Chapter 998: A Peaceful World
Editor: Henyee Translations

Old Master Wei awoke as if from a dream and walked towards General Tang Jinghong. “Greetings, General Tang. Your presence here truly graces the Wei Mansion.”

Tang Jinghong’s tone was neither cold nor warm. “You’re too kind, Master Wei.”

Master Wei smiled and led him into the main hall, seating him opposite the King of the eastern border. Tang Jinghong’s arrival made the hall feel smaller.

The King of the eastern border smiled and said, “I didn’t expect General Tang to attend Master Wei’s birthday banquet amidst your busy schedule. It’s indeed a rare occasion.”

Tang Jinghong replied slowly, “Master Wei sent an invitation, so naturally, I had to come and enjoy a good drink.”

The King of the eastern border responded, “Of course, of course.”

In the courtyard, Tao An and Zeng Huo sat on the side. They had arrived early, not to attend the banquet, but to see what the Wei Mansion was planning.

Zeng Huo glanced towards the main hall. “I didn’t expect General Tang to attend.”

Tao An replied matter-of-factly, “With Tang’s camp near Shu City, Master Wei was sure to invite him.”

Zeng Huo nodded. “That makes sense.”

More and more people arrived at the Wei Mansion for the birthday banquet, and merchants like Tao An were soon pushed to the edges.

Tao Qiuyan tugged at Tao An’s sleeve and whispered, “Father, you said you’d help me break off the engagement.”

Tao An reassured her, “Don’t worry. After the meal, I’ll speak to Madam Wei about it.” Power struggles shouldn’t ruin an innocent girl’s life.

Tao Qiuyan smiled slightly. “Thank you, Father.” He seemed to have become kinder, no longer as cold as before.

Tao An nodded. “Be patient.”

“Mm.” Tao Qiuyan responded softly.

In the main hall, the younger generation of the Wei family began presenting their gifts, a highlight of the banquet. A good gift from the younger generation could greatly honor Old Master Wei.

First were the gifts from his sons, followed by those from his grandsons…

His eldest grandson, Wei Zhongji, presented his gift. “This is a Longevity Jade Buddha, blessed by a master after forty-nine days of chanting. It can bless you with a long life and good health, Grandfather.”

Old Master Wei, fearing death as the elderly do, liked the Jade Buddha’s symbolism. He smiled and said, “Not bad, you were thoughtful.”

Wei Zhongqing stepped forward with his gift. “Grandfather, I obtained a miraculous elixir from an immortal, capable of curing all your ailments and prolonging your life.”

As he spoke, he opened a small box…

A white mist swirled from the box, moving like it was alive. Within the mist, a translucent pill glowed, looking extraordinary.

Everyone was stunned.

The King of the eastern border clenched his fists, his heart ablaze. If he consumed the elixir, he could regain his vigor. “Where did you find this elixir?”

“On a cliff outside the city,” Wei Zhongqing fabricated. “One day, desperate for medicine, I prayed at the cliff and encountered an immortal who gifted me this elixir.”

Whether his story was true or not, the elixir looked genuinely mystical, and everyone wanted it.

Old Master Wei beckoned, “Bring the elixir over.”

Wei Zhongqing hurriedly stepped forward. “Grandfather, you can take it now. It’s very rare.” Meaning, if not taken now, something could happen to it.

Old Master Wei took the elixir, and under envious gazes, swallowed it.

Zeng Huo glanced at Tao An, sensing Chu Qingzhi’s involvement.

Tang Jinghong watched the scene, glancing outside. Qingzhi must be here…

There were too many people; he couldn’t see the ones in the corners.

Wei Zhongji thought his gift was outstanding, but Wei Zhongqing’s clearly won the crowd’s favor, which could influence the choice of family heir. He was unwilling. “Grandfather, how do you feel?”

Old Master Wei felt refreshed and energized, his skin glowing. “Not bad, not bad. Zhongqing, your gift is very pleasing.”

Wei Zhongqing’s heart settled. “As long as you like it, Grandfather. I wish you happiness as vast as the East Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains.”

Wei Zhongji glared at Wei Zhongqing. This isn’t over between us.

Wei Zhongqing, having received approval, couldn’t care less about the defeated.

The gift presentations continued, but none could match Wei Zhongqing’s. Old Master Wei’s interest waned.

After the gifts, everyone took their seats, and secretive activities began.

Tang Jinghong was seated at the main table. Maidservants served exquisite dishes, placing everyone’s favorites in front of them. A dish of pickled eggplant was placed before Tang Jinghong, his favorite.

Old Master Wei addressed the King of the eastern border and then Tang Jinghong. “General Tang, please enjoy the meal.”

Tang Jinghong picked up his chopsticks and took some pickled eggplant. “No need to be formal, Master Wei. Enjoy your meal.”

“Very well, everyone, please eat at your leisure.” Old Master Wei, seeing the important guests at his banquet, was delighted and drank more, becoming even more excited.

Though many were present, each had their own agenda. They ate a little and then put down their chopsticks.

The King of the eastern border raised his cup to toast Tang Jinghong. “General Tang, it’s been years since we last met. Shall we drink?”

Tang Jinghong raised his cup. “To the King.”

The King of the eastern border drank only after seeing Tang Jinghong drink, then smiled. “General Tang, always straightforward. Let’s have another.”

A maid quickly refilled their cups. This time, Tang Jinghong declined. Drinking could lead to mistakes, especially in such a setting where he needed to stay sharp to avoid being plotted against. Many were waiting for him to slip up.

“Please, have some food, Your Highness.”

Seeing he couldn’t persuade Tang Jinghong, the King of the eastern border relented. “Let’s eat.”

Tao An watched Tang Jinghong, fearing someone might poison him. If something happened to Jinghong, Tang’s camp would be leaderless, posing no threat to the eastern border.

Tang Jinghong was cautious. Before coming, he had taken an antidote given by Chu Qingzhi, so he wasn’t too worried about poison.

The banquet ended smoothly.

The King of the eastern border, with a hint of threat, said, “I have a few words to discuss with General Tang. Would you mind listening?”

Tang Jinghong replied, “At your command, Your Highness.”

They went to a secluded pavilion in the Wei Mansion’s garden, where they could speak freely.

The King of the eastern border dropped his smile, implying, “General Tang’s hard work is admirable.”

Tang Jinghong pretended not to understand. “I merely do my best. It’s nothing compared to Your Highness managing the people.”

The King of the eastern border, with one hand behind his back, gazed at a lotus pond. “General Tang, what drives you to work so hard?”

Tang Jinghong replied, “For the greater good, for the common people, for the peace of this world.”