Chapter 72

Following the large group from the Shangguan residence, they entered the Zhang residence, where a vast courtyard came into view...

Rumors had it that the Zhang residence was the former mansion of the imperial advisor from the previous dynasty, covering nearly a hundred acres, so large that it was unimaginable. After the current emperor seized the throne, he bestowed the mansion to his elder sister, Princess Zhou Yunyun, who was also the wife of Zhang Changling, and the mansion was renamed as the Zhang residence.

Upon entering the courtyard, sixteen large blue-and-white porcelain pots, each made in ancient kilns, were neatly arranged on both sides of the entrance path, each containing a bao yun locust tree, lush and vibrant.

The path underfoot was paved with polished marble, the stones of various colors and patterns seamlessly laid together, stretching all the way to the main hall.

On both sides were gardens, planted with orchids, chrysanthemums, osmanthus, and plum blossoms, their fragrances filling the air, making the front courtyard a delightful place.

Several maids were moving through the flower beds, each holding a bouquet of bright flowers, constantly sending them through the moon gates to the main hall inside for the guests.

The main hall was adorned with carved dragons and phoenixes, tigers roaring and dragons soaring, a grandeur that only the imperial family could possess. The flying dragons, singing phoenixes, and roaring tigers were so lifelike that they seemed to be alive, leaving one in awe.

As Shangguan Lingyun put it, this was still the result of Zhang Changling's integrity, who had only made minor repairs to the original layout of the former imperial advisor's mansion. If it were rebuilt, it would have cost a fortune.

And this was just the front courtyard. After passing through the main hall and entering the inner residence, Feng Jueyu realized what luxury truly meant. Pavilions, water features, carved beams, and painted rafters, artificial hills, and exquisite pavilions, along with green willows and lotus ponds, were all perfectly arranged. The side corridors, designed with exquisite feng shui, connected the entire Zhang residence, allowing one to easily reach any scenic spot.

At this moment, the Zhang residence was already crowded with people. Outside, servants were lining up to present gifts, while the masters had arrived early, meeting and chatting with each other, greeting friends, and the mansion was bustling with noise, no less lively than the market square in Xilin. Everyone was dressed in luxurious and elegant attire, and it seemed that all the notable figures from the south had gathered here...

"Old Shangguan, hah, I knew you'd be late. I've saved a seat for you, come and have a few drinks with me."

As Shangguan Lingyun was walking forward, Mu Hongtu's loud voice echoed from not far ahead. Then, a robust old man, no less imposing than Shangguan Lingyun, strode over, his steps causing the ground to tremble.

Feng Jueyu had met Mu Hongtu once before and was not unfamiliar with him. He had also heard that Mu Hongtu had a lifetime of military service and was the most loyal of the seven kings of the south to the current emperor, Zhou Renguang. For decades, he had protected the south without a single complaint. His son, Mu Zhonghun, was a general in the current court and the commander of the western border, while his grandson, Mu Qianjun, was even more familiar to Feng Jueyu. In short, this family was known for their straightforward and fiery temperaments, all iron-blooded soldiers.

Now that Mu Hongtu was old and no longer needed to lead campaigns, he stayed in the capital of the south, partly to enjoy his retirement and partly to deter any troublemakers in the court from acting rashly.

Feng Jueyu also knew that Mu Hongtu and Shangguan Lingyun were close friends, a friendship that had lasted for a thousand years. Despite the two old men often bickering, their bond was very strong. This was one of the main reasons why Shangguan Lingyun, who held no official position in the capital, dared to defy the emperor's edict. His relationship with Mu Hongtu and Zhou Renguang was extraordinary.

"Damn, don't you have any wine at home? You always come so early every year. You don't feel embarrassed, but I do," Shangguan Lingyun scolded with a smile.

Then he turned to Feng Jueyu and Shangguan Ruomeng, "You two go play. Grandpa will go have a few drinks with that old man..."

This birthday celebration was like a gathering, where the old found the old, and the young found the young. As long as the young didn't cause too much trouble, the old wouldn't interfere.

Shangguan Tengfeng and Shangguan Liuyun had already left the Shangguan group to chat with their friends. Mu Hongtu strode over, his gaze lingering on Feng Jueyu for a moment before he laughed heartily and patted Feng Jueyu's shoulder, "Hah, good boy, you even risked your life to save someone. You have guts, I admire you..."

Everyone knew that Mu Hongtu was referring to Feng Jueyu's act of using himself as bait to save Shangguan Ruofan. However, to outsiders, Feng Jueyu was just a lazy and spoiled young man, slightly more timid than others, mainly because he was not a legitimate son of the Shangguan family. Therefore, Feng Jueyu could not use his martial arts to resist Mu Hongtu's pat.

