Jun You Ji Fou

Chapter 66

As the sun set and the moon rose, the time for the evening banquet arrived in the blink of an eye. Officials from various counties arrived one after another, their carriages crowding the streets outside the gates. The courtyard was ablaze with lights, and the county magistrate's mansion was bustling with activity. Even the chill of early autumn was dispelled by the rich aroma of wine.

Looking around the courtyard, most of the guests had already arrived. Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu had just taken their seats at the main table when a man approached with a wine jug in hand, eager to serve. "Lord Chu, Lord Su, please allow me to offer my respects," he said.

The man was the magistrate of Huainan Hengshan County, whom Su Shiyu recognized. He replied with a smile, "Master Shen, it's been a while."

"Yes, indeed, it has been a while." Master Shen smiled as he poured a full cup for Su Shiyu. "Since we rarely meet, and the banquet hasn't officially started, let me offer you a toast first!"

Chu Mingyun couldn't help but give him a closer look upon hearing this. Since they were aware of Han Zhongwen's schemes, they naturally wouldn't touch the food and drink at this banquet. However, they hadn't expected that Liang Jin had just spiked the wine. And now, another toast was being offered. As expected, Su Shiyu smiled and politely declined, "It's indeed rare for us to meet, but tonight's gathering is for important matters. I'll refrain from drinking."

"Just one cup won't hurt," Master Shen insisted, handing over the wine cup. "Look, I've poured it for you already. It won't hurt to have just one."

"Master Shen, there's no need to be so courteous. You can drink this cup yourself, consider it my toast to you," Su Shiyu replied gently.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Master Shen held up the cup. "Is it that you truly don't want to drink, or is it because of my humble status that you're unwilling to accept the wine I poured?"

"How could it be..."

Su Shiyu solemnly averted his gaze. Fortunately, Master Shen didn't delve into the implications of Chu Mingyun's words. Instead, he turned to him and asked, "Lord Chu, would you honor me with a toast?"

Chu Mingyun raised an eyebrow slightly, not answering directly but posing a question in return, "If I drink this cup, will you leave?"

Master Shen chuckled awkwardly and offered the wine cup, "Just a token of respect, a sip of wine."

Before Su Shiyu could intervene, Chu Mingyun took the wine and downed it in one gulp, then casually tossed the jade cup back to him, accompanied by an impatient look. Sensing the situation, Master Shen tactfully excused himself and went on to toast the magistrates of Yuzhang and Lushan.

Su Shiyu was momentarily surprised, then took out a small white jade bottle from his sleeve and poured out a few pills into his palm. "These are antidote pills given to me by Bai Yu. They can counteract most poisons. Take one first, and then I'll check your pulse."

Chu Mingyun remained silent, pressing Su Shiyu's hand and shaking his head.

"What's wrong?" Su Shiyu looked at him.

Chu Mingyun turned to the side, twisted his head back, and spat out the wine.

Su Shiyu: "..."

Chu Mingyun turned back, wiping the corner of his lips with his hand. "Why are you looking at me like that? Couldn't resist wanting to kiss me?"

"...What do you think?"

As the gathering settled in and everyone took their seats, the courtyard gradually quieted down. Han Zhongwen, scanning the assembly, rose from his seat and addressed the group, "I trust my esteemed colleagues are well aware of the recent events in Huainan and the intentions of the Grand Marshal and the Imperial Censor. Tonight, on behalf of Huainan, I extend our gratitude to these distinguished gentlemen, and I thank all of you for joining us."