The King of Different Surname’s mentality completely collapsed.
If the Emperor Sword had not been lost.
He would have generously produced the Emperor Sword for Chen Nan to admire.
But now…
The Emperor Sword was already lost!
If he told the truth.
The Gao clan would surely face utter destruction.
Without further thought, the King of Different Surname smiled and said, “Since Master Chen wishes to sketch the Emperor Sword, that is certainly possible.”
“However, it is now lunchtime.”
“Why don’t you,”
“Just make yourself at home and stay in the mansion for a simple meal.”
“After we’ve eaten and drunk our fill, we can sketch the Emperor Sword together, alright?”
“If you leave on an empty stomach, wouldn’t that be an insult to me, Gao, and cause people to say that I, Gao, do not know how to entertain guests?”
Things having reached this point.
He could only placate Chen Nan for now.
And get him as drunk as possible.
He absolutely had to get rid of Chen Nan first.
Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Chen Nan smiled and said, “Your Highness’s kind invitation, this humble official cannot refuse!”
“Let’s do as Your Highness suggests, and sketch the Emperor Sword after the meal.”
The King of Different Surname was overjoyed.
He immediately instructed the household servants to prepare the noon banquet.
At the same time, he summoned his two other sons, two grandsons, and three granddaughters to accompany them.
This was something that had never happened before.
Especially the three beautiful granddaughters.
They had never been made to accompany guests.
But today was different.
The King of Different Surname knew that Chen Nan had a bit of a weakness for women.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought two women to the mansion.
It was for this very reason that he decided to cater to Chen Nan’s preferences.
Although this was very humble.
He also wanted to maintain a good relationship with Chen Nan.
After all.
The power of the Director of the Supervisory Yuan was astonishing.
------
In less than half an hour.
A table full of a sumptuous lunch was brought to the dining table.
Chen Nan sat at the honored guest’s seat, with the Lu Bai Ling and Lu Qing Qing sisters on his left.
And on his right were the three gentle and intelligent granddaughters of the King of Different Surname.
As for the King of Different Surname and his sons and grandsons, they sat to the side.
“Your Highness’s generous hospitality, Chen has no words to express his honor. I toast you with this cup!” Chen Nan raised his wine cup and then drank it in one go.
The King of Different Surname also raised his cup to drink with him.
After everyone had drunk a cup together.
The eldest granddaughter of the King of Different Surname quickly got up, her face flushed, and poured Chen Nan another full cup.
They did not know about the previous conflict between the Chen and Gao families.
But they could feel that their grandfather intended to matchmake them with Chen Nan.
In the past.
They would definitely have been unwilling.
After all, as granddaughters of the King of Different Surname, they no longer needed to consolidate the family’s power through arranged marriages.
Their dreams had always been to meet their destined love.
Regardless of his status.
But at this moment.
They actually liked that their grandfather had arranged for them to accompany Chen Nan for dinner and help him pour wine.
The reason was simple.
His appearance was too appealing.
Chen Nan’s looks were too striking.
His bearing was noble.
And he exuded a mysterious aura.
Who wouldn’t love such a person?
And what woman wouldn’t want to have close contact with him in private and discuss life?
“Ruoxi, the wine is full! Why haven’t you apologized to Young Master Chen yet?”
Suddenly.
Their grandfather’s slightly reproachful voice startled Gao Ruoxi.
She snapped back to attention.
Seeing that the wine in Chen Nan’s cup had overflowed, she quickly said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”
Chen Nan smiled and said, “Full wine signifies a sincere heart, Miss Gao need not be so polite.”
Gao Ruoxi cast a grateful glance at Chen Nan and then returned to her seat.
“Your Highness, the reason this humble official is willing to stay for this lunch is ultimately because I wish to bury the hatchet with you,” Chen Nan said. “Yes, I do not deny that I was the one who killed Wen Bohou and his son.”
