130 Ni Chang Pavilion (2/2)
The attendants were wondering about the Prince's choice of company now…. [The Second Prince has asked this man to meet him in person, ah? How much longer do we have bear this pig-head? But really, second prince… wow…. How could the second prince be dining with such people???]
”Ha Ha, Mo Xie, my younger brother, it's been such a long time since I last saw you; you look so refined and cultured now! This is amazing!” The second prince affectionately stood up and energetically waved towards Jun Mo Xie.
”Uh, um…. It's surely been a while second prince….” Jun Mo Xie seemed flattered: ”How could Mo Xie dare to refuse if the second prince calls him for a banquet.”
”Oh, there's no need to be so polite.” The second prince hurried along and extended his hand to greet Jun Mo Xie, but couldn't help feel a sense of unhappiness, and surprise, as he stood there with his hand extended; his lone hand. [This guy didn't do any customary bows in salutation, and on top of that, he is even refusing to shake my hand! That too when I'm offering respect first!]
Jun Mo Xie of course didn't greet him respectfully; in his head, even the Emperor wasn't worthy of his worship. In fact, if the God descended to the world, then would Jun Mo Xie have worshipped him? Jun Mo Xie wasn't awfully sure about it either.
So then, what respect would he have for a mere prince? In the eyes of Jun Xie, the assassin, the prince was just another living body, which he could transform into a corpse at any time.
”Ha Ha, let's just throw aside all formalities; after all, our families are friends of old ah.” The Second Prince smiled graciously: ”I remember that we used play together quite often as children, but now that age has caught up, now my younger Brother and I can only look back at the past and marvel at the days gone by.”
The Second Prince's words had a hidden meaning behind them, and it seemed as if he was trying to remind Jun Mo Xie that he shouldn't act very high-headed in front of him, and the Prince was only greeting him since he belonged to the Jun Family. He was still the blood of the King; a prince, and Jun Mo Xie was just a high-class noble.
”Ah, yes yes.” Jun Mo Xie quickly assessed the situation and replied. [Such trivial matters aren't worth spoiling this broth over.]
He couldn't help but notice the four other people who were eyeing and assessing him from the sidelines, especially the youngster whose eyes looked full of contempt and disdain: [The Second Prince is asking me to befriend this pain in the neck? What kind of a man is this guy?]
”Little Brother, let me introduce you to some of my friends; you probably know some of them.” The four men got up from their seats as the second prince gestured towards them.
”This is my teacher, Hong Wen University's great scholar, Fang Bo Wen.” The Second Prince sounded very respectful. Fang Bo Wen stroked his beard as he looked at Jun Mo Xie. Then he smiled and said: ”Nah, I'm just an old man, and nothing compared to you youngsters, really…”
”A renowned university scholar indeed.” Jun Mo Xie looked at the old man, and could feel that he'd need to be on guard against this man. This old man didn't seem ordinary, and in fact seemed to be concealing a huge amount of Qi inside his old body. [Could such a person really be the prince's master? Or a scholar from the Hong Wen University? He certainly has a history.]
”This man is Lord Liu. Lord Liu is a master of the pen and the sword; a very rare breed of talented men.” The Second Prince smiled.
Jun Mo Xie looked up and down the body of the man who had caused him to run naked on the streets, and had almost ripped him to pieces. Then his eyes suddenly revealed a look of interest as he asked: ”Lord Liu has a very unique way of standing, gee, he's standing so tall, even with his legs open so wide ah.”
Jun Mo Xie didn't expect that his opening sentence would actually expose the man's scars. Lord Liu's face was suddenly flushed red, while his mind was replaying the incident which had led to his awkward posture.
”The young master of the Jun Family is indeed very different from his peers, ah, and very handsome; far too handsome.” Lord Liu smiled as he tried to conceal his embarrassment.
”You think so too! I wonder why I'm so handsome? I'm too handsome to be true! Other handsome men always envy my looks! You and I could become really close friends ah; confidants! I'll take you out for drinks later ah!” Jun Mo Xie coquettishly swept his hair back, and then shook his head. Instead of shying from the compliment, he had brazenly accepted it, and in fact was also appreciating his own self.
Everyone was left standing dumbstruck. They had never witnessed such narcissism before….
Lord Liu was looking even gloomier now; [you arrogant little snob… you think I'll ever desire to befriend you!]
”Third young master Jun, you deserve your reputation well! I admire you already, Ha Ha, I'm Cheng De Cao.” Jun Mo Xie reset his eyes to the speaker; Cheng De Cao's face was grimaced with an arrogant smile, and it appeared as if he was half a measure away from stabbing Jun Mo Xie.
”Cheng De Cao? Never heard of you.” Jun Mo Xie directly waved him out. [Who does this guy think he is, damn it, he looks like he wants to stab me, ah; I'm your daddy when it comes to that…. You puny little jerk!]