Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

Chapter 39 Poetry Party

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang let out a burst of loud laughter. The laughter was like the collision of gold and stone, stirring outside the empty and lonely palace gate, and the sound echoed, sonorous and powerful.

"Haha, it seems that Lin Xiaofeng really has a special talent and can actually make the prince undergo such earth-shaking changes."

The laughter gradually dissipated, but Emperor Jingjiang's face suddenly turned cold, like frost covering the earth instantly, and a serious and powerful pressure condensed between his brows.

"But... alas, that treacherous son is so stubborn that no admonishment can be heard. I think he is so comfortable that he has lost the opportunity to sharpen his skin and flesh. Tonight, let him go to Qianqing Palace in person. I want to personally give him a profound life lesson to see if he can understand the weight of royal dignity and the responsibility of being a prince!"

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At dawn the next day, the dawn quietly tore through the boundaries of the night, and Lin Xiaofeng once again stepped into the solemn and silent courtyard of the East Palace.

As soon as he raised his head, a figure suddenly broke into his field of vision. It was none other than Prince Li Dexian.

At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng's eyes seemed to be firmly grasped by an invisible force, and he was stunned for an instant. The expression on his face was frozen in mid-air, as if he had suffered a sudden and irresistible wrath of thunder, and endless waves surged deep in his heart. Shocking.

Prince Li Dexian staggered over, each step carrying a sense of absurdity and bitterness.

When Lin Xiaofeng saw this, he hurriedly stepped forward, with mixed emotions in his heart and deep concern on his face.

Seeing Li Dexian's staggering figure, he couldn't help but ask: "Your Highness, what kind of disaster have you encountered? Are your legs and feet feeling uncomfortable? Is it another result of the emperor's harsh punishment?"

Li Dexian's face was distorted, mixed with grief and anger, his teeth were clenched, and there was indescribable pain in his voice: "That's right! Last night, my father summoned me to see me, but he got angry for no reason and gave me a vicious whipping!"

When Lin Xiaofeng heard this, he couldn't help but exclaimed: "Oh, this stupid and cruel king! This palace is like a hell furnace in the human world. Why don't we find an excuse to leave the palace temporarily and take refuge in the minister's mansion?" Just avoid it, it seems that you have really had enough of these tormenting days!"

After hearing this, Li Dexian's face became even more distorted, full of resentment and helplessness, and he responded sharply: "Huh! In that case, I will go to my father now and ask him to let you taste this heart-wrenching pain!"

When Lin Xiaofeng heard this, his face instantly turned as pale as paper, and he waved his hands to refuse: "Your Highness, calm down! There is an old saying that 'a filial son emerges from under the stick'. The emperor's move is really a special care for you. How can a humble minister dare to compare it to you?"

Li Dexian's face became more and more gloomy, his eyes full of doubts and sorrow: "Mr. Lin, am I really my father's biological flesh and blood? Why is there such a huge difference in treatment?"

When Lin Xiaofeng heard about this sensitive topic, he shivered with fear and hurriedly comforted him: "Your Highness, please don't think wildly! Only biological children can receive such a strict education. I was able to grow up under the strict supervision of my father when I was young. of!"

Li Dexian didn't buy it and asked: "Then why are my princess sisters safe and sound?"

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng smiled bitterly in his heart, but tried his best to remain calm on the outside, and sighed longly: "What your Highness mentioned is indeed embarrassing, and it is difficult to give a satisfactory answer!"

Li Dexian keenly caught the subtleties in Lin Xiaofeng's words, smiled awkwardly, and then changed the subject: "Actually, I really want to go outside the palace. I just heard a few eunuchs in the East Palace discussing a poetry debate meeting. "

"As a prince, I have never participated in a poetry debate. Since returning from Yangqu County, I have been full of yearning for the outside world, but unfortunately I have never been able to do so!" Li Dexian said, looking at him eagerly. Xiang Lin Xiaofeng, hoping to get support.

Lin Xiaofeng pretended not to notice his hint and replied calmly: "In my humble opinion, the comfort and tranquility at home are the most pleasant. Is there any place in the world that can be better than the hotbed and warmth of your own home?"

Seeing that his hint failed, Li Dexian stamped his feet anxiously: "Old Lin! I have to participate in that poetry debate! Don't you hold the gold medal given by my father? I'll dress up in disguise, and you can accompany me out of the palace to experience it!"

Lin Xiaofeng shook his head helplessly and sighed deeply: "Your Highness can really recite poetry, right?"

