By the window on the second floor of the hot pot restaurant, Song Jinzhao and the Duke of Qing, Chu Liuyun, stood side by side. Both of their gazes were fixed on the Shuobei State diplomatic mission that was about to pass by downstairs.
Looking at Gong Linjue, Song Jinzhao could tell at first glance that he had killed many people. He gave off the distinct vibe of a ruthless, bloodsucking fiend.
How much does Your Grace know about Gong Linjue?
Chu Liuyun shook his head and replied, I have never seen this person before. Gong Linjue is the youngest son of Gong Huan, the Great General of Shuobei State. He was previously unknown and obscure to the world. He suddenly emerged after He Mingyuan ascended the throne; we have never crossed paths before.
Song Jinzhao raised an eyebrow, finding Shuobei State rather interesting.
Before He Mingyuan ascended the throne, people also called him a good-for-nothing, yet he ended up becoming the emperor.
Gong Linjue was a nobody, yet he was made a prince in such a short period of time. It is truly strange in every aspect.
Chu Liuyun furrowed his brows in deep thought. Put that way, it indeed seemed amiss.
Everyone said He Mingyuan was a good-for-nothing, but in the three years since his ascension, no rumors or gossip had ever leaked from the Shuobei royal court.
Gong Linjue had no military achievements. When He Mingyuan bestowed upon him the title of a prince of a different surname, did no one in the court object?
He could not possibly have been made a prince simply because his martial arts were formidable and no one could defeat him. That defied common sense.
An overpowering, savory aroma drifted into his nose, and Gong Linjue turned his head toward the direction the scent came from.
What caught his eye was a massive red-lacquered signboard, clearly displaying the words Dingfeiju Hot Pot.
What kind of food were they selling? The aroma was so intense.
Shifting his gaze upward, he saw a familiar face.
The hand holding the reins tightened, bringing the warhorse beneath him to a halt.
One face was calm and composed, while the other wore a wicked, charming smirk around the eyes and lips.
Their eyes met, a clash of softness and steel that felt intensely oppressive.
Seeing Gong Linjue stop in his tracks, Kang Zhibo and the others looked up at the second floor in confusion, following his line of sight.
Upon realizing it was the Duke of Qing and County Princess Linghui, they could not help but grow tense.
When military commanders from opposing sides met, they often found each other displeasing to the eye, making it easy for conflicts and disputes to erupt.
They had not even entered the Huitong Guesthouse yet; nothing could be allowed to go wrong now.
Chu Liuyun's straight spine did not bend in the slightest due to the other party's status as a prince. He merely gave Gong Linjue a calm nod.
Prince Wei.
Standing to the side, Song Jinzhao silently offered a slight curtsy.
Gong Linjue cast a brief glance at Song Jinzhao before focusing all his attention on Chu Liuyun's face, as if the two had met before.
During the Battle of Ironclad City, the Duke of Qing burned the granaries and withstood the hundreds of thousands of troops from my Shuobei State. Even while in Yandu, this prince had heard of such a heroic feat. Seeing you today, your presence is indeed extraordinary. You truly live up to the title of Dongzhao State's number one young talent.
Chu Liuyun did not lower his guard because of the other party's flattery. He calmly replied,
Prince Wei was made a prince at such a young age. Your martial arts are formidable, and you are known as the number one expert of Shuobei State. Compared to you, Prince Wei, I fall far short.
Watching Gong Linjue and Chu Liuyun flatter each other, the officials standing below broke out in a cold sweat.
They could not shake the feeling that murderous intent was hidden between their words.
Prince Wei, this evening His Highness Prince Ying will host a banquet at the Huitong Guesthouse to welcome the delegation. The journey has been long and exhausting; it would be best to quickly enter the guesthouse and rest for a while.
Gong Linjue lightly swept his gaze over Kang Zhibo, who had just spoken, completely disregarding him.
He continued speaking to Chu Liuyun, You are mistaken. My princely title relies entirely on the favor of His Majesty the Emperor. How could it possibly compare to the solid military achievements of the Duke of Qing.
After I have an audience with your noble country's emperor, I must definitely spar with you to see who the true young talent is.
Song Jinzhao's gaze darted back and forth between the two men.
Gong Linjue looked a few years older than Chu Liuyun. Calling himself a young talent seemed a bit of a stretch; it sounded like he was shamelessly pretending to be younger than he was.
It would be my honor to spar with Prince Wei. Let us arrange a date another time.
Chu Liuyun did not refuse. He also wanted to test Gong Linjue's true depths to see if the man was really as formidable as the rumors claimed.
