The royal mansion was grand and imposing. The reception hall in the front was bustling with activity, with almost all the high-ranking officials of the Eastern Region present, and even many outstanding mid-level generals had come.
In the vast reception hall, people chatted in twos and threes. Exquisite snacks were placed on various tables, and of course, mooncakes were indispensable, as it was the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Although everyone present had seen the King of the Eastern Region personally lead Xiao Yunlong in, no one came forward to greet them. Even though they all knew Xiao Yunlong's identity, the King of Zhenbei was now like a tiger fallen from grace, having lost his power.
Furthermore, the situation in the Eastern Region camp was particularly complex. Those with discerning eyes could see that the Eastern Region camp was now essentially controlled by the Grand Commander. Moreover, they vaguely sensed that the Grand Commander seemed to be at odds with this disgraced King of Zhenbei. Therefore, naturally, no one dared to casually strike up a conversation with Xiao Yunlong.
The King of the Eastern Region originally wanted to make introductions, but upon seeing that the several Grand Commanders had not yet arrived, he said, "Nephew, please make yourselves comfortable. I will go to welcome and greet other guests. We shall drink and talk at length later!"
Xiao Yunlong nodded and smiled, "Old Uncle Dong, you should go ahead. It's no trouble."
The King of the Eastern Region beckoned the second steward, instructing him to take good care of Xiao Yunlong and his companions, and then turned to leave.
However, as soon as he reached the corridor, he saw the Grand Commander walking quickly towards him. The King of the Eastern Region and the Grand Commander met at the corner.
"How is it? No problems occurred?" the Grand Commander asked in a low voice.
"Don't worry, I have memorized all the key points according to your instructions. There will be no unexpected situations!" the King of the Eastern Region smiled.
From the guests not far away in the courtyard, one could only see the King of the Eastern Region and the Grand Commander talking amicably. Of course, they couldn't hear what they were saying.
The two exchanged a few simple words, appearing to be just exchanging greetings, and then they parted ways in a hurry. The King of the Eastern Region continued to welcome guests outside, while the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng, accompanied by two powerful personal guards, walked inside.
Meanwhile, in the reception hall, Xiao Yunlong looked around and found that the many mid-level generals of the Eastern Region camp were only chatting in small groups, with no intention of coming to greet him. He shook his head helplessly and turned to find a corner by the window to sit down.
The booth here could accommodate their group. The table was also filled with various exquisite pastries, mooncakes, as well as red and white wine.
Because it was a clear night, through the window, one could see the bright full moon in the eastern sky. The hazy moonlight, like milk, shone upon the valley, creating an exceptionally beautiful scene.
As soon as the Grand Commander entered, many mid-level personnel of the camp, whether generals or logistics staff, almost all stood up and proactively and enthusiastically greeted the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng, which showed the great prestige and authority the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng held within the entire Eastern Region camp.
Tu Fu saw this and curled his lips in a cold snort, "Looking at this scene, if people didn't know better, they'd think he, the Grand Commander, was the King of the Eastern Region!"
Even Zhuge Wushuang teased, "No wonder the Wang family's residence in Hucheng dares to call itself a royal mansion!"
Xiao Yunlong merely smiled faintly, holding his wine glass by the stem, and turned to admire the full moon in the sky.
The Grand Commander Wang Kezheng always had a smiling face, appearing refined and amiable. He responded thoughtfully to everyone who greeted him or toasted him.
After going through almost everyone, the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng's gaze finally fell on Xiao Yunlong. After a moment's thought, he picked up a glass of wine from a passing waiter's tray, straightened himself, and walked directly towards Xiao Yunlong, with his two powerful elderly guards following closely behind.
Seeing this, the surrounding crowd's expressions became meaningful.
As the saying goes, one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. The King of the Eastern Region had clearly declined, and the Second Grand Commander had been forced into retirement. The most powerful and prestigious figure in the Eastern Region camp was the Grand Commander.
For example, the former Fourth Grand Commander, Wu Shenyong, was Wang Kezheng's man. Xiao Yunlong had openly killed him, which was undoubtedly a provocation and challenge to the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng. Moreover, a few days ago, the Fifth Grand Commander, Fan Xingchang, intended to apprehend Captain Pan Chaofeng and others, but Xiao Yunlong had forcefully protected them.
In other words, the conflict between Xiao Yunlong, the disgraced King of Zhenbei, and the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng was almost on the verge of being exposed.
Xiao Yunlong had naturally noticed Wang Kezheng's actions, but he remained seated in the booth, sipping his wine and admiring the Mid-Autumn moon, showing no intention of getting up.
