Going to the Banquet

The Meng family was a powerful clan of Ji Prefecture, a renowned household under heaven.

Their ancestor, Meng Shentong, had been an exceptional hero of his generation. At the Mount Tai Supreme Alliance one hundred and thirty years ago, he had supported Beitang Gong in founding the Great Yong Dynasty, thus establishing the line of the Earl of Nan'an. The title was hereditary and irrevocable, making them honored nobles of the Imperial Court.

The current Earl of Nan'an and head of the Meng family was Meng Zhao's uncle, Meng Jizu. He and his lawful wife had two sons and a daughter.

The eldest son, Meng Xi, was twenty-four this year. The second son, Meng Wen, was only two years younger than Meng Xi.

From the information Meng Zhao had learned from the mysterious man, the two brothers had originally been fairly harmonious in their youth, barely qualifying as an elder brother kind and a younger brother respectful. Yet after reaching adulthood, their relationship had taken a sharp turn for the worse.

The reason for their falling-out was not difficult to understand. The position of heir to the Meng family head was simply too important. Profit stirred the heart, and before wealth and power, even blood brothers had turned against each other.

Such matters were nothing unusual. Even in the harmonious society of Meng Zhao's previous life, blood brothers had cracked each other's skulls over inheritance disputes more than once.

Especially over the past year, Meng Xi and Meng Wen had been at daggers drawn at every turn, using the Meng family as their battlefield in a fierce struggle—for money, for people, for status.

Although Meng Zhao had only just returned to the family, as the helm of the second branch, he had naturally become a target the two brothers sought to win over—or perhaps a target they wished to strike down.

Though Lü Yue behaved like a cautious and submissive servant before Meng Zhao, he was inherently clever. Having also received Lü Zhong's careful instruction, he had some understanding of the Meng family's current situation. He cautiously replied, "Young Master, this servant believes the Second Young Master's intentions run deep.

"First, he wishes to show you goodwill. During the banquet, he may offer you considerable benefits and recruit you for his own use, thereby strengthening his power.

"Second, once you attend the banquet, even if you make no promise, should word reach the Eldest Young Master's ears, given his character, a rift will surely arise in his heart. That would be unfavorable to you.

"Therefore, this servant believes you should not go."

Meng Zhao nodded. Lü Yue had some insight; he knew Meng Zhao should not lightly step into the struggle between the two brothers of the main branch, for the dangers within were immense. Unfortunately, he had still overlooked one crucial point: Meng Zhao's own special circumstances.

Meng Zhao's fate had been fraught with misfortune. His mother had died in childbirth when he was born, and when he was seven, his father Meng Zhengan had suffered a qi deviation while training, likewise passing away.

Later, the new emperor, Beitang Sheng, ascended the throne. Earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters plagued the dynasty without end, and the common people suffered.

Rumors spread wildly among the people. In several remote regions, mobs had even staged rebellions. Though they were swiftly suppressed, they still left Beitang Sheng deeply troubled.

Emperor Beitang Sheng had heeded the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, which claimed that the stars of the upper realm were in turmoil. Thirty-six children of noble families within the dynasty had to enter Great Compassion Temple to chant scriptures and pray for blessings. Only after ten years could Merit Completion be achieved and the calamity aura thoroughly dispersed.

As for how much deeper scheming and conspiracy lay hidden within, no one knew.

Thus, eight-year-old Meng Zhao had become one of those thirty-six unlucky souls.

Only recently had he finally endured the full ten years and returned to his family.

Given this premise, Meng Zhao and the Meng family were close by blood yet distant in affection.

If, after returning to the family, he still deliberately kept his distance, resisted integrating into the family, and guarded against his brothers as though they were ill-intentioned thieves, what would his elders think?

Setting aside all conspiracy theories, after ten years apart, an older cousin invited his younger cousin for a meal and some wine to welcome him home. Would it not be rather unreasonable to refuse?

Meng Zhao's uncle Meng Jizu and third uncle Meng Hongdao were both old-fashioned patriarchs with an extremely strong sense of clan.

Someone detached from the family, someone who showed no respect for his elders, would absolutely not earn their favor.

Therefore, when weighing two harms, one chose the lesser. Pleasing his elders naturally took priority.

Decision filled Meng Zhao's eyes. With a sweep of his sleeve, he ordered, "A-Le, accompany me to the banquet later. Also prepare a generous gift. Select it from the rewards bestowed upon me by the Imperial Court. Do not be negligent."

Though puzzled, Lü Yue obediently lowered his head and cupped his hands in a bow toward Meng Zhao. "This servant understands."

The Meng Mansion occupied an enormous tract of land, broad and imposing. Within stood halls like cassia palaces and orchid chambers, lofty halls and grand residences, along with artificial hills, groves, gardens, flowerbeds, streams, and all manner of other features. It was exquisitely beautiful, magnificent and luxurious.

