Sorry for being slow. Because FYJT can be considered as historical theme I got a hard time trying to distinguished some appropriate words. Thank you to Minak Amie for editing. She has done such a wonderful job adjusting the words and my horrible grammar. Thanks for your encouraging comments as well.
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Luo Yun, at that moment, was checking all the food and drinks being sent over carefully with Rong Hu. Zi Yan, who was kneeling by Feng Ming’s side, inconspicuously indicated with his finger and asked, “Is Duke Ming referring to the young man in black clothing without any ornaments on his shoulders?”
“Yes.”
It was easy to determine who Feng Ming was referring to.
Within the hall, almost everyone was smiling and enjoying the song and dance. Many people had already begun eating the delicious food in front of them, and some had even started drinking the wine.
Only one person was sitting straight with an absent-minded expression of indifference. He sat coldly as if he was forcefully dragged to the banquet.
Not only that, his appearance was rather eye-catching. Even though he did not blend in with the people wearing gaudy ornaments around him, his simple dress and handsome disposition still made him stand out.
Zi Yan’s gaze lingered for a while before he said in a low voice, “Duke Ming, that person is sitting on a seat reserved for honoured guests. The seats over there can also be considered the most prominent in this whole banquet. Therefore, I would guess he is someone from Tong’s royal family.”
Feng Ming nodded in understanding.
“From subordinate’s understanding, Tong’s king only has two brothers now. Qing Ding and Qing Zhang are of noble background, however the youngest, Wu Lie, was borne from a lowly servant. Wu Lie never received the king’s favour, and since his mother’s lineage was not noble, despite being a prince, died early. He left behind a child called Wu Qian . From rumours, his character is not bad; he is honest and upright. He has a deep resentment towards Tong’s officials’ who ignore the commoners, play around all day long, and secretly kill each other.” Zi Yan continued his speculation. “Wu Qian rarely mixes into courtly matters because he does not have much power. We did not put much consideration towards him, because of that, there are no portraits available. However, that man is probably him.”
When Rong Tian was in reign, the relationship between Xi Lei and Tong could only be described as hostile. From the intelligence that was collected, the majority was focused on the king and several generals.
As for the insignificant court officials, they had no time to spare on them.
By the time they finished their quiet speculations, the dazzling performance had already come to an end. The beautiful dancers still lingered with smiles on their faces as they courteously bade their farewells. The silk and ribbons seemed to fly around as they retreated from the platform.
Their exit left the middle of the hall empty.
The sound of music had stopped.
The chatter and gossip had immediately halted.
Just a moment ago, the hall was filled with a variety of sounds and voices, but it was now surprisingly bathed in silence.
“Ahem” Qing Zhang made a coughing sound that attracted everyone’s attention. He wanted to show off his influence as the Tong Kingdom’s Royal Uncle, so with a noble demeanor, he made a toast. “Our honoured guests have come from faraway lands. Tong is overjoyed and has specially set up a banquet to welcome all the guest to our kingdom. Come, I invite everyone to have a drink.”
Everyone happily followed his example and drank a toast.