Chapter 20

"Is that boy really that capable?" Gouyu still felt a bit不服气, and every time she thought about being scolded by Jiangchen, she felt uncomfortable. It was hard for her to admit Jiangchen's prowess, as it would hurt her pride.

Dongfang Lu gently embraced his daughter, Dongfang Zhiruo, and sighed, "I didn't expect that the incident at the Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony would turn into a blessing in disguise. Could it be that the heavens are showing favor, using Jiangchen's hands to relieve Zhiruo's suffering?"

After much thought, this was the only explanation.

"By the way, Gouyu, how did Jiangchen perform in the Qianlong Examination in the capital?" Dongfang Lu suddenly remembered this.

"Brother King, among the 108 descendants of the feudal lords, Jiangchen's performance is undoubtedly the worst. Moreover, he hasn't passed any of the three basic assessments so far. There are only three or four days left until the deadline for the basic assessments. If he doesn't pass, he won't even qualify for the final assessment of the Qianlong Examination."

Gouyu could only speak the truth.

"Is it that serious?" Dongfang Lu was also quite surprised. "This puts me in a difficult position. If this boy can't even pass the basic assessments, he won't even keep his feudal lord's order. Even if I want to bestow him with wealth and honor, it might be... difficult."

"You reap what you sow. If he didn't work hard before, losing his feudal lord's order isn't unjust. Brother King, I must say, since you've entrusted me with the Qianlong Examination, I won't show any favoritism." Gouyu still sounded very strong.

"Haha, I wouldn't put you in such a difficult position. If he's not destined to be a feudal lord, being a leisurely official in the capital isn't bad. Not wielding power, just enjoying wealth and honor, he can live a carefree life."

This was actually the outcome Dongfang Lu most hoped for. Otherwise, after the Qianlong Examination, all the feudal lords would have to return to their territories.

Then, who would treat Dongfang Zhiruo's illness?

"By the way, Brother King, speaking of the Qianlong Examination, I received an invitation today. It's from the Longteng Marquis Manor."

"Longteng Marquis Manor?" Dongfang Lu's brows furrowed slightly, clearly sensitive to these three words.

"Yes, it says that there will be a banquet at the Longteng Marquis Manor tonight, inviting me to attend. It's said that something significant has happened at the Longteng Marquis Manor."

"Something significant?" Dongfang Lu's expression became even more complex. As a respected king, he should have complete control over the capital.

But what significant event had happened at the Longteng Marquis Manor? Dongfang Lu truly didn't know.

Of course, the Longteng Marquis wouldn't invite the king to the banquet. First, the feudal lords didn't have that much face, and second, the ancestral laws didn't allow it.

"He didn't specify in the invitation, only saying it's related to his young daughter, Long Juxue. Could it be that she has made a breakthrough in martial arts?"

If it were such a trivial matter, Dongfang Lu wouldn't care. He waved his hand, "Since you've been invited, you should go. This Longteng Marquis, hahaha."

Gouyu's expression was also complex, understanding her brother's wariness of the Longteng Marquis. The first feudal lord in the world, with high status and great power, was almost at the point of overshadowing the king.

...

The Longteng Marquis Manor was located in the southeastern part of the capital, with a superior location, bustling area, and magnificent architecture, far surpassing the Jianghan Marquis Manor.

Of course, the Longteng Marquis Manor was just the temporary residence of the feudal lord in the capital. The true manor of each feudal lord was in their respective territories.

Since it was a banquet, Jiang Feng originally planned to prepare a heavy gift, but Jiangchen rejected it. Since they were bound to have a falling out, why spend so much? Just bring something casually, and let them take it or leave it.

After all, the Longteng Marquis's invitation wasn't for the sake of the gifts they brought, but for the half-spirit vein land of the Jianghan Marquis Manor, to cut off their largest economic source.

Taking away someone's livelihood was a mortal enemy. Jiangchen was very clear that this matter wouldn't end easily.

In the evening, Jiangchen slowly emerged from the cultivation chamber. As he put it, arriving early would only invite cold looks, so it was better to wait until everyone was gathered.

Jiang Feng thought this made sense and accepted Jiangchen's suggestion.

When the two of them arrived at the Longteng Marquis Manor, most of the invited guests had already gathered.

The scene was exactly as Jiangchen expected. Some feudal lords and the Longteng Marquis had tacitly agreed to deliberately ignore this father and son.

Fortunately, the Jianghan Marquis was generally well-liked among the feudal lords, and some of his acquaintances came to greet Jiang Feng.

The scene wasn't too awkward.

"Brother Jiang, I've been waiting for you." Suddenly, a hearty laugh came from the front, and a man in a brocade robe strode toward Jiang Feng.

This man had a broad back and a powerful build, exuding a fierce aura as he walked, and every move was filled with dominance. He was none other than the Longteng Marquis, Long Zhaofeng.

"I can't accept such courtesy, Brother Long."