Li Dexian straightened his back and looked confident: "What can't I do? I can compose an impromptu poem right now, 'I was born to be a powerful emperor, I...'"

"Okay, okay, there's no need to recite it! We have already admired His Highness's poetic talents greatly!" Lin Xiaofeng quickly interrupted, thinking to himself that before he officially ascended the throne, he had already described himself as Emperor Wu. If he continued to listen to it, his heart would hurt. No.

Li Dexian persisted to the end and pressed forward step by step: "Old Lin! Just give me a warm word! Is it okay or not?"

Lin Xiaofeng repeatedly weighed and listed the difficulties one by one: "No! First, it is easy to expose one's identity and attract punishment, second, there is a lack of invitations, and third, it is difficult to take him out of the palace easily. Your Highness, look at so many problems, how to solve them?"

However, Li Dexian's face was full of excitement and he looked confident: "These are not problems. I will send someone to get the invitations now. I will pretend to be a guard at night. Let's go back quickly and make sure no one finds out! What do you think? Sample?"

Facing Li Dexian's eyes shining with fervent expectation, Lin Xiaofeng's inner defense gradually collapsed. The recent experiences of the prince are indeed pitiful, and the continuous beatings may also be related to his responsibility as a courtier.

What's more, the prince's life is too monotonous and boring. He either immerses himself in studying or does nothing, which is not conducive to the development of physical and mental health. Even someone like Lin Xiaofeng who knows how to enjoy life cannot bear to be like this for a long time.

More importantly, the prince is in his prime, full of vitality, and has an innate curiosity and yearning for the outside world. If he doesn't even have the desire to leave the palace and experience the world, it would be abnormal.

Therefore, under Li Dexian's expectant gaze, Lin Xiaofeng finally softened his heart, beat his chest heavily, and made a promise: "Since we are brothers who share adversity together, let's take a risk with His Highness this time! However, after leaving the palace, All your actions must follow my arrangements. If anything goes wrong, I cannot bear the responsibility!"

"I know you are a true friend!" Li Dexian cheered and shouted loudly: "Ou Zhiyong! Ou Zhiyong! Go to the eunuch in the East Palace immediately and get me some invitations to the poetry debate, and prepare a set of casual clothes!"

Ou Zhiyong, who had been waiting by the side, was already sweating profusely while listening to the conversation between the two, and felt anxious in his heart: If the prince took this opportunity to sneak out of the palace, what should the emperor say to him?

However, forced by the prince's order, he could only bite the bullet and carry it out. He walked tremblingly to the eunuchs to ask for invitations, and began a plan full of unknown risks.

Not long after, Ou Zhiyong ran back quickly, clutching several anonymous invitations with dim golden brilliance and a set of brand-new and dazzling guard uniforms in his hands. His eyes were full of tears, and he reported with a mixture of sorrow and joy: "Your Highness, you Please look at this, this is a precious invitation that the slave has gone through all kinds of hardships to get, just like hoping that the stars and the moon will turn around and finally welcome the Holy One back!"

The prince answered, with a calm but dignified tone: "Ou Zhiyong, if this matter is questioned by others, you must properly cover it up for me, otherwise if something goes wrong, you will be in a situation of eternal disaster."

As the night deepened, the watch drum sounded slowly, and it was the time for the handover of duty. Lin Xiaofeng arrived as expected and walked directly into the sight of the prince.

As soon as they looked at each other, Lin Xiaofeng was shocked. He saw that Li Dexian was wearing a tight-fitting bodyguard uniform, but his face was smeared with colorful oil paint, making him look like a clown character who had just jumped out of the opera garden. Lin Xiaofeng was stunned and speechless for a moment.

After a moment of silence, Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help laughing, and a look of curiosity appeared in the corners of his eyebrows: "Oh, could it be that your highness's regal appearance was done by your own hands? Could it be that the dressing masters in the palace were not very good at it, so that you were not allowed to do it?" Wouldn’t it be great if I didn’t put my own spin on it and perform this unexpected beauty drama?”

Li Dexian smiled proudly and responded with his head held high: "That's not all! How can ordinary people understand my unique aesthetics? Only by doing it yourself can you feel at ease. Let's see if my makeup combination is lifelike? In my opinion, alone With this unique skill, I'm afraid it's more than enough to be a parent officer in that barbarian land overseas - the so-called Gotham City."

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help laughing and joking: "Gotham? That is a beautiful country far away - that is, the capital of a certain overseas vassal. I guess Your Highness has not heard of it yet."

