The competition between Jing Xiran and Pei Yuanxian ultimately drew a close on curtains with Jing Xiran's defeat. He also generously donated a beautiful antique. With the two's participation, the banquet became more lively. Some young ladies and masters who were originally concerned with their families' reputations gradually relaxed and also went up to the stage on after the other. However, rather than being concerned with the outcome of the duel, they were more concerned with displaying their talents and skills to their best potential. Hence, the situation with Shen Liang and the Jiang daughter didn't repeat itself anymore.
Perhaps it was because the Jiang daughter served as a horrendous example of what would ensue, but for the next few hours, no one challenged Shen Liang again. He was also able to relax and gradually escape the gazes of many guests.
"The Young Lady's calligraphy just now was beautiful. The other madames were simply raving about it."
"Isn't that so? Our Young Lady's calligraphy and accounting is simply the best."
"Best? Who are you kidding? Haven't you heard many of them secretly commenting on how the ninth Young Lady's four classic couldn't compare to the fifth Young Master's painting?"
"Lu Zhi, what are you saying?"
"Did I say something wrong? I didn't say the ninth Young Lady's calligraphy was bad. Didn't you see that the fifth Young Lady herself doesn't seem that happy?"
As the banquet was halfway through, it was inevitable that some people would need to handle their physical urgencies. Perhaps it was due to coincidence, and perhaps it was intentional, but Shen Jing and Shen Qiang's maids began to quarrel outside. However, Lu Zhi then walked off triumphantly, and no disturbances was caused. However, Shen Jing's two maids stood there, embarrassed and pitiful.
"Was your family's Young Lady truly not that happy?" a voice of inquiry suddenly sounded.
The two maids turned around and immediately bowed their knees, "Greetings to Young General Ling."
Young General Ling's birth name was Ling Yucheng. He was the eldest son of the General Ling, and had traveled with his father to the borders and through battlefields since a young age. Two years prior, the father-son pair headed to battle and forced the enemies to retreat and pushed their empire's border further outward by several thousand miles outward. Afterwards, he was immediately instated to be a fourth-tier General by the emperor. Such a title couldn't be considered high-ranking, but the man himself was still young and had a promising future ahead of him. But what was even more intriguing was him discarding his title of General and directly enrolling into Tianmen Academy. Since then, he was said to have fallen in love with Shen Jing at first sight, claiming the young lady was both talented and beautiful. Young General Ling became one of Shen Jing's more infamous admirers since.
"En. Was what she said true? Was your family's Young Lady truly upset because of Shen Liang?" Ling Yucheng nodded perfunctorily and gazed at the two maids with his pair of amber, tiger eyes. He originally had no impressions on Shen Liang. At most, he was at most, indifferent towards the name. But since he had made Shen Jing unhappy, then Ling Yuchen couldn't just let it be.
"This..."
The two servants looked at the man as though they were forced into a difficult position. They then lowered their heads unanimously, as if acquiescing.
"Tell your family's Young Master that I will serve justice for her," seeing this, Ling Yucheng stroded back to the main hall. What he remained oblivious to was the two maids' meaningful glances that the two of them shared with one another.
"Young Miss, everything has already been planned," once returning, one of the two young maids whispered in Shen Jing's ear.
"En," Shen Jing nodded her head and reached for a teacup to cover over the smile toying with her lips. Yes, everything was deliberately schemed by her, including having her two maids praise her skills before Lu Zhi and provoking her target. Shen Qiang had always been an arrogant girl, and had always looked down on her and Shen Qiao. Her maids naturally inherited her temper and character. They wouldn't stand by and see Shen Jing in the limelight more so than Shen Qiang. Looking at the people present, the only person who can be brought out to provoke them would inevitably be Shen Liang.
If planned and lured to say the right things at the right time, then Lu Zhi's actions and words were simply too predictable. Ling Yucheng had always admired her. He was also willing to do many things in order to make her happy. At such an important occasion, how could he allow Shen liang to steal Shen Jing's limelight?
"The banquet is reaching an end. Liangliang, could I pay a visit to the Marquis Donglin Manor in the future to find you?" concurrently, there were two young ladies on stage competing in a game. Xaing Zhuo wasn't interested and directly started chatting with Shen Liang.
