The newly built Zhongfu Mansion is the most magnificent building group outside Xianyang Palace. Its scale is especially larger than the Ganquan Palace that Zhu Ji recently moved to.
Zhongfu's Mansion is far away from the Royal Palace and is surrounded by high walls. After entering the gate, there is a large square that can accommodate thousands of people. The three majestic main houses are connected by long corridors and stand side by side, facing south. They have civil structures and large
The roof, with slopes on all sides and double pillars, is impressive.
The main house group is followed by the ancestral temple of the Lu people. With the front and rear doors of the ancestral temple as the central axis, nearly thirty groups of courtyards are distributed in sequence, with left and right symmetry and a complete layout.
There is a vast garden between the main house group and the ancestral temple, and the environment is beautiful. It is obviously designed by a famous artist, which shows how strong Lu Buwei's material and financial resources are.
All the prominent people in Xianyang City came that night, and knowing that a fierce battle between the two top swordsmen Xiang Shaolong and Guan Zhongxie was inevitable, everyone was in the mood to watch a good show, and the atmosphere was even more lively.
Tens of thousands of red lanterns were lit in Zhongfu's Mansion, and birthday celebration lanterns were installed at the gate and in the garden, creating a festive scene.
Dozens of warriors put on neat samurai uniforms and guarded the gate to prevent anyone from sneaking in to watch the competition.
After entering, there is a reception desk dedicated to collecting and registering gifts. It is carefully arranged, so although there is an endless stream of guests, everything is in order and there is no chaos.
There are three main halls, two auxiliary ones, all open to receive guests. Of course, the central one is the largest, with seats for a thousand people, and the other two auxiliary wings also have seats for 500 people.
Those who were assigned to the auxiliary house were helpless, but they knew they were in a tight situation, so they had to figure out how to get to the main house to watch the game.
When Xiang Shaolong and others arrived, the guests had not yet formally seated at the table. They were chatting inside and outside the house and in the atrium, and the noisy voices reached into the sky.
The weather is beautiful tonight. Not only is there no snow, but the stars and the moon are shining brightly. In addition, the beginning of spring is only five days away, and the weather is getting warmer, which makes this grand birthday banquet even better.
However, those familiar with the matter know that behind this harmonious and lively smoke, an unprecedented fierce struggle in the Qin Kingdom is brewing. And Xiang Shaolong knows better that the success or failure of this struggle not only determines the fate of the seven heroes of the Warring States Period, but also determines the future history of China.
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He, Xiang Shaolong, is the key figure at the core of this struggle.
When Xiang Shaolong and other troops galloped into the outer gate of Zhong Fu's mansion, there was an immediate commotion, with everyone vying to see him in person.
Chang Ping Jun rode his horse to Xiang Shaolong and said with a smile: "Those who bet on you and lose will be greatly disappointed to see that you can still sit firmly on the horse after the battle with Zui Feng Si Hua last night."
Xiang Shaolong laughed dumbly and said: "If I lose tonight, I'm afraid I won't be able to step into the Wu family again, because my father-in-law has bet heavily on me. If he loses money, what do you think will happen?
"
Lord Changping said in astonishment: "It turns out that my father-in-law also loves gambling."
Xiang Shaolong lowered his voice and said: "It's not that I like gambling, but I like to see Pu Hu lose his hands and feet, and see what else he can do to win over those princes, relatives and ministers who are just trying to make money."
Lord Changping laughed loudly and jumped off his horse.
Tu, who was in charge of greeting the guests, came up first and ordered his servants to lead the horses. At the same time, he whispered to Xiang Shaolong: "That boy's body is secretly wearing soft armor from the craftsmen of the Yue Kingdom. It's best to attack his head and face, otherwise we will fight for it."
If you shoot him, he can kill you."
Xiang Shaolong whispered: "How can I get a gun tonight?"
Tu was stunned for a moment, and it seemed that he didn't understand. However, because other people came closer, he had to keep it in his stomach and change his words to other situations.
At this time, there was faint sound of drum music coming from the middle house, it must have been that someone important had just entered the house.
While Tao Fang was busy sending congratulatory gifts, no one wanted to go into the house so quickly to see Lu Buwei. They stayed in the square filled with guests to chat and admire the lights and the clear night sky. Qin Qing had just arrived and joined in
Ji Yanran and the girls were among the group, as well as several noble ladies from the royal family. They burst out laughing and attracted everyone's attention. On the one hand, because of their beauty, it was even more strange that they knew that Young Master Xiang was
Long wants to fight Guan Zhongxie in a decisive battle, but he can still be so calm and relaxed, talking and laughing happily.
