Noble's Woman Guide

Chapter 45 - Confrontation

They finally arrived at the capital of Jingzhou, Jinguan City on the first day of winter.

The north has started snowing in November where it's damp and cold. Jinguan City is located where the mountains converge and is shrouded by cold air all year long which is three times colder than other places. Thus, Chu Jinglan's old illness recurs after they arrived not too long later, but since he has penetrated into the enemy camp, he can't take care of it as there are more important things to do.

The big ceremony that King Qiyang put forth when they first arrived was perhaps more extravagant than the arrival of the Emperor with ten miles of ceremonial banners, hundreds paces of red silk, in addition to the endless stream of flowers and fireworks, which was just for superficial appearance. When he personally sent them to the residence, he also enthusiastically invited Chu Jinglan to attend the evening reception banquet. Those who didn't know the inside story would have thought that a powerful and influential official had come for him to rack his brain just to please him.

The comments of others would not be mentioned for the time being, yet the banquet would still need their attendance. After all, Deng Tinguan's play has just begun and it's not good for Chu Jinglan to ruin his show after just arriving here. Not to mention the fact that some things can only be revealed after a long time, so there is no harm for him to first pretend with politeness and compliance.

But what surprised Chu Jinglan was Ye Huaiyang took the initiative to make clear that she didn't want to go. One must know that since his hand was injured, she has become a clingy imp and has been observing his diet, work and rest every day, even almost following when he showers, saying he won't be able to take care of himself, so today is rather unusual.

Chu Jinglan naturally wouldn't think that she would stay in the residence obediently, so he asked bluntly, "It's late, where else are you leaping to?"

"There's really no way to hide anything from you." Ye Huaiyang curled her lips and confessed earnestly, "Ye family also has the farmland business in Jinguan City, so I'll meet the steward-in-charge to learn more about the situation here."

"Take the shadow guard with you." Chu Jinglan dropped these words before he went to change his clothes. Ye Huaiyang was stunned and hummed softly afterwards, her face gleamed like the luster gems.

Both of them went out together at the hour of youshi (5pm-7pm), where one headed towards Qiyang mansion and the other to the Ye family's private bank.

As the most magnificent mansion in Jinguan City, those who had been there had complimented it as - indescribably luxurious, but when Chu Jinglan and Pei Yuanshu stepped through the gates, all they saw was the most ordinary sight, as if traces of those had deliberately been erased.

The banquet was held in the front hall where dozens of tables were laid out lavishly and those sitting at the banquet were all notable officials from Jingzhou. Chu Jinglan walked into the hall with his head high when King Qiyang hastily stepped down to greet him.

"Minister Deng Tianguan pays respect to Wangye."

Those people around followed with their heads bowed and shouted - Your Highness. Chu Jinglan faintly voiced out to forgo the formalities and took his seat. Pei Yuanshu followed in wake and sat at the bottom left seat. The moment the singing and dancing began, maids entered in files with the dishes and the reception banquet officially began.

It was inevitable to drink a cup of wine to warm one up while dealing with many matters in this freezing north and entertaining a guest in the banquet was no exception. Before the performance barely began, Deng Tianguan held up a cup of wine to toast Chu Jinglan with a respectful bearing, as if holding a deep admiration for a long time.