Hulü Guang was about to retort when Yelu Yari finally spoke up.
“Great Liao has no alliance with the Shiwei,” Yelu Yari said. “You needn’t worry. This trip to Kaifeng was merely a detour on our way south to visit an old friend. We didn’t expect him to be out of the city.”
“Oh?” Wu Yingzong was most wary of the man before him. While others might not sense anything amiss, Wu Yingzong knew the gravity of the situation. He asked again, “Where does Mr. Yelu plan to go next?”
“Wander around a bit,” Yelu Yari replied after taking a sip of wine. He said indifferently, “See the lands of you Song People, learn your skills, and find out just what prowess allowed you to destroy Great Liao.”
The conversation at the table fell silent as everyone turned to look at Yelu Yari.
“Lord Xiao of the Exorcism Division also hails from Liao Kingdom,” Zhao Gou added. “Not long ago, Xiang Xian saved quite a few of your southern refugees.”
Yelu Yari took another sip of wine.
A middle-aged man who appeared to be a military officer spoke up. “Great Liao’s momentum is spent; it’s no longer a threat. Out of benevolence, the Official Family has given the refugees a place to go. They will become new Song People, indistinguishable from the subjects of Great Song.”
His words were blunt. To say this in front of the fallen nation’s representatives showed not only disregard for the Yelu Family but also utter contempt for their guest. Yet, both emotionally and rationally, it rang true.
Another general nodded. “No matter what Yelu Dashi does in the Western Regions, Liao Kingdom has become thorough history.”
“These two are General Han Shizhong of the Suide Army and General Li Gang, the defender of the capital,” Zhao Gou introduced.
The two generals cupped their hands toward Zhao Gou in unison.
Han Shizhong, as commander of the Suide Army, had made great contributions four years earlier in suppressing Fang La. Li Gang served as the defender of Kaifeng City and commander of the capital garrison. Both were hardliners. In truth, no dynasty lacked outspoken generals, and among the many military factions at court, Han and Li stood out as leaders.
“Not to mention Jin Kingdom,” Han Shizhong said, raising his cup. “Throughout history, how many foreign tribes have there been? From the Western Rong of the Zhou era to the Xiongnu of the Han dynasties, the Five Hu of the Jin, the Murong clan, the Tuoba family, and in the past two centuries, the Jie man Shi Le and the Shatuo Li Keyong—tribes came and went, invading our Central Plains territory and bullying our Central Plains people. In the end, which one did not vanish like clay oxen entering the sea, never to be heard from again?”
Though the guests at the table harbored varied thoughts, they couldn’t help but cheer at his words.
Han Shizhong continued, “I, Han Shizhong, toast to you all.”
Everyone hurriedly raised their cups. Yelu Yari gave a cold laugh and drank as well.
Han Shizhong had come to Cai Tuo’s Burning Tail Banquet most reluctantly. With Cai Jing’s resurgence, the military officers had swallowed their pride to offer congratulations, their true aim to seize the chance to demand military funds for the Suide Army. Yet Great Song suppressed the military in favor of the civil bureaucracy; generals held low status at court. Cai Jing had even seated them in the rear garden with a group of oddballs and eccentrics, fueling Han Shizhong’s dissatisfaction and leaving him with pent-up frustration.
In truth, this was an injustice to Cai Jing. To the Cai Family, Chaosheng was the most honored guest of the night—after all, how could mortal power compare to immortality? Cai Tuo had even placed Zhao Gou in the rear garden to accompany him with imperial status, showing their utmost regard.
Of course, Han Shizhong never considered this. True to his prejudices, he viewed the Exorcism Division under Guo Jing as a bunch of jianghu charlatans, and maintaining such a group only proved Daojun Emperor’s neglect of state affairs and utter incompetence.
“I take my leave,” Han Shizhong said coldly.
Li Gang added, “I must arrange city patrols. Please excuse me for now.”
Li Gang and Han Shizhong left side by side.
Wu Yingzong kept watching “Mr. Yelu’s” expression and asked, “How long does the gentleman plan to stay in Kaifeng?”
“Tonight,” Yelu Yari replied.
Chaosheng was lost in thought, silent. Wu Yingzong said, “If the gentleman is willing to stay a few more days, Lord Xiao and my master will return soon. How about I play host and entertain you?”
“No need,” Yelu Yari said. “The night grows long with many dreams. If Xiao Kun still remembers any old affections, let him come find me.”
Wu Yingzong looked at Yelu Yari and raised an eyebrow, meaning: Where shall he find you?
Yelu Yari replied, “If it’s fated, he’ll know where to meet in the end.”
With that, Yelu Yari and Zhou Wang rose and left the table without farewells. Only Baoyin remained seated. Zhou Wang smiled at her. “Princess, until we meet again by fate.”
“Until next time,” Baoyin replied with a charming smile.
The banquet had entered its later phase; a round of exquisite delicacies, seafood, and mountain delicacies had already been served. Chaosheng said, “I can’t eat another bite.”
Cai Jing arrived again and saw that many guests in the rear garden had left. He said, “Little Immortal, how about I show you my family’s collection of calligraphy and paintings?”
“Good!” Chaosheng rose gladly. Wu Yingzong had just faced off with the demon person; though he didn’t recognize Zhou Wang, they were surely associates. He absolutely could not let Chaosheng act alone now. “Please forgive me, Cai Xiang,” he said. “My master instructed that no matter the time or place, I must stay by Chaosheng’s side.”
“Naturally,” Cai Jing said. “This way. And these two?”
“I must take my leave,” Mu Qingshan rose and said. “Congratulations on your son entering the cabinet. May you sleep without dreams tonight.”
Cai Jing: “???”
