This was nothing like an ordinary family banquet; it felt more like a Hongmen Banquet.
Strangely, Rong Zhi didn't see Dong Mei. Hadn't she arrived earlier? Could it be she hadn't gone inside?
Inside, Xing Jie's expression soured as Xia Yun Ting showed no courtesy. He forced a smile and said, "I know about the Imperial Hospital's affairs. I am Jia Hui's father, and you are my son-in-law. I will naturally uphold justice for you both and thoroughly punish Duan Xu Cheng."
Xia Yun Ting didn't respond, merely continuing to drink, clearly showing his displeasure.
Xing Jia Hui watched anxiously from the side.
"Yun Ting..."
"Prime Minister," Xia Yun Ting finally spoke, but he brought up a different topic.
"In the battle of Bei Ku Gou, I led twenty thousand soldiers to defend the city against foreign invaders. It was the depths of winter, and our provisions were scarce. I sent three urgent dispatches back to the court requesting supplies, yet the grain never arrived. I heard the Prime Minister had a hand in this."
Xing Jie was startled. He hadn't expected Xia Yun Ting to bring up such an old matter, and he'd been so discreet at the time. How could Xia Yun Ting possibly know?
He wanted to deny it, but Xia Yun Ting's piercing gaze made him falter.
"I had my reasons. The harvest was poor across the country at the time, and all expenditures were cut from top to bottom. If..."
"Just tell me, was it you or not."
*Bang!*
Xia Yun Ting slammed his wine cup onto the table. Xing Jie nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Yes... but I was thinking of the bigger picture."
"It's good that you admit it." Xia Yun Ting then called out, "Chen Xing," and the sound of footsteps followed.
Chen Xing led a group of people in single file. Each of them carried a memorial tablet inscribed with different names. Every person's face was solemn, their expressions sorrowful, evoking a sense of grief in anyone who saw them.
Rong Zhi's heart suddenly leaped; she seemed to understand Xia Yun Ting's intentions.
There were about twenty to thirty people. They entered in a procession, their faces stern, and soon filled the room.
"These are..." Xing Jie looked at the newcomers in astonishment. When he saw the memorial tablets in their hands, his expression contorted. "What... Xia Yun Ting, why are you showing me this?"
Xia Yun Ting sneered, "These are the soldiers who perished defending the city at Bei Ku Gou. If you hadn't interfered back then and delayed the provisions, they wouldn't have died in vain. Since you admit you did it intentionally, then use your life to atone for them!"
Suddenly, a silver light flashed. In an instant, Xia Yun Ting held a long sword, its blade pressed against Xing Jie's neck. Color drained from Xing Jie's face.
"Xia Yun Ting, you're mad! I am the Prime Minister of the current court! If you kill me, the Emperor will not let you go!"
"Xia... Yun Ting, let go of my father!"
Xing Jia Hui was also pale with fright, her voice trembling.
Xia Yun Ting's gaze was full of killing intent; he showed no sign of relenting. The people around him, holding their memorial tablets, remained expressionless, like Yama, the king of hell, come to claim souls. The scene was terrifying, and the air in the room seemed to freeze.
Rong Zhi was stunned by this turn of events. She knew Xia Yun Ting and the Prime Minister had always been at odds, though she didn't know why. It was clear Xing Jie had caused Xia Yun Ting no end of trouble in court. She hadn't expected Xia Yun Ting to settle the score so directly at this banquet.
Xing Jie's teeth chattered, all semblance of a Prime Minister's dignity gone. He spoke in terror, "Don't kill me! I'll give up all my wealth to comfort their families, build bridges and roads in their hometowns, and do good deeds to atone for them..."
The cold blade pressed against his neck. After speaking, Xing Jie realized Xia Yun Ting hadn't responded and felt certain he was going to die.
Suddenly, Xia Yun Ting retracted his sword.
"Prime Minister, do you stand by your word?"
The pressure on him suddenly lifted, and Xing Jie instantly breathed a sigh of relief. He was alive.
A piece of paper appeared before him. Chen Xing handed him a pen. "Prime Minister, please sign this."
Xing Jie scanned the document quickly. His mouth twitched. It clearly listed the names of each fallen soldier, the sum of silver each was owed, and the deadline for disbursement.
Signing this contract would mean depleting half of the Prime Minister's estate. But with a sword at his throat, he had no choice.
His hand trembling, he signed his name and pressed his thumbprint. Only then did Chen Xing lead his men away. The terrifying and oppressive atmosphere in the room finally began to dissipate.
Xia Yun Ting said, "Prime Minister, as you can see, the names on those tablets were but a drop in the ocean. Over a thousand soldiers died in the battle of Bei Ku Gou. Prime Minister, please remember to offer sacrifices to them in your free time."
Hearing this, Xing Jie's face turned a mottled green and purple. What was his status? He was being asked to offer sacrifices to common soldiers who died on the battlefield? Did they deserve such an honor?
But despite his anger, he could only agree, lest his life be forfeit.
"Prime Minister, I'll toast you." Xia Yun Ting suddenly poured Xing Jie a cup of wine, as if nothing had happened.
Xing Jia Hui was so frightened she dared not speak, merely scooting further away from Xia Yun Ting.
Xia Yun Ting noticed Xing Jia Hui's subtle movement and said with a smile, "Madam."
"Ah..." Xing Jia Hui was so startled by the address that she nearly dropped her chopsticks. Seeing Xia Yun Ting smiling, she mistakenly believed his attitude had softened and forced a strained smile.
To her dismay, Xia Yun Ting's next words plunged her into an icy abyss.