With his initiation, the others at the table also glanced over in unison. They had all developed a good impression of Shen Liang and hoped to be able to interact with him more in the future as well.
"Perhaps it'll be better to reconsider. I'm not afraid of being laughed at by you, but the courtyard I live in is far from the main courtyard. There are only three rooms available for residing and simply no guest rooms to allow your stay. If I were to greet you at the front gate with the status of the heir of the Marquis Donglin Manor, I'm afraid Shen Xiao and Shen Qiang will definitely make their presence aware as well. Perhaps they might even invite the elders over. Don't mention you, even I would find myself uncomfortable then."
Shen Liang swept his gaze over the group and shook his head helplessly. Afterwards, he was greeted by their disappointed expressions. Hence, he then added with a smile: "Why the look? Even if I can't entertain any of you as guests, can't you entertain me as your guest? As long as you extend me an invitation, I will definitely answer to it. Besides, once spring break reaches its end, I will be reporting to Tianmen Academy as well."
"You have to keep your word! If I write you an invitation, you can't refuse," Xiang Zhuo and the group's disappointed expressions dissipated immediately. The group of young Gers all smiled with brilliance and sincerity. No matter their status, at present, they were only a group of friends.
"Yes, yes, yes. The second Young Master Xiang ahs already decreed his orders. Where do I find the audacity to refuse?" Shen Liang also had the intentions to befriend them. Before these youths, he felt nostalgic and felt as though he had returned to his teenage self.
"Look, Young General Ling has gone up stage," amidst their discussions, Yang Tianyu swept a casual glance on stage and hurriedly called on the rest for their attention.
Young General Ling?
Shen Liang arched an eyebrow. He was actually quite familiar with the man. However, the other party was not familiar with him. In his previous life, when he suffered from abuse at Tianmen Academy, despite being Shen Jing's more fervent admirers, the young man never raised a hand against Shen Liang. He simply didn't pay Shen Liang any attention. Shen Liang was familiar with him because the man's cousin was the concubine of the fourth prince, and as the fourth prince's concubine himself, the two of them had a lot of contact with each other.
Ling Yucheng was a rather impulsive and confident man. He came from a family of warriors and was a good warrior himself. Unfortunately, he too, died too young. His death was even more aggrieved than Pei Yuanxian and Elder Brother. At least the latter two died on the battlefield and fulfilled their duty and prestige appropriate for the youths from generations of famous generals. But Ling Yucheng, he died for Shen Jing. It was a shame that even when he died, he never realized that he was simply used by Shen Jing. As for Shen Jing herself, what she wanted could never be satisfied by the simple title of a general's wife.
"I never thought that Young General Ling would also join in on the fun. I wonder who you wish to challenge?" the crowd's impression of Ling Yucheng had always been favorable. In addition, his cousin was the third prince's concubine. He could be considered a distant relative of the Imperial Family. As such, the Duke of Duanjun's tone was particularly amicable and enthusiastic.
"Marquis Donglin Manor's Shen Liang!" as his words fell, the audience fell silent. Everyone looked at him in disbelief as the match between the Jiang daughter and Shen Liang was still fresh and vivid in their mind. Shen Liang had also made clear that he wasn't talented in any one of the four classics. Challenging him was synonymous to blatantly bullying him. How could Ling Yuxheng, who always had a good reputation be so irrational?"
"Me?" Shen Liang himself was stunned. Xiang Zhuo and the others who shared the same table as him became worried and concerned again. They couldn't understand how this came to be.
"Shen Liang sure is a popular bread everyone wants to take a bite out of," the first prince who rarely spoke then stated meaningfully. The other Imperial Princes were also amused. The third prince and his wife sat together and also shared a perplexed expression, one was chubby and had a carefree heart who simply couldn't understand the situation at all while the other looked at his cousin in confusion. The eldest prince was right. Shen Liang sure was a fragrant bun, and there were many who coveted him. But he could also see clearly that Shen Liang was a fragrant bun who had stuffings of poison.
"Is Young General Ling sure he wants to challenge Shen Liang," Duke Duanjun's brows furrowed as he couldn't help but inquire again.
