Shen Liang unexpectedly heard a trace of concern laced in Pei Yuanxian's warning. He was also aware of what Pei Yuanxian was alluding to when he said there were some matters Shen Liang couldn't handle as of now. But Shen Liang could only smile bluntly, "There's some matters that I can't avoid just because I want to. Since the lord has arranged people to 'protect' me, then you must be aware of many matters concerning me. If I don't fight back, it's not only my life that would be hanging on the thread, but all the people I care, and love could potentially suffer and die due to my incompetence and weakness."
His previous life was the best bloody example. Shen Liang did not dare to relax for even the slightest bit.
"What entanglement do you harbor with the Imperial Family?" Pei Yuanxian asked with a concentrated voice. He observed Shen Liang's aloof side profile. Pei Yuanxian wasn't one to meddle in other people's business but when concerning Shen Liang, an impulse coursed through him to care to the end.
"If I say a blood feud, would you believe me?" not knowing whether it was because their topic was too sensitive, rare desolation emerged in Shen Liang's gaze. Intense pain gnawed at his heart, reminding him of his stupidity and how despicable a person Qin Yunshen was in his previous life.
"Believe."
"Huh?" as though he didn't hear clearly, Shen Liang felt momentarily stunned.
Pei Yuanxian reached out to pat his head: "I said I believe you. Someone without a unique and special past wouldn't be as murderous and unhesitating as you are. Do you know what you're like? Just like the cheetah this lord raises at home. Next time, this lord will bring him to let you meet."
"...Should I be honored?" It was evident Shen Liang did not expect Pei Yuanxian's response. His voice could not help but constrict and choke as he attempted to cover up the cracked wall in his heart.
"Of course, it must be, alright? Who in this world doesn't know that this lord enjoys raising beasts? To compare you to the cheetah this lord raised is already very flattering."
Alright. Being the lord gives him the right to be arrogant. Shen Liang swept his former unnaturalness aside and rolled his eyes. He then smiled weakly, "Then I should really thank you."
"Haha...." Pei Yuanxian burst into laughter. Every time he chatted with Shen Liang, he found himself in a good mood. If it weren't for.... him sincerely wanting to marry the boy back home.
"I thank the lord for your advice but I'm not a fool. I'm aware of what should be said and what shouldn't be said." Shen Liang finally withdrew his smile and said solemnly.
"En. This lord is aware that you have your own sense of propriety. But what needs to be reminded still has to be delivered. As for this matter with Xiran, this lord will owe you one. Liangliang, do you have any interest in working with this lord?" as their topic moved to business, Pei Yuanxian's smile also subsided.
Although he was unaware of Shen Liang's channel of information, reality have proven that his information was accurate. But at the end of the day, Shen Liang was still a Ger and his current identity was very awkward. Often times it was inconvenient for Shen Liang to show his face. But if the two of them cooperated, then perhaps it would be a win-win situation. After all, they both shared a common enemy, don't they?
"Cooperate?" Shen Liang frowned imperceptibly. He closed his eyes and fell into deep thought. If he could cooperate with Pei Yuanxian, then it would indeed save him a lot of trouble. But the question was can Pei Yuanxian be trusted? There were some matters that could be left to him, but there were others that... he could not be faulted to be so cautious. He had been easy to trust others in his previous life, and that had only led to his and his loved ones' miserable ends. Life couldn't be repeated over and over again. He had to watch his every step carefully.
How shrewd was Pei Yuanxian?
This man saw through Shen Liang's deliberation with one glance. His phoenix eyes flickered and after a while, stated, "You don't have to be in any hurry to give a response. Think about it carefully. I heard the Elder Princess's banquet that will be held in two days will be able to welcome your presence?"
"En? Since you already know, then what's the use in asking me?" Shen Liang reacted and retorted back. His tone couldn't be considered polite. Shen Liang felt transparent before Pei Yuanxian. Couldn't the man allow him some privacy?
"Haha... you white-eyes wolf. This lord already said I'll protect you." Others would be nothing more than gratified and delighted to garner his protection but this little one actually faced him with an expression filled with disdain.
"Has the lord also received an invitation?" Shen Liang didn't want to be entangled on this issue with Pei Yuanxian and decisively changed the subject.
"En, The Elder Princess Yuehua can be considered this lord's aunt. Do you think it's possible for this lord to not receive an invite?" Back then, in order to garner control over the late Dule of Qingping, the former emperor suggested his daughter to be wed to the duke. However, he was reluctant to part with his beloved princess and instead, gave away another princess birthed from a lowly maid. Who would've expected that when the parties married, the newlyweds were deeply affectionate, and the princess completely ignored the underlying orders and motives the emperor had originally sent her to keep and mind and do. This made the emperor not only lose forces but also the benefits. However, regardless of whether the princess was doted on or not in the palace, it is irrefutable that Pei Yuanxian's mother was sisters with the Elder Princess Yuehua.
"Even if you aren't the Elder Princess's nephew, you would still receive an invite."
"Oh?" Pei Yuanxian arched an eyebrow.
Shen Liang blinked and said in a rare, mischievous tone, "What the Duke of Qingping doesn't lack the most would be money, wouldn't it be?"
For banquets such as these that were held with the purpose to raise funds, how could the Duke of Qingping be neglected and excluded from the invite list?
"Haha...." Pei Yuanxian immediately understood and laughed out loud. This little one actually dared to joke with him. It was a good sign.