In an alleyway next to Vermilion Bird Street, Lan Xi, wearing a bamboo hat, cast his gaze through the crowded street, landing squarely on Gong Linjue.
His hands, hanging by his sides, were clenched tightly into fists, and his eyes held not only hatred but also fear.
Memories buried deep in his mind were dug up once again. Struggling, he closed his eyes and leaned against the wall, panting heavily.
The diplomatic mission's convoy stopped at the entrance of the Huitong Guesthouse. Gong Linjue dismounted his horse, looked at the dozens of guards standing at the door, gave a cold sneer, and turned to Kang Zhibo.
"Minister Kang, why are there so many guards outside the Huitong Guesthouse?"
Kang Zhibo's lips twitched slightly before he curled them into a formal smile. "They were all sent here to protect and serve Your Highness."
"There is still half a month until His Majesty's birthday. If Your Highness wishes to tour the capital or purchase anything, please feel free to order them around."
Gong Linjue's long, narrow eyes stared at Kang Zhibo with a meaningful smile.
"I see. I had thought these guards were sent by your Emperor to monitor me."
Kang Zhibo hastily shook his head in denial.
"How could that be? His Majesty highly values the diplomatic relations between our two countries, and Your Highness has come to celebrate his birthday. We cannot welcome you enough; how could we possibly spy on you? Your Highness is overthinking this."
Gong Linjue forcefully flicked his sleeves, clasped his hands behind his back, and strode into the guesthouse.
"The guards I brought with me are all exhausted from the long, dusty journey. Since these men were sent to serve me, I'll leave the unloading of the luggage on the carriages to them."
Hearing Gong Linjue's words, the members of the Shuobei diplomatic mission, who had been preparing to move the chests, stopped what they were doing.
Seeing Prince Wei's figure disappear behind the doors, the men exchanged glances.
In the blink of an eye, they all jostled each other as they rushed into the guesthouse.
Watching the mission vanish in a rush, Kang Zhibo and the other officials from the Ministry of Rites stood frozen in place.
They just left like that?
"My Lord, what should we do now?" Peng Mu, the Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites, asked, at a loss.
These guards were specifically drafted from the Imperial Army by Commander Fan on His Majesty's orders. Are they really going to be treated like lowly servants?
Kang Zhibo pressed his lips into a thin line. After a moment of thought, he blinked in compromise.
"What else can we do? Have them move the luggage."
The words had already been spoken, and there was absolutely no taking them back. Otherwise, wouldn't they become a laughingstock to the Shuobei mission?
The arrangements inside the guesthouse had yet to be introduced to Gong Linjue, and there were still matters to discuss regarding the evening banquet.
After ordering the men to move the luggage, Kang Zhibo quickened his pace to catch up.
By the time he caught sight of Gong Linjue, the man was already seated in the seat of honor in the front hall.
Acting as if he were the master of the place, he slouched casually against the back of the chair.
His dirty boot rested on the seat cushion, and one arm was draped lazily over his knee, looking just as if he were listening to a tune at a tavern.
Kang Zhibo's brow twitched. He hesitated to speak but ultimately chose to endure it.
"Prince Wei, this is Manager Cao Mo of the Huitong Guesthouse. If the mission needs anything while staying here, you can seek him out."
Seeing that Gong Linjue didn't even spare them a glance, Kang Zhibo felt slighted, but he gritted his teeth and swallowed his pride.
Those who accomplish great things do not sweat the small stuff. The visitors were guests, and he couldn't leave them any room for gossip; bearing with it would let it pass.
Seeing this, the deputy envoy seated below Gong Linjue spoke up, "Minister Kang, you may return first. If anything comes up, we will find Manager Cao ourselves. After traveling for so many days, His Highness is tired, and we need to rest."
Kang Zhibo feigned a calm smile. "In that case, I will let Manager Cao attend to you all."
"At the hour of You, Prince Ying will host a welcoming banquet for the mission in the dining hall, complete with fine wine, delicacies, and singing and dancing for entertainment. We eagerly await your arrival."
