Chapter 80

As Feng Jueyu and Zhang Changling chatted away, the officials and dignitaries present were left in a lurch. However, at this moment, everyone was speculating about the relationship between the two, and no one noticed the awkwardness, nor did they feel annoyed. After all, everyone had come to celebrate Zhang Changling's birthday out of respect for him, and they couldn't be left hanging indefinitely.

Princess Zhou Yunyun smiled slightly and interrupted Feng Jueyu and Zhang Changling, "Sir, it's about time. We can start now."

Zhang Changling came to his senses at the sound of her voice, apologized, and said, "Oh, my mind is so scattered. I'm sorry, everyone. I've been talking with Young Master Feng, and I got carried away. Please don't be offended."

The Grand Marshal of the court, Zhang Changling, showed no airs. Even though it was just a formality, Feng Jueyu couldn't help but secretly give him a thumbs up.

After Zhang Changling bowed and apologized, everyone laughed and replied, "No, no," one of them added, "I didn't expect Young Master Feng and Lord Zhang to be such close friends. Truly, the young generation is promising..."

"Yes, Young Master Feng, Lord Zhang is the foremost literary figure in our court. We all address him as 'Sir.' To gain his favor is something we can only envy."

"Lord, you are too kind..." Feng Jueyu hurriedly replied with a bow.

It was clear that these people, seeing Feng Jueyu's close relationship with Zhang Changling, were trying to curry favor and build connections.

Feng Jueyu handled the situation with composure, neither humble nor arrogant, neither proud nor impatient. Everyone was pleased, and the atmosphere of the birthday celebration improved. The previous awkwardness involving Xi Ruiyun, Ma Yuanru, and others was forgotten.

Zhang Changling cleared his throat and said with a smile, "Lords, I have prepared some light wine. Please move to the inner hall."

"Lord Zhang, please..."

"Princess, please..."

"Young Master Feng, please..."

"Everyone, please..."

Feng Jueyu exchanged pleasantries all around. He relied on the social skills and keen observations he had learned in his previous life to handle the situation flawlessly. In the end, as the group moved towards the inner hall, Feng Jueyu walked alongside Zhang Changling and Princess Zhou Yunyun, with no distinction in their positions.

Of course, he subtly gave Shangguan Ruomeng a nod. No matter what, Shangguan Ruomeng was his intended wife. Having her by his side was a sign of respect to Zhang Changling and a way to fulfill his promise to Shangguan Lingyun.

Shangguan Lingyun smiled with approval and followed Mu Hongtu, not at all bothered by Zhang Changling's neglect.

Mu Hongtu glanced at Shangguan Lingyun and sniffed, "Old bastard, are you satisfied now? With Zhang Changling's protection, no one will dare to make things difficult for him."

"That's because I have a keen eye and found a good match for the girl."

"Keen my ass. Who was complaining three years ago about bringing back a troublemaker?"

"Damn, can't you let it go?"

Mu Hongtu: "..."

The four of them led the way, followed by numerous officials and dignitaries. No one dared to feel dissatisfied. Everyone understood that among all the guests, Feng Jueyu seemed to be the most favored by Zhang Changling, as evidenced by their ongoing conversation.

"Lord Zhang... uh, you're not used to it, so I'll call you Old Zhang. By the way, why isn't Old Zhou here?"

"His health is poor. He probably won't be able to make it today."

"Lord Zhang, you are such a high-ranking official, and the Princess is your wife. Will the Emperor come today?"

"The Emperor has many responsibilities. He won't come here."

"Oh, what a pity. I've never seen the Emperor before."

"Ha ha..."

Zhang Changling and Princess Zhou Yunyun were amused by Feng Jueyu's words. This young man seemed very sharp, yet he said such silly things so directly. Was he fearless because he didn't know any better, or was he just naive?

Could the Emperor casually attend a birthday celebration at an official's residence? That would be a loss of dignity.

Actually, Feng Jueyu wasn't ignorant. He just wanted to see what the Emperor looked like out of curiosity.

After a few casual exchanges, the officials and dignitaries took their seats. Shangguan Family had their own designated seats, but Zhang Changling insisted on having Feng Jueyu sit next to him, leaving Feng Jueyu unsure where to sit. The dignitaries whispered among themselves, discussing how to build a good relationship with Feng Jueyu.

Zhang Changling, with a transparent mind, smiled and gestured for Feng Jueyu to sit down. Zhou Yunyun, on the other hand, warmly engaged Shangguan Ruomeng in a heartfelt conversation.

Feng Jueyu understood that Zhou Yunyun's lowering of her status was entirely out of respect for her husband. Otherwise, even if Shangguan Lingyun were present, she wouldn't have invited him to sit.