"Beautiful country? There is such a place?" Li Dexian clasped his hands and laughed with interest, "Lin Xiaofeng, you are indeed very knowledgeable about poetry and books!"

Time was tight, Lin Xiaofeng grabbed Li Dexian, and the two went straight to the palace gate.

Although the gatekeepers were surprised by Li Dexian's face that looked like a dramatic character, after Lin Xiaofeng showed the royal talisman, they could only let him go in awe. The two then boarded the carriage and drove steadily to the front of the Lin Mansion.

When getting out of the car, Lin Xiaofeng immediately summoned his personal maid Lin Taohua, pointed at Li Dexian and introduced to her: "Lin Taohua, this is my new friend, please take him to cleanse his face quickly and reorganize it." Appearance.”

When Li Dexian heard this, the smile on his face froze instantly, and he shouted dissatisfied: "Why do you have to wash your face and repaint it? This makeup of my palace is really the result of my hard work!"

Lin Taohua muttered in her heart that her young master was so full of love that he actually brought an ignorant young man from the capital home. She didn't say much, just glanced at Li Dexian sympathetically, and then decisively led him into the mansion.

In a blink of an eye, Lin Taohua used her skillful hands to reshape Li Dexian's original exaggerated face into a fresh and simple image. His long black hair was also neatly combed, making him look like an elegant and quiet young man in the study reappearing in the world. .

Lin Xiaofeng looked at it for a long time and nodded with satisfaction: "That's right, it looks much more pleasing to the eye. Next, you will call yourself my book boy, remember?"

Li Dexian tried his best to imitate the posture of a book boy and stammered: "I... Got it."

Lin Taohua cast a look of pity again, sighing silently in her heart.

Later, Lin Xiaofeng summoned Xie Hongxin, who was experienced and well-known in the world, and solemnly explained that he must ensure the personal safety of the prince during this outing.

When Li Dexian heard the mention of Xie Hongxin's name, the spark of challenge suddenly ignited in his eyes. He rolled up his sleeves to show off his strong muscles and shouted loudly: "Are you the legendary Xie Hongxin? I must compete with you today!" "

A trace of imperceptible contempt flashed in Xie Hongxin's wise eyes, and he responded with a simple smile: "That's all, in today's legal society, it is taboo to fight and hurt people at will."

He had already realized that the person in front of him was an immature young man whom Young Master Lin had picked up from nowhere, and he would not take him seriously.

Lin Xiaofeng squinted at Li Dexian, with a sarcastic smile on his lips, thinking to himself that this boy is really a newborn calf who is not afraid of tigers. Who knew that Xie Hongxin was a hidden hero?

Lin Xiaofeng casually took out a silver ingot, and Xie Hongxin took it and kneaded it into a flat silver cake.

Then, Lin Xiaofeng handed the cooled and formed silver cake to Li Dexian and said sincerely: "Take it, this is your pocket money. Remember to learn how to manage money and manage your home when you go out."

Li Dexian carefully held the silver cake that still retained Xie Hongxin's body temperature, glanced at Xie Hongxin tremblingly, and muttered with a slight lack of confidence: "You are just a bodyguard with some brute strength. If it were me..."

Before he finished speaking, Xie Hongxin promptly interrupted his thoughts and asked with a serious face: "Sir, do you need to prepare some self-defense weapons such as red crane crowns, blow darts, sweat medicine, or scissors for this trip?"

Lin Xiaofeng waved her hand gently and said leisurely: "There is no need for this trip to Hedinghong. We are all scholars. Playing with poison is too cruel."

Hearing this, Li Dexian closed his mouth knowingly and stood aside politely.

Finally, Lin Xiaofeng took the invitation from Li Dexian and slowly started to review it. He was suddenly pleasantly surprised: "Haha, what a coincidence. It turned out to be a poetry meeting held by the Weiming Lake. Looking at it like this, this 'Hongmen Banquet' is the best one in any case." There’s no way to escape!”

Xie Hongxin's big head squeezed into the field of vision from one side like a hill. His honest voice revealed a simple enthusiasm, and asked: "Master, it seems that we are about to set off. May I ask about the destination of this trip? Who is this?"

Lin Xiaofeng's answer was like a copper bell ringing in the sky, shocking the heart: "We are going to a Hongmen Banquet!"

As soon as these words came out, Xie Hongxin's eyes flashed like stars, and the smile on his face almost overflowed from his skin. He responded cheerfully: "Oh, good guy! Look at my memory. I'll get a sack right away." Come."

