#296 - I'm really not your rival

An incense stick's time later.

Using the excuse of needing to "relieve himself", Wei Changtian found Chu Xianping in another guest room.

Pulling the latter into the courtyard, Wei Changtian inquired about the Shen family of Dafeng.

However, the answer he received was very limited.

Although Chu Xianping had generally learned about the basic situation of Dafeng before going to Yuanzhou, he only knew that the Shen family was one of the well-known and powerful families in Dafeng.

They were a family of civil officials for generations, and some people held high positions in the court, but there was no other information besides that.

As for that "Young Master Shen", he didn't even know the person's name.

"Young Master, what's the matter with this Shen family?"

After briefly introducing the situation, Chu Xianping asked in a low voice, "Do you need Tongzhou Society to investigate it more carefully? We should have a reply by tomorrow at the latest."

"No need."

Wei Changtian waved his hand: "I was just asking casually, you can go back first."

"Yes."

Soon, Chu Xianping left and returned to the guest room.

Wei Changtian really went to the toilet, and then slowly returned to the main hall.

"Young Master Wei, you're back just in time."

Wei Changtian casually agreed, but he was a little puzzled in his heart.

Didn't he just say he wanted to see that Young Master Shen? Why are they eating now?

Wouldn't it be embarrassing when he arrives later?

If they let him on the table, they would already be eating.

If they don't let him on the table, wouldn't they have to make him wait?

Although Li Wutong's status is there, it always feels a little inappropriate to act like this.

Combined with Li Wutong's smug expression before, Wei Changtian now has a rough guess about the relationship between that Young Master Shen and Li Wutong.

However, he wasn't sure what Li Wutong was trying to do, so he definitely wouldn't say much.

Coming out of the main hall, he took a few steps and went around to a spacious and bright dining hall.

With the service of several maids, everyone washed their hands and mouths, and then took their seats one after another.

Wei Changtian, Li Wutong, Wang Qixing, and Wang Qixing's wife, Liu Shi.

A family banquet for a total of four people, but there were five seats.

"Master Wang, this seat . . ."

Looking at the empty seat, Wei Changtian asked Wang Qixing in a low voice.

"Oh, this seat is reserved for Shen Shulin, Young Master Shen."

Wang Qixing replied, with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

"So that's how it is."

Wei Changtian nodded, and didn't ask any more questions like "Aren't you going to wait for him?", but just remembered the name "Shen Shulin", and then frowned and looked at Li Wutong again.

Her smooth long hair was tied into a princess bun, with a pearl hairpin on the bun, with tassels hanging down.

Li Wutong, who had changed out of her armor and put on a brocade skirt, was more gentle than before, but her heroic spirit was still there, only the look in her eyes towards him seemed to have a hint of provocation.

After the two looked at each other, they moved their eyes away. Wang Qixing and Liu Shi exchanged pleasantries, and then everyone picked up their chopsticks to eat.

"Princess, I dare to offer you a toast, may your beauty last forever . . ."

"Young Master Wei, how about you and I also have a drink together . . ."

"Madam, do you still remember when we had the honor of seeing the Princess last time . . ."

". . ."

Toasting and exchanging cups, the atmosphere at the banquet could barely be considered harmonious.

Exquisite dishes were served and removed one after another, and time quickly passed by half an hour.

Because it was a family banquet, this meal was coming to an end here.

And at this moment, a servant pushed the door open and whispered a few words in Wang Qixing's ear.

"Princess, Young Master Shen has arrived."

The latter immediately looked up and asked for instructions: "What do you think . . ."

"Yes."

Li Wutong calmly picked up an embroidered handkerchief and wiped her mouth: "Let him in and join the banquet."

"Yes."

Wang Qixing nodded and instructed, and soon the servant led in a young man in a green shirt.

His skin was very white, his features could be considered handsome, and the bun on his head was combed meticulously, a very typical scholar appearance.

Wei Changtian's first impression of this Shen Shulin was not bad. He looked like someone who came from a family of civil officials.

Only . . .

"P-Princess!"

His urgent shout was full of excitement. As soon as Shen Shulin entered the room, his eyes were only on Li Wutong, and his face was slightly red from nervousness.

Well, after all this trouble, it turns out he's just a simp.

Wei Changtian shook his head and put down his chopsticks, while Li Wutong looked at Shen Shulin with a smile and said softly:

"Young Master Shen, have you had dinner yet?"

"R-Returning to the Princess, no."

"Then sit down and eat something, let's talk while we eat."

"Yes, yes!"

Not caring that there were only some leftovers on the table, Shen Shulin immediately sat down in the seat that had been reserved for him, and then remembered to greet the others.

"Master Wang, Madam."

"Uh, who is this young master?"

"This is Wei Changtian, Young Master Wei."

Li Wutong smiled and answered before Wei Changtian could speak: "I have something to ask of Young Master Wei, so we returned to the capital together."

"Wei Changtian?"

Hearing this name, Shen Shulin couldn't help but be stunned.

He cupped his fist at Wei Changtian with some admiration, and then said very sincerely and solemnly:

"I have long admired Young Master Wei's poetic reputation. It is my honor to meet you today."

"At the Spring Dragon Poetry Conference on the second day of the second month, Young Master Wei's 'Spring River Flower Moon Night' was recited all over the world, transforming the true dragon. I really admire it."

Judging from his tone, demeanor, and other aspects, Shen Shulin's praise was not fake, and he definitely admired Wei Changtian.

Wei Changtian also politely responded:

"Young Master Shen is too polite, I don't deserve it."

"Young Master Wei, please don't say that . . ."

". . ."

The two of them began to flatter each other, and Li Wutong, who was next to them, couldn't sit still at this moment.

Her eyes turned, and she suddenly stretched out her chopsticks and put a piece of fish into Wei Changtian's porcelain bowl, and said "gently":

"Young Master Wei, try this fish, it tastes very good."

". . ."

With one action and one sentence, the dining room was instantly silent.

Using one's own chopsticks to pick up food for the opposite sex, in feudal society, if this kind of thing did not happen between elders and younger generations, then it was an extremely ambiguous behavior.

What's more, the person who picked up the food was a princess.

Wang Qixing and his wife, Liu Shi, immediately turned their heads and pretended not to see it, while Wei Changtian frowned slightly.

As for Shen Shulin . . .

His face suddenly turned pale, his mouth opened and closed several times, but he couldn't say a word, and the look in his eyes towards Wei Changtian was no longer friendly.

At this moment, Wei Changtian finally understood why Li Wutong wanted to call Shen Shulin over.

"Thank you for your kindness, Princess . . ."

Squinting his eyes and looking at Li Wutong, who was smiling but not smiling, Wei Changtian slowly pushed the porcelain bowl away a little.

"But I'm already full."