After all, different paths lead to different destinations. Despite their similar status, Zhang Changling and Shangguan Lingyun, as well as Mu Hongtu, had little in common. One was a literary figure, and the other was a military man, with no real connection between them.

Shangguan Ruomeng was flattered and followed Feng Jueyu to sit down, solidifying her role as a wife in the eyes of the others.

However, Shangguan Ruomeng felt a bit uneasy, like a rabbit in her chest. Looking around, she saw the Minister of Revenue, the Vice Minister of Rites, a few old scholars from the Wenyuan Pavilion, and representatives of the literary world. Her heart raced.

She sneaked a glance at Feng Jueyu, who was chatting smoothly with everyone, showing no signs of discomfort or awkwardness. She wondered where he had developed such courage and composure. If it were anyone else, they would have been sweating bullets.

Amidst her curiosity, there was a hint of sweetness and a sense of pride. Even the strongest woman needs someone to rely on, someone who is brave and capable, who can protect her and be considerate. Feng Jueyu fit both criteria.

In recent days, Shangguan Ruomeng had come to realize that Feng Jueyu was observant and thorough, from their boat ride to his care in making sure she took her medicine. His concern for her was evident.

Today, Feng Jueyu not only won the admiration of the entire court with his exceptional sketch, but Zhang Changling also showed him great favor.

Combined with Feng Jueyu's handsome appearance, his noble and impressive demeanor, he was the perfect embodiment of the ideal man in the eyes of any graceful lady.

Such an excellent man, her grandfather hadn't chosen wrong. Why hadn't she noticed before?

Shangguan Ruomeng's mind was a mess, filled with thoughts of Feng Jueyu. She was completely captivated...

The banquet began, and the officials and dignitaries drank heartily. Many came to Zhang Changling's table to offer toasts, saying things like "blessings as deep as the sea," "longevity as high as the mountains," and "longevity like the crane and the pine."

They also surrounded Feng Jueyu, praising him to the skies. Feng Jueyu handled the situation flawlessly, but it was exhausting. His relationship with Zhang Changling and his experience as a playboy in Tian Nan City for nearly a decade helped him avoid suspicion. Perhaps everyone knew he had a head injury and assumed he had regained his wits, so they didn't pay much attention.

Feng Jueyu was drenched in sweat and exhausted, vowing never to attend such an event again, even if a gun was pointed at his head.

Fortunately, after the painting competition, Xu Zixiong and others didn't have the nerve to challenge Feng Jueyu with poetry or literature.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses, the birthday celebration was over.

As the officials and dignitaries of Tian Nan City left, the Zhang residence returned to its usual tranquility.

Feng Jueyu had planned to leave, but Zhang Changling insisted on talking to him. After seeing off the guests, they walked to the back garden, where Zhang Changling's bedroom and study were located.

Shangguan Ruomeng stayed behind because she had something to ask, while Shangguan Lingyun and Mu Hongtu had already moved to another place to continue drinking...

In the pavilion of the back garden, tea to sober up and various pastries were already prepared. The four people in the pavilion were Zhang Changling, Princess Zhou Yunyun, Feng Jueyu, and Shangguan Ruomeng...

After sitting in the pavilion for a while, Zhou Yunyun claimed she was not feeling well and went to rest, leaving the three of them alone. Two servants brought out a chessboard, placed it on the table, and then retreated.

After Zhou Yunyun left, Zhang Changling remained silent. Shangguan Ruomeng sat on the side, lost in thought, and didn't even notice when Zhang Changling invited Feng Jueyu to play chess.

Feng Jueyu, however, sipped his tea without touching the chess pieces. He felt that there was something strange about the old man, but since Zhang Changling didn't say anything, he didn't ask.

The three of them sat in silence. Zhang Changling picked up a white chess piece, placed it on the central star, and said to himself, "Girl, what are you thinking about?"

Feng Jueyu glanced at Shangguan Ruomeng, holding the black piece but hesitating to make a move...

"Why aren't you playing?" Zhang Changling asked.

Feng Jueyu smiled and threw the black piece back into the chess box, replying, "Old Zhang, you have other intentions. There's no need to play this game. If I win, it won't be honorable."

"Ha ha." Zhang Changling's two chess pieces clicked together, and he seemed to agree with Feng Jueyu. "Young man, you know I have other intentions? What are your thoughts?"

Feng Jueyu was taken aback, thinking, "My thoughts? What thoughts do I have?"

He glanced at Shangguan Ruomeng and noticed Zhang Changling's calculating gaze towards her. He became suspicious: There's something going on here.

Just then, Zhang Changling placed a white piece on the board and said to the two of them, "I have a rough idea of why you're here. Since you won't speak, let me take the lead. How about that?"