What was surprising was that the young Marquis of Chongren, Chu Qirui, was actually invited to visit the Marquis of Zhenxing's Mansion.

As Jiang Jilian's wife, Lu Yundi was naturally there to accompany him.

"Brother Chu, this bandit suppression campaign was a great success. His Majesty must be very pleased. I think you will be promoted a few levels." Jiang Jilian raised his glass to celebrate, but there was some jealousy in his words.

Chu Qirui smiled and raised his glass, clinking it with Jiang Jilian's, making a pleasant and crisp sound. "Brother Jiang, you are too kind. Qirui has only done a small part. The suppression of the bandits is also thanks to the strong support of the Zhenxing Marquisate." His voice was both humble and polite.

Lu Yundi smiled and patted Chu Qirui's arm, saying softly: "Young Marquis Chu, you are too polite. My husband and I are just doing our best. I heard that you fought bravely on the front line. Were you injured?" Her eyes revealed her concern and admiration for him.

A trace of emotion flashed in Chu Qirui's eyes, and he said slowly: "In war, injuries are inevitable. But Qirui is lucky and was not seriously injured." His tone carried a hint of self-mockery and an understanding of life and death.

Jiang Jilian put down his wine glass and his eyes became serious: "Brother Chu, do you know how many twists and turns there are behind this bandit suppression? I heard that you have been in danger many times, but you still managed to turn the tide. It is really admirable." His tone was full of admiration for Chu Qirui's courage and wisdom.

Chu Qirui smiled and replied: "Brother Jiang, you are too kind. Qirui is just doing his duty and doing his best for Western Wei." His voice revealed his sense of responsibility and loyalty to his mission.

At this time, a maid walked in quietly and poured wine for everyone. Lu Yundi stared at the maid's back, with a trace of concern in his eyes: "Lord Chu, what are your plans after the war is over?"

Chu Qirui pondered for a moment, and said slowly: "Qirui plans to return to Chongren Marquis Mansion first and have a good rest. Then, consider the next action."

Jiang Jilian's eyes flashed, and he said in a deep voice: "Brother Chu, you know that the situation in the court is changing rapidly. After the bandit suppression, His Majesty's expectations of you will definitely be higher. Are you willing to continue to serve in the court?"

Chu Qirui smiled slightly and replied: "Qirui is just a military commander and has no intention of interfering too much in government affairs. But if your majesty needs it, Qirui will do his best to serve the country."

A hint of admiration flashed across Lu Yundi's eyes: "Lord Chu, your loyalty is rare. No wonder His Majesty thinks so highly of you."

The banquet continued, and everyone was talking and laughing. The friendship between Chu Qirui and Jiang Jilian became deeper and deeper during this banquet. Jiang Jilian's admiration for Chu Qirui became more and more obvious, and Chu Qirui also felt Jiang Jilian's trust in him.

Jiang Jilian suddenly changed the subject and said in a serious tone: "Brother Chu, do you know that there has been a major change in the court recently?"

Chu Qirui frowned slightly and asked, "Brother Jiang, please elaborate."

Jiang Jilian said in a low voice: "There is a lot of unrest in the court, and there are even rumors of weakening the power of the princes. Qirui, what do you think about this?"

Chu Qirui's eyes turned cold, and he said firmly: "Qirui believes that the princes of various places have their own duties. If they are blindly weakened, it will inevitably cause turmoil. The government must be cautious in its actions in order to stabilize the world."

Jiang Jilian nodded in agreement: "Brother Chu, what you said makes sense. I feel the same way. This matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration."

Chu Qirui pondered for a moment, then said after deep thought: "Qirui puts the interests of Western Wei first. Both the central and local governments must prioritize stability. We will discuss the specific response strategy after the situation becomes clear."

.......

After the third round of drinks, Jiang Yuqi, who was dressed as gorgeously as a peacock, walked lightly towards the seated young Marquis of Chongren, Chu Qirui, with her personal maid.

"Young Marquis, I personally went into the kitchen to prepare a delicious pastry upon hearing that you were coming. Drinking alone would be too harmful to your health." Before she finished her words, a maid behind Jiang Yuqi deftly handed a food box containing pastries to Chu Qirui.

Chu Qirui's eyes gradually brightened as he watched Jiang Yuqi's behavior. He took the food box with a smile and said softly, "Miss Jiang is so thoughtful. Qirui is very grateful." He opened the box, and the delicate and sweet pastries exuded an enticing aroma.

Jiang Yuqi smiled shyly and said softly, "If the young marquis finds the taste to your liking, it will be Yuqi's honor." Her eyes moved, revealing infinite tenderness, while maintaining a noble sense of distance.

Chu Qirui took a sip and nodded approvingly: "It is indeed rare in the world. The young lady's craftsmanship is amazing." He looked up at Jiang Yuqi with admiration in his eyes.

Lu Yundi interrupted softly, "Yuqi has been extremely intelligent since she was a child. She is proficient in everything from music, chess, calligraphy and painting. This pastry is just so-so." There was a hint of pride in her tone, as if hinting at some possibility.

Chu Qirui smiled slightly, then turned to Jiang Yuqi and said, "Miss, I heard that you are quite accomplished in poetry and songs. Could you teach me a song?"

Jiang Yuqi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded softly: "Since the young marquis is interested, Yuqi will accompany you." She walked to the piano table, sat down gently, and plucked the piano with her jade fingers, and a song "High Mountains and Flowing Water" sounded leisurely.

The sound of the piano is like the gurgling of a clear spring, or like the sound of flowing water in the mountains, with a profound artistic conception. Chu Qirui was intoxicated by it and couldn't help but sigh: "The eldest lady's piano skills are really amazing."

When the song ended, Jiang Yuqi stood up and said with a smile: "Young Marquis, you are too kind. Yuqi only knows a little bit." Her eyes wandered over Chu Qirui, as if she was expecting something.

Chu Qirui smiled slightly and suddenly said, "Miss, I have something to ask you, may I ask for your advice?" Jiang Yuqi was stunned and looked at him curiously.

Chu Qirui said seriously: "I have been studying an ancient book recently. There is a passage in it that is quite obscure. Perhaps it is related to the hometown of the eldest lady. I wonder if you can help to explain it?"

Jiang Yuqi's eyes flashed with surprise, and she immediately nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, young marquis, Yuqi will do her best."

The two of them were discussing the secrets in the ancient books, and Lu Yundi and Jiang Jilian did not interrupt them, but just watched with a smile. As their discussion deepened, Jiang Yuqi asked questions from time to time, and Chu Qirui answered them patiently. The eye contact between the two became more frequent, and the atmosphere became subtle and pleasant.

Jiang Jilian couldn't help but whisper to Lu Yundi, "It seems that the two of them are getting along more and more." Lu Yundi smiled slightly and said nothing, but his eyes showed satisfaction and approval.

As the night deepened, the banquet drew to a close. Chu Qirui stood up and said to Jiang Yuqi, "Miss, I have benefited a lot from talking with you today. If there is a chance, I hope to consult you again."

Jiang Yuqi smiled slightly and responded softly: "Young Marquis, you are too kind. Yuqi is always at your service."

Lu Yundi waited patiently, secretly wondering when Jiang Jilian, that shameless man, would come to discuss matters of managing the family with him.

However, hearing that he had left the house again in the afternoon, it was easy to guess that he was going to have a secret meeting with his mistress Ye Wanxue again.

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