As the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng approached, he smiled and asked, "Surely this must be the renowned Mr. Xiao? It is indeed true that meeting is better than hearing about it. You are truly young, vigorous, and full of spirit!"
Xiao Yunlong still did not get up and asked faintly, "May I ask who you are?"
Wang Kezheng still had a smiling face, patted his forehead, and said, "Look at me, I was so happy that I forgot to introduce myself. I am Wang Kezheng, the Grand Commander of the Eastern Region camp."
Since the other party had formally revealed his identity, Xiao Yunlong could no longer remain seated. After all, this was the King of the Eastern Region's banquet, and at least some superficial courtesy had to be shown.
Xiao Yunlong then stood up and smiled, "So it's Grand Commander Wang. Nice to meet you, nice to meet you!"
"I've heard much about you, Mr. Xiao. I never expected to meet you today. I'll toast you with this drink!"
Wang Kezheng said, holding out the wine glass. Even at this point, he only referred to Xiao Yunlong as Mr. Xiao, without explicitly stating Xiao Yunlong's identity.
One reason was that the attitude of Long Country towards the King of Zhenbei was ambiguous. For example, the Northeast Tiger from the Zhang family in the northeast had already led his troops into the northern region and was even gradually taking over the affairs of the Northern Region camp.
The second reason was that once his identity was revealed, many things would be difficult to proceed. After all, Long Country had not officially revoked Xiao Yunlong's title as King of Zhenbei. If Wang Kezheng revealed it, he would implicitly be a step below Xiao Yunlong.
For instance, if he revealed it now, he would have to respectfully salute Xiao Yunlong, something the arrogant Grand Commander would never do!
Of course, Xiao Yunlong also had no intention of revealing his identity, because once revealed, he would not be able to act as freely as he pleased.
The two then clinked glasses and drank them down. Xiao Yunlong put down his wine glass and suddenly asked, "By the way, Grand Commander, I've always wanted to ask you."
"What does Mr. Xiao want to ask?" Wang Kezheng countered.
Xiao Yunlong shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "Regarding the matter of me killing Wu Shenyong and his son, and the Japanese ronin samurai, what is Grand Commander Wang's opinion?"
This was undoubtedly an extremely sensitive and even provocative question. Many mid-level generals around, who were paying attention to the situation here, immediately pricked up their ears and listened carefully.
The previously lively reception hall suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere became somewhat sensitive and tense.
Even the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly recovered his composure and laughed heartily, saying, "Regarding this matter, since Mr. Xiao asks today, I will give you a response."
After speaking, the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng looked around the room and said solemnly, "Wu Shenyong and his son openly violated the laws of the Eastern Region camp and intended to kill someone, and that someone was Mr. Xiao. Therefore, they deserved to die. There's nothing more to say about that. As for those Japanese ronin samurai, they deserved to die even more. I was originally planning to implement restrictive and expulsion measures, but I didn't expect Mr. Xiao to be one step ahead of me."
Xiao Yunlong chuckled and asked, "So, Grand Commander Wang thinks I did the right thing, and approves of my actions?"
"Of course!" the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng nodded.
Xiao Yunlong nodded noncommittally and said, "In the first few days after arriving, I heard that the Grand Commander of the Eastern Region camp was arrogant, self-serving, and even indulged unsavory characters from the martial world to run rampant in the capital for his own selfish reasons. But after meeting you today, it seems I misunderstood you, Grand Commander Wang?"
The Grand Commander Wang Kezheng said with a forced smile, "Of course, Mr. Xiao, you must have misunderstood. I am not that kind of person!"
"I also hope that Grand Commander Wang is not that kind of person. For this, let's have another drink!" Xiao Yunlong said, extending his wine glass.
The two clinked glasses again and drank them down. Then the Grand Commander turned to leave.
The conversation between the two was like a dragonfly skimming the water, a smile and a passing remark, but hidden within the laughter were hidden daggers and killing intent.
The surrounding crowd, who had expected the two to erupt into conflict, was somewhat disappointed that it ended in such a relatively cheerful manner.
However, upon closer thought, it was understandable. After all, this was the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet hosted by the King of the Eastern Region. For the sake of face, it was naturally impossible to erupt directly in such an occasion.
As several important figures arrived, the King of the Eastern Region, who seemed ordinary, walked in. Of course, it was getting late, and most of the expected guests had arrived.
The King of the Eastern Region stood in the center of the reception hall and waved his hand. After everyone quieted down, he began to speak, mainly expressing his thanks, and then invited everyone to move to the dining hall.
The dining hall was equally vast. A long rectangular table was placed in the center, with seats arranged on both sides. The table was already set with all sorts of exquisite delicacies from land, sea, and air.
