"Young Master Qin, you're too kind. It's not ti to relax yet. Su Hongtao... he's as deceitful as a snake. Nothing is certain before we get on the boat." Chu Yiyuan paused to think before continuing, "However, nowadays, even Su Hongtao dares not act rashly. He's eager for us to leave as soon as possible, so let's set the date three days from now."
"Mr. Su is indeed noble," Chen Yi said without a hint of emotion in his voice.
Chu Yiyuan pondered for a mont and then asked, "Young Master Qin, do you have any personal vendettas with him?"
Chen Yi responded with a puzzled expression, "Personal vendetta?"
Chu Yiyuan sensed sothing, recalling the night the governor was attacked. Chen Yi had clearly killed Su Hongtao's tribute, yet he seed confused by the ntion of a vendetta, perhaps not considering it such in his heart.
Chu Yiyuan chuckled and said, "When I t Su Hongtao today, he inadvertently ntioned one thing. On that night, you might have mistakenly killed one of his friends or relatives. Mr. Su told he doesn't mind."
"I don't mind, either."
You certainly wouldn't mind those you killed... Chu Yiyuan paused, swallowing back the words in his mouth.
However, Chen Yi's reaction was acceptable. Those highly skilled in martial arts often possess pride and arrogance. Chu Yiyuan had thought that ntioning this would touch a raw nerve.
Having tested the waters, it was ti to proceed further.
"People need dignity like trees need bark. While the tribute is dead, an explanation is still necessary. Moreover, Hu-Guang is currently unsettled with its nurous matters of all sizes, so of which Su Hongtao cannot handle alone and needs Young Master Qin's assistance. I know you have grudges, but..." Chu Yiyuan sighed, "We're relying on him now, so we have to put you at so grievance, Young Master Qin..."
Unexpectedly, as those words fell, Chu Yiyuan saw the man lower his gaze and assu a pondering stance.
Though hunted across the world, Chen Yi did not appear capricious but rather as soone who understood compromise and concession.
"It's not impossible..."
Chu Yiyuan deliberated and saw Chen Yi seemingly inclined to reconcile, so he whispered, "In that case, let arrange a eting and you can apologize to him first, how about it?"
"Alright."
Chu Yiyuan instinctively thought he'd misheard and couldn't help but ask, "Really?"
The mont he spoke those two words, he wished he could slap himself. Why ask again, in case he changed his mind?
"Really."
Chu Yiyuan felt a surge of joy inside and nodded slightly, keeping his expression neutral as he said, "That's good. Young Master is truly sensible."
"The sooner, the better."
"How about tomorrow?"
"Tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Upon hearing your words, I'm quite remorseful," Chen Yi said sincerely, "I want to apologize tonight."
......
The fish had taken the bait.
Lanterns lit up one by one in the twilight, forming an ocean of light. From afar, Su Hongtao saw the two squeezing their way through like swimming fish.
The two entered the restaurant and were led by a servant to a private room. Su Hongtao stepped out at the right mont, giving a slight bow.
"What an honor," Su Hongtao said first.
"Sorry for intruding," Chen Yi responded.
Su Hongtao slightly opened his eyes, finally taking a good look at them, amazed that such lowly figures could share a table with him tonight.
Though the invitation was rushed, to show sincerity, Su Hongtao, after so hesitation, still agreed to entertain them, while Ji Yuan hid in the shadows.
Su Hongtao guided them behind the screen. On the Eight Immortals table laid four cold and four hot dishes with tantalizing colors, aromas, and flavors. The mud-sealed wine jars were still moist, filling the air with a rich aroma.
After all, even a condemned person gets a hearty al, let alone soone as magnanimous as Su Hongtao.
"It's a humble offering, forgive ," he personally lifted a green porcelain wine jug, pouring for Chen Yi, "This pear blossom white is a twenty-year-old vintage, you both must try it."
Su Hongtao poured himself a bowl and drank it first, followed by Chen Yi.
He motioned for the two to sit and exchanged a few pleasantries, all re formalities.
After a few words, Chen Yi said, "Mr. Su, you seem to know my identity already. Tell , what do you need my help with?"
Su Hongtao was slightly taken aback, instinctively leaning back, ready for Chen Yi to suddenly lash out. Yet, he only saw Chen Yi's oblivious expression, realizing he was overly cautious.
Being overly cautious can be counterproductive and transparent. Su Hongtao followed through, naturally picking up the wine jug and refilling Chen Yi's cup, saying,
"Just so trivial matters. No rush, no rush. We'll talk after eating."
Chen Yi nodded slightly and began to eat without standing on ceremony. Seeing their harmonious interaction, Chu Yiyuan followed suit.
After three rounds of drinks and tasting five dishes.
The rich aroma of wine filled the private room. All three had a hint of drunkenness on their faces, their voices more exuberant than before, their conversations more open, as good wine can make even strangers share their life's burdens.
The wine reflected the candlelight, appearing to have a layer of glossy sheen.
Chu Yiyuan took another big sip of wine, then stood up holding his stomach, claiming he needed to sober up a bit.
In truth, he saw that Chen Yi showed no signs of apologizing and thought it might be because he was too embarrassed to speak with him present.
Su Hongtao raised his cup toward Chen Yi, speaking in a familiar elder's tone, "Have you walked through Wuchang in these past few days, Young Master Qin? How do you find the scenery?"
"Very novel, very gentle, the warm wind makes travelers drunk."
"Haha, not as grand as the Capital City, but during the Lantern Festival, the streets are full of lanterns, songs, and dances. Even Mr. Jiaxuan's Green Jade Case is no better."
"Hmm, but unfortunately, with the chaos in Hu-Guang, many won't live past the Lantern Festival."
This remark disrupted the mood. Su Hongtao paused, suddenly finding it odd. Was such a comnt yours to make?
Thinking it a drunken slip, Su Hongtao chuckled internally. Indeed, a rebel can only make such mistakes several tis in the political arena, not knowing how many lives it would cost.
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