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Ren Ruyi walked a step behind and to the side of Wei Tingyu, staring at his back with a hint of indescribable meaning in her eyes. Aside fro
Ren Ruyi walked a step behind and to the side of Wei Tingyu, staring at his back with a hint of indescribable meaning in her eyes. Aside from anything else, this man was truly troublesome for her right now! She couldn't kill him! She couldn't fight him! Most crucially, his background was unclear, and she wasn't even sure if she could defeat him if she tried to kill or fight him! She could only feign innocence, acting like a helpless little white rabbit, pitifully pouting to gain his sympathy. Yet, this fellow often acted unexpectedly, taking advantage of her and forcibly holding her hand as they walked. It left Ren Ruyi at a loss as to how to resist!
"You good-for-nothing Marquis of Jining! You ruined my important plan and took advantage of me!" Thinking this, she helplessly clenched her silver teeth, murmuring inwardly, "Once I complete my mission, I'll sneak into your Marquis's residence, drug you while you're asleep, and then castrate you!"
"Then, even with your beautiful wives and concubines by your side, you won't be able to enjoy them!"
"That will infuriate you, you lecherous scoundrel!"
Just as Ren Ruyi was fiercely contemplating how to torment Wei Tingyu in the future, she saw a young noble looking around under the covered walkway in the distance. Upon seeing Wei Tingyu, his eyes lit up, and he scurried over like a fawning dog. Ren Ruyi's brows furrowed slightly. She had indeed seen this person before; he was said to be the young master of the Yang Residence!
"Brother-in-law..." Yang Xian had rushed out from the banquet hall when he noticed Wei Tingyu leave, fearing any slight oversight or neglect in hospitality. Now, seeing him, he was naturally overjoyed. The moment the words left his mouth, he noticed a dancer from the Wu State delegation accompanying Wei Tingyu and immediately shut his mouth. However, Ren Ruyi didn't react much to the address, as she wasn't from the capital and didn't understand the situation. Just in case, Yang Xian still changed his address: "Marquis! Why have you come out? Are the dishes at the banquet not to your liking..."
However, Yang Xian stopped halfway through his sentence, because he now clearly saw that Wei Tingyu and Ren Ruyi were holding hands. "Oh..." In an instant, he understood. Then, glancing left and right to see no one else around, he leaned closer to Wei Tingyu and said, "Marquis... do you need me to prepare a private room for you?"
At his words, not only Wei Tingyu but also Ren Ruyi stared with wide eyes! Didn't you just call Wei Tingyu 'brother-in-law'? And now you're actively preparing a private room for your brother-in-law and other women? Do you have no regard for your sister?!
"Don't speak nonsense!" However, Wei Tingyu's reaction was beyond Ren Ruyi's expectation. He gently waved his hand and said with a serious expression, "After the banquet, I'll take her back to my residence myself!"
The sudden turn of his words almost made Ren Ruyi bite her tongue. When she saw Wei Tingyu righteously refusing the private room, a strange thought flashed through her mind, wondering why this lecher would refuse such a good offer. She had even planned how to escape if she were indeed taken to a private room. But she hadn't expected Wei Tingyu to actually refuse?! For a moment, her opinion of this man actually changed a little. However, his next sentence almost made Ren Ruyi explode with anger! Alright, I was overthinking it just now! This lecher is still this lecher! No changing at all!
"I understand, I understand!" Yang Xian looked at Ren Ruyi, whom Wei Tingyu was holding, and felt a surge of admiration. At the banquet, he had, of course, noticed this most outstanding dancer! Her beauty was more than just one level higher than the other dancers! So, he was quite envious of Wei Tingyu holding Ren Ruyi's hand, for everyone appreciates beauty. However, at this moment, he naturally had no guts or intention to compete with Wei Tingyu for a woman, as he was now completely convinced by this man. Especially seeing the hint of gratitude in Ren Ruyi's eyes as she looked at Wei Tingyu. It was clear that this woman was quite eager to enter the Marquis's residence!
Thinking that another super beauty would join his brother-in-law's backyard, Yang Xian couldn't help but feel envious and emotional! Such a man is truly a role model for our generation! It's impossible not to admire him! Of course, he didn't know that Ren Ruyi's expression was also an act for him; he was simply deceived by her superb acting, thinking that this woman was truly grateful to the Marquis for saving her from the Bureau of Music!
Soon, Wei Tingyu and Yang Xian walked back into the banquet hall, one after the other. At this point, everyone present was already quite tipsy, many with flushed faces, clearly having reached their limit for alcohol. Sun Shiyi, as the head of the Wu State delegation, quickly raised his wine cup and toasted Wei Tingyu from afar. As an old hand in officialdom, he naturally clearly understood Wei Tingyu's status among the Yang family members! Ren Ruyi also walked out from behind the screen and stood at the end of the line of dancers who had already formed up.