The people of Qin are open-minded. On such occasions, beautiful girls like Ying Ying and Lu Dan'er are the most noisy. It is also the best time for young people to court a mate. The beautiful scenery is really difficult to describe.
When Xiang Shaolong was joking with everyone about the gambling scandal brought by Pu Hu to Xianyang, Lu Dan'er emerged from nowhere and motioned for Jing Jun to come over with his finger raised from a distance.
A group of men, women and children wearing new clothes happened to be walking between them and Lu Dan'er carrying lanterns. Jing Jun didn't notice this beautiful girl, but Xiang Shaolong caught a glimpse of it. He became naughty and walked over, pretending to be serious.
He said: "You are about to get married, but when you meet your elders, you don't come to respectfully salute and say hello. How can you behave like this?"
Lu Daner put his hands on his hips and said angrily: "Whose elder are you? What does it have to do with you whether I marry or not?"
Hey." Only then did she remember that Xiang Shaolong was Jing Jun's third brother. Her face immediately turned red and she stomped her feet in disobedience. "You're so bad that you bullied me."
Xiang Shaolong laughed loudly, pushed Jing Jun who had just rolled over to Lu Dan'er, and said proudly: "Good Dan'er, I, Xiang Shaolong, am waiting to drink the cup of wedding wine that you brought to me on my knees."
Lu Dan'er was at a disadvantage and did not dare to refute him, so he dragged Jing Jun away.
When he shook his head and sighed, Ying Ying's voice sounded nearby: "Master Xiang"
Xiang Shaolong looked away and was startled: "Why do you look so ugly?"
Pei Ying smiled bitterly and said, "I haven't slept well these past few nights. Alas, what else can I say when it comes to this?"
Xiang Shaolong said calmly: "No matter what happens tonight, it should come to an end for you. From now on, you should only have brother Duanhe in your heart, take care of your husband and raise your children, and be a good wife and mother."
Ying Ying came a little closer and said softly: "Tell me, if there was no evil in charge, would you have married me?"
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said: "Today, it seems that we should no longer say such things."
Ying Ying insisted: "No, if I don't ask clearly, I will never be willing to accept it."
Xiang Shaolong said helplessly: "I was indeed happy for you."
Ying Ying lowered her head sadly and whispered: "If something happens to you tonight, I will guard it for you...Oh, I won't say it anymore."
Seeing her hiding her face and walking away, Xiang Shaolong shook his head and smiled bitterly. It seemed that Ying Ying was sure that he would lose.
Xiang Shaolong naturally did not take her thoughts to heart. When he returned to Lord Changping, Teng Yi and others, Lord Changping asked: "What did the eldest sister say?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "Nothing?"
Changping Jun snorted: "How can it be nothing? Although she is willing to marry Duanhe, she is still reluctant to leave Guan Zhongxie. She also said that you are no match for him. She is really angry."
At this time, the guests began to enter the three huge houses of the first master and the second assistant. Wu Yingyuan was embarrassed to stay outside for so long, so he came over to greet everyone to follow him inside.
Since it is what the old man wants, everyone naturally obeys.
Lu Buwei, Lu Niangrong and Lu Buwei's other sons were all at the gate to greet the guests, and the sounds of congratulations could not be heard.
Lord Changping was probably the Zuo Prime Minister with the least airs and dignity since the founding of the Qin Dynasty. He followed Wu Yingyuan side by side with Xiang Shaolong as if he didn't know his identity at all, and congratulated Lu Buwei.
Wu Yingyuan was an experienced communicator and said a lot of congratulations casually.
Xiang Shaolong thought about the relationship between the Wu family and Lu Buwei in the past, and compared it with the current situation where everyone was talking about love and fighting against each other, and was quite moved.
Lu Buwei didn't know whether he thought Xiang Shaolong would definitely die tonight, or whether he was in high spirits when happy events happened, his face was filled with radiance, and he had an arrogant spirit when talking, laughing, and looking forward. When his eyes fell on Xiang Shaolong, his eyes lit up immediately.
Leaving the others behind, he came over and said, "I, Lu Buwei, have a double happiness tonight. I am not only celebrating my birthday, but also getting a good son-in-law. At this point in my life, do I have any regrets?"
Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that your biggest regret is not being able to become the king of Qin, so of course you have done your best to congratulate him on his birthday with everyone.
Before Lu Buwei had a chance to continue, Xiang Shaolong made a hand gesture behind his back, and everyone immediately roared past, saving him the pain of putting on a show.
