Ye Guichen had been so busy recently that he almost forgot about the Dragon Teeth martial arts competition, which was crucial to obtaining a piece of Seven-colored Lotus Jade and uncovering the secret of his identity. He quickly asked, "How about tomorrow? You can give the address, and I can go there myself."
"Of course, but the place is quite hidden. You wouldn't be able to get in without a pass. I'll send soone to pick you up," Duan Nanye replied courteously.
"Alright then, I'll trouble you, Brother Duan." After hanging up the phone, Ye Guichen stayed a while longer with Shang Wen Dong before heading back.
Unknowingly, evening had arrived.
Ye Guichen made ample preparations for the night's Feast of Misfortune.
He not only changed into tattered clothes but also made himself look exceptionally scruffy, resembling a beggar.
Seeing Ye Guichen's outfit, Shang Wen Dong was stunned, unable to fathom what Ye Guichen had in mind.
Ye Guichen explained with a smile, "This world isn't short of people who judge others based on appearances. Since we know that Zuo Chunqiu doesn't have good intentions tonight, I don't mind testing him a bit. Even though Zuo Chunqiu holds considerable influence in the Martial Arts Association, seeing like this, many people will surely think I'm unfit to be the Minister Elder. But if he has planned well, he'll definitely go against the majority and speak on my behalf, insisting on my appointnt. If he acts unilaterally, what will the other high-ups in the Martial Arts Association think of his decision?"
Shang Wen Dong was completely dumbfounded and couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Ye, you're planning to sow discord and make the high-ups of the Martial Arts Association discontent with Zuo Chunqiu?"
"Hehe, it's not that simple to sow discord, but at the very least, I can add so frustration for those high-ups, maybe even plant a ticking ti bomb," Ye Guichen said with a sly smile, resembling a hunter outwitting an old fox.
Though Ye Guichen had inford Zuo Chunqiu earlier about attending the banquet at Guanghan Palace, he had yet to show up by 8:30 PM.
In the Imperial Box.
Many people were already seated, including Zuo Chunqiu and several vice presidents and elders of the Martial Arts Association.
Also present were Fang Wushang and Leng Bosun.
Leng Bosun initially wanted to use this opportunity to gather Zuo Chunqiu and Fang Wushang to discuss how to jointly deal with Ye Guichen, but to his surprise, Zuo Chunqiu had called most of the high-ups from the Martial Arts Association.
Montarily confused, Leng Bosun couldn't help but ask, "Chairman Zuo, are you expecting soone?"
Zuo Chunqiu nodded, "Secretary Leng, though the old chairman of the Azure Dragon Comrce is no longer with us, the new chairman will soon take over. In the future, our Martial Arts Association might have significant ties with the Azure Dragon Comrce. So, today I specially invited a newly appointed Minister Elder of our Martial Arts Association for everyone to et."
Upon hearing this, Leng Bosun was delighted and imdiately adopted a humble stance, "We should definitely get to know each other. From what I know, it's been a long ti since the Jinling Martial Arts Association had a new Minister Elder. I'm curious about who is fortunate enough to be selected by Chairman Zuo."
"Hehe, you'll find out soon enough," Zuo Chunqiu replied, beaming.
In fact, early this morning, Zuo Chunqiu had received an invitation from Leng Bosun to et at Guanghan Palace that evening.
Although Zuo Chunqiu hadn't been active recently, he had been keeping an eye on the various grudges in Jinling.
Given his knowledge, Zuo Chunqiu could easily guess Leng Bosun's intention to form an alliance against Ye Guichen.
Zuo Chunqiu, cunning and farsighted, would not offend Ye Guichen over a minor figure like Leng Bosun or the Azure Dragon Comrce.
To Zuo Chunqiu, Ye Guichen was a piece on his chessboard to elevate the Jinling Martial Arts Association. If used well, the association could be entirely transford. At this mont, it was vital to allay Ye Guichen's doubts and make him feel valued.
If Ye Guichen dropped his guard, it would be easier to act during the martial arts competition.
Leng Bosun felt Zuo Chunqiu's smile was sowhat sinister, "Hehe, Chairman Zuo really values talent. Waiting for a Minister Elder personally, the person's stature must be quite significant."
Zuo Chunqiu knew Leng Bosun was trying to get information from him, so he only smiled without responding.
Leng Bosun cursed him as an old fox inwardly and, seeing Zuo Chunqiu's silence, decided to keep quiet as well.
"Chairman Zuo, isn't it disrespectful to keep us waiting for a small Minister Elder, especially since it's past eight and he's still not here?" said an elder with a grim expression.
He was nad Zhao Qiansun, and his seniority in the Martial Arts Association surpassed even Zuo Chunqiu's. However, due to his age and lack of progress in martial prowess, he had a mostly honorary title, rarely appearing unless it was sothing significant.
Over the years, Zhao Qiansun had observed Zuo Chunqiu's ambitious behavior but had refrained from speaking out due to the association's impressive growth under Zuo Chunqiu's leadership.
He hadn't expected to be called over for a small Minister Elder and then kept waiting for over half an hour.
Naturally, Zhao Qiansun was displeased.
"Old Zhao, the person is talented and might have been delayed by sothing. I'll urge him again," Zuo Chunqiu said with a beaming smile. If unaware, one might think he was easy-going.
As he spoke, Zuo Chunqiu signaled to his subordinate.
The subordinate imdiately called Ye Guichen, but no one answered.
A hint of impatience flashed across Zuo Chunqiu's eyes.
Originally, he had carefully planned this evening to let the others put Ye Guichen on the spot, then he would step in, earning Ye Guichen's gratitude and easing his vigilance. Resolving issues with the Azure Dragon Comrce and the Chinese dicine Association in Ye Guichen's presence would further ingratiate himself.
But unexpectedly, before Zuo Chunqiu could act, Ye Guichen had already thrown him a curveball.
"Apologies, apologies!"
At that mont, a hurried voice echoed.
The door was pushed open, and Ye Guichen walked in, covered in dust and sweat, with a harmless smile on his face, "I'm late."
As he spoke, he looked around the room, then froze, "Oh my, Chairman Zuo, why are there so many people? I was busy decorating and didn't have ti to change. If I'd known so many people were here, I would've changed first!"
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