Chapter 64 p2
The group of people set off again. The smile on Xiao Lingrui’s face was deep, and he was obviously very happy. Lu Ze glanced at him, then his gaze fell on a restaurant on the side of the road, and he saw a half-profile that was vaguely revealed at the window on the second floor, and the smile in his eyes deepened.
When foreign envoys entered the capital, the Honglu Temple had a special place to accommodate them, called the Dianke Guan.
After arriving at the place, Yelu Qi looked at the simple main gate and frowned. “The place you’ve arranged for us to stay is this kind of place?”
The Minister of the Honglu Temple’s face was unchanged. “Replying to you, Your Highness, the Dianke Guan is under the Honglu Temple, and it is specially for receiving foreign envoys.”
Yelu Qi said, “Just this shabby place, who are you trying to humiliate?”
The Minister of the Honglu Temple said, “You’re too serious, Your Highness. The Great Zhou has always treated everyone equally. No matter which country’s envoys from the surrounding friendly countries, they all stay here.”
Yelu Qi’s face was ugly. Basically, nothing had gone smoothly since he arrived in the Great Zhou. He whipped his horse and said, “I’m not staying.”
The Minister of the Honglu Temple’s smile was still there. “As you wish, Your Highness. If you are willing to stay in an inn, we have no objections, but the inns are a mixed bag, and I’m afraid it will not be good for your personal safety.”
Yelu Qi’s expression moved slightly.
Lu Ze on the side added with a smile, “Or if you are willing to spend money to buy another residence to stay in, we will not object.”
Yelu Qi glanced at him and was about to turn and leave. “Then I’ll buy one. I can’t stay in this shabby place.”
Lu Ze smiled, turned his head to the Minister of the Honglu Temple next to him, and said, “Master, this subordinate thinks that when we go back to see His Majesty, we must mention to His Majesty to urge the Western Qin to pay the war reparations. With such a generous gesture from the fifth prince, I’m sure the Western Qin is not short of silver. The previous words about the national treasury being empty were just an excuse.”
Yelu Qi’s action paused, and he heard Lu Ze say leisurely, “In that case, I don’t know what the King of the Western Qin is thinking. Could it be… he’s deliberately delaying the compensation?”
The minister next to him tugged at Yelu Qi’s sleeve, his eyes a warning. Yelu Qi gritted his teeth and turned around. “I’m not leaving!”
“I suddenly feel that it’s not bad to stay here. I’ll just stay here!”
His words were almost gritted out. Lu Ze was still on the side, nodding in agreement. “For all the guests, the Great Zhou has done its best. I’m sure it will not disappoint you, Your Highness.”
Yelu Qi glared at him gloomily and rode his horse in.
After everyone was settled, Lu Ze and his group looked at each other and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The Minister of the Honglu Temple patted his shoulder and sighed, “This time, it was all thanks to you, Master Lu.”
Lu Ze quickly cupped his hands. “You’re too serious, master.”
Although they had settled them down, there was a banquet in the imperial palace in the evening to entertain the envoys. Their group naturally had to go, and they could not relax.
Lu Ze went back to the Honglu Temple and dealt with some more matters. In the evening, he went to the banquet with the Minister of the Honglu Temple.
The banquet was held outside the Hall of Preserving Harmony. At this time, the emperor had not yet arrived, and it was very lively. Lu Ze looked around, and Wei Yan had not yet arrived.
He was not in a hurry. He sat down in his seat with the Minister of the Honglu Temple. After a short wait, the emperor arrived, and the empress was slightly behind him. Behind them were Wei Yan and Xiao Lingrui.
After the ministers had kowtowed, the banquet continued, but the atmosphere was much more reserved, and some gazes would occasionally fall outside the hall, to see when the envoys of the Western Qin would arrive.
Fortunately, although that Yelu Qi was arrogant, he was not so arrogant as to be late. In just a moment, a group of burly and exotic men walked into the hall. After bowing to the emperor, they took their seats.
