"Wen Xunpeng?" Su Ziji turned around, his gaze falling on the newcomer as he studied him closely. "I have heard of you. You are Prince Qi's capable adviser. What are you doing here? Could it be that you have come to pledge yourself to me?"
There was a trace of teasing in his words. A capable adviser to Prince Qi, but one already past his prime.
Wen Xunpeng inwardly let out a breath of relief. From the Duke of Dai's attitude, he could tell Su Ziji harbored no personal prejudice against him, and that was good. Yet he immediately composed himself, adopting a solemn, dignified expression as he said earnestly, "Indeed. Wen has come to pledge himself to Your Highness. I only hope Your Highness will accept me!"
"Oh?" Su Ziji had merely been joking. He had just raised his tea and taken a sip when he heard this answer, nearly spraying tea everywhere. He could not help raising his head to scrutinize Mr. Wen from head to toe, then lifted a brow. "Mr. Wen, are you joking?"
"Your Highness, how could such a matter be a joke? Wen's desire to serve you is absolutely sincere, without the slightest falsehood."
Seeing Wen Xunpeng answer with such grave composure, Su Ziji immediately put away his smile as well. To continue laughing would be disrespectful. Frowning in thought, he said, "Even I have heard of Mr. Wen's talents, as well as your recent circumstances at Prince Qi's Residence. I ought to welcome you with my shoes on backward, but..."
Su Ziji paused as if weighing his words, but what he said was utterly straightforward. "Then where is your token of allegiance?"
For an ordinary person to seek the patronage of a powerful noble was no easy matter. Both talent and loyalty had