Chapter 845 – What if I Kill You? (Part 12)
In a typical banquet, the proceedings are pretty much the same: welcoming guests, announcing the ceremony, starting the feast, and enjoying music and dance… Simply put, it’s just about eating, drinking, having fun, and chatting.
Cheng Jing was lost in thought, where would he find the energy to pay attention to the dishes and the wine?
He had already prepared himself to zone out while watching the performances, just trying to get through this excruciatingly dull time.
However—
The banquet customs in Wanzhou were entirely different from other places; they served food and drinks but didn’t provide music or dance. Cheng Jing certainly couldn’t just sit there in a daze, could he?
Zoning out while watching a performance could at least be attributed to being entranced by the beauty of the show.
But now, with only delicious food and fine wine and no performances or beauties, what excuse could he come up with for being in a daze?
That the food was so delicious it made him dumbfounded?
Cheng Jing originally had no appetite, but seeing that Jiang Pengji wasn’t calling for any performances, he simply lowered his gaze and picked up his chopsticks.
He thought he would lose his appetite after a couple of bites, but to his surprise, the dishes at the banquet were incredibly tasty and exquisite, awakening his taste buds.
Seated at the rightmost side of the hall as a distinguished guest, the table beside him was occupied by Yuan Chong.
Yuan Chong was secretly looking around, seemingly searching for the entertainers and dancers, but ended up utterly disappointed.
Half the delicious dishes on the table were almost gone, and yet there was still no entertainment. Was there a problem with the arrangements?
Yuan Chong chuckled, “Today we have fine wines and delicious dishes. If only we also had beautiful dancers to entertain, that would truly be a delight.”
Jiang Pengji replied, “My residence does not keep entertainers.”
If this were someone else, Yuan Chong would find it hard to believe.
Keeping entertainers was not just for enjoyment but also for the convenience of hosting guests.
Not having any usually meant one was stingy or poor, which was embarrassing to admit.
But hearing it from Jiang Pengji, Yuan Chong found it quite understandable.
After all, this Liu Residence official was a woman; why would she need to keep numerous beauties that could overshadow her own looks?
To bring herself trouble?
Thinking he had grasped the situation, Yuan Chong tactfully didn’t pursue the topic further.
Though there was no dance to liven up the mood, Wanzhou’s meals were indeed exceptional, with the dishes being particularly delicious, full of color and flavor and a variety of options. Even feeling somewhat full, he couldn’t resist reaching for the new dish the maidservant brought.
“The banquet today is to welcome the two messengers. Without music and dance as embellishment, it does feel quite dull,” Xu Ke chimed in to smooth things over, smiling as he said, “Our Lord and Governor Huang are close friends; privately, they even refer to each other as brother and sister. Our two families are naturally as close as one, so there’s no need for too much formality. If the two messengers don’t mind, I’d like to humbly perform a piece.”
Having prepared his own program, Yuan Chong and Cheng Jing thought they were being rude, forcing Xu Ke to break the awkwardness.
But now that Xu Ke had spoken, they didn’t dare to say no.
Cheng Jing offered a couple of compliments casually.
Xu Ke’s musical skill wasn’t top-notch, but it was above average; the tune was cheerful and joyful, so he didn’t lose face.
Yuan Chong couldn’t make out much but thought it was played quite well.
Everyone moved past this affair, eating, drinking, and chatting, and as the merriment increased, they even danced with swords, and before long, more than half the time had passed.
The atmosphere at the table was relaxed, allowing Cheng Jing to ease his tense nerves.
However, his gaze kept drifting to Jiang Pengji’s right hand, his eyes filled with struggle.
He had heard several times that Liu Xi was a formidable warrior and had even listened as Huang Song vividly described scenes of this person dismembering others during court meetings… Even so, Jiang Pengji was still only human; could she really handle that monster? The creature was clearly scheming against Liu Xi. If Liu Xi was lured into the presence of that monster, wouldn’t it be disastrous for her? Cheng Jing wasn’t afraid of anything else but worried that it would bring calamity upon Huang Song!
In his wavering thoughts, the banquet was already drawing to a close.
Whether it was Cheng Jing lost in thought, Yuan Chong focused on the food, or the literary and martial talents under Jiang Pengji’s command who were merrily indulging, they all maintained proper postures while discreetly using their sleeves to hide their rounded bellies, rubbing their stuffed stomachs under cover.
At someone else’s banquet, “listening to music and watching dance” would be the main theme, but at Jiang Pengji’s feast, eating and drinking was the hard truth.
As Cheng Jing struggled internally, Jiang Pengji asked him.
“Friend Mo Bai said he had something to discuss with me during the day. What is it?”
Jiang Pengji winked at him, signaling him not to mess things up. Cheng Jing paused for a moment, then complied smoothly.
He bowed and said, “My Lord has commanded me to convey some words; if it’s convenient, I would like to have a private discussion with the Governor.”
It was standard protocol not to discuss serious matters during a banquet; asking to dismiss others or talk privately was completely normal.
Jiang Pengji replied, “Of course.”
As the banquet ended, Cheng Jing let Yuan Chong return to his accommodation first.
“Jing has important matters to discuss with the Governor; Heng Shu needn’t wait outside, just leave a carriage.”
After the instructions, Cheng Jing followed Jiang Pengji away.
The two walked under the moonlight to a secluded place, steering clear of prying eyes.
From a distance, it appeared like two friends strolling side by side, leisurely chatting.
Due to the earlier tedious banquet, the audience watching the live stream had lost interest, and the comments on the screen were sparse.
【Zhandao Changkong】: Is there anyone alive in the live stream?
【Xuanyuan Mingjing】: I’m still holding on, watching the host eat for two to three hours, starving over here, clutching a bucket of instant noodles.
【Saipu】: I’m holding on too, haven’t seen anything strange but don’t dare leave the live stream, afraid of missing the big events.
Jiang Pengji’s live streams had a certain routine; barring any emergencies, the streaming hours were usually nine to five.
If a significant event happened, she would extend the streaming time or start a new stream spontaneously.
Everyone in the live stream was seasoned followers, knowing Jiang Pengji’s temperament, so they stayed put.
Finally, the banquet had ended, and they were greeted with the host in casual wear strolling under the moonlight with Cheng Jing, heading to a more secluded area.
Uh— they felt a little anxious.
Could it be the host finally had a conscience and planned to treat the audience to some benefits, like a sudden wall slam or engaging in some embarrassing activities?
Not just one person shared this speculation.
【Three Squirrels Snacks】: I thought the host liked Cimei, earlier streams hinted at it. Why suddenly switch CPs?
【Duo Miao Miao】: I also like Cimei, firmly standing by the host X Wei Ci pairing.
【Mei Er Niang】: Change CP? No! Watching the host take down Cimei is my motivation for chasing this stream, don’t be so cruel!
【Stowaway Non-Money】: No way, would the host have unfaithful thoughts toward Cheng Jing? Don’t scare me! Rumors can spread with a mouth, but clearing them takes a lot of effort. Although Cheng Jing is good-looking, has a nice temperament, and comes from a decent family, he must be much older than the host, right? He should be already married with children. The host wouldn’t involve herself in others’ marriages. They must have something serious to discuss; don’t overthink it.
As the two walked further away, the comments began to multiply.