During this time, Yelu Qi’s gaze swept over the hall, first falling on Lu Ze, and his brows furrowed fiercely. Then he looked at Wei Yan, who was sitting in the front row of the military generals, and his gaze deepened slightly.
With the emperor’s order, the dancers entered in a line, their figures graceful. Accompanied by the sound of silk and bamboo, they danced lightly, a scene of singing and dancing and peace.
The banquet thus began.
At first, the atmosphere was still light. The envoys of the Western Qin all had special people to serve them. The emperor was in a high position, and his voice was majestic. “You have come from afar, fifth prince. How do you feel? If there is anything that is not well-received, please feel free to speak up.”
In front of the emperor, Yelu Qi was a little more restrained. He got up and replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, everything is fine. The scenery is good, the people are good, especially the beauties, they are very much to my liking.”
The emperor’s gaze darkened slightly, and he said with a smile, “Oh? So, you have someone you like, Your Highness?”
Yelu Qi bowed and said, “To be honest with Your Majesty, I have come on this trip not only to pay tribute, but also for another important matter.”
The emperor’s hand was tapping on the table on and off, and he followed his words, “What is it?”
Yelu Qi looked up. “The Western Qin and the Great Zhou have been at war for a long time, and it is inevitable that our relationship has been hurt. My father wants to renew our old friendship with the Great Zhou, so he has specially ordered me to come and propose a marriage alliance to Your Majesty.”
“Oh?” The emperor’s face was deep and unfathomable. “Then who has you taken a fancy to, Your Highness?”
Yelu Qi’s gaze fell on Wei Yan. “I have long admired Wei Yan, and I hope Your Majesty will grant my wish.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole hall was in an uproar. But the emperor’s expression did not change, and his voice was heavy. “You may not know, fifth prince, but the Marquis of Weibei is already married. How can he get married again?”
Yelu Qi: “So what if he’s already married? Doesn’t the Great Zhou have the saying of divorce? Besides, in my Western Qin, only the strong are worthy of beauties.”
He fixed his gaze on Wei Yan and said, word by word, “I am willing to have a duel with Master Lu. If I win, I hope Your Majesty will agree to my request.”
Everyone’s gaze instantly fell on Lu Ze. But Lu Ze’s expression was calm. He poured himself a drink and, after a slow sip, he slowly looked up at Yelu Qi and smiled. “In my Great Zhou, only uneducated barbarians would snatch someone else’s husband. It is said that the style of the Western Qin is bold. This official has seen it for himself.”
As soon as these words were spoken, a low laugh came from the hall, and Yelu Qi’s face instantly turned ugly.
Lu Ze looked in Wei Yan’s direction, gave him a reassuring look, and then added, “Besides, in my Great Zhou, there is a saying that a beauty should be paired with a talented scholar, and a hero with a beauty.” He smiled. “The Marquis of Weibei is the god of war of my Great Zhou, with outstanding military achievements and a great reputation. His husband must naturally also be a top-notch talent. I am untalented, but I was fortunate enough to be chosen by His Majesty as this year’s Tanhualang. I think I can be considered to have some talent. As for the fifth prince…”
His gaze swept over him, and his smile was gentle. “I heard that you were almost beheaded by the Marquis of Weibei on the battlefield. It seems that you are not very skilled in martial arts. Then may I ask, what are your strengths, Your Highness?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall was silent, and all eyes fell on Yelu Qi.
Yelu Qi was furious. “What are you, that I can beat you with one hand, and you dare to speak so presumptuously here?”
“Insolent!”
With a “thud,” the cup fell to the ground. Yelu Qi was shocked. He looked back and saw that the emperor’s face was dark and displeased. “Lu Qing is an official of my Great Zhou and represents my Great Zhou. With your words, fifth prince, are you looking down on my Great Zhou?”
Wei Yan also held the sword at his waist and said coldly, “With such an attitude from the Western Qin, this Marquis does not see any sincerity in seeking peace. If the Western Qin has no intention of seeking peace and wants to fight again, this Marquis will accompany you to the end!”
