"They visited yesterday, didn't they?" Qin Feng frowned.
To find him at this juncture?
The guard immediately handed over the list of visitors. Qin Feng glanced at it and lost his temper.
This group of important court officials had also brought the most outstanding young disciples from their clans, ostensibly to admire the bearing of the Marquis of Zhenguo.
But Qin Feng knew very well that they wanted their own disciples to be evaluated by him, the Marquis of Zhenguo of Great Liang, and thus gain widespread fame.
The Marquis of Zhenguo of Great Liang was renowned throughout the land, possessing a unique discerning eye for people.
It could be said that people everywhere compared the Marquis of Zhenguo of Great Liang to Zhuo Lingjun Zhuo Zifang of Great Qian!
However, Zhuo Zifang was indifferent to fame and fortune and disliked frequent public appearances, so most people dared not disturb him.
Qin Feng looked at the sky outside the window and sighed, "The spring is warm today, but it may not be tomorrow. I'm afraid I'll miss my meeting with Liang Xiao."
Helpless, Qin Feng came to the outside of the Honglu Temple to receive everyone.
At this moment, more than half of the important officials of Great Qian, including Dugu Qun, Ouyang Ji, and He Wanli, were waiting outside, as were Gu Hong, the Minister of Rites, and Ouyang Hong, a scholar of the Five Classics.
Behind these officials were Dugu Xiao, Gu Shaoyan, Mu Hong, Ouyang Sheng, and several talented women led by Mu Wanjun and Gu Xiaoxiao, all from prominent families.
"Is he the Marquis of Zhenguo?" Upon seeing Qin Feng in person, the talented women could not help but become nervous.
He was a man of heroic stature, with a feather fan and a silk cap, his face like jade, utterly extraordinary!
"Marquis of Zhenguo, are you well?" Dugu Qun was the first to greet him, and everyone bowed in unison.
Qin Feng did not dare to offend foreign dignitaries lightly and could only respond with a bow, "May I ask what advice the esteemed officials have for me?"
Ouyang Ji quickly explained, "The Marquis of Zhenguo's fame is known to all. How can a mere newcomer like Liang Xiao be compared to you! Our descendants at home have heard your great name repeatedly and wish to meet you..."
The rest of the people echoed his sentiments, their gazes fervent.
Even Mu Lingming, the Prefect of Jingzhao, who had always been reclusive, introduced his children Mu Hong and Mu Wanjun.
Dugu Qun was even more eager to introduce Dugu Xiao.
Dugu Xiao's face was filled with expectation as he bowed again.
In the selection of national talent, although he had achieved a good result of sixth place, he had actually tarnished the reputation of the foremost scholar in the capital. He had now been overshadowed by Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong and pinned his hopes on receiving more appreciation from Qin Feng than his peers today to salvage his image.
Qin Feng was only a few years older than him but was already a figure of Zhuo Zifang's caliber. Only Qin Feng could help him!
After patiently listening to the introductions, Qin Feng scanned the crowd and said with a wry smile, "Can this matter be discussed another day? This Marquis is eager to meet your country's Marquis of Anguo."
A brief silence fell over the entire gathering. Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong exchanged glances, their eyes filled with even greater reverence.
The Marquis of Anguo, Liang Xiao!
Qin Feng was eager to meet Liang Xiao and was asking them to leave?
How could this be!
Dugu Qun was the first to become anxious and quickly said, "Liang Xiao is merely the son of a general, fortunate enough to be in power recently. In reality, he is all show and no substance, not even a fraction of the Marquis of Zhenguo's brilliance! Why should the Marquis of Zhenguo pay attention to such a person..."
Qin Feng, helpless, invited everyone to his residence.
The Honglu Temple was originally a place for receiving foreign envoys. For a person of Qin Feng's stature, it was given utmost care, and a banquet was immediately prepared for everyone.
Qin Feng summoned his guards and issued a secret order: "Go invite the Marquis of Anguo to the banquet."
He could see that Liang Xiao had many political enemies.
