A grating sound arose.
The noise in the banquet hall escalated, with many joining in, pointing fingers at Chen Jinzhao.
"Exactly, Chen Jinzhao doesn't even have a position anymore, what right does he have to sit here?"
"It's only because Young Master Qin was merciful enough to host a welcome banquet for him."
"He surely never imagined he'd end up like this back then."
"However arrogant he was before, he's that much more pathetic now!"
"..."
The voices grew more piercing.
Chen Jinzhao's brow furrowed. He could tolerate them speaking ill of him, but he wouldn't allow them to speak of his family.
Several people said things that were too much, igniting a fire within Chen Jinzhao.
Just as Chen Jinzhao was about to lose his temper, Qin Fengwu raised his hands to quiet the crowd. "Everyone, listen to me. Our nation is currently facing internal and external threats, in turbulent times. If we can overcome this, the skies will be vast. But if we cannot, none of you will fare well. Chen Jinzhao is our hero, and heroes deserve to be treated as such."
"Young Master Qin, I don't like what you're saying," one person stood up and declared.
"As everyone knows, Chen Jinzhao's actions three years ago led to a rapid deterioration of relations with Miteli, isolating us internationally. Furthermore, Chen Jinzhao disappeared for three years. China suffered immense losses during these years, and someone needs to bear responsibility for it all!"
"And that person is Chen Jinzhao!"
Another person stood up. "I agree. Young Master Qin has dedicated far more to this country than Chen Jinzhao. I say Young Master Qin is the true pillar of our nation."
"Indeed!"
Many echoed the sentiment.
Chen Jinzhao sneered inwardly.
Now he understood the purpose of this welcome banquet; it was to drag him out and criticize him.
Qin Fengwu was truly skilled.
However.
To Chen Jinzhao's surprise, Qin Fengwu's expression suddenly turned cold. He addressed the speakers, "We all contribute to this country, why should we draw distinctions? If anyone present finds Chen Jinzhao displeasing, please leave the banquet hall. Those who are not on the same page as me are destined to be on different paths. I hope everyone can understand."
Swish!
The banquet hall fell silent instantly.
Bewildered gazes fell upon Qin Fengwu, who had not expected him to say such a thing.
What surprised them even more was that Qin Fengwu seemed to be serious?
Even Chen Jinzhao looked at Qin Fengwu in surprise. The Qin Fengwu of old would never have said such a thing.
"Heh heh." Li Tian Ce suddenly chuckled.
"I support what Qin Fengwu said. We are all pillars of this nation, why should we target each other?"
He couldn't let Qin Fengwu steal all the limelight.
Chen Jinzhao shook his head inwardly. Li Tian Ce's actions felt somewhat forced, nowhere near as sincere as Qin Fengwu's.
The thought that the person behind Jiang Yang Ping might be Li Bu Yan made Chen Jinzhao even more averse to the Li family.
Qin Fengwu raised his glass and addressed everyone, "I know many of you believe I have a conflict with Chen Jinzhao, and I don't deny that. However, the struggles between Chen Jinzhao and I are in the past. Now, I am willing to let bygones be bygones with Chen Jinzhao over a drink, and I have specifically invited all of you to witness this."
This was Qin Fengwu's true intention.
The banquet hall erupted in warm applause. Qin Fengwu then looked at Chen Jinzhao and said, "This drink is for you."
"I hope our past grievances and enmities will vanish like smoke."
Chen Jinzhao initially thought Qin Fengwu was putting on a show, but upon seeing Qin Fengwu's sincere gaze, he realized Qin Fengwu was serious. Chen Jinzhao's principle was to be kind to others, and since Qin Fengwu had extended an olive branch, Chen Jinzhao saw no reason not to accept it.
"Alright, let bygones be bygones with a drink," Chen Jinzhao said.
The two clinked glasses and drank them dry.
After finishing his drink, Qin Fengwu smiled and said, "I was dissatisfied with Chen Jinzhao in the past, but later I realized that everything he did was for this country. Since our goals are the same, we are bound to be on the same path."
"I promise you all here that I will propose reinstating Chen Jinzhao to his position as soon as possible so that he may continue to serve the country."
Applause once again filled the banquet hall.
Chen Jinzhao felt a strange sensation. He could see that Qin Fengwu had matured and was no longer as petty as before.
After all.
They had once considered each other as sworn enemies, yet now they could sit together and drink.
It was truly peculiar.
Li Tian Ce, seated beside Qin Fengwu, looked somewhat displeased.
He did not want Chen Jinzhao to regain his position, nor did he want Qin Fengwu and Chen Jinzhao to form an alliance.
What should he do?
Thus, Li Tian Ce gave a glance to a young man sitting opposite him. The latter, understanding his cue, stood up under everyone's gaze and said, "Young Master Qin, I don't believe Chen Jinzhao still has the ability to regain his position. To stand at a high place, one must demonstrate the required capabilities."
Qin Fengwu frowned and looked at the speaking youth.
He immediately recognized the young man as Bai Zhen, who hailed from the Bai family.
Bai Zhen had always been considered one of his own by Qin Fengwu, which was why he had arranged for Bai Zhen to be in the Cang Long Special Operations Team of the Capital Garrison, a key pawn for Qin Fengwu to keep an eye on Li Tian Nan. To his surprise, Bai Zhen had now stepped forward to contradict him, leading Qin Fengwu to suspect Bai Zhen had betrayed him.
"What do you want to say?" Qin Fengwu displayed his strong displeasure.
Bai Zhen seemed not to notice Qin Fengwu's expression and continued, "I wish to fight Chen Jinzhao fair and square. I request Young Master Qin to grant me this opportunity."
Qin Fengwu's face darkened.
He turned to look at Li Tian Ce and found Li Tian Ce observing his nose and then his heart, seemingly unconcerned with what was happening around him.
Now, he was one hundred percent certain that Bai Zhen had long since become Li Tian Ce's man.
"Li Tian Ce, what do you think?" Qin Fengwu suddenly asked.
Li Tian Ce's eyes flickered, and then he said indifferently, "I believe Bai Zhen's request is not excessive. After all, they are both in the military, and wanting to compete is reasonable. You don't need to worry too much; I think they know their limits and won't cause fatalities."
Chen Jinzhao also looked at Li Tian Ce.
Li Tian Ce responded with a smile, nothing more.
Chen Jinzhao instantly understood that Li Tian Ce might be fanning the flames behind this matter, making it even more surreal. Qin Fengwu, who was originally an enemy, was now on the same side as him, while those who were originally family had quietly turned into his opposition.
He smiled and stood up, looking at Bai Zhen. "My strength is indeed not at its peak, but I believe I am more than enough to deal with you."
Bai Zhen let out a cold snort. "I don't believe it. Your strength isn't even A-class, how can you possibly defeat me?"
"Enough nonsense, come out and fight."
"Today, I will shatter your undefeated myth and make you realize you are no longer the God of War you once were!"