Yelu Qi was shocked. He had never expected things to develop like this. Huyan Lu, who was beside him, saw this and quickly stood up, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty has misunderstood. We have no such intention. The fifth prince just admires the Marquis of Weibei and was a little blunt. Please don’t take it to heart, Your Majesty!”
Yelu Qi also quickly said, “I just don’t want the Marquis of Weibei to marry such a person who can only talk. I’m used to being straightforward and have no intention of offending Your Majesty!”
The hall was cold and silent for a moment. The emperor’s face was dark, and his joy and anger could not be seen. Even the dancing girls were kneeling on the ground.
After an unknown amount of time, Lu Ze suddenly got up and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty.”
The emperor’s gaze shifted slightly, and he heard Lu Ze say, “Your Majesty, since the fifth prince thinks so, this subject does not mind having a competition with the fifth prince.”
The emperor’s brows furrowed unconsciously. He glanced at Wei Yan, but he saw that he was also stunned. He couldn’t help but be surprised and asked, “Are you serious, my beloved subject?”
Lu Ze’s expression was firm, and he said, “I am. So that the fifth prince will not think that the scholars of my Great Zhou are all cowards and disgrace my Great Zhou.”
The emperor looked at him with a dark gaze and waved his hand. “In that case, I will allow it.”
Wei Yan received Lu Ze’s reassuring gaze. Although he knew in his heart that he had a sense of propriety, he couldn’t help but sit up straight.
The sound of whispering in the hall was endless. Even Yelu Qi did not expect him to agree, and a cruel smile immediately appeared on his face. “You are generous, Master Lu. But it is inevitable to get hurt in a competition. If you get hurt, Master Lu, don’t blame me.”
Lu Ze nodded. “Naturally.”
Wei Yan’s hand, which was on his knee, tightened.
Yelu Qi laughed heartily for a moment. “In that case, I will not bully you, Master Lu. You can just find any weapon. Don’t say that I’m bullying a scholar.”
Hearing this, Lu Ze did not refuse. His gaze shifted slightly and fell on Wei Yan. “Marquis, may I use your sword?”
Wei Yan’s lips pursed slightly. He looked at him deeply, raised his hand and threw it, and Lu Ze firmly caught it.
The dancers had already tactfully retreated. The two walked to the center of the hall. Yelu Qi held out his hand to him, his face full of confidence and pride. “You first, Master Lu.”
Lu Ze glanced at him and did not stand on ceremony, and swung his sword over.
This competition started quickly and ended quickly.
Although Yelu Qi was not very proficient in martial arts, he had also practiced martial arts since he was a child, and his foundation was there. In addition, Lu Ze looked weak and did not look like he had a martial arts foundation, so Yelu Qi had originally thought that he would definitely win.
But when the sharp tip of the sword was pointed at his throat, and he met Lu Ze’s dark eyes, Yelu Qi felt as if he had returned to the battlefield, when he had escaped from Wei Yan’s hands by the skin of his teeth.
Cold sweat unconsciously appeared on his back.
Lu Ze’s move was extremely fast, so fast that others did not even react. He had already withdrawn his sword, and with a “clang,” the sword entered its sheath. He cupped his hands and said, “I’ve won, fifth prince.”
Wei Yan’s stiff body slowly softened, and his gaze on Lu Ze was full of smiles.
It took a long time for Yelu Qi to react, his eyes filled with panic. “You… you…”
Lu Ze took the opportunity to help him up and said, “The scholars of my Great Zhou are proficient in the six arts of a gentleman. This official is untalented and not proficient in the way of the sword. It was just a fluke.”
Yelu Qi’s face became even more ugly. The emperor also came back to his senses from Lu Ze’s move just now. Seeing this, a smile flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice, “I regard the Marquis of Weibei as my own brother, and his husband was also carefully selected. You should not mention this matter again, fifth prince.” He paused, then added, “There are many talented young men in the imperial family of my Great Zhou. If the Western Qin is truly interested in a marriage alliance, I would also welcome a few princesses.”