Only after passing through three corridors, eight courtyards, and four pavilions did they finally arrive before the Elegant Orchid Pavilion in the North Garden, where Meng Wen's banquet was being held.

Two burly men in black, sabers at their waists, stood coldly on either side of the gate like stone statues, imposing and awe-inspiring.

Lü Yue knew that the Elegant Orchid Pavilion was heavily guarded and rigorously patrolled. He therefore stepped forward first and handed the invitation to one of the men. Only after their identities had been verified did they enter the courtyard under the man's lead.

When they reached the white-stone pavilion where the banquet was held, they saw burly, fierce black-clad guards scattered around like ghosts, numbering several dozen and vigilantly watching every direction.

The pavilion's eaves extended outward, with specially made glass lamps hanging from them. Their flames burned brightly, illuminating the surroundings as brightly as day.

Rare flowers and exotic herbs had been planted around the pavilion, splendid and graceful. When the breeze blew, fragrance filled the entire pavilion. It truly was an excellent place to drink wine and admire the moon.

Two people were already seated in the pavilion, drinking and chatting.

One was Meng Wen, the second son of the Meng family's main branch. He wore embroidered robes and a golden crown. His thick brows were like ink, while his lean face was refined and handsome.

Even sitting quietly, he resembled a towering mountain, carrying a naturally calm and steady air.

The other had an ordinary appearance but a gloomy temperament. His shifting gaze gave people a constant sense of eerie menace.

Meng Zhao strode forward and mounted the steps. The smile on his gentle face did not fade as he cupped his hands to Meng Wen in greeting, though his tone carried a hint of self-reproach. "Your younger brother arrived late and made Second Elder Brother wait. Please forgive me, Second Elder Brother."

Meng Wen laughed heartily. He rose of his own accord, took Meng Zhao's hand, and pulled him to sit beside the table. With great familiarity, he said, "Fourth Brother, you are too serious. You have been away from home for ten years and suffered greatly.

"You have only just returned to the residence and have not even rested properly, yet I dragged you out to drink. The fault is truly mine."

He appeared bold and open-hearted, handling matters with propriety. He made others feel as though bathed in a spring breeze, and Meng Zhao could not help but feel some goodwill toward him.

No wonder he dared contend with his own elder brother for the position of family head. He truly had some ability.

After all, Meng Xi was the legitimate eldest son, while Meng Wen was merely the legitimate second son. In terms of status, Meng Wen was unquestionably at a disadvantage.

Once Meng Zhao was seated, Meng Wen continued with a smile, "Come, Fourth Brother, let me introduce you. This is Meng Qinghuai, a distant relative of our Meng family. He is highly valued by my father and is as close to me as a brother."

Hearing this, Meng Zhao politely smiled at Meng Qinghuai and greeted him, "So you are Brother Qinghuai. I had long heard that our Meng Mansion had a young hero who was not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also exceptionally capable, helping our Meng family rise step by step. Seeing you today, you truly are a dragon among men."

The mysterious man had never mentioned this person. Presumably, he had no dealings with the real Meng Zhao. Still, Meng Zhao needed to be more cautious around him.

Compared with Meng Zhao's appropriate courtesy, Meng Qinghuai's response was exceedingly bland, even cold.

He did not even look at Meng Zhao, merely giving an "Mm" in reply.

Having been publicly slighted, Meng Zhao's smile remained unchanged on the surface, but a chill ran through his heart.

Recalling the expressions Meng Qinghuai and Meng Wen had worn while chatting so freely earlier, he knew that this man was not naturally aloof and cold. Rather, he disdained Meng Zhao, was dissatisfied with him, and perhaps even harbored hostility toward him. That was why he had reacted this way.

Meng Zhao worried whether this man had noticed something about his identity, perhaps even seen through the fact that he was an impostor posing as Meng Zhao.

It was an instinctive reaction. He was a counterfeit, after all; guilt made him jump at every rustle of wind and blade of grass.

Soon afterward, however, he dismissed the thought himself.

Even Meng Wen had detected nothing unusual. What ability could a collateral descendant possess to expose him?

Meng Wen looked somewhat embarrassed, as though he had never expected Meng Qinghuai to treat Meng Zhao with such contempt and hostility.

For a moment, he froze. Then he coughed lightly and said with a dry laugh, "Ha, Fourth Brother, do not take offense. Qinghuai has always been like this—cold on the outside, warm within. You will understand once you know him better.

"When Qinghuai and I first met, I took the initiative to greet him, but he ignored me completely. His treatment of you is already remarkably friendly and considerate."

Meng Zhao nodded lightly without responding. Likewise, Meng Qinghuai showed no reaction, the corner of his mouth still curled in disdain.

Of course, it was not disdain for Meng Wen, but for Meng Zhao.

Outside the pavilion, Lü Yue stood quietly with the gift box in his hands, taking in everything.

His gaze toward Meng Qinghuai gained several traces of coldness.