Vol 8 Chapter 95 (1/2)

VOLUME 8 CHAPTER 95: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS THE FAREWELL BANQUET (9)

Liu Bei POV

“But no matter what, I am very thankful to blood brother for caring this much for me. There are few who do so, much less ones who are royals.” Liu Biao said softly to me as he smiled. I only nodded in response as I wasn’t sure what I ought to say and did my best to appear humble.

Just then, Liu Biao’s expression changed meaningfully and he looked about before coming close to me and asking, “Blood brother, as a man, who do you think is better? Liu Cong or Liu Qi?”

“Eh? What are you talking about, elder brother?”

“No, I’m just preparing contingency plans.”

Contingency plans? What plans?

“Imperial Uncle.” Just as I was fraught with confusion, a familiar voice came from the entrance of the main hall.

“Who is it? Can’t you see that I’m busy speaking with my blood brother?” Liu Biao turned as I did and spoke irritatedly. This is probably his usual att.i.tude when speaking with his retainers.

I didn’t need to look to know who it was. Apart from us, the only ones who can come here are the musicians and the master of ceremonies. I don’t know any musicians but I do know a master of ceremonies and only one of them would directly address me as Imperial Uncle.

“You’re here huh, Yi Ji.” I said with great relief when I saw her. Though Liu Biao hadn’t explained himself, I’d begun to feel an ominous premonition. Yes, every time Liu Biao tries to sell me something, he has the same expression on his face.

That’s why Yi Ji’s sudden appearance is truly timely.

“So it’s Yi Ji huh.” Seeing that Yi Ji was here, Liu Biao first separated himself from me and sent a glance my way before putting on a serious expression as he greeted her.

“My lord.” Yi Ji too, replied in kind, and greeted Liu Biao as she bowed and saluted before making her way to her seat.

Her seat happened to be the first and foremost amongst the seats positioned in the last row, and was also the seat just behind mine. Looks like Yi Ji isn’t a low ranking official at all and is likely the highest master of ceremonies here.

“Keep it a secret for me.” Liu Biao whispered into my ear all of a sudden in a cheeky voice. It wasn’t anything good at all but he spoke to me as though it were a childish prank. I felt a little awkward and wanted to give a reply but he’d already turned back.

“Ahem…” Liu Biao swung his sleeve and returned to the main seat and beckoned me to return as well, “Come blood brother, please sit as well.”

“Ah, un.” I swallowed my words and nodded before going around Liu Biao to my seat. As I walked past him, I s.h.i.+fted my gaze downwards and saw that he had placed his arm which had a sleeve dirtied by blood on the inside and used his hand to cover it, so that Yi Ji couldn’t see it.

As royalty, he has to maintain a majestic and dignified appearance. And since he truly wishes to hide it, an outsider like myself has no right to divulge it. I would do wrong to all sides if I did so.

I don’t wish to but I have to do as Liu Biao says for now.

“By the way, if I remember correctly, Jiangdong’s representative will be arriving today for discussions regarding Jiangxia with Qi’er taking the lead, am I correct?” Liu Biao said as he took another swig from the wine jar. He’s probably doing that to wash away any traces of blood from his lips.

“Yes, they are expected to arrive in the evening.” Yi Ji said and leaned forward such that her forehead touched my back which made me instinctively sit upright, “All preparations are complete on the young mistress’s side.”

“Un… Very good.”

“Jiangxia negotiations?” I asked.

I’ve been fully occupied with the move to Xinye and haven’t had the leisure to bother about anything else at all.

“Yes, that Han Song fellow couldn’t settle it for me.” Liu Biao nodded and continued unhappily, “In the end, the other side has insisted on seeing me in Xiangyang and said that they have important things to discuss.”

He seems unhappy that it’s not come to an end yet. But Liu Qi is going to be responsible for this huh? Looks like she’s gained Liu Biao’s trust, I thought, and felt happy for Liu Qi.

“I feel that Liu Qi is the appropriate person for the job.” I said.

“Oh? You think so too?” Liu Biao smiled when he heard it, like how parents look when their children are being praised.

“Liu Qi’s recent performance has been good, though she’s still a little eccentric, she’s begun to interact with her subordinates. I am very relieved about that.”

What father calls his children eccentric… No wonder your children don’t like you, so I thought. I kept this thought inside me when I recalled that this was a man who puts up a strong front and he would never say these words of praise to Liu Qi directly.