Physically, Feng Jueyu was no match for Mu Hongtu. The pat on his shoulder felt like a thousand-pound weight, and he couldn't help but stagger.

"Senior, you flatter me. It's what I should do..." Feng Jueyu rubbed his shoulder, not faking it. Mu Hongtu's grip was indeed very strong, and he suspected that Mu Hongtu had reached the Heavenly Martial Realm, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to make the King of Assassins stagger with just one pat.

"Damn, can't you be gentler? Can Little Yu's body take that?" Before Feng Jueyu could say anything, Shangguan Lingyun was already angry, ignoring the strange looks from the surrounding people and starting to scold.

Everyone smiled inwardly, knowing that these two old men had been bickering for a lifetime and probably wouldn't feel comfortable without a few words.

Mu Hongtu glared, "Damn, you old man, I didn't hit your son, why are you shouting?"

"You hit my grandson. A grandson is still a grandson. If you dare to bully Little Yu, I won't give you any face, even if you're the Heavenly King."

His voice was so loud that it echoed throughout the Zhang residence, and some experienced officials immediately understood that this was a warning to everyone not to underestimate Feng Jueyu and to recognize his status in the Shangguan family.

Shangguan Ruomeng had been silent all along, covering her mouth and laughing. Clearly, the two had already discussed this before coming. The events of the previous night were not enough; today, the old man was planning to make a statement.

"Damn, I won't give you any wine then." Mu Hongtu, understanding Shangguan Lingyun's intentions, continued the act.

"You dare, I'll take you down today..." Shangguan Lingyun laughed and winked at Feng Jueyu and Shangguan Ruomeng before chasing after Mu Hongtu.

There was still some time before the birthday celebration began. Shangguan Ruomeng took Feng Jueyu on a tour of the Zhang residence, introducing him to everyone they met. Some were old acquaintances, and they chatted for a while before parting. Others were strangers, and the introductions were more detailed. After a while, Feng Jueyu felt overwhelmed and wished he could find Shangguan Ruofan to teach him swordsmanship instead. This was too exhausting.

However, Shangguan Ruofan had his own circle of friends and had run off without saying a word when they entered the residence. Shangguan Ruowen and Shangguan Ruowu, on the other hand, were afraid to associate with Xu Zixiong and had gone to chat with a few other young masters from noble families.

At this moment, a woman approached from a distance. She was tall and graceful, with skin as smooth as snow, lips as red as vermilion, a slender waist that swayed like a willow in the wind, and a figure that was flawless. Her demeanor was elegant and dignified, and she wore a dark green silk robe that tightly hugged her slender waist, with a large bow made of golden silk at the waist. Her hair was adorned with a jade phoenix hairpin, making her look youthful and charming...

The woman gracefully walked through the corridor, nodding to the people around her, and soon reached the two of them. She bent her slender waist slightly, performed a graceful bow, and then straightened up, her chest rising slightly. Although not as grand as Shangguan Ruomeng's, her figure was still very appealing.

"Big Sister Shangguan, Ruyu greets you."

Shangguan Ruomeng had seen the woman and, after she finished her greeting, quickly approached her, warmly taking her hand, "Sister Ruyu, it's been a while, you look even more beautiful."

The woman's cheeks turned slightly red, and she humbly replied, "How can I compare to Big Sister? You are a heroine among women, with a beauty that makes you the first beauty of the south."

The woman's smile was like plum blossoms blooming in winter, her face a delicate pink, and even the well-traveled Feng Jueyu was momentarily stunned, admiring her beauty.

Since his arrival in this world, Feng Jueyu had seen many beautiful women. Shangguan Ruomeng was elegant, Li Tong'er was cute, but this woman was different. She had an extraordinary aura, as if she exuded a unique fragrance of ink and poetry. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her demeanor gave Feng Jueyu the impression of a well-bred lady...

Shangguan Ruomeng was also a well-bred lady, but compared to this woman, she lacked a certain reserve and grace. In the past, if Feng Jueyu had not misunderstood, this woman would be considered a well-educated and well-mannered young lady who rarely left her home...

The woman's gaze turned to Feng Jueyu, and she asked naturally, "Big Sister, is this Brother Feng?"

Shangguan Ruomeng nodded and introduced Feng Jueyu, "Yes, Brother Feng, this is the first beauty and talent of the south, the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, Miss Sima Ruyu, and also my close friend. Do you remember?"

Feng Jueyu couldn't remember, and even if he had met her before, it would have been when they were children. However, he had heard the name Sima Ruyu many times. On the shore of Xilin Lake, when the flower boat passed, the cheers for Xi Ruiyun and Sima Ruyu were the loudest, making them the best pair of talents in the south...

At this moment, Feng Jueyu also bowed and greeted her, "Miss Sima, I have heard much about you, and your reputation is well-deserved. It's a great honor to meet you..."