Song Qingshu frowned. "Your Highness can wait until after my match tomorrow to sample these wines." Though he could not guess what the other man was planning, he sensed some scheme behind it. Rather than react to whatever came his way, it was better to avoid danger altogether.
Zhao Shicheng shook his head. "General Wu, there is something you do not know. Sichuan has only just been returned from the Mongol Empire and is awaiting the court's handover. Once tomorrow's victor is decided, the Sichuan officials selected from among you will leave the capital at first light the day after tomorrow to take up their posts. When would I have time to invite you to my residence for wine?"
"I would have had time tomorrow evening," Zhao Shicheng paused before continuing, "but His Majesty will surely host a banquet for you then. I cannot very well compete with the Emperor for your time, can I?"
Song Qingshu smiled and asked curiously, "Does Your Highness believe I will definitely win? If I lose tomorrow, I naturally will not need to go to Sichuan the day after tomorrow. I will have plenty of time afterward to visit your residence and sample wine."
Zhao Shicheng gave him a profound look and smiled. "Did I not say before that I am passionate about swordsmanship? Though I have achieved little myself, I still have a discerning eye. Southern Murong may be renowned in the martial world, but how could his swordsmanship compare to yours, General? Yours has reached the divine."
Song Qingshu hesitated for a moment, unsure whether the man truly meant it or was merely trying to befuddle him on Jia Sidao's behalf.
While he was distracted, Zhao Shicheng clapped his hands. A peerless beauty slowly emerged from behind the screen.
The woman carried