At Liang Mansion, Liang Xiao, having received Qin Feng's invitation, frowned and looked at the guard from Great Liang.
"Are those people from the aristocratic families also there?"
The guard, following Qin Feng's instructions, nodded solemnly, "They are all here, but the Marquis guarantees that you will receive satisfactory treatment!"
Liang Xiao glanced at the sky, put away the invitation, prepared his carriage, and brought Yue Lian and Luo Qingxue.
He wanted to visit another day, but this would likely delay his plan to seek medical treatment in the Heavenly Mountain, which would be a loss. Based on his recent understanding of Qin Feng's actions, he also believed that this person possessed the demeanor of a gentleman, unlike the Dugu Qun faction.
Luo Qingxue said nervously, "You are both top figures of your respective countries. I haven't even married into your family yet, and my reputation doesn't compare to yours. It might not be appropriate for me to go..."
Liang Xiao immediately clasped Luo Qingxue's hand and smiled, "I want the world to know that you are my woman, Liang Xiao's woman! If a woman like you is not qualified to attend, then who else in this world is?"
Luo Qingxue's face flushed, her heart filled with sweetness. She nodded obediently and allowed Liang Xiao to take her hand and board the carriage.
At the Honglu Temple, within the bamboo grove by the lake, the hall was filled with distinguished guests!
Qin Feng sat at the head of the table, looking at the numerous guests on both sides, his face wearing a smile, but his heart filled with helplessness.
These officials from Great Qian were vying to present him with gifts and ask him to evaluate their children.
"No different from those aristocratic families in our Great Liang..."
Qin Feng's expression gradually became serious, and he thought of Liang Xiao again.
"Great Qian should have continued to decay, rotting to the core, until it disintegrated. Yet, before there was General Tian, and after him, there is Liang Xiao. Could it be that Heaven's will will not let Great Qian perish?"
This was the first time in ten years that Qin Feng felt deeply worried about the future of Great Liang.
The officials, however, were in a jovial mood.
Qin Feng conversed with their descendants individually, merely smiling and praising them as "good," "quite good," and "all very good."
To these young people, this was already high praise, enough to make them hold their heads high.
Especially Ouyang Sheng, whose official career had been ruined by the Emperor's decree. Perhaps he could use this opportunity to have the Emperor revoke his decision!
Dugu Qun stood up, raised his wine cup to Qin Feng, and said with a smile, "Marquis of Zhenguo, with such a gathering of heroes today, why don't we name this event the 'Gathering of Heroes'!"
"The Marquis of Wanling speaks wisely," Qin Feng replied with a faint smile.
Everyone was delighted and toasted him one after another.
With Qin Feng and so many important court officials present, along with talented scholars and beautiful women, the Gathering of Heroes was sure to gain renown throughout the capital and spread to the world!
Even Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong were ready to impress Qin Feng at any moment.
A moment later, a guard arrived late and whispered in Qin Feng's ear.
Qin Feng's eyes finally lit up, and he smiled, "Do not be disrespectful, please invite them in quickly!"
"Could it be Zhuo Lingjun who has also arrived?" Everyone was surprised and delighted.
This Marquis of Zhenguo of Great Liang usually treated others with only basic courtesy, but he held Zhuo Zifang in high esteem.
If Zhuo Zifang were also here, this Gathering of Heroes would be even more perfect!
Under the expectant gazes of everyone, three figures walked into the bamboo grove, strolling leisurely towards them.
"Liang Xiao?!"
More than half of the people were shocked and angry.
Under everyone's astonished gaze, Qin Feng immediately rose to greet them.
Liang Xiao, with Luo Qingxue and Yue Lian, ignored the resentful gazes of Dugu Qun and others, and under Qin Feng's escort, arrived at the most prominent guest seats.
Upon reaching the guest seats, Liang Xiao noticed there was only one mat and frowned.
Qin Feng, adept at reading facial expressions, immediately ordered the guard, "Prepare another mat immediately."
"Wait," Liang Xiao interjected, reminding him, "We need three more. My Yue Lian will also sit, and another guest will arrive later."