Vol 8 Chapter 89 (1/2)

VOLUME 8 CHAPTER 89: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE FAREWELL BANQUET (3)

Liu Qi POV

I have to say, I haven’t had much experience with such things, and the language used in such doc.u.ments has to be nuanced so it was rather difficult for me.

I must remember to thank Yi Ji later for helping me out, I thought as I replayed the opening speech I prepared in my mind as well as the various negotiation tactics.

Un… But my thought process was very quickly derailed and I was unable to concentrate whatsoever.

This naturally has nothing to do with the fact that I’m riding a horse and mostly nothing to do with how hot the weather was.

Hai… I gave a long sigh as melancholy filled my heart.

… This is probably the last time I’ll meet uncle.

Though I know this is necessary, it’s still sad to see this day come.

Ever since we came back from Jiangxia, I haven’t spoken much with uncle but I still feel safe knowing he is around. But now that uncle is leaving, I’ll have to depend on myself once more.

But at least, I’ve finally begun to take my first step out.

Uncle, I’ve improved, haven’t I? I’m one step closer to you now right?

Realising that my thoughts had jumped from the Jiangxia negotiations to uncle, I understood that I couldn’t think about anything else besides uncle and decided to concentrate on riding so I could make my way to father’s residence as soon as I can.

After about 3-4 intersections, the oversized mansion came into view. I’ve not been here a lot since I’ve moved out but I still instinctively recognised it as my father’s residence.

And also mine, just a few years ago.

“Young mistress!”

“It’s fine.”

The guards at the entrance greeted me as usual when I dismounted and made my way in with large strides and I too dismissed them like I did before.

As I stepped in, I could feel that the atmosphere was different from before. Looking up, I could see several red cloths with celebratory poems written on them hung from the ceiling.

“Young mistress.”

“Good day, young mistress.”

“Ah… Un.”

The mansion was bustling with people rus.h.i.+ng to finish the final preparations for the banquet who greeted me when they saw me. There were quite a few familiar faces but they seemed too busy for me to stop them for a short chat.

Well then, let’s proceed with what we came here to do then.

“Is there any attendant around?” I yelled as I stepped into the room.

“Here.” A polite young woman said immediately as she stepped out. She wore the standard official uniform but did not wear the hat for high ranking officials which meant she was an attendant for this mansion.

“What is your name?” I asked as I walked towards her.

“Xiang Lang.”

“Alright. Xiang Lang, I’ll be troubling you to retrieve me some clean clothing that will be suitable for the upcoming occasion.” I said as I gestured toward my dirty armour and the sweat-soaked gown beneath it, “I can’t possibly wear this to the banquet after all.”

“I understand. Please follow me.” Xiang Lang nodded as she gestured to the side.

“Ah, alright. Thanks.” I nodded respectfully. This was something I’d never do before meeting uncle.

“Young mistress.” Wen Ping called out just as I was about to follow Xiang Lang.

I turned back, and saw a soldier standing in her way and saying something to her.

“What’s the matter? What did she say?”

“She said that there is a separate banquet for the warrior generals set up at a separate venue and I am to make my way there at once.” Wen Ping sank into silence when she finished.

“It’s fine. Go on ahead, I’ll meet you once it’s over.”

Of course, I understood what she meant. In any case, I intended on changing clothes myself in the first place.

When Wen Ping heard my reply, she bowed and saluted me before following the soldier who guided her to the alternative venue.

It feels like… Wen Ping has been speaking more of late, and is much easier to get along with than before. I wonder if this is because of my change?

Though I have to say that she was a nice person to begin with.

In fact, if I think about it, Yi Ji, Wen Ping and I are all quiet in nature. That the 3 of us could come together and get along as well as we have is a miracle.

“Please come, young mistress. The banquet will be starting soon.”