When Li Dexian heard this, he frowned slightly and asked in confusion: "Brother Hong Xin, what are you doing with the sack?"

Xie Hongxin slapped his chest, showing a sophisticated old man's attitude, and his tone was full of confidence: "Oh, dear brother, you don't know something. The delicacies at the Hongmen Banquet are live and ferocious beasts. We have to pack the meat back." Savor it slowly." After saying that, he left the table with a spring breeze on his face and walked vigorously to look for the mysterious sack.

Li Dexian stared at Xie Hongxin's retreating figure with wide eyes, then quietly approached Lin Xiaofeng's ear, and whispered in a low voice with a bit of surprise: "This dear friend, isn't he a hot-headed person?"

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng felt a trace of dissatisfaction in his heart and retorted angrily: "What nonsense are you talking about! I, Brother Hong Xin, am a tough man who is known to everyone in Yangqu County. How can I allow you to speculate at will!"

Lin Xiaofeng looked calm and analyzed seriously: "Your Highness, everything in the world contains knowledge. Sometimes, outstanding talents in one field can often make up for deficiencies in other areas."

He paused for a moment, gently rubbed his handsome face with his fingers, and said jokingly: "Take me for example, what do you think I look like?"

Li Dexian hesitated slightly and answered cautiously: "It's indeed pretty good. Why are you talking about this all of a sudden?"

Lin Xiaofeng continued to maintain a serious tone and explained: "This is the reason why the emperor did not call me to come to Beijing as an official. If you ask me if I am proficient in poetry and calligraphy? In fact, I am not knowledgeable; if you ask me if I can lead an army in battle, I am even more of a layman. One. But why does the emperor look at me differently?"

Li Dexian hesitated for a moment and tentatively guessed: "Is it because you have made great achievements in disaster relief work?"

Lin Xiaofeng shook his head in denial, with a very solemn expression: "Your Highness, the future crown prince of the country, must be well versed in the true meaning of world affairs. There is no direct connection between meritorious service in disaster relief and transfer to the East Palace. Investigating the root cause, it is not because this face is too lovable!"

After hearing this, Li Dexian's expression suddenly changed drastically. He took two steps back and lost his voice in surprise: "You mean that my father... has such a preference?!"

Lin Xiaofeng quickly waved his hand to clarify: "Your Highness has misunderstood. Appreciation of beauty does not distinguish between gender and race. Beauty can touch the depths of people's hearts. The reason why I was allowed to enter the East Palace and was given the gold medal to freely enter and leave the palace is due to the influence of beauty. force."

He further guided his thinking: "The ancients said that you have lived in the house of Zhilan for a long time without smelling its fragrance. Now, Your Highness, you have also been influenced by beauty invisibly. Look at your current hairstyle, how leading the trend!" Li Dexian touched his hair He smiled honestly, but suddenly showed a hint of loneliness: "It turns out that the reason why I failed to win favor in front of my father is that I am not specialized in a certain field."

He reflected on himself, and there was a trace of innocent grievance in his words: "Is it my fault that I know a little bit of everything? Is it wrong to pursue all-round development? I am really trapped by this so-called all-round talent!"

Faced with Li Dexian's confusion, Lin Xiaofeng was speechless for a moment and could only stare at him silently, thinking to himself: It's amazing, it has only been so long now, and they are already so in tune with each other!

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During the conversation, Xie Hongxin completed his pre-departure preparations as quickly as a cheetah. His rough and strong hands pulled on a sturdy belt, and three bulging sacks were cleverly tied around his waist. This combination was like A peculiar sarong was added to his body, and his image was both abrupt and eye-catching.

Lin Xiaofeng caught this scene, his eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. Even though there were thousands of words in his heart that he wanted to burst out, he finally held them back. After all, he had already known the unique style of Hong Xin brother. It's commonplace, and we know the secret.

The carriage stopped safely under Xie Hongxin's meticulous management, and the three of them immediately set out on their journey, driving the carriage towards the water called Weiming Lake in the northwest corner of the west district of the capital.

The shops on both sides of the lakeshore are connected one after another, bustling and noisy, and filled with people, intertwining into a long scroll of vibrant urban life.

As the three of them approached Weiming Lake, Lin Xiaofeng keenly called for the car to stop. At that time, the setting sun had not completely set, and there was still a faint afterglow between the sky and the earth. After thinking for a long time, he decided to take the opportunity to let Li Dexian stop here for a while and immerse himself in the surrounding lakes and mountains.

