Chapter 1808: Chapter 1746: Playing Along with Pretense

At Crown Prince Li’s birthday feast, aside from his own boisterous companions, there were quite a few Northern Region officials present. It was unclear whether they had come to celebrate the Crown Prince’s birthday or to curry favor with someone.

Wufu sat alone at a small table, next to Song Cheng’s table, and behind each of them stood a guard.

Initially, everyone was just drinking, but after one round of drinks, a troupe of dancers entered. As the music began, the dancers spun and swayed, their flowing gauzy skirts fluttering in the air, leaving the viewers dazzled.

As the dance ended, some people pulled the dancers to sit beside them, engaging in playful banter and drinking.

Only Wufu and Song Cheng remained seated properly.

"Big Brother Qu, not interested in this?" Wufu smiled and raised his cup to Song Cheng.

Song Cheng replied, "Indeed, even Little Brother Zhou is being quite well-behaved today."

Wufu chuckled awkwardly, intentionally giving Ah Jiu behind him a glance, and said helplessly, "I would like to, but alas..."

Song Cheng glanced at Ah Jiu indifferently and said, "What the master does is none of the servant’s business; Little Brother, be careful not to let the servant outshine the master."

Wufu put on an embarrassed look and glared at Ah Jiu behind him: "Don’t stand here, leave now."

Ah Jiu frowned, "Young Master..."

"Go!"

Ah Jiu cast a reluctant glance at Song Cheng, then unwillingly went to the side room designated for servants to rest.

"Little Brother Zhou, how come you’re not drinking? Is the food and wine unpalatable?" Crown Prince Li walked over with a dancer whose barely concealed bosom was nearly exposed, laughing cheerfully.

Wufu hurriedly stood up, feigning humility: "How could it be, this is my first time tasting the Duke’s household’s delicacies!"

"Oh? It seems Little Brother Zhou grew up in a nest of wealth too." Crown Prince Li eyed his opulent attire, even the folding fan at his waist appeared quite valuable.

Wufu said a little sheepishly, "You know, the ranking of Scholar, Farmer, Artisan, Merchant puts my family at the bottom, we only got wealthy through business dealings. We may be rich, but lack noble status. Unlike you, Crown Prince Li, a true aristocrat, exuding nobility. I am truly lucky to have a friend like you."

Crown Prince Li was very pleased, laughing heartily: "As your elder brother, let me give you some advice. I see you’re still young and not yet betrothed? Don’t choose merchant daughters for a legitimate wife; look into the official circles. It doesn’t matter if there’s no Silver at home if there’s a name of noble purity, it’s worth more than anything. Even a minor official belongs to an official’s family, connecting you with the officials. Generations of such connections will elevate your family’s status!"

Wufu gratefully clasped his hands: "Thank you, Brother Li, for the advice; it has been very enlightening." As he spoke, his eyes scanned the room and he noticed Song Cheng was missing: "Oh, where did Big Brother Qu go? He was just here."

Crown Prince Li took a sip of wine, holding the dancer’s hand, and nonchalantly said: "He’s probably gone to the cleansing room."

Wufu asked, "Do you know where the cleansing room is? I would like to... hahaha."

Crown Prince Li thought nothing of it and called a young servant to guide him out.

Wufu stepped out and saw Ah Jiu under the corridor, so he went over and said to the servant beside him: "My guard is here, you can just lead the way ahead, young fellow."

Saying that, he handed the young servant a silver horn.

The young servant was delighted and said: "Please follow closely, young master, the mansion is vast; if you wander into the women’s quarters, both of us would be doomed!"

Wufu nodded with a smile, and once the young servant led the way, she whispered to Ah Jiu: "Song Cheng is gone."

"I saw someone resembling a steward leading him away." Ah Jiu’s voice was barely audible: "Shall we act separately?"

"Yes."

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