69 Prince Shaos Birthday Part 1 (2/2)

”Greetings.” Both Yu Mei and Ti Ling greeted each other in a friendly tone.

”And this is General Shang Guang.”

”It's an honor to meet Consort Pan.” Shang Guang greeted with his rough and husky voice. Because he was a military man, he looked much more rough compared to Prince Shao. Shang Guang had broad shoulders, tall and tan. He had a small scruffy beard that outlined his chiseled jaw. He was the perfect image of a handsome warrior. It was no wonder Nuan Ti Ling liked him. At age 19, he was already a well-known General in Luoyang.

[General Shang Guang? This is the same General Shang Guang that Nuan Ti Ling liked?] Yu Mei thought as she looked at him.

In the past, Yu Mei had never seen him before. She had only heard of his name a few times. To see him in real life, she finally believed in the rumors. Not only did his enemy fear his sword but his looks were godly.

Judging by how timid and awkward Ti Ling was acting right now, Yu Mei could assume the two of them hadn't gotten together yet. Which was of course strange.

”General Shang Guang. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've only heard about your contributions to the state but to be standing in front of such a hero, it is my honor. Surely your wife must be proud of you.” Yu Mei praised him.

Shang Guang chuckled politely before clasping both his hands and smiling at her. ”I do not have a wife yet.” He corrected her.

”Oh?” Yu Mei wanted to ask more but was stopped by Gu Shao.

”Okay, okay. Let's all have a seat and talk over some fine wine. I'm afraid if we talk here, the wine will get lonely.” Shao quickly rushed them to a seat.

Gu Shao's birthday wasn't fancy like how most would picture of a prince.

A large round table was placed in the center of his backyard where a large blue parasol hid them from the sun. It seemed more like this was just a time to have a chat with long friends rather than to boast about power and money. Which was Shao's intention. He only wanted to use this chance to bring the people he liked together and talk from morning to night.

Yu Mei sat across from Fei Ning. Because Ti Ling already knew Fei Ning, she sat next to her. Shang Guang and Gu Shao sat on each side of Yu Mei. The last seat next to Fei Ning was reserved for Pei Nan. If he showed up.

”Come, come. Let's drink.” Gu Shao stood up, grabbed the wine jar and poured each person a cup.

Yu Mei picked up her cup and drank it in one shot. She forgot to act graceful like Fei Ning and Ti Ling who raised their arm to cover their mouth as they sipped the wine. Gu Shao took this time to make conversation with Yu Mei. ”I'm glad you are here. I really am.” Gu Shao leaned over and whispered.

”I wouldn't have missed it for anything.” She replied back.

”I was going to be really hurt if you really didn't show up. I would not have let you slide. You know that right?” He teased her.

Fei Ning who had noticed the whole time was beginning to feel annoyed. She grasped the cup in her hand tightly. ”Brother-in-law, this is your birthday and we are all here for you yet you are ignoring all of us. Just for that, shouldn't you be punished. How about you take a penalty shot.” Fei Ning sweetly yet teasingly spoke to get his attention.

”Consort Ning is right, you are clearly ignoring all of us. You must take another cup to make up.” Ti Liang pointed at him. She loved to pick on Gu Shao any chance she could get.

”I third that. Have three cups.” Shang Guang leaned over to pour Gu Shao a drink.

Gu Shao couldn't believe his friends were all ganging up on him like this. He had only talked to Yu Mei for a few minutes yet they were all finding fault in him already. He knew they were teasing but weren't they just finding silly faults with him.

”Fine. I'll drink but if any of you ignore me today, I'll make you drink a whole jar of wine.” Gu Shao jokingly pointed at them as he chugged down three cups of wine. Gu Shao set the cup down and grabbed the wine once more. ”Come, let's all drink until the sun goes down.” He was getting riled up. It had been such a long time since he had last drank with Shang Guang and Ti Ling.

”Good! Let's drink until dawn.” Shang Guang shouted along to bring the mood up. Not that it needed it.

”How can you all start drinking without me already?” a calm yet sarcastic voice came from the gate. Everyone looked over to see Prince Nan walking forward.