"Since you don't know, what crime is there? Come, let us drink three cups with This Lord to celebrate today." Feng Lingjun laughed heartily, wrapping an arm around Shang Family as they returned to the main seat, and the banquet continued.
Watching his face still full of laughter and ease, San Chun genuinely admired this Lord Jun. He remained calm amidst chaos, handling the aftermath with composure, and was clear in his rewards and punishments, never blaming others unjustly. Such wisdom was indeed rare. It was a pity that someone like him was not the King of Chu.
As the turmoil came to an end, those who had been dancing were terrified and struggled to stand up with weak legs, hastily exiting the venue.
Seeing that there was nothing for her to do, San Chun moved in front of Azure Wind Antelope and said, "As you wished, why do you not seem happy?" Hadn't he always wanted to be a warrior?
Qing replied lightly, "It was all expected."
San Chun was surprised. Did he already know someone would attempt to assassinate Feng Lingjun, so he arranged things accordingly?
Qing did not intend to hide it from her and briefly explained the situation. He had noticed the assassin secretly wiping the Iron Sword, which raised his suspicions. In such dances, swords were usually just for show; wooden swords were typically used, at most a Bronze Sword. Using such a precious and sharp Iron Sword seemed excessive.
He understood that something was amiss. Although Feng Lingjun appeared carefree and unconcerned with politics, he privately recruited talented individuals into his household. His reputation was good, and he had many friends; however, such a person could easily attract jealousy. Therefore, he had taken down two dancers in advance, waiting for the Steward to come seeking their assistance.
The reason for calling on San Chun was due to concerns that the assassin might be too strong or that other skilled fighters might be lying in wait. He also knew that as long as he took action, San Chun would definitely help.
His wish had been fulfilled; what about her? Did she still want to follow the Dance Troupe for a living? San Chun was unwilling and gently nudged him with her elbow. "You wouldn't abandon me, would you?"
Seeing her look troubled like a cat about to be discarded, he couldn't help but smile. "Of course not. I will recommend you to Lord Jun, and perhaps you can become a warrior as well."
San Chun was overjoyed; being a warrior was far more impressive than being a guard. Plus, there would be a salary involved, and her meals would surely improve significantly.
A servant came over to invite Qing to meet Feng Lingjun, as the Lord had specially arranged a feast. Once he left, San Chun felt quite bored alone and pondered where she could find something to eat to fill her stomach. The sight of the water wine served in cups made from folded Lotus Leaves also tempted her!
Smacking her lips thoughtfully, she wondered if this time she would be recognized since she had changed clothes and wore a ghost mask.
Taking advantage of the distraction around her, she slipped toward the wine area. Just as she was approaching, she suddenly heard someone call from behind, "Wait a moment, person in front!"
San Chun was startled. She hadn't even stolen any wine yet, and she was already caught?
The person who arrived was dressed in white, just like her, and was none other than the Zhao Country Prince, seemingly named Ji Xun.
She hurriedly bowed, "Greetings, Young Master."
Ji Xun asked, "Are you from the Dance Troupe?"
"Yes."
"I have a question for you. You must answer truthfully."
"Of course, please go ahead, Young Master."
"In the Dance Troupe, is there a youth with skin as smooth as warm jade and eyes that are clever and lively?"
San Chun suspected he might be referring to herself, but it would be unwise to reveal her true name without knowing his intentions.
She smiled, revealing a set of white teeth. "In response to your inquiry, he is called Zhong Yi."
Indeed, Zhong Yi also had smooth skin and lively eyes; this... wasn't really a lie, right?
"Thank you." After asking his question, the Young Master took a few steps but suddenly stopped again, tossing a bag to her. It turned out to be a bag full of coins.
As expected of a Young Master, he was quite generous. She was overjoyed and began to imagine that if she continued to receive rewards like this, she would become wealthy in just a few years.
This delay meant that by the time she went back to the wine gathering, it had already dispersed, leaving only a few maidservants cleaning up the aftermath. She wasn't disappointed; if she could stay at Fengling Jun's Residence, there would be plenty more opportunities for feasts like this in the future.
The banquet dispersed, and the Dance Troupe returned to their residence, leaving Qing alone with the Lord, which made people quite concerned.
It wasn't until the next afternoon that Qing returned, as Feng Lingjun wanted her to enter the manor for a visit.
Being summoned by Lord Jun was an unparalleled honor. San Chun was overjoyed and specifically wore her best clothes, even washing her face an extra time.
Qing feared that she might not understand the etiquette and offend Lord Jun, so she instructed her on what to do and what to follow, emphasizing that she must not make a single mistake or say an extra word.
San Chun agreed verbally but inwardly felt quite dismissive. She had seen Lord Jun before, the one referred to as Lord Jun at Horse Riding Slope. Although she didn't know which country he was from, he seemed quite amiable. Especially since he had gifted her a jade pendant.
Thinking of this, she took out the jade pendant and played with it in her hand, feeling a twinge of regret for not telling Qing about that incident. She wasn't sure what she was thinking; she didn't want to mention anything about the two people she had encountered and even secretly hoped never to meet him again.
Feng Lingjun probably wanted to take a nap, as it was only around the hour of the ox when a cart came to pick them up.
On the way, Qing paid extra attention to her behavior, which made San Chun feel a bit nervous.
Following behind him into the hall, she watched as he prostrated on the ground with his bottom raised high, resembling a hen crouching on the ground; it looked quite amusing.
She wanted to laugh but dared not do so. Imitating his posture, she knelt down with her face buried in her hands, nearly laughing so hard that her cheeks hurt.
Qing seemed to have eyes on the back of her head; she suddenly lifted her head and glared at San Chun, urging her to behave properly.
San Chun immediately adjusted her posture but still felt embarrassed about raising her bottom too high.
What they were performing was a grand ceremony before the King, also a rite of allegiance. This ceremony represented an oath signifying their lifelong loyalty.
Feng Lingjun was very pleased and told them to rise from their prostration, smiling as he asked, "Which one is San Chun?"
“San Chun is here,” San Chun replied, hurriedly kneeling forward.
Feng Lingjun looked at her with interest, “What does the name San Chun mean?”
She was unsure why he was interested in her name; it couldn't possibly refer to the three Sophora Trees at the village entrance. After thinking for a moment, she shook her head and recited, “In the spring, when the flowers bloom and the grass grows lush, I often think of it, feeling a sense of sorrow in my heart. I wish for three springs in a year, to invite spring to meet.”
Her intention was to express a desire for three springs each year to fully engage with spring and meet together. She had spoken casually, but little did she know that it would align with her fate; she would indeed live as San Chun, though this "spring" was not the same as that spring.
Feng Lingjun, who was always elegant, clapped his hands in praise upon hearing this. “In this way, your name is quite elegant.”
He seemed to take a particular interest in San Chun, prompting her to lift her head.
Upon seeing her face, which resembled peach blossoms in spring, even someone as experienced as Feng Lingjun could not help but show surprise. Although he had heard of Azure Wind Antelope, a swordswoman known for her beauty, seeing her in person was still breathtaking. If it weren't for her natural and unrestrained demeanor, which had a hint of roughness, one might truly mistake her for a woman.
He found two warriors to spar with her in swordsmanship. Watching the two warriors bow their heads in defeat made him completely dismiss any doubts. After all, how many women could master swordsmanship? And to such an exquisite degree.
To have one like Azure Wind Antelope was already rare; he never expected there would be such a young individual who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him. He felt great joy and officially welcomed both of them into his residence as warriors.
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