"Positive, can I not?" nodding his head, Ling Yucheng retorted back. His gaze swept through the crowd, landing first on Shen Jing who was gazing back at him. He threw her a smile before turning his gaze onto Shen Liang.
Although Shen Liang didn't move, Ling Yucheng's every move fell into his sight. When he looked at Shen Jing's direction, he had more or less garnered an understanding of what had occurred. This Ling Yucheng was being used by others and remain completely oblivious to everything. The man's death in his previous life couldn't be said to be completely unjustified.
"Liangliang!" seeing him stand up, Xiang Zhuo held onto him with worry. Ling Yucheng was different from the Jiang daughter. He was a warrior and the competition genre he chose would undoubtedly fall under martial arts foundations. Just looking at Shen Liang's petite figure, wouldn't he simply be tossed around and abused if he headed up there?
"It's alright. Young General Ling only wants to play around a bit. He won't truly harm me," Shen Liang gently pried his hands off as he gave them a comforting look. He then headed back onto the venue under the scrutinizing gazes of the audience.
"Hey, are you worried," at the seats near the front, Jing Xiran flexed his arms and approached Pei Yuanxian. He asked in a low voice against Pei Yuanxian's ears.
"Since he himself dares to head up stage, then what does this lord have to concern himself with?" Pei Yuanxian was leaning in his chair and held a pot of wine in his hands. His eyes narrowed slightly. Wasn't it just a duel? With him here. Ling Yucheng had no chance of harming him. In contrast, he was curious on how many surprised Liangliang would show him.
"Look at you. Say, have you truly settled on him?" Jing Xiran had never seen him so interested in another person before. He couldn't help but gossip. Considering Shen Liang's status, it was more than sufficient to be Yuanxian's match, but for them to marry, it would not be an easy feat. Haven't they seen the Imperial Princes' hungry eyes that stared at Shen Liang like tigers at a prey?
"En?" hearing him, Pei Yuanxian slightly retracted his gaze to land it on Jing Xiran. He then soon regained his nonchalant posture: "Can't be said on having settled on him. But if someone is to become my wife, then that person can't be anyone else but Shen Liang."
Pei Yuanxian carried too many responsibilities and burdens. Before he met Shen Liang, he had never thought of marrying a wife and having children. But if he truly was to marry someone one day in the future, then the bride has to be Shen Liang. It was impossible for his wife to be anyone else.
"Isn't that synonymous to having settled on him?" Jing Xiran rolled his eyes helplessly. However, he was also sincerely happy for his friend for having found his other half.
"You don't understand. Liangliang is different."
He was special. Other than him, no one would understand.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I completely understand."
They haven't even had their fates read and was already showing off their affection before him. Jing Xiran felt speechless and decided to simply ignore Pei Yuanxian.
"What does Young General Ling wish to compete in?" standing before Ling Yucheng, Shen Liang still maintained his calm and indulgent look. It was as he was confident in a victory. his determination at such a young age garnered the approval of many elders present. They were seen nodding their head in approval and the Imperial Princes' interest in him increased as well.
"Puhu is a women's game. Why don't we change the game? How about archery?"
Seeing the servants cleaning up after the previous compeition of puhu, Lin Yucheng then looked up at Shen Liang. Honestly speaking, the boy had impressed him as well. He actually dare to step up and stand before him now despite not being talented in anything. But it was a pity that he had made Shen Jing unhappy. Otherwise, Ling Yucheng also didn't wish to force a confrontation on Shen Liang.
Archery?
As his words fell, the audience felt stupified. Young General Ling was a young general. His archery was at a skill inconceivable by the likes of them. In contrast, Shen Liang probably couldn't even draw a bow. This wasn't bullying the other party. He was simply going after his life!
"Alright!"
What?!
Shen Liang's response shocked everyone present. Was he crazy? Even if he was ignorant and didn't know who Ling Yucheng was, shouldn't he have a good understanding on his own capabilities? How could he agree to Ling Yucheng's proposal so hastily? Or perhaps had they underestimated Shen Liang? Did he actually excel in martial arts and had simply been hiding that fact from everyone?