Relax and Unwind

After several rounds of wine and an array of dishes, the banquet was well underway.

The atmosphere in the main hall grew increasingly lively, tinged with a hint of tipsy indulgence.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, an untold number of cups of fine wine had been downed.

Several normally dignified and solemn bigwigs now had flushed cheeks and slightly glazed eyes. Their speech lost some of its usual caution, replaced by a greater sense of intimacy.

Cui Shifan had clearly drunk quite a bit. A few strands of his normally immaculate silver hair fell loose across his forehead. His face was bright red, yet his eyes shone with unusual brightness.

He tightly gripped the hand of Gu Chengyin beside him with considerable force, as if terrified this kindred spirit of a different generation might run away.

He babbled on, recounting how he had studied tirelessly in his youth, how he had received the Emperor's grace, and the hardships of his current toil for the nation.

His tone was at times impassioned, at times sighing with emotion. It was all deeply sincere, and when he reached a particularly moving point, his eyes even grew red.

Marquis Gu! You just do not know!

Cui Shifan forcefully patted the back of Gu Chengyin's hand.

My entire life has been like walking on thin ice! It is solely thanks to His Majesty's trust that I am where I am today!

But it is lonely at the top! Every day, I open my eyes to mountains of official documents, and I close them to the worries of the world. How many people around me can I truly confide in?

Meeting Marquis Gu today, a young hero who can understand my painstaking efforts... it truly is... truly a regret that we did not meet sooner! What a late encounter!

Gu Chengyin similarly appeared to be struggling to maintain his composure against the rising tide of alcohol. His cheeks were slightly flushed, his eyes a bit glazed.

He grabbed Cui Shifan's hand in return, shaking it vigorously, his tone agitated: Elder! You absolutely must not say that!

What virtue or ability does this junior have to receive such favor from you! In my eyes, you are the pillar of white jade holding up the sky, the beam of purple gold spanning the seas that supports the Great Luo empire!

Your life is one dedicated to the nation and its people, a role model for our generation! I only regret I was not born twenty years earlier to follow by your side and listen to your teachings!

To drink and converse joyfully with you today is truly one of the greatest pleasures of my life! I... I truly wish I could become sworn brothers with you right here and now, to share our hearts and support the state together!

He spoke these words with utmost sincerity, even bringing up a proposal as steeped in the martial underworld's spirit as becoming sworn brothers, pushing the atmosphere to yet another climax.

Beside them, several similarly intoxicated Cui family officials chimed in with cheers, filling the main hall with an aura of towering, righteous heroism.

Just then, the butler, Cui Fu, who had been waiting on them from the side, finally could not hold back any longer.

He cautiously shuffled forward, bowing slightly at Cui Shifan's side, his voice filled with absolute respect and worry: Master... it is getting late, and you have truly had quite a lot to drink today.

The Madam instructed that since you are advanced in years, you must not overindulge. Should you perhaps rest for a moment?

Cui Shifan, who had been deeply immersed in the profound emotion of finding a kindred spirit, reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He snapped his head around, the drunkenness on his red face instantly turning into offended fury.

He swatted away Cui Fu's hand that was trying to support him, sharply scolding: You bastard! I am regretting not meeting Marquis Gu sooner, and we are right in the middle of our high spirits!

Since when is it a lowly servant's place to interrupt?! Get lost! Get out of here!

His voice and expression were fierce, the imposing aura of someone long accustomed to high authority erupting forth. It frightened Cui Fu into taking two steps back, his face turning pale, and the surrounding clamor immediately fell silent.

The drunkenness of the several Cui family officials seemed to sober up a bit, and they looked at each other in dismay.

However, although Cui Fu was afraid, he did not actually retreat.

He took a deep breath, bowing his waist even lower, his voice remaining insistent, though it carried an added touch of helplessness:

Please calm your anger, Master. I am only following the Madam's strict orders. The Madam said that if you drink any more, she will come over to invite you back herself.

The word Madam acted like two scoops of ice water poured directly over Cui Shifan's anger and drunkenness.

The furious expression on his face instantly froze, and the flushed drunkenness receded at a visible pace.

Almost subconsciously, he cast a quick glance out of the corner of his eye toward another side hall.