"Please be seated, everyone!" The King of the Eastern Region gestured for everyone to sit down, and then he took the main seat.
The Grand Commander Wang Kezheng, as usual, sat in the first seat on the left side below, followed by others arranged according to their rank and status.
Xiao Yunlong sat in the seat on the right, facing Wang Kezheng.
The dining hall was still very lively, with everyone talking and laughing. As the King of the Eastern Region stood up and raised his wine glass, everyone also stood up and raised their glasses. The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet officially began, and the atmosphere gradually became cheerful.
Then, the King of the Eastern Region personally came to toast Xiao Yunlong, followed by the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng. Subsequently, the previously observing mid-to-high-level personnel of the Eastern Region all came to toast. Xiao Yunlong naturally did not refuse this gesture, and soon the scene was filled with scattered cups and plates, pushing the festive and joyful atmosphere to its peak.
After three rounds of drinks, the lively scene gradually subsided. The King of the Eastern Region seemed a bit tipsy and was leaning under the eaves, gazing at the full moon in the sky.
Seeing this, Xiao Yunlong stood up and walked over, smiling, "The moon in the sky is truly round this Mid-Autumn Festival. It reminds me of the time in the capital when you, Old King Bei, and I were celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival."
The King of the Eastern Region was already a bit tipsy and nodded, "Yes, I still remember that time. We three were at a farmhouse outside the city, also admiring the moon under the eaves in the courtyard. I remember very clearly that the moon that night was as big and round as tonight, like a plate."
"Indeed. It's a pity that after so many years, things have changed. Old King Bei is no longer with us," Xiao Yunlong said with some sadness.
The King of the Eastern Region heard this and waved his hands repeatedly, "Let's not talk about this. Today is a festive occasion, let's not talk about unhappy things."
Speaking of this, the King of the Eastern Region was muddled and staggering, seeming unable to stand steadily. He said, "I didn't expect that as I get older, my tolerance for alcohol has decreased. After only a few drinks, I'm already feeling unwell. Nephew, I need to go rest. I won't be accompanying you. Please feel free to do as you please, and make sure to eat and drink well!"
"Since Old Uncle Dong is not feeling well, you should rest early!" Xiao Yunlong said, stepping forward to support him, preventing the Old King Dong from falling.
Soon, the King of the Eastern Region left the venue, supported by two personal guards.
Xiao Yunlong leaned against a pillar by the eaves, his gaze aimlessly scanning the crowd. Suddenly, a burly man with a thick beard caught his attention.
In fact, this burly man with a thick beard had been present since the beginning of the banquet, but he was sitting at the far end, so he wasn't particularly conspicuous. However, throughout the entire process, he only stood up at the opening to clink glasses with everyone, and then he proceeded to eat and drink by himself.
During this time, the burly man with a thick beard did not toast anyone, and even rejected the toasts from some mid-level generals who came to greet him with a cold gaze.
Xiao Yunlong was undoubtedly interested, so he beckoned Pan Chaofeng over and asked, "Who is that guy?"
Pan Chaofeng followed his gaze and then said, "My lord, this person is none other than the Third Grand Commander of the Eastern Region camp, Li Guangfa!"
"He's the Third Grand Commander? Then why is he sitting at the far end?" Xiao Yunlong asked in surprise.
Pan Chaofeng gave a wry smile and explained, "This Third Grand Commander usually likes to act unconventionally, and he's not too pleased with the Grand Commander. The Second Grand Commander was forced to retire and go home. He probably didn't want to sit next to the Grand Commander, so he chose the very end seat."
"So that's how it is. Didn't Zhuge Ya mention earlier that he had gone to the mountains behind the back to fish and hunt?" Xiao Yunlong nodded thoughtfully.
"He probably did before, but it's likely that the King of the Eastern Region invited him, so he rushed back. My lord, are you interested in the Third Grand Commander? Shall I call him over?" Pan Chaofeng asked.
Xiao Yunlong waved his hand, "No need, I was just asking. Even if I wanted to see him, it wouldn't be now!"
After speaking, he glanced at the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng, who was still toasting and drinking with his subordinates, and Xiao Yunlong waved his hand, "It's about time, let's go back!"
Xiao Yunlong did not bid farewell to the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng, nor was it necessary. He directly strode out.
Seeing this, Zhuge Wushuang, Tu Fu, and others stood up and followed closely behind.
When the Grand Commander Wang Kezheng saw Xiao Yunlong leave, he immediately put down his wine glass. The surrounding crowd naturally did not continue to toast him frequently.
"I suddenly remembered something I need to discuss with the King of the Eastern Region. You all continue!"
The Grand Commander Wang Kezheng said, then immediately stood up and walked directly towards the backyard.