Only then did Yelu Qi come back to his senses. He managed to stand up and said, “I will obey your order. I will also report Your Majesty’s words to my father when I go back.”
The emperor waved his hand, and the music and dance continued. The hall became lively again, and everyone had a smile on their face, except for the group of people from the Western Qin, whose faces were not very good.
After that, there were no more disturbances until the end of the banquet. When the envoys of the Western Qin left their seats, the hall slowly dispersed. Wei Yan followed the emperor to the imperial study again. Before he left, he gave Lu Ze a gesture to wait for him, and Lu Ze naturally agreed.
The carriages of the various families were all parked outside the imperial palace gate. At this time, it was already late, and all the masters had already left. Only Lu Ze’s carriage was still parked there.
Lu Ze was sitting in the carriage when he suddenly heard the coachman call out “Marquis.” He was about to pull open the curtain of the carriage when Wei Yan came up at this moment.
The two looked at each other and both smiled.
Wei Yan said with a hint of mischief, “Are you not worried that I will change my mind after seeing that fifth prince this time?”
Lu Ze paused, then said, “You can’t be sure that someone doesn’t like that type.”
Wei Yan sat down beside him and, hearing this, glanced at him. “That will definitely not be me.”
The coachman had already driven the horse slowly forward. At this time, the sky was completely dark, and there were no other sounds around.
The two were pressed together. Wei Yan listened to him talk about today’s events and couldn’t help but ask him, “When did you learn those moves? How come I didn’t know?”
An outsider would watch the show, but Wei Yan could see that Lu Ze really did not have a martial arts foundation. The reason why he could win against that Yelu Qi was, one, he had used some skills, and two, Yelu Qi had underestimated his enemy.
Lu Ze squeezed his hand and smiled. “I get up early every morning to practice. Is there no effect at all?”
Wei Yan looked at him. “You’ve been practicing this? Before Yelu Qi even came?”
Lu Ze said, “Didn’t you say that Yelu Qi had plans for a marriage alliance?” He squeezed his fingers one by one and said, “If the news is true, then he will inevitably cause trouble for me. I’m not afraid of anything else, but I’m at a disadvantage in martial arts. I thought about it and discussed it with Deputy General Sun, and we decided on a set of moves that can quickly take a person’s life with skills, but it can only be used under the premise of surprise.”
He looked at Wei Yan. “Didn’t you say before that Yelu was extremely favored and was always arrogant and conceited? In addition, he was almost captured by you on the battlefield before, so his own ability is probably limited. That’s why I thought of giving it a try.”
This was naturally a lie. Lu Ze had been through many worlds, and his own strength was not bad. Even if this body’s ability was limited, it was more than enough to deal with a Yelu Qi.
Wei Yan looked at him with a complicated expression. “You’ve been doing these things secretly. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Lu Ze said righteously, “I didn’t know if it would work at that time. If I had told you in advance, it would have seemed like I was afraid of that Yelu Qi.”
Wei Yan couldn’t help but smile and moved closer to him. “If you had told me, I could have practiced with you.”
“Practice?” Lu Ze raised an eyebrow, and one hand, without any warning, rested on his waist and brought him into his arms. He bit his ear and said with a smile, “Is this what the Marquis means?”
Wei Yan was caught off guard for a moment and was really caught by him. He couldn’t help but be surprised. “Your training during this period has been quite effective.”
Lu Ze’s grip on his waist tightened. He bit his chin, and his peach blossom eyes were hazy and ambiguous. He lowered his voice and said with a hidden meaning, “The effect is not just in this aspect. Does the Marquis want to try it?”
Wei Yan lowered his head and looked at him. After a moment, he bit his lips.
That night, the bedroom was in a mess. At the fourth watch, they even called for water.
The maids’ eyes were on their noses and their noses were on their hearts. They had long been used to it.
