Chapter 701 – Caught by the Immortal
Jiang Pengji temporarily closed the live stream, quickly washed up, and changed into her usual home attire.
“Yang Si, go grab a painting for me and place it on the table behind the screen in the commander’s tent. Take one for the banquet as well.”
Yang Si followed her instructions without hesitation.
No matter how Yang Si looked at it, the Lord was clearly a strikingly handsome young man.
This youthful face exuded the unique vitality of his age while also possessing a level of composure uncommon among his peers.
To anyone with normal eyesight, who would suspect she was actually a woman?
Yet the fact remained—she was a bonafide lady.
Hearing that she brought herself to the banquet, while politely declining Feng Zhen, Yang Si thought it was a wise choice.
That rascal Feng Zhen was reckless beyond measure, easily distracted by wine and beauty, which could jeopardize important matters.
How could someone like him help the Lord with worries at the banquet?
If he were a man, getting drunk could be forgiven; who knows, he might wake up to find a beautiful woman by his side—a sweet deal that one shouldn’t pass up.
But alas, their Lord was a woman; she couldn’t afford to get too intoxicated in such situations, so Yang Si felt the weight of responsibility.
At this moment, Yang Si completely forgot one thing—
Jiang Pengji’s drinking capacity could wipe out an entire brigade.
“This painting may not have a signature, but judging from the technique and style… this is Zixiao’s work, isn’t it?”
As Yang Si held the painting, it had already been half-unfurled.
A quick glance was all it took for him to recognize the artist.
“Yeah, I requested one from him before the army set out, using it for publicity,” Jiang Pengji stepped forward and smiled at the scene depicted in the painting, “Among the people I know, Zixiao is the best painter; I appreciate his style. Yang Si, assuming you’ve never been to Xiangyang County, upon seeing the prosperous scene in this painting, wouldn’t you feel drawn to it?”
Yang Si’s expression was somewhat peculiar, as if conflicted about something.
Though casually he replied, “A paradise beyond the mundane, I long for it in my heart.”
Just by the content of the painting, an uninformed person would indeed feel a yearning.
However… speaking of Wei Ci’s painting skills, he suddenly recalled something—
He remembered that Wei Ci had painted an exceptionally treasured portrait of a woman, and now, thinking back on that lady’s face left him in a state of dread.
Initially, Yang Si had no idea about Jiang Pengji’s gender and assumed upon seeing that painting that Wei Ci harbored some hidden agenda.
Now, knowing the truth, the lady depicted was unmistakably the Lord herself.
So it turned out it was not the Lord wanting to seduce Wei Ci, but rather that gentleman (or possibly a pervert) had other intentions toward the Lord?
Jiang Pengji sensed something was off in Yang Si’s expression.
However, she didn’t pry further and carefully tucked the painting away.
“This is a treasure for our business expansion; I plan to treat it as a fortune god, who knows, it might bring in a hefty profit.”
She opened the live stream, and the fifteen thousand spots filled up in an instant.
By the time they headed to the banquet, dusk had begun to settle, and the allied camp was lit with countless torches, resembling red ribbons against the night.
Dressed in home attire with a heavy rabbit fur cloak over her shoulders, Jiang Pengji appeared more youthful and delicate, taking away some of her composure.
Upon first glance, one wouldn’t think she belonged to a military camp; she resembled a noble scion out for leisure.
Surrounded by accompanying guards, Yang Si rode calmly behind her.
Xu Pei’s campsite was situated in the central area of the allied military encampment, with tents sprawling out like stars around the commander’s tent at the center.
Jiang Pengji took a casual glance and realized Xu Pei was indeed quite wealthy, no surprise being a descendant of the Xu family.
Every soldier was clad in armor, and their weapons were of uniform quality, a substantial expenditure in itself.
Considering how many troops Xu Pei commanded, the wealth needed to equip everyone completely must be staggering!
Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but marvel at the extravagance; a wealthy person indeed had the luxury to be reckless.
Inside the tent, a young man dressed in fine robes was seated high on a platform, frowning as he conversed with his confidant.
Upon hearing the commotion outside, everyone silenced, directing their gazes towards the entrance, eagerly waiting for Jiang Pengji to make her appearance.
Moments later, the curtains were drawn apart, and Xu Pei stood from his seat to greet his distinguished guest.
A strikingly handsome young man clad in a rabbit fur cloak entered the tent, his clear features like a gentle breeze that dissipated the heat within the tent. Xu Pei’s followers looked at Jiang Pengji’s attire with confusion—
This person was dressed in home attire, not quite fitting for a proper banquet, but more like visiting a friend.
Though not impolite, it felt a bit out of place.
“So this is the child of Liu Xi? Truly a prodigy, remarkable at such a young age.”
Xu Pei looked somewhat charming himself, and combined with his scholarly aura, it added an air of allure.
The audience in the live stream erupted with excitement, reveling in the handsome display, as Xu Pei led Jiang Pengji inside, engaging in idle chatter.
“When I saw you walk in just now, I felt an inexplicable familiarity, as if we’ve known each other for ages. If I remember correctly, we’re about the same age and of similar standing. If Liu Zhi doesn’t mind, how about we address each other as brothers?”
Jiang Pengji smiled, “To be able to call Xu Governor my brother is truly an honor; how could I decline?”
Xu Pei was quick to seize the opportunity, positioning himself as the elder brother, thereby drawing them closer together.
Yang Si was seated beside Jiang Pengji towards the back, while others subtly observed her throughout the banquet.
Despite her young age, none dared to underestimate her; even the self-proclaimed noble Xu Pei showed her respect.
Setting aside the connection with Liu Zhi, Jiang Pengji had established her own presence in Wanzhou without relying on her family or father at such a young age, far surpassing everyone else present. Should Liu Zhi’s influence be accounted for, who in the allied forces would dare to offend her? While certainly not revered like an ancestor, they wouldn’t oppose her either.
If not for the insufficient troops Jiang Pengji and Liu Zhi brought, even if the Xu brothers had designs on the position of alliance leader, they would struggle to attain it.
With the important guest seated, Xu Pei ordered for food and wine to be served.
He turned to Jiang Pengji and asked, “My dear brother, do you enjoy singing and dancing?”
Just as she was about to decline, the bullet screen in the live stream was flooded with comments.
【I love it!!!】
【I absolutely adore it!!!】
【Forget those song and dance performers; let me take the stage!!!】
Jiang Pengji held back the words lingering on her tongue, her expression remained composed as she replied, “I can tolerate it.”
This answer, landing in Xu Pei’s ears, was perceived as modesty, which translated to—“I quite enjoy it.”
He gave a meaningful smile, his eyebrows raised slightly, saying, “Surely a hero loves beauty.”
Meanwhile, Yang Si, serving as the background, observed silently.
The audience accompanied him with inner thoughts, translating his mental commentary—Damn it, a nuisance!