After walking a few steps, Lu Niangrong stopped in front of Xiang Shaolong and said with a frosty face: "Master Xiang, Niangrong has a few private words to say to you."
Huan Qi, Teng Yi and others naturally understood the situation and followed the servants who led the way to the table.
Lu Niangrong said calmly: "Master Xiang, please come with me."
Xiang Shaolong knew that she would have nothing to say, so he was very wary. He followed her through the banquet and from a side door to the garden in the atrium. He stopped and said, "Let's talk here, okay? Otherwise, I'm afraid it will annoy others."
What’s the word?”
Jing Shan and other eighteen iron guards followed him step by step, now scattering in all directions to prevent anyone from approaching.
Lu Niangrong turned around and said coldly: "When did Xiang Shaolong become so timid and afraid of gossip? Besides, if Mr. Xiang is alive tonight, Niangrong will be yours.
There’s nothing else to worry about.”
Xiang Shaolong heard her sarcastic words. Although he was angry, he did not want to confront her tit for tat. He smiled and said, "Miss Third, I've called you here. I don't think it's just for teasing."
Lu Niangrong's beautiful eyes flashed sharply, and she said in a deep voice: "Of course, I am not in that mood. I just want to ask Mr. Xiang a few words. Since you have no interest in Niangrong, why do you accept the challenge of being possessed?"
Xiang Shaolong couldn't bear it anymore and sneered: "As long as the third young lady announces in public that she only wants to marry Mr. Guan, then I, Xiang Shaolong, no matter how shameless I am, will not insist on fighting."
Lu Niangrong's beautiful face turned cold. After glaring at him for a while, she nodded slowly and said, "Okay, let me, Lu Niangrong, see how you end up tonight."
He stamped his feet fiercely and walked back to the lobby.
After the fragrant breeze passed by, Xiang Shaolong sighed inwardly.
In the final analysis, although Lu Niangrong looked unkind, she had good intentions and wanted to persuade her to give up the competition because she, like Ying Ying, believed that she would definitely lose.
But in order to kill Guan Zhongxie, he had to ignore her good intentions.
When they returned to the lobby, most of the people had already taken their seats. Everyone was whispering to each other, and those who saw him were pointing at him as if they had found a treasure. It seemed that the topic was inseparable from his battle with Guan Zhongxie, which caused a sensation in Xianyang.
Due to the large number of people, except for the three-dimensional chairperson at the south end, other seats were arranged on both sides, four inside and outside, a total of 400 seats. Four people per seat sat facing the vast open space left in the lobby.
Convenient for watching song and dance performances and sword fights.
When they arrived at the seats where they should sit, a servant came up to them and led them to the seats.
Xiang Shaolong's seat is located at the eighth seat from the right.
Of course, the person sitting at the table was Lord Changping, and next to him were Wang Ling, Wang Chi and other generals. Sitting on the opposite side was Wang Wan, followed by Cai Ze, Miao Du, people of high status in the Lu family and Zhongfu's house, but Guan Zhong was not seen.
evil.
When Xiang Shaoneng sat down next to Teng Yi, Jing Jun, and Wu Yingyuan, he realized that the three lovely wives and Qin Qing were sitting at the previous table, giving him sweet and charming smiles. He couldn't help but feel happy. His eyes moved away.
Finally, because the Tian sisters looked the same, were equally beautiful and eye-catching, Tao Fang somehow managed to sit at their table.
The Eighteen Iron Guards naturally take a back seat.
After Xiang Shaolong chatted with Wu Yingyuan, they looked toward the door. The nearly thirty-member band on both sides of the door stopped playing, but Lu Buwei, Lu Niangrong, and others were nowhere to be seen. Only Tu Xian was playing music.
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Suddenly Wu Yingyuan pushed him secretly. Xiang Shaolong woke up and looked around. It turned out that Du Bi and Pu Hu were leaving the table and walking towards them. Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi and Jing Jun had no choice but to follow Wu Yingyuan.
Stand up and salute.
While Pu Hu was not squinting, Du Bi was staring hard at Ji Yanran and Qin Qing with a fiery look. Although he pretended to just look at them casually, he could not hide them from Xiang Shaolong, who was good at observing.
After the people on both sides made introductions and met with each other across the banquet, Pu Hu looked Xiang Shaolong carefully up and down with his shrewd eyes, and chuckled: "Master Xiang is indeed very powerful, rare in the world, no wonder Mr. Wu dares to do it to you.
I've made a big bet on you. If you're from the perspective of a friend, I hope you will win immediately, but if you're from the perspective of a businessman, it's a different plan. Pu is extremely conflicted in his heart."
