Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

As dusk approached, the Jin court sent word for the envoys to attend a banquet within the palace.

Fang Zheng Yi, having taken a nap, had recovered much of his energy.

The delegation sent to the Jin was quite large, so naturally, not all could attend. Only a select few important figures were chosen.

Accompanying him were his deputy, Ma Cheng, the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, along with several officials dispatched from the Ministry of Revenue and interpreters.

The group followed their guide into the Jin Imperial Palace.

The palace grounds were vast, and with the darkness, little of its beauty could be seen.

Only upon reaching the main hall, where the interior lights illuminated the outside, could they catch a glimpse of the surroundings.

Outside the main hall, Paba was already waiting. Upon seeing Fang Zheng Yi and his group arrive, he immediately stepped forward to greet them.

Paba smiled and said, "Brother Fang, how was your rest? Are you pleased with the gift I prepared for you?"

Fang Zheng Yi gave a thumbs up, grinning, "My parents gave me life, but Master, you understand me!"

Paba nodded, then glanced behind him, saying, "Glad you like it. If you want to change people, just let me know. But... why isn't Zhang Biao here?"

"What do you want him for? He's just a troublemaker. If he causes any problems, I can't be held responsible," Fang Zheng Yi said, suddenly on alert.

Paba lowered his voice, "Brother Fang, you may not know, but His Majesty's interest in Zhang Biao might be even greater than his interest in you. I previously reported the delegation's members to His Majesty, and upon hearing it, he personally said he wanted to see what the hero who defeated Chi Lie looked like."

"I think... the two of them will likely have a battle."

"Heh heh, we'll see," Fang Zheng Yi said with a forced smile, then started to walk towards the hall.

Paba quickly stopped him, saying, "Wait a moment, Brother Fang. I have another question. Was the journey back with the Second Prince smooth for you, Lord Fang?"

Ali Bai?

Fang Zheng Yi instantly understood and chuckled a couple of times.

Did this kid take expired donkey medicine and get a bit worked up, taking it out on Paba?

Paba looked serious, "Brother Fang, why are you laughing?"

Fang Zheng Yi suppressed his laughter, pointing to his head, "To be honest, Master... Does the Second Prince have some kind of mental issue? He's been a bit too energetic on this trip, wanting to fight everyone he sees. But when I met him when he first arrived in the capital, he seemed quite normal."

"He started acting up on the way back, constantly practicing his punches and skills, even daring to provoke Zhang Biao."

Paba asked anxiously, "How did he provoke him?"

"He said, 'A fierce tiger descends the mountain, a soaring dragon roars, little brother, don't be too arrogant.' Luckily, I stopped them; they almost got into a fight."

"Yes, yes, that's exactly how he talks."

"Good heavens... he's been consumed by his training..." Paba muttered.

It seemed this matter had nothing to do with Fang Zheng Yi; perhaps the Second Prince learned some heretical skills from some third-rate character in the capital.

He originally wanted to send an honest person to handle the matter and return home, but he didn't expect him to come back with his brain damaged.

But since it's just the Second Prince, it's not a big deal anyway; no one cares.

"Master, is he alright?"

"Oh, he's fine. Thank you, Brother Fang, for taking care of the Second Prince along the way. Please, come in," Paba said, dismissing the distracting thoughts and extending his hand in invitation.

Fang Zheng Yi cupped his fist in reply, "Not at all, it's what I should do. You're too kind, Master."

As soon as he entered the hall, the guests were already seated on both sides.

Ali Bai was among them, showing his white teeth in a smile when he saw Fang Zheng Yi.

Fang Zheng Yi led the way, with the others following closely behind, scanning the surroundings with sidelong glances.

Wu Tu sat on the throne, observing them below with interest.

Reaching his position, Fang Zheng Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I, your foreign subject, Fang Zheng Yi, pay my respects."

Wu Tu lightly raised his hand, and a deep voice echoed, "You have traveled far, esteemed envoy. There is no need for such formalities. Be seated."

Hearing that Wu Tu didn't even use an interpreter, Fang Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised and raised his head to examine him closely.