“But…”
The King of Different Surname stood up, holding his wine cup, his face full of shame. “Young Master Chen, there is no need to say more. It is this old man who was too narrow-minded. Wen Bohou lost the Imperial Sword bestowed by the Great Emperor, which is a capital offense.”
“You killing them was merely fulfilling your duty.”
“This old man also apologizes to you. I should not have targeted you before.”
“I shall punish myself with three cups, and you may drink as you please.”
Saying this, he downed three cups in a row.
“Your Highness has a great capacity for wine!” Chen Nan laughed heartily. “I like straightforward people like you. Come, come, we won’t go home until we’re drunk today!” With that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup.
The King of Different Surname was overjoyed.
If we got you drunk.
You would definitely be suspicious.
After all, your purpose in coming here was to sketch the Emperor Sword.
But if you got drunk on your own.
You wouldn’t suspect that the Gao family had accidentally lost the Emperor Sword, would you?
“Your Highness, there is something this humble official does not understand,” Chen Nan said as he ate the delicacies in front of him. “Ten thousand years ago, when the Great Emperor ascended the throne, how many Imperial Swords and Imperial Pardons for Death were bestowed?”
Although the King of Different Surname did not know why Chen Nan was asking this, he still replied, “After quelling the rebellion of the Heavenly Opposing Sect, the Great Emperor rewarded those with merit. A total of ten Imperial Swords, twenty Imperial Pardons for Death, and one Emperor Sword were bestowed.”
Chen Nan nodded slightly and sighed, “We are drinking and chatting in private, so this junior will not hold back any words.”
“Of course, do not take my words after drinking to heart, nor should you speak of them casually.”
The King of Different Surname smiled and said, “That is natural. No matter what is said today, no outsiders will know.”
The King of Different Surname was very pleased.
He felt that his relationship with Chen Nan had taken another step forward.
Chen Nan said, “To be bestowed with an Emperor Sword, an Imperial Sword, or an Imperial Pardon for Death, are all glories that bring honor to one’s ancestors.”
“But whether it is the Emperor Sword, or the Imperial Sword and the Imperial Pardon for Death.”
“They are all double-edged swords!”
“Let’s take the Imperial Pardon for Death lost by the Liu family, Wen Bohou’s family, for example.”
“We all actually know.”
“The Liu family is innocent.”
“They were framed.”
“But what can be done?”
“Even if they were framed, their entire clan had to be exterminated.”
“Not to mention other things.”
“Let’s talk about Your Highness, for example.”
“Do you also have some rivals in the imperial court?”
The King of Different Surname nodded without denial.
Prime Minister Lin Yuan had always been his enemy.
Imperial Tutor Zheng Yu was neither friend nor foe.
Chen Nan continued, “For example, if those two factions wanted to harm you, and sent people to steal your Emperor Sword, have you ever considered what the consequences would be?” Speaking of this, he gave the King of Different Surname a meaningful smile.
Then he picked up his wine cup and drank the wine in it.
He drank with great enjoyment.
After all, he had beauties accompanying him.
However.
His words struck the King of Different Surname like a bolt from the blue.
Why would he mention the consequences of accidentally losing the Emperor Sword?
After three rounds of drinks.
And five courses of food.
Chen Nan, who was tipsy, was helped onto a carriage arranged by the King of Different Surname by the Lu sisters. After boarding the carriage, Chen Nan, his face flushed, lifted the side curtain and looked at the King of Different Surname outside. “Your Highness, I am drunk today. Regarding sketching the Emperor Sword, let’s schedule it for a week later!”
“Burp…”
“That’s all for now, see you in a week.”
The King of Different Surname smiled and said, “Alright, then we’ll see each other in a week!”
Chen Nan put down the side curtain, and his drunken appearance instantly vanished.
A cunning smile flickered in his eyes.
The stage had been set for the King of Different Surname and the Imperial Tutor.
Next.
It was time for these two important ministers of the court to tear each other apart… no, to engage in a contest of wits!
Chen Nan’s lips curled up, his eyes full of anticipation. “I hope you won’t disappoint me!”