Over there, the female guests had long since left the banquet, but there were still a few faint gazes keeping an eye on this side.

The anger on Cui Shifan's face rapidly transformed into a kind of embarrassment and apology. He turned his head and smiled sheepishly at Gu Chengyin.

His tone carried the helplessness and self-deprecation of a henpecked husband: Look at this, I have truly made a fool of myself in front of Marquis Gu. You know, when a person reaches a certain age, their body really is not what it used to be.

My wife just cares too much and gets overly anxious, so she nags a bit, but I know it is for my own good.

He paused, as if to cover up his embarrassment, and patted Gu Chengyin's hand again, his tone turning solemn: But rest assured, Marquis Gu! You are an honored guest of my Cui Manor, and no matter what, I must ensure you return fully satisfied. How about this...

Cui Shifan raised his voice and shouted toward the side hall: Ziting! Where is Ziting?!

Cui Ziting, who had been paying attention to the commotion over here all along, immediately stood up upon hearing his name. He quickly bypassed the partition doors and arrived in the main hall in a few strides, bowing as he replied: Father, your son is here.

Cui Shifan pointed at Cui Ziting and smiled at Gu Chengyin: Although Ziting has not amounted to much, he is at least clever and sensible.

You two are similar in age, so you will definitely get along better than with us old men.

I will let Ziting take you to the back garden to relax. It is quiet there, and the scenery is nice.

These words not only gave him a graceful way out but also logically handed over the subsequent arrangements to Cui Ziting.

Gu Chengyin's face immediately showed an understanding and concerned smile, nodding repeatedly: What are you saying, Elder! To be able to drink and chat with you and the other seniors has benefited this junior greatly.

You hold the world in your heart and attend to myriad affairs daily, so you must take care of your health above all. The Madam's concern is a blessing.

If I were to delay your rest, then it would be my fault.

Cui Shifan nodded in satisfaction, looking at Cui Ziting, his tone shifting to a command: Ziting, you must entertain Marquis Gu well! There cannot be the slightest neglect, do you understand?

Cui Ziting immediately straightened his back and solemnly replied: Rest assured, Father! I understand! I will definitely entertain Marquis Gu comfortably.

Seeing Cui Ziting's guarantee, a satisfied look finally appeared on Cui Shifan's face. He looked back at Gu Chengyin, his tone affectionate: Then, Marquis Gu, I will take my leave first. Alas, when one gets old, their energy fails them.

Tomorrow morning I still have to enter the palace to report a few urgent official matters to His Majesty, so I really must rest early.

Gu Chengyin's expression turned serious, showing complete solemnity: So you have such important matters tomorrow! Then this truly cannot be delayed! Please go ahead, Elder!

He made a gesture as if to stand up and see him off.

Cui Shifan waved his hand, signaling him to sit down, while he himself supported himself on the table to stand up. His body swayed slightly, but he quickly steadied himself.

He scanned the other Cui family officials at the table, raising his voice with a joking tone: Alright, alright, what are you old folks still lingering around here for?

Have some tact! Clear the area and let the young people talk freely! Disperse, disperse!

Hearing these words, the officials of the Cui clan rose to their feet with smiles. Though their steps were slightly unsteady, their minds remained clear, well aware that the upcoming time reserved for the younger generation was what truly mattered.

They cupped their hands in farewell to Gu Chengyin, offered some polite pleasantries, and followed behind Cui Shifan. Supporting one another, they chatted and laughed as they left the main hall.

In the blink of an eye, the once-boisterous main hall, previously packed with powerful figures, was reduced to a scattering of tables littered with the messy remnants of the feast.

As the clamor faded, even the air seemed to grow a bit fresher.

A gentle smile graced Cui Ziting's face as he stepped aside and made an inviting gesture. He spoke with a respectful tone, "Marquis Gu, right this way, please. Sea-Viewing Pavilion has already prepared some clear tea to help sober you up, and we have also invited the most renowned dancers in the Divine Capital."

Gu Chengyin smoothed out his slightly wrinkled robes. Smiling faintly at Cui Ziting, he nodded and said, "Thank you for the trouble, Young Master Cui."