"Pa"
The zither string snapped, the sound sharp, carrying a short, whistling tail, like a silver vessel suddenly shattering, scattering its liquid.
The dancers, in the middle of their dance, were interrupted by the breaking sound. Exclamations arose, and they stumbled, their graceful movents turned chaotic.
"How dare you!"
A Prince Mansion Official stood up and shouted angrily, his presence imposing, his gaze as cold as a drawn sword, directed at those dancers.
"Ceng"
"Ceng"
"......"
The sound of long swords being drawn suddenly resonated.
Following that, the clanging sound of armor clashing was heard.
Armored Soldiers, clad in Black Gold Armor, filed in from either side of the main hall entrance, surrounding the disordered musicians and dancers.
Long swords glinted with a cold light, reflecting on the faces of the won, causing them to turn pale and fall to the ground, huddled together.
In an instant, the atmosphere in the hall beca intense and confrontational.
The expressions of the guests on both sides were subtle, perhaps aningful, appearing to watch the scene unfold, yet their eyes secretly glanced towards the throne.
The group of officials from the Court, caught off guard by this sudden scene, sensed the subtle atmosphere. Their faces changed, trying to maintain composure, yet showing a hint of panic.
The grand hall was silent, each person’s expression varied, revealing a sense of repression.
Seated nearby, Xu Liang’s expression remained unmoved, his gaze eting Xiao Zhongtian’s above without flinching.
Just then, Chief Historian Yan rose, looking towards the front of the hall, his brow furrowed, he coldly rebuked those in Soldier Armor,
"What are you doing!"
"Today, the Prince invites the Court’s officials as guests, and you co with drawn blades, disturbing our honored guests, ruining the atmosphere—how reckless! Begone!"
Those in Soldier Armor, upon hearing the rebuke, silently sheathed their swords, bowed, and withdrew one after another.
The musicians and dancers hurriedly knelt on the ground, lowering their heads to the floor, their bodies trembling, visibly terrified.
Chief Historian Yan impatiently waved his hand,
"Continue playing, continue dancing!"
Imdiately, the musicians and dancers felt as if given a pardon, quickly wiped their eyes, and resud the arrangents.
Soon, the music in the grand hall started again, and dancing resud gracefully.
The earlier tense atmosphere returned to rrint. The guests continued to clink glasses, conversing and laughing, as if nothing had happened.
Chief Historian Yan then turned towards Xu Liang, offering a smile of apology,
"Lord Xu, truly sorry, my subordinates did not handle things well, it was abrupt, disturbing your enjoynt!"
Saying this, he cupped his hands and bowed towards the main seat,
"My arrangents were inadequate."
"I request the Prince’s punishnt!"
On the main seat, King of Beiliang Xiao Zhongtian remained serene, his eyes commanding respect with their natural majesty,
"Then I shall punish you. Keep Xu Shaoqing delighted today, without a hint of negligence."
"With here, you may feel restrained, so entertain them well."
Saying this, this Prince rose, his dark Python Robe unfurling, his gaze shifted to Xu Liang, then to the Left Imperial Clan mber, he spoke,
"Both of you enjoy yourselves, I shall excuse myself first!"
Xu Liang’s eyes lowered slightly, his tone calm as he supported the armrest, "Safe departure, Your Highness!"
"Safe departure, Your Highness," responded the Left Imperial Clan mber from across, rising, his face deeply wrinkled.
And so, King of Beiliang Xiao Zhongtian departed.
In essence, he rely made a brief appearance.
Half an incense later, Xu Liang, unlike usual, did not interact much with those from the Prince Mansion, but instead found an excuse to leave the banquet early.
Accompanying him in departing was the Left Imperial Clan official, bearing the emperor’s command.
On the way back, this Left Imperial Clan official, hands behind his back, wore a slightly displeased expression,
"Xu Shaoqing, I have to speak to you today, why did you suddenly bring up His Majesty’s command for the Prince to return to the court in public just now? That’s taboo, don’t you know?"
"You saw just now, the way they acted was obviously for us to see. Do you think this King of Beiliang will return to the Imperial Capital with us?"
"You’re aware of the situation inside."
The Left Imperial Clan official was an old man, well-versed in the complexities within the Royal Family. His Majesty’s command for the King of Beiliang to return to the capital was sothing to be heard, not necessarily followed; the King of Beiliang would not go.
Had he intended to go, he would have long gone.
Everyone understood without speaking.
Yet, Xu Liang, in front of the King of Beiliang, asked outright when he would return with them, right in the presence of all the Prince Mansion’s subordinates. Who knows what he was thinking.
Facing the anger of the Left Imperial Clan official, Xu Liang’s eyes remained indifferent, simply saying:
"Prince Xiao just asked us when we would return to the capital, how should I respond, my lord?"
"We have no clue about the matters assigned by His Majesty; how do we report back to His Majesty? The way the King of Beiliang asked seed to rush us back; we must stay a bit longer!"
"Resorting to such tactics is our only option!"
At these words, the displeased Left Imperial Clan official wanted to retort, but remained uncertain of what to say.
In the end, he flung his sleeve,
"Ah... I don’t know either, never mind, I shall leave first!"
Saying this, the elder patted his head, wearing a troubled expression as he left first.
Watching the other’s departing figure, Xu Liang’s previously silent eyes suddenly beca lively, raising his brow, with a sharp gleam in his eyes.
Earlier, among the musicians, a tune called "Clear Peace lody" was played, with a phrase that montarily distracted him.
That was precisely the secret signal for contact from his lone insider, indicating successful contact.
It ant that the Courtyard insider, who had been lurking within the Prince Mansion, had seen the signal he left and provided a response at the mansion’s night banquet.
His thoughts turned; being able to arrange for such a signal during a banquet in the Prince Mansion in such a short ti, showed that this Court insider, as he suspected, held an important position within the Prince Mansion.
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