Xiang Shaolong began to understand a little bit why Huan Qi didn't like him, because the manner and content of this man's words had the feeling of using others as business property, and the way he looked at people even more so.
Wu Yingyuan was a veteran in dealing with people and said with a smile: "Master Pu is serious about his words. How could Mr. Wu take that mere bet in Master Pu's eyes? Of course he would not lose justice for money and forget his friend's position."
Xiang Shaolong and Ji Yanran and the other girls who were listening attentively on both sides were all amazed when they heard this.
Du Bi smiled and said: "Uncle Wu's Ci Feng is really powerful. If Lord Xiang's sword is also that powerful, we will definitely win tonight. At that time, Master Pu will probably have to sell his land to pay off his gambling debt."
Xiang Shaolong laughed and said, "I didn't know until tonight that the general loves to joke so much. Mr. Pu is richest in the world. Just casually digging into his pocket is enough for me to come to Zui Feng Tower to become a wealthy guest."
Everyone laughed when they heard his exaggerated words. Ji Yanran and others were even more excited, and everyone who paid attention to them from far and near was stunned.
At this time, the gate official sang: "The Queen Mother and the Crown Prince have arrived."
Then the sound of drumming rose up.
The maidservant Guo Baimei and the servant who were walking back and forth between the banquet and the banquet like butterflies to serve the guests knelt down first.
After Pu Hu and Du Bi said goodbye, they went back to the banquet.
More than a thousand people in the venue knelt down to greet him.
Jing Jun did not forget to remind Xiang Shaolong: "The man sitting between Miao Du and Han Jie is Qiu Risheng, the owner of the Weinan Samurai Hall."
Xiang Shaolong looked diagonally across from Miao Du and found Qiu Risheng.
By chance, Qiu Risheng and Han Jie both looked at him, their eyes met, and everyone felt a little embarrassed.
Xiang Shaolong's trip this time was the second time he met Qiu Risheng. The first time was during the martial arts competition with Wang Jian. He glanced at him from a distance and didn't make a deep impression. This time he paid attention to this man, who had a master-level status in Xianyang.
The swordsman has a strange appearance, his hands and feet are slender and flexible than the average person, he is thirty-five or six years old, he has a pair of bright eyes, and his demeanor is extremely extraordinary. Just his appearance makes him feel that this person is a
A terrifying opponent, no wonder Miao Du deliberately tried to win over him.
He also saw Mao Jiao, a big undercover agent assigned by Xiao Pan to the Miao Party, sitting in the back seat with Ling Qi, Guoxing and others, whose status was still not as high as Qiu Risheng, Han Jie and another person sitting in the front seat.
Miao Si.
The gate official sang "Nai" again, and when the drum music became more intense, sixteen imperial guards stood sideways on both sides of the front and walked down the road. Zhu Ji, Xiaopan and Lu Buwei walked into the hall side by side.
Following behind was Lord Chang Wen and sixteen other imperial guards. Then came everyone from the Lu family, including Lu Niangrong, among whom Guan Zhongxie was prominently present.
After a while, Guan Zhongxie became even more terrifying. His steady steps showed strong self-confidence, and his eyes flashed with lightning when he looked around. It was extremely frightening. Among all the generals, except for Shang Cai, who was by no means inferior to him.
With the exception of the swordsman Xu Shang, everyone else competed with him.
When Xiang Shaolong's eyes found him, Guan Zhongxie's eyes also found him. When the sunlight touched the two of them, it was like lightning striking each other, and they separated after a while.
Since Lu Buwei was the protagonist tonight and was also the father-in-law, Zhu Ji and Xiaopan insisted on letting him sit in the middle seat as a sign of respect.
Lu Buwei made excuses and finally sat down.
Guan Zhongxie and others came to the table one after another.
When everyone sat down flat, their attention could not help but focus on the evil place in the tube.
What's annoying is that Lu Niangrong is actually sitting next to Guan Zhongxie. It's clear that Lu Buwei doesn't give Xiang Shaolong any face, and he also has the implicit intention that Guan Zhongxie will win the beauty.
Guan Zhongxie's seat was under Miao Du, and there were two great swordsmen, Lian Jiao and Zhao Pu, at the same seat, while old men such as Lu Can and Zhou Zihuan could only sit in the back seat. It can be seen that they could not exhale and raise eyebrows for Lu Buwei when hunting in the field.
, who had fallen out of favor, took their former place for these newcomers.
Lu Buwei is the kind of person who doesn't miss old feelings.
After Xiaopan said some unintentional praise of Lu Buwei's merits as usual, the birthday banquet finally began in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation.