The Ziqing Platform was a vast, open-air square with a high, purple-tinged cyan platform in the center. To the north, a tributary of the Heng River flowed past. It was a time of clear autumn skies and fragrant flowers.
Although the grand banquet was scheduled for the hour of the snake (9-11 AM), Qin Feng and most of the Confucian scholars had arrived early at the Ziqing Platform to wait.
Qin Feng sat at the head of the table, with Zhi Rou accompanying him. A dozen empty seats were left to his left.
Prime Minister Cheng Qing, seeing that they were alone, sidled up to Qin Feng and asked in a low voice.
"Marquis of Zhen Guo, the Emperor's relationship with the major noble families is strained. Is it not somewhat inappropriate to go to such lengths, allowing Marquis An Guo to bask in such glory? After all, even if Marquis An Guo is the son of the Northern King, he is still a subject of Da Gan. We cannot always be boosting others' egos…"
After speaking, Cheng Qing could not help but sigh.
Qin Feng was silent for a moment, then explained, "His Majesty has his own thoughts. If he believes it is worthwhile, then it truly is."
Cheng Qing chuckled wryly. He glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then whispered, "Our Emperor is wise, of course, but I always feel His Majesty favors Liang Xiao a little too much… Could Liang Xiao possibly be His Majesty's illegitimate son, entrusted to the Northern King?"
Qin Feng blinked and repeatedly shook his head. "Impossible! His Majesty said that Marquis An Guo bears an extreme resemblance to the Northern King, as if the Northern King had been reborn. Moreover, Marquis An Guo is only twenty-two years old. The timing would not match."
Cheng Qing fell silent.
Though Zhi Rou appeared young, she was in reality thirty years old. Thirteen years had passed since her marriage to Qin Feng, and they had since had two sons.
Outsiders were unaware of Zhi Rou's true relationship with the "Empress of Da Liang."
Mu Cheng's first Empress, Li Xun, had been poisoned to death thirty-seven years prior, so Zhi Rou's age also did not match the timeline.
The "Empress of Da Liang" who gave birth to Zhi Rou had died of sudden illness thirty years ago. For a long time, outsiders believed this Empress was Li Xun, but she was actually Li Xun's twin sister…
Cheng Qing compared Zhi Rou, the seven princes, and Liang Xiao; none of them bore any resemblance.
Considering all this, the reasons that prompted Cheng Qing's suspicion…
Zhi Rou and the seven princes were all entirely dissimilar. Among the eight members of the imperial family, Zhi Rou was the one who bore the most resemblance to Mu Cheng. This was also why Mu Cheng showed little favor to the seven princes – none of them resembled him, which was quite peculiar.
As someone who knew the truth of the past, and a trusted minister strongly promoted by Mu Cheng, he was utterly loyal to Mu Cheng. He did not wish for Da Liang to face hardship, nor for Mu Cheng to be overthrown, nor for Mu Cheng to be cuckolded, leading to the loss of the empire.
However, Mu Cheng's warmth towards Liang Xiao far surpassed the affection for the son of a sworn brother, exceeding that shown to Qin Feng and his wife, and the seven princes.
Even when Qin Feng commanded armies and expanded his territory for him in the past, he had never received such treatment.
"Will Marquis An Guo really come?"
The Confucian scholars present did not share Cheng Qing's worries. Many still looked on in disbelief, some speaking with trembling voices, unable to hide their current excitement.
For scholars of both nations, Liang Xiao's achievements had fulfilled all their aspirations as scholars; he was considered the pinnacle of all time.
Loyalty to the sovereign and love for the people were precious virtues for scholars.
In the northeast corner, the scholars from aristocratic families, led by Yan Liu and Dong Chen, wore somber expressions and remained silent.
They had not intended to attend, but Mu Cheng had released the news, making it known throughout the city. All reputable scholars were eager to attend this gathering.
If they did not come to serve as a foil for Liang Xiao, who knew how the newspapers edited by Mu Cheng would spin it? Their reputation in scholarly circles would inevitably be greatly affected.
After all, in terms of achievements, Liang Xiao deserved such treatment. Although he was a subject of Da Gan, the two nations were said to share the same lineage. Qin Feng and Zhuo Zifang had both received mutual courtesy from both nations. Liang Xiao's standing was only higher, not lower, and the military and civilians of Da Liang could accept it.
No one understood the importance of public opinion better than this group. They could afford to offend Liang Xiao to some extent, as they were not of the same path. However, they dared not openly fall out with Liang Xiao, lest Mu Cheng seize upon it.
Mu Cheng had not prepared an imperial carriage for Liang Xiao, which was already a considerable concession to these aristocratic families.
What they did not know was that Liang Xiao, while in Da Gan, had already sent a letter to Qin Feng in advance, politely declining the imperial carriage treatment offered by Mu Cheng.
The true reason for Yan Liu's anger was that Qin Feng had been personally appointed as the host of today's grand banquet, not he, the highest-ranking Left Prime Minister and Grand Tutor!
At this moment, Qin Feng was conversing with Zhi Rou and others, appearing calm and unruffled. The more Yan Liu looked, the more infuriated he became.
To make a "highly respected" prime minister like himself act as a mere foil for two younger men!
"Marquis An Guo has arrived!"
The eunuch's announcement from outside pulled the thoughts of the assembled crowd, each occupied with their own concerns, back to the present.
Everyone looked towards the entrance. Liang Xiao, accompanied by his three wives and following behind Zhuo Zifang, entered the Ziqing Platform, surrounded by imperial guards.
The crowd rose to salute them. Yan Liu and his followers also grudgingly stood and cupped their fists in greeting.
The young Confucian scholars held their breath, only daring to look at Liang Xiao with excitement while standing beside their elders.
Li Xin, following behind her elders, gazed deeply at Liang Xiao and whispered, "His demeanor is even more remarkable than before…"
"Do not be rude!" The elder in front of Li Xin's soft reprimand silenced her.
Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang returned the salutes to the surrounding crowd. Qin Feng quickly welcomed Liang Xiao, his wives, and Zhuo Zifang to the main seats.
"That Marquis An Guo could attend this gathering is more than enough to satisfy our lifelong longing!"
A group of elderly great scholars bowed to Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao quickly replied, "I dare not!"
Zhuo Zifang smiled, "Li Hongru, you are too modest. Liang Xiao is still a junior."
Liang Xiao observed the leading great scholar and instantly understood.
This man was Li Xin's grandfather, Li You, a renowned great scholar of Da Liang, known as Li Hongru.
Li You said solemnly, "How is this modesty? Compared to Marquis An Guo, we are truly insignificant. Marquis An Guo benefits the people of the world and deserves any praise!"
Li Xin, standing behind Li You, felt an even greater pang of regret.
Even her usually proud grandfather held Liang Xiao in such high esteem, yet Zhuo Yun lacked the courage to even see him.
Looking at Luo Qingxue and Jian Qinwan behind Liang Xiao, Li Xin could not help but feel inferior and sighed inwardly.
The stories of Ye Qingyi and others were widely circulated in the Jiangnan region of Da Gan, even reaching Da Liang.
She finally understood how Ye Qingyi and the others felt.
Knowing they were not worthy, the best way to show their love was to not disturb them.
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang returned to their seats.
Zhuo Zifang's expression became even more pained.
Despite such a grand occasion, Zhuo Yun still did not appear!
Even if it was just to accompany Li Xin!
Just then, Liang Xiao's quiet reminder reached Zhuo Zifang's ear: "Commander Zhuo, she likely feels too ashamed to face you both, and thus dares not come out. Do not force her."
Zhuo Zifang understood and decided not to dwell on Zhuo Yun's matter for the moment. He, along with Liang Xiao and Qin Feng, presided over the banquet.
Yan Liu and his faction, looking at the "Three Gentlemen of Two Nations" at the head table, gritted their teeth.