He saw that Wu Tu had a wide nose and mouth, a face full of a thick beard, and his entire figure was larger than Emperor Jing's.

Without those clothes, he didn't look like an emperor but more like a black butcher who slaughters pigs.

But since he could be emperor, he was obviously a meticulous person despite his rough exterior.

Subsequently, everyone took their seats one by one.

Wu Tu said, "Tonight's banquet is only to welcome the arrival of the foreign envoy. We will not discuss political affairs, only seek to enjoy the wine and be merry. Let the feast begin!"

Those below responded in unison, then gradually began to chat with each other.

From time to time, people looked toward Fang Zheng Yi's side and then continued to discuss.

The progress was too fast, and Fang Zheng Yi didn't quite react. These Jin people were a bit too straightforward. As a guest, I haven't been greeted with a few words. At least ask how Emperor Jing is doing. It's all well and good, but they started chatting on their own. And there are people staring at him suspiciously. It seems no one takes the delegation seriously...

Fang Zheng Yi reached out and poked Ma Cheng beside him, whispering, "Hey, do you feel that the way those people are looking at us is a bit strange, like they're not very friendly?"

Ma Cheng chuckled softly, "Lord, you're too nervous. This kind of situation is normal. Wu Tu is a military man by origin and doesn't care about etiquette. Don't expect too much from the people below either. After all, this is a land of barbarians. You're overthinking it, Lord."

"Hmm...."

As the two were chatting in low voices, Wu Tu suddenly raised his wine glass and said, "I have long heard of the esteemed envoy's great name. Seeing you today, it is indeed true that a hero emerges in youth."

Fang Zheng Yi raised his wine glass and said, "Your Majesty, you flatter me. It is merely a misrepresentation from the outside world. I am but a mediocre person in the court. However, I have heard that Your Majesty has achieved many glorious military exploits, but I never imagined that upon seeing you today, Your Majesty would also know the language of my Great Jing so well. You are truly a man of both literary and military talents, which is truly admirable."

Hearing this, Wu Tu laughed heartily, "The State Preceptor has long told me that you are extremely eloquent. It is indeed so. Someone, grant him wine!"

After Fang Zheng Yi finished drinking, Wu Tu said again, "I heard that the brave warrior Zhang Biao, who defeated Chi Lie, has also come? I wonder, which hero is he?"

Wu Tu's gaze kept sweeping back and forth around Fang Zheng Yi.

Fang Zheng Yi stood up and said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Biao is just a boorish man who is not fit for formal occasions, so he is currently waiting outside the palace."

"What are you saying, esteemed envoy? Summon him in so that I may meet him. For many years, I have been curious about what kind of person it is who could defeat Chi Lie."

"Men, also summon Chi Lie to me."

Two palace guards responded and quickly left.

Fang Zheng Yi could only helplessly sit back down and continue drinking.

Wu Tu was trying so hard to bring them together. It seems that a fight between the two is inevitable, but since Zhang Biao is confident, then let them fight!

Before long, Chi Lie arrived in the hall first.

He was still as tall and mighty as ever, but with one ear missing and a bit more gloominess in his expression, he looked even more terrifying.

When Zhang Biao arrived, Chi Lie's expression suddenly changed, with a bit more ferocity and a bit more excitement.

Zhou Tie had originally been waiting outside with Zhang Biao for Fang Zheng Yi to come out, and this time he brought him along as well.

The spectators inside the hall were also very excited, and some people began to shout loudly.

Shouts continued to echo in the hall, and Wu Tu did not stop them, even showing a slight excitement in his expression: "You are Zhang Biao? You are indeed a brave warrior!"

"My Black Mountain Chi Lie has followed me in dozens of battles, large and small, and has achieved many glorious military exploits. I wonder, what military exploits do you have?"

Zhang Biao scratched his face, looking somewhat puzzled.

Military exploits... Following the young master, besides fighting, smashing, robbing, and cheating, it seems there are no achievements, except...

"I defeated Chi Lie."

.....