Chaotic World Book
Chapter 207 - 202 Langya Discussion of Swords_2

Chapter 207: Chapter 202 Langya Discussion of Swords_2

Quite a few people were stealing glances at her with a touch of admiration, but nobody had the courage to take a seat beside her.

Zhao Changhe’s cheeks twitched, nearly laughing out loud.

Who said she couldn’t act? At the very least, playing the role of a well-bred lady was a basic skill she’d learned from childhood. But how had she managed to break character like this?

He thought about it and decided that, given his own persona, what he needed to do was simple. So, he walked straight to the empty seat on Cui Yuanyang’s right, sat down somewhat awkwardly, as if he wanted to look at Cui Yuanyang but was too embarrassed and instead lowered his head to look at the table.

Xia Chichi was startled for a moment before she realized what was happening. This fellow was playing the role of a Worldly Society man who, after being kicked out for craving swan meat, wouldn’t be polite about sticking by the Miss Cui’s side if given the chance. His demeanor was incredibly lifelike. When had he received special training in acting?

Even more astonishing, Cui Yuanyang glanced up quickly, taking a fleeting look at the uninvited guest beside her. She seemed a little panicked and shy, her cheeks flushing unconsciously while she pursed her lips and said nothing, bowing her head and slowly sipping her tea to mask her helplessness. Her guise as a pursued maiden at a loss on how to deal with relentless suitors was equally supreme.

Xia Chichi’s mouth, hidden beneath the White Tiger mask, hung open for quite a while before she finally let out a "hmph" and plopped down next to Zhao Changhe’s right side.

What was a moment ago a wife sticking up for her husband suddenly turned into blatant unfaithfulness. Xia Chichi bit her silver teeth and silently adjusted the emerald hairpin on her head but found she had no idea what to say.

Quite a few people were watching the scene, including Wang Zhaoqing. Seeing this, they all found it a bit funny. They thought to themselves how odd it was that Zhao Changhe, whose rank wasn’t very high and whose cultivation was not outstanding, had automatically attracted everyone’s attention as if he was the main character on stage.

Wang Zhaoqing kindly suggested, "Sister Yuanyang, do you need to move? Would you like to come sit by me?"

"No, no need," Cui Yuanyang murmured softly, "This is the Hidden Dragon Banquet, and we must follow the order of the Hidden Dragon List. I, who am but ninety-ninth, should not, should not occupy a higher position."

"There’s no such rule," Wang Zhaoqing stated.

"I have my own considerations," Cui Yuanyang glanced at Zhao Changhe again and then lowered her head, "Moreover, Brother Zhao has been kind to Yangyang..."

She paused, as if making a difficult decision, and then seriously bowed to Zhao Changhe, "Yuanyang has met Brother Zhao. It’s been a long time, and you still carry the same grace. Yuanyang is truly delighted."

Xia Chichi hissed, her teeth nearly aching from the tension.

Zhao Changhe was stunned, remembering how he had said a few days earlier, "Your acting won’t cut it; you’ll give us away," and now felt like he wasn’t the main character at all, but rather a complete fool.

Wang Zhaoqing said leisurely, "If the information we have is correct, isn’t it true that Holy Daughter Xia also has quite a history with Brother Zhao? That must be why Brother Zhao was so furious just now."

Zhao Changhe felt cold sweat about to drip down, but then Xia Chichi, who had been silent so far, finally spoke faintly, "Is the purpose of the Young Master Wang’s Hidden Dragon Banquet to probe into the private affairs of the Hidden Dragons?"

"Not at all," Wang Zhaoqing laughed, "The banquet hasn’t started yet, many people have yet to arrive. It’s just casual conversation for now."

"If it is just casual conversation, then may I also partake?" Xia Chichi said leisurely, "It is said that the Cui and Wang Families are arranging a marriage, and the young lady is to marry Cui Yuanyong. Does Young Master Wang intend to add a personal touch to the alliance by taking Miss Cui as his wife?"

Zhao Changhe pricked up his ears, not sure whether Xia Chichi was stirring trouble in the Chaotic Scene for Cui Yuanyang or helping him probe the question that was most concerning to him.

Wang Zhaoqing couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, "Where have you ever seen such a way of allying through marriage? My family and the Cui Family are close, but we’re not tied together, and it’s rare for us to operate in such a manner."