"Cough!" Of course, before the dance began, she subtly cleared her throat, a signal to Linglong, who was standing in front of her. Linglong heard the sound, turned her face, and saw Ren Ruyi frowning slightly, shaking her head from side to side. This clearly meant that the plan had temporarily failed, and she hadn't successfully gained an opportunity to enter Prince Han's residence! Linglong was also helpless. She had seen the process of the failure; it was because that Marquis of Jining had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. However, there was nothing to be done. Linglong could only sigh and give Ren Ruyi a return glance, indicating that she shouldn't dwell on it and the mission should continue.
"Begin the dance!" At this moment, the voice of the female official from the Bureau of Music sounded, and the dancers once again gracefully danced in the center of the hall. Prince Han was also back in his seat, his eyes fixed on Ren Ruyi's figure, but with a hint of annoyance in his gaze. After all, from his perspective, Ren Ruyi had just stood him up! He had waited in vain in the pavilion for half a day, yet she hadn't even shown up! A dignified noble young master being deceived and played by a mere dancer?! Naturally, he was furious! However, now, at a banquet in someone else's residence, and as a member of the diplomatic mission, no matter how angry he was, he could only temporarily suppress his rage. He only wanted to wait until the banquet was over, return to the guesthouse, and then have a talk with Ren Ruyi! At that time, he would definitely make this woman pay the price for making a fool of him!
Ren Ruyi naturally saw Prince Han's expression and gaze and felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Do you think I didn't want to go? I simply couldn't get away! Otherwise, I would have fooled you, you idiot, completely, sending you straight into the trap! At this moment, she didn't dare to openly use her eyes to tempt Prince Han as she had before, as he was still fuming. Furthermore, with Wei Tingyu by her side, if she exchanged flirtatious glances with Prince Han, and this man became jealous and caused a scene, it would be disastrous. After all, given Wei Tingyu's audacious behavior earlier, Ren Ruyi couldn't guarantee what he might do.
The Wu State official who had been knocked out by Wei Tingyu also walked in at this moment, covering the back of his head with a troubled expression. When he saw the gracefully dancing performers, he was momentarily stunned, and then his expression grew increasingly perplexed. He couldn't remember what had happened earlier; he only vaguely recalled following a dancer's figure and then, when he regained consciousness, he was already lying among the rock formations behind the Yang Residence's courtyard. That spot was also very secluded; if he hadn't woken up, no one would have found him until the banquet ended!
Ren Ruyi felt a moment of tension when she saw this official return, but then she was quickly surprised. It was clear that she also noticed he had lost his memory, and Wei Tingyu's blow had only caused amnesia without injuring him? It had to be said that his control of force was excellent; even she couldn't do that! From this, it seemed that besides his excellent lightness skill, Wei Tingyu's martial arts were also not low, at least not below her own! He might even possess unique secret techniques that Ren Ruyi had never heard of! Thinking this, she occasionally cast glances at Wei Tingyu during the dance, and all she saw was his profound gaze. Once, when their eyes met, he even subtly raised an eyebrow at her, clearly indicating, I saw you looking at me too! This left Ren Ruyi feeling utterly speechless. How could a man with such abilities be such a lecher? Truly, heaven is blind, to bestow such skills upon such a fellow!
Wei Tingyu naturally knew that Ren Ruyi was a steel-willed woman; chasing her directly like this would definitely not work! Instead, it would only make her slip away! And the world was so vast; if she truly slipped away or deliberately avoided him, he would genuinely find it difficult to locate her again! Therefore, Wei Tingyu deliberately put on the appearance of a profligate noble, attempting to let Ren Ruyi slowly get used to his presence.
"Officer Zhao of the Six Gates Bureau of Wu State has arrived!" At this moment, a sudden announcement came from outside the door, and the lively atmosphere in the banquet hall instantly ceased. Ren Ruyi was immediately stunned, then stopped dancing with the other performers and retreated to the side. Prince Han, who had been sulking and drinking because of his annoyance, also involuntarily looked up towards the door, even frowning, indicating considerable reverence for the newcomer. Sun Shiyi, the head of the Wu State delegation, also straightened his body, placing his wine cup on the table in front of him. As for the Yang family members and Wei Tingyu, they all wore expressions of spectating drama, as this person who suddenly appeared at the banquet had no relation to them whatsoever.
Soon, a team of warriors dressed in light purple brocade robes entered from outside, led by a robust man in his thirties. This person was none other than Zhao Ji, the head of the Six Gates Bureau of Wu State! He was also the martial official responsible for escorting the diplomatic mission throughout their journey! The Six Gates Bureau held immense power within Wu State, almost acting as the emperor's right-hand. Therefore, all Wu State officials both feared and dreaded them. Logically, today's banquet was for entertaining the diplomatic mission, and the Six Gates Bureau, responsible for their protection, should have remained at the guesthouse. However, their sudden arrival now surely wasn't to attend the banquet willingly; it was likely a visit with ill intent! Thinking this, the Wu State attendees immediately tensed up. Even Sun Shiyi, the head of the delegation, quickly rose and actively went to greet him.
