowed and his face turned iron-green as he stared at Xiao Mo. Facing his stare, Xiao Mo seemed carefree and calm. One of the attendants looked at Yuwen Cheng worriedly and said: "Xiao Lang's actions will offend this wolf cub."

  Xiao Mo looked at Zhang Qi and said in a low voice: "My Ah Qi, how could this beast have thoughts of you?"

  She didn't expect Xiao Mo to speak up for her at this time, Zhang Qi turned around in a daze. Under the lamp light, looking at Xiao Mo who was still smiling brightly like spring breeze, looking at the dark circles under his eyes, Zhang Qi lowered her eyelids.

  In the midst of the noise, Yuwen Cheng suddenly burst out laughing loudly.

  "Clap, clap, clap!" He applauded. In the crisp applause, Yuwen Cheng said in a shrill voice: "Since that's the case, please let Langling Wang bring out his beauty for everyone to see. Three countries' heroes are fighting over one woman. If we don't check her appearance, how can this beautiful story be justified?"

  Yuwen Cheng was quite quick-witted, and with this sentence, the struggle between the three countries turned into a private dispute caused by feminine charm. In this way, Langling Wang and Xiao Mo won, and when they returned to their country, they also got idle talk.

  Everyone looked at Zhang Qi.

  Yuwen Cheng's words were unpleasant to hear, but they were irrefutable.

  Zhang Qi slowly stood up.

  She presented herself in the bright light.

  This is her first time, letting her true self be completely exposed in front of so many people!

  The hall was filled with laughter, noise and discussion, but suddenly became quiet.

  At this moment, whether it was the messenger from Qi or the people of Zhou or Chen, they all suddenly understood.

  She was indeed a rare beauty, no wonder the King of Lanling cherished her so much, Yuwen Cheng had to have her, and that Chen messenger even offered a sky-high price.

  Only then did Zhang Gui appear under the lamplight, gentle and elegant, only fourteen or fifteen years old. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows and eyes were like a painting, and her black hair flowed down her back, reaching two feet in length, shining brightly enough to reflect one's image. Standing there like this, she had an endearing and delicate appearance, as if she could be held in the palm of one's hand and danced with, or as if surrounded by a layer of misty moonlight.

  Perhaps it was the tender and delicate skin, like a newly opened flower bud, that radiated an otherworldly glow. The soft and lustrous complexion seemed to emanate a faint pink hue, as if infused with an enchanting light. This captivating aura enveloped her entire being, leaving the husbands in the hall suddenly parched.

  It turned out that what I saw that day was not her true appearance!

  Yuwen Cheng was stunned for a moment, then loudly commanded: "That beauty, come into the hall!"

  "He sneered: 'Since it's a gambling object, it should be placed in a bright and conspicuous place.'"

  The King of Lanling's face sank.

  He hadn't even spoken, and Zhang Gui, with downcast eyes, had already curtsied to Yuwen Cheng. In the hall, her gentle and soothing voice rang out: "My lord has spoken too much! I am originally a daughter of the Wu County Zhang family, and my status is not inferior to yours." Amidst the extreme silence all around, she continued in a soft and crisp tone: "As for the matter of making a bet, it was you who were infatuated with my beauty and forced me into it. I and the King of Lanling are mutually in love... You, as the master of this place, have committed an act of bullying and robbery under the guise of propriety. Although I am weak, I do not deign to stoop to your level! As for the matter of walking into the hall, my lord need not speak of it again!"

  Having said that, she swayed like a willow in the wind towards Xiao Huangdi and Yuwen Hu, and with a gentle bow, she knelt down again on the low table.

  The hall is extremely quiet!

  No one expected Zhang Qi to say something like that, and to say it so directly, slapping Yuwen Cheng in the face! If either of the husbands from the Qi or Chen families had said the same thing, Yuwen Cheng would inevitably have escalated it to a national level, turning it into an unclear lawsuit.

  It can be said that the one who spoke these words was just a weak and timid girl, but her words were like a knife, cold and piercing, cutting down Yuwen Cheng and leaving him with no face to show. Even the young emperor and Yuwen Hu and others around him couldn't lift their heads under her verbal attack!

  One remark turned the situation around. The good momentum created by Yuwen Cheng just now, and the imposing manner he put on, not only completely collapsed, but also made him look extremely ridiculous from then on, no matter how many victories he won or how much he gained! Because he was greedy for someone else's beloved beauty, doing petty things, and taking by force!

  The goal is despicable and the means are not upright, so even if we win, what's there to be proud of? It's just shame!

  A single remark put Yuwen Cheng in an extremely embarrassing situation. This kind of disdain from his sister-in-law was like a slap in the face to every member of the Zhou family!

  Quiet, absolute quiet!

  Yuwen's eyes blazed with anger, but she could only look at her father.

  In an absolute silence, everyone looked at each other in dismay, not knowing whether to mention the challenge again. It seemed that whether or not they fought, their faces would be lost either way!

  In the midst of extreme quietness, the young emperor coughed a few times and smiled: "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." He raised his wine cup and nodded towards Langling Wang and Xiao Mo, saying: "This matter of comparison has always been hurtful and unpleasant. You two are both honored guests from afar. As the host, it is unreasonable to make esteemed guests angry. Come, give each of the two envoys 100 taels of gold and ten beautiful women."

  In the eunuch's loud voice, the young emperor smiled and said: "Don't mention the matter of competing anymore. Come on, let's drink, let's drink." After that, he took the lead in drinking up the wine in his cup.

  As the young emperor took the lead, the people in the hall also burst out laughing. They hastily raised their wine cups and made a toast with the young emperor in mid-air. In an instant, the tense atmosphere in the grand hall was restored to its former bustle and excitement.

  Yuwen Hu, who was sitting on one side, raised his eyes and glanced at Yuwen Cheng, scowling and grunting.

  One of the eunuchs on the side hastily stepped forward and whispered: "This little girl has a sharp tongue, she's really bold and daring!"

  He is borrowing insults from Zhang Gui to try to exonerate Yuwen Cheng. Yuwen Hu's face was wooden, and he said with a tone of hatred: "If it weren't for Your Majesty excusing him today, I really don't know how he would get out of this! A little girl can even make him and his people speechless, what a waste!"

  "Taizong's wrath is abated, Taizong's wrath is abated!"

  On this side, it was noisy, on that side, the King of Lanling sat up straight, his body leaning back slightly. He gazed forward and said in a low voice: "Why isn't Ah Qi afraid?"

  Zhang Qi lowered her eyes, afraid? When fear and tears were useless, why did she want to be weak? She had never thought of relying on Yuwen Cheng, so why was she afraid of offending him?

  She didn't answer, and Langling Wang said in a low, hoarse voice: "A Gui and I were originally two people who loved each other, why are you being so coy?" His voice was as soft as music, with an indescribable beauty.

  Her dense eyelashes fluttered, low and soft, lightly floating, as if the gentle breeze spinning in the spring rain said: "I want to know you, long life without decline."

  Her voice was very soft and low, as if she was only moving her lips, as if afraid that the King of Lanling would hear.

  After she finished speaking, she lowered her eyelids, and her long eyelashes cast two curved shadows in the lamplight.

  She knew he could hear her! She also knew that at this moment, his straight back had stiffened, and the hand placed on his leg slowly and painfully opened and closed again. The lip line was tightly pursed together, pursed into a knot...

  ￥￥

  More than 4,000 words, asking for pink tickets. Everyone, it's already the end of the month, your pink tickets will be wasted if you keep them, just give them to Nan Chao.

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