Implicitly, he meant that each marriage amongst their descendants corresponded to a political resource. His own marriage could bring in yet another ally; there was no sense in doubling up on the same family.

Xia Chichi nodded slightly, not saying much. Zhao Changhe’s heart also relaxed a bit. As long as you’re not coveting Yangyang, we have no grievances. Even if you want to stand alone, theoretically, it’s none of our business.

Then he heard Wang Zhaoqing laugh again, "However, there are quite a few other young talents who admire Miss Yuan Yang. Brother Zhao’s arrival is like that of the main character on stage, not without reason. It’s a bit... inviting envy, hahaha."

"Clang!" A sound of a wine pot hitting the table came from the corner at the far end. Situ Xiao’s drunken voice spread throughout the hall, "Where’s the wine? Who the hell has the patience to listen to this play-acting? If there’s no more wine, I’m leaving!"

Zhao Changhe silently praised the timing.

In the midst of all this insincere probing and tiresome banter, what exactly does the Wang Family want? It’s better to just lay your cards on the table now.

Given his sensitive identity, it wouldn’t be proper for him to speak so bluntly, even if he were playing the part of a brash commoner. On the other hand, the drunken fool pretends to be mad while drunk, speaking exactly what is advantageous.

Just at that moment, a bustling crowd came in from outside. The so-called Hidden Dragon Banquet wasn’t really attended by all two hundred and fifty-odd invitees, more like just dozens, but this latest arrival meant pretty much everyone was here.

Wang Zhaoqing then also withdrew his smile, speaking indifferently, "Actually, at this banquet, many people guess it’s about testing their swordsmanship skills... No offense to everyone present, the intent to test swords is indeed a part of it, but perhaps it’s hard to believe that my true purpose is just to make the acquaintance of heroes from all over."

"Although we are endowed with exceptional resources, it’s not convenient for us to gain experience. Once we step out, dangers are everywhere, malice more life-threatening than the average person’s, maybe even from Holy Daughter Xia?" Wang Zhaoqing gave Xia Chichi an apologetic smile, indicating it was a joke, before continuing, "If you bring a strong guard, it takes away the meaning of the experience. But if you don’t, the family won’t agree. Miss Yuan Yang likely feels the same way."

"Hence, we are esteemed as Hidden Dragons, perhaps because of our family’s learned background it’s easier for us than most. However, attempting to break through the constraints of heaven and man to glimpse the Secret Treasure’s mystery turns out to be much more challenging. Not to mention making friends with heroes all over, and seeking companions amongst the common people becomes a luxury. What else to do but to hold a banquet and invite guests?"

After this lengthy explanation, someone finally asked, "If the young master wishes to invite friends and guests, isn’t it more pleasant for everyone to simply extend an invitation courteously? Why set up all these barriers, weighing and closing doors? It’s hard to make friends, and you might even offend people."

Wang Zhaoqing let out a hearty laugh, "Don’t say Wang is arrogant. Those who can’t even deal with the criteria of servants are not worth befriending. And the closed door, that has another meaning. Please forgive me for keeping it a secret for now. Of course, if you all feel discontented, I apologize here."

With that, Wang Zhaoqing lifted his cup and stood up, quickly downing three cups in self-punishment, then inverted his cup and said with a smile, "As for testing our swordsmanship, it’s not just that I wish to test; surely the honored guests here have the desire to spar with one another? We are all on the Hidden Dragon List, yet we scarcely get the chance to meet due to distance. Remember when Yuan Yong wished to challenge Yue Hongling? How many people did it take to track down Yue Hongling’s whereabouts, and then to travel thousands of miles to Beimang? How inconvenient was that?"

Situ Xiao finally lifted his head from his wine bowl, eyes alight with eagerness.

Wang Zhaoqing raised his voice, "Hidden Dragons of Central Plains, discussing martial arts over drinks - Langya’s grand occasion indeed! If this event is successful, Langya Wang Family is willing to host such a martial contest every few years. I wonder if you all are interested?"

The crowd responded with a buzz, "What a great idea!"

Zhao Changhe smiled faintly, looking down at the cup on the table, his eyes brimming with deep ripples.

This Wang Family, such wild ambition.