"Senior Zhao!" Sun Shiyi respectfully bowed to the entering Zhao Ji and said, "What an honor! This humble official failed to welcome you from afar!" Logically speaking, this place was not where the Six Gates Bureau should appear, but Sun Shiyi dared not talk about rules or reason with them. The Yang family members also watched this scene with great surprise. After all, Sun Shiyi was the head of the Wu State delegation; logically, he should be the highest official in the entire delegation! Yet, the person responsible for protection had an even greater official air than he did? Looking at the nervous expressions of the other Wu State officials, it couldn't be faked! So everyone present understood that the Six Gates Bureau probably held more power in the Wu State court than the Imperial City Guard in their own dynasty!
Wei Tingyu, on the other hand, found this quite normal. The smaller the nation and the more internal conflicts it faced, the more frequently rebellions occurred, and thus the tighter the emperor's grip on power became! Therefore, the intelligence and assassination organizations around the emperor also wielded greater power!
"...Shiyi, you're too polite!" Zhao Ji, the head of the Six Gates Bureau, saw Sun Shiyi bow to him. He stood arrogantly in place, not moving a muscle, showing no intention of returning the bow. Instead, he spoke directly. He didn't even use the respectful title "Senior Sun," but called him by his given name, Shiyi! For these officials, this was a blatant insult! Because, apart from elders within the family, outsiders were not supposed to address one by their given name; even close friends only used courtesy names. However, not only did Sun Shiyi not object to this, but the other Wu State officials also remained silent, like cicadas in winter. Seeing this situation, the Yang family naturally didn't meddle; after all, this was entirely their Wu State court's internal affair.
Of course, Yang Xian finally understood why his sister wanted Wei Tingyu to look after their family! Seeing the atmosphere between these Wu State civil and military officials, Yang Xian, the uneducated second-generation noble, could sense that the current atmosphere was very abnormal.
"Brother-in-law..." Yang Xian blinked, then turned his body towards Wei Tingyu and whispered.
"Don't bother!" However, Wei Tingyu gently waved his hand, signaling him not to meddle, as it was their internal affair. Since the Yang family was hosting the envoys, regardless of their civil or military status, they were guests! Hosting a banquet and seeing them off would fulfill the imperial command; other matters had nothing to do with him! This kid, Yang Xian, was very clever. Seeing Wei Tingyu's actions and expression, he immediately understood seven or eight tenths of the situation. At the same time, he winked at his father, who was sitting at the head table looking nervous, signaling him not to worry and to act as he had before. Yang's father's forehead was already beading with sweat, but seeing his son whisper to Wei Tingyu and then give him a reassuring glance, he immediately felt relieved. And this was the first time old man Yang felt that his daughter Yang Yue Niang had benefited from acknowledging Leshan, Lady Li Wu, as a sworn sister, and Wei Tingyu as a sworn brother-in-law.
Indeed, at crucial moments, it was the Marquis of Jining who could handle things! If he had faced all of this alone, he would probably be in a panic by now, completely unsure of what to do! He just didn't know that Wei Tingyu's relationship with the Yang family was more than just a sworn brother-in-law; otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered to attend this gathering!
This Six Gates Bureau was probably used to being arrogant within Wu State. Now, at the Yang Residence, they were equally unrestrained! Zhao Ji didn't even bother to exchange greetings with the host, the Yang family patriarch, let alone look up at him. Instead, he walked directly to the seat where Sun Shiyi had been sitting, then flung his cloak and sat down casually. This was the seat of the head of the Wu State delegation. Zhao Ji's action was nothing more than declaring to Wu State and everyone present that he was the one in charge of this delegation! This action naturally caused a buzz of discussion among the Yang family members. However, the Wu State attendees seemed to be used to it and lowered their heads one after another. Sun Shiyi even stood beside Zhao Ji with a fawning smile. Looking at him, he now seemed like a subordinate!
"Play the music!" Sun Shiyi saw no expression on Zhao Ji's face, so he gave a faint smile and then waved his hand at the dancers below. These dancers were also frightened by the atmosphere at this moment. Now, hearing Sun Shiyi's command, they could only brace themselves and continue to step forward to dance. Ren Ruyi and Linglong exchanged glances and then blended in among them. However, compared to before, the two women were even more cautious now. Both, as assassins of an intelligence organization, instinctively sensed that this suddenly appearing head of the Six Gates Bureau was here to cause trouble! They feared that the rest of the banquet would definitely not pass peacefully! And for assassins with pre-arranged plans like them, the biggest worry was when things didn't go according to the original plan. For example, Wei Tingyu's sudden appearance had directly ruined Ren Ruyi and Linglong's previous schemes, rendering everything useless, and they could only reconsider their long-term strategy.