If you just rush to the pier by the lake regardless of the surrounding scenery, it will be like stepping directly from one room door to another. It will inevitably lead to many beautiful fireworks passing by. This will undoubtedly reduce the value of the trip. location.

As a result, the three of them strolled leisurely along the winding riverside trail.

Li Dexian and Lin Xiaofeng walked side by side, and there was an atmosphere of leisure and tacit understanding between them; while Xie Hongxin followed behind like a shadow, scanning the surroundings with alert eyes, steady and powerful steps, and every step was just right on the rhythm of life. .

At this moment, the breeze blows gently on the lake, and the weeping willows on the shore are swaying softly, like a dancer's skirt flying in the wind.

Shops are lined up along the river, and crowds of people are crowded together. There are all kinds of sounds mixed in: some people are talking and laughing, some are arguing fiercely about prices, and some are reciting poems, and together they are woven into a lively urban movement.

Li Dexian was like a caged bird tasting freedom for the first time. He spread his arms ecstatically, took a deep breath of fresh air, and praised with ecstasy: "The beauty here is comparable to that of Yangqu County, and even better." And nothing less! I remember that I once wandered around the edge of the capital and mistakenly thought that the entire capital was a deserted and lonely place!"

Lin Xiaofeng couldn't help laughing loudly after hearing this, and responded: "Haha, what you said is too exaggerated. You must know that Beijing is the most prosperous district, and no matter how good Yangqu County is, it has its limitations."

Despite this, Li Dexian did not agree easily. He pointed at the begging children on the roadside with confusion in his eyes: "In my opinion, the social order in Beijing is not as orderly as that in Yangqu County. Look at those beggars. I have never witnessed such a scene in Yangqu County, what is the reason for this?"

In response to Li Dexian's question, Lin Xiaofeng explained with a smile: "It's not that there are no beggars in Yangqu County, but I help everyone find the value of existence. For those who are healthy, I let them take a short rest first, and then arrange suitable jobs to support themselves." This is the so-called work-for-relief. As for those with disabilities, we will do our best to find suitable ways of working for them. As for the old, weak, sick and disabled who are unable to work, the county government will carefully check the situation and provide regular relief. Money is needed to ensure their basic livelihood. Because of this, it is difficult to find homeless people begging in Yangqu County."

Lin Xiaofeng further sighed: "How can the vastness and complexity of the capital city be compared to that of the small county I govern? Do you know how many beggars are lurking in this city, and how many large-scale job opportunities are available? This is simply a combination. Huge social issues are much more complicated than managing Yangqu County. Moreover, the internal relations in the capital are complicated. If you want to sort them out, I am afraid that even if I were to take over, it would be difficult to see immediate and obvious changes."

After hearing this, Li Dexian nodded repeatedly, but still had doubts: "Are those beggars really willing to engage in real work? I once heard my master say that some people are born with deep laziness, and no amount of education can change their lazy nature. "

When Lin Xiaofeng heard this, his expression suddenly darkened, as if an invisible pressure touched his heart, and he had mixed feelings.

He is well aware that the complexity and changeability of human nature cannot be easily changed by simple education, and the key to solving problems often lies in how to touch the depths of people's hearts and stimulate their inner motivation.

The corner of Lin Xiaofeng's mouth quietly raised a faint and profound smile, and he said, "It cannot be said that the remarks of these respected teachers you mentioned are completely without basis."

"Look at how many vagrants with special skills there are in this rolling world. They can obviously live and work in peace and contentment by relying on their skills, but they still want to get involved in the business of robbers and thieves. They are full of deceit and despicable methods, and they use all possible means."

Lin Xiaofeng's eyes scanned the world around him, and he continued, his voice calm, but like lava rushing in the center of the earth, "When encountering such naughty people, when their crimes are obvious, I will often impose heavy punishments first. For example, cutting off their ability to walk allows them to seek opportunities for redemption and meritorious deeds in their incomplete lives."

"If these people are stubborn and unrepentant," the coldness in Lin Xiaofeng's voice became more and more apparent when he said this, "then we will cut off their arms and only provide them with some scraps of silver to survive. In this way , the troubles in the world will gradually dissipate, and people's hearts may be able to find some peace in such severe punishment."

Although his smile still hung on his face, in the eyes of onlookers Li Dexian, that smile was like the biting north wind on a winter night, carrying a chilling determination. Mr. Lin, who usually laughs, scolds, and is free and uninhibited, now displays an extremely serious and even sinister face, which makes people feel chilly in their hearts.