"I have become acquainted with Madam's character. The Emperor's decree is hard to defy, so I will not divorce you. I hope you will conduct yourself accordingly."
The smile on Xing Jia Hui's face froze. Her face instantly turned ashen. His words were harsh. Though he wouldn't divorce her, it meant Xia Yun Ting would no longer favor her.
She looked pleadingly at Xing Jie, who wore a pained expression and drank his wine without a word.
After what had just transpired, he was struggling to save himself and had no time to worry about his daughter. He hadn't expected Xia Yun Ting to be so ruthless, so quickly having them in his grip.
The last time Duan Xu Cheng was apprehended at the General's mansion, Xing Jia Hui had no defense, no matter how she pleaded. Xia Yun Ting could now justify neglecting her.
Thinking this, the atmosphere at the table became oppressive once more.
Rong Zhi also felt a degree of admiration for Xia Yun Ting. She had thought he would at least leave some room for face-saving, that he would leave a bridge intact for future encounters. She hadn't expected him to be so absolute.
At this moment, Rong Zhi heard footsteps behind her. Dong Mei finally arrived with dishes, followed by Xia Jin.
It seemed Xia Jin knew there would be a dramatic scene and had deliberately instructed Dong Mei to wait before coming. How thoughtful.
After entering, Dong Mei silently placed the dishes down and didn't leave immediately, instead standing to the side.
Seeing this, Xing Jia Hui, a keen observer, recognized Dong Mei as someone she'd seen before. She also sensed Dong Mei's intention, but the atmosphere at the table prevented her from speaking.
"General, allow this servant to serve you."
Remembering the butler's instructions from earlier, Dong Mei boldly took a piece of fish and placed it on Xia Yun Ting's plate, the very dish she had just served.
Rong Zhi saw the situation and suspected the dish had been tampered with. However, she had warned Xia Yun Ting beforehand, so he should be prepared.
Xia Yun Ting's expression remained calm. He picked up the piece of fish. Before eating it, however, he glanced at Rong Zhi.
Rong Zhi was taken aback. Was his look telling her not to interfere?
"Hmm, this tastes good. What is your name?"
Xia Yun Ting appeared quite satisfied and asked Dong Mei's name with apparent interest.
"This servant is Dong Mei."
"Very good. A reward."
He then looked at Xing Jia Hui. "It's late, Madam. You should retire."
This was a clear dismissal.
Xing Jia Hui sensed the danger. She was no longer favored. If this ill-intentioned maid got close to Xia Yun Ting, wouldn't her status diminish even further?
"General, allow me to serve you here." She stood up and gave Xing Jie a meaningful look. Xing Jie immediately understood. "It's getting late, I won't disturb you two lovebirds."
With a forced chuckle, Xing Jie withdrew.
Rong Zhi noticed Xing Jie walked with his left leg higher than his right, as if he had a leg problem. He looked quite dejected.
It was disheartening to see a once-powerful Prime Minister reduced to such a state.
Inside, Dong Mei saw Xing Jia Hui still lingering and, with great tact, retreated to the side. Xing Jia Hui poured Xia Yun Ting a cup of wine, her face a mask of ingratiation. "General, we have been married for some time, yet we haven't had a proper conversation. Allow me to toast you."
Xia Yun Ting took the wine and poured it onto the floor.
"General..."
"Madam, you likely heard what I just said. I do not like women who are not content with their lot."
Xing Jia Hui's heart clenched, and tears welled in her eyes, ready to fall.
"Your feigned suffering is useless against me. Go back."
Xing Jia Hui was stunned. Seeing Xia Yun Ting's utterly unyielding demeanor, she was overcome with shame and anger. She turned and ran out, covering her face.
She hadn't gone far when she suddenly remembered something. She turned back to listen to the sounds from inside. Only Dong Mei's laughter could be heard.
"General, don't be angry. This servant will serve you wine."
"Mmm."
Though it was a simple response, compared to Xia Yun Ting's earlier treatment of Xing Jia Hui, it was considerably better.
Xing Jia Hui's eyebrows shot up in anger. She snorted and left.
A mere maid dared to usurp her position? She would surely teach her a lesson one day!
After she departed, a surprised voice called out from inside the room, "General?"
Xia Yun Ting pushed the door open and gave Rong Zhi, hidden in the shadows, a significant look, signaling her to follow.
Rong Zhi silently followed, remaining unseen. Behind them, Dong Mei watched Xia Yun Ting's retreating figure, her face filled with confusion.
What was going on? The General had been speaking kindly to her just moments ago, why the sudden change of attitude?
But it didn't matter. She had already drugged the dish. Once the medicine took effect, she would find the General and then...
As she thought this, Dong Mei looked out at the empty courtyard and was stunned. Where had the General gone? Why had he left so quickly?
"Alright, stop looking. You missed your chance today." Xia Jin suddenly emerged from the shadows. Seeing the situation, she didn't seem angry, but rather as if she had anticipated this.
"Butler, you said this would work for sure! I wasted my effort, and now Madam saw me. Will I have any good days ahead?"
Thinking of Xing Jia Hui's expression just now, Dong Mei felt she was surely doomed.
"It's alright, I'm here. I'll find you another opportunity next time. You should go back now."
Dong Mei was still reluctant, but with the person gone, what else could she do? She could only return.
Xia Jin watched Dong Mei gradually disappear, her smile turning cold. What a foolish woman, believing everything she was told.
Meanwhile, Xia Yun Ting had led Rong Zhi to a seldom-visited room on the edge of the General's mansion, far from the servants' quarters and the study.
Rong Zhi looked at Xia Yun Ting's flushed face and asked, somewhat curiously, "You knew the dish was problematic, yet you ate it."