"Come, come, come, Brother Jiang, you are my honored guest today. You must sit at the head table with me."

The head table wasn't so easy to sit at. In such a noble household, seating arrangements were very important. Although the Jianghan Marquis had a good position, he wasn't high enough to sit at the head table of the Longteng Marquis Manor.

"How can I do that? You're busy, Brother Long. I'll sit with these old brothers." Jiang Feng preferred to sit with his old friends.

However, he clearly underestimated Long Zhaofeng's persistence.

"Guests follow the host's arrangements. Today, Brother Jiang must listen to me." Long Zhaofeng had a determined air, as if he wouldn't give up until Jiang Feng sat at the head table.

Jiangchen said calmly, "Father, it's rare for the Longteng Marquis to show such favor. Since there's a head table, why not sit there? Sit down."

"Hahaha, who is this? Ah, it must be Nephew Jiangchen. Good, good, a tiger doesn't have a dog for a son. Nephew, you and the younger generation can have your fun. I won't greet each of you individually." The Longteng Marquis's eyes lingered on Jiangchen with a deep meaning, then laughed heartily.

"Hehe, Your Excellency, do as you please." Jiangchen waved his hand casually and turned to leave.

"Brother Chen, come over here."

As soon as he turned, Jiangchen saw a large figure excitedly waving at him from a nearby table. This massive figure was unique in the entire Eastern Kingdom, none other than Xuan Fatso.

Along with Xuan Fatso was Hu Qiu Yue, the descendant of the Hu Qiu Marquis. These two were Jiangchen's close friends in the capital.

As for Yang Zong, he was hiding at another table, not even daring to look at Xuan Fatso, clearly not planning to join them.

"Brother Chen, I've missed you so much these past few days!" Xuan Fatso was very rough, using his silk sleeve to wipe a chair repeatedly. "Brother Chen, I've reserved this seat for you early. Ha, with my size, it's easy to secure a seat!"

"Brother Chen, I haven't seen you in a while, I really miss you." Hu Qiu Yue's eyes showed genuine warmth. He wasn't a talkative person, but he was sincere.

In such a setting, with the Jianghan Marquis's precarious position, the fact that these two showed such support moved Jiangchen a bit.

These people could be called close friends for a reason.

Jiangchen ignored the various gazes around him and was about to sit down when a figure suddenly appeared beside the chair and plopped down on the seat Xuan Fatso had wiped.

"Xuan Fatso, thanks for saving me a seat."

This man wore a dark robe, with a prominent red nose and a mocking smile, arrogantly taking over the seat.

"Yan Houzi, what do you mean?" Xuan Fatso was immediately angry.

"Xuan Fatso, I want to ask you, what do you mean? Can't I sit here?" This man was Yan Yiming, the descendant of the Yanmen Marquis. He was one of the people who had threatened Jiangchen at the Apothecary Hall.

"I saved this seat for Brother Chen!" Xuan Fatso tried to push Yan Yiming away.

"Brother Chen? You mean him?" Yan Yiming said with a sneer, "Xuan Fatso, are you blind? This area is for advanced true qi practitioners. You need at least four true qi pulses to qualify for a seat."

He glanced at Jiangchen and said mockingly, pointing to a lonely single-person table in the corner, "Jiangchen, that table is for initial true qi practitioners."

When Yan Yiming said this, the surrounding crowd burst into laughter. Clearly, this was a pre-planned scenario, waiting for Jiangchen and Xuan Fatso to be embarrassed.

Xuan Fatso was furious, "Yan Houzi, are you asking for a beating?"

Yan Yiming smiled coldly, "Xuan Fatso, with your mere five true qi pulses, when do you have the nerve to challenge a six-pulse practitioner?"

As he spoke, Yan Yiming's six true qi pulses surged, exuding a formidable aura.

The scene was tense, and it seemed a fight was about to break out.

Suddenly, a soft and clear voice came from a nearby table, "Brother Jiangchen, come sit here. I've saved a seat for you."

This voice was sweet and clear, and Jiangchen knew without turning around that it was the current princess, Dongfang Zhiruo.

A faint smile appeared on his lips, and Jiangchen suddenly patted Yan Yiming's shoulder, "This young marquis has a unique build and a handsome appearance, even taking a seat with such character! You have a bright future! Your master must appreciate you, right? Yan Yiming, I'll remember you."

With that, Jiangchen walked calmly toward Dongfang Zhiruo, completely ignoring the mocking gazes around him.

"You, little girl, why don't you stay in your palace? Why come to this messy place?"

When he said this, the entire hall was stunned. This was the current princess. Jiangchen had narrowly survived a beating by the king last time, and now he was speaking to the king's most beloved princess in such a tone.

It sounded like he was scolding his own sister?

Moreover, in front of the host, saying this was a messy place, was he insulting the Longteng Marquis?

For a moment, the atmosphere became strange.

Everyone was curious to see if this Jiang family young marquis, who always spoke in a shocking manner, had gone mad under the pressure.