"As a local official, if you indulge and tolerate blindly, you will be sowing the seeds of future disaster." Lin Xiaofeng turned his head slightly, his eyes were as sharp as a knife, and a beam of light penetrated everything through the lens. His voice was steady and powerful, like It is slowly unfolding a cruel and true picture of people's livelihood to Li Dexian: "Of course, educating the people is the best strategy, but the world is complex and ever-changing, and there are always some people with evil thoughts and evil blood flowing, even if they are faced with There is no sign of repentance when it comes to the choice of life and death, their humanity is lost, and their evil deeds are at their peak, as if they came to this world just for their sins."

"Looking back on the seven years I was in power in Yangqu County, I executed a total of one hundred and eight people in accordance with the law for those scum who committed adultery, theft, wanton destruction, sedition, and misbehavior. Now you ask me if I regret this. ?”

When Li Dexian heard this, his heart was in turmoil, and his hands trembled involuntarily. He gritted his teeth tightly and tried to suppress the trembling in his voice, "No, I know that strict military discipline is the cornerstone of ordering the troops, and it cannot be the same as governing the people. It’s like being kind, I understand this very well.”

"It's really rare for you to understand this level," Lin Xiaofeng caught Li Dexian's answer. The fierceness in his eyes softened slightly, and he turned to a smile of appreciation: "However, governing the world and caring for the people not only depend on the strict discipline of the army, but also those who After all, there are only a few heinous gangsters, and the bad habits of most people can be corrected through education and guidance."

"Therefore, kind people should be treated with benevolent policies, and those who commit heinous crimes must be severely punished with strict laws. In any case, you must not let a layer of frost over the hearts of the common people who trust you and rely on you. "

Next, the two fell into the abyss of a conversation again. This conversation seemed to cross a river woven with ordinary words and go straight into the valley of each other's souls.

Lin Xiaofeng is like a speaker. His eloquent narration impacts the listener's perceptual world like a violent storm. Every powerful word creates ripples and floods;

In contrast, Li Dexian played the role of a silent pilgrim. He was as solemn and solemn as a quiet mountain. His eyes were firmly locked on Lin Xiaofeng. His concentration was as if he was reading a supreme spiritual Bible, which was unprecedented. solemn.

The story flowing from Lin Xiaofeng's mouth is like an extremely sharp scalpel, accurately and ruthlessly cutting through the image of the cynical, casual and bohemian Lin Xiaofeng in Li Dexian's mind, revealing a hidden new dimension - a cold and stern person. The figure of a decisive and stone-hearted warrior.

In his dramatic narration, this character was given a strong tragic color, which made Li Dexian listen intoxicated and his mind was surging like waves.

When the red sun faded and there was only an indifferent twilight haze between the sky and the earth, the three of them slowly stepped into a grand boat docked by the river.

At this time, a maid in a emerald-colored skirt shuttled among the endless stream of guests. She had a pleasant smile, affectionate eyebrows, and elegant manners.

When she caught the image of Xie Hongxin in a burlap shirt, a flash of surprise and confusion flashed in the corner of her eyes, but her expression quickly turned to understanding and awe when she saw Lin Xiaofeng following closely behind.

Lin Xiaofeng was wearing a gorgeous embroidered robe and looked outstanding in every gesture. He was obviously the leader of the crowd, while Xie Hongxin and one other person seemed to be his followers. The maid opened her red lips lightly and told her in a gentle yet polite tone: "Sir, tonight's poetry meeting stipulates that escorts are not allowed on board the ship. Please understand."

In response, Lin Xiaofeng raised a bold and unrestrained smile, waved the three shining invitations in his hand, and responded with a firm and powerful voice: "Why are you talking about guards? They are my brothers!"

The onlookers secretly marveled when they heard this: This sentence shows the profound background of this person. You know, ordinary people have to go through a lot of trouble to get an invitation and have to climb up to the powerful. However, Lin Xiaofeng in front of him casually took out three invitations. Zhang, and everyone around him has a share. This combination of respect and strength is jaw-dropping.

In the maid's eyes full of surprise and admiration, as Lin Xiaofeng held up the invitation, the three of them proudly stepped into the huge boat like a water palace.

The boat is large in scale, about thirty feet long and more than ten feet wide. It is built on top of each other and has an open internal layout. The central patio leads directly to the top floor. There are more than a dozen exquisite circular seats distributed. Although the seats are not full, they are already full of distinguished guests. There are only a few free spaces left.

Everyone on the boat was dressed in rich clothes and elegant manners. Many of them were holding folding fans and swinging them leisurely, showing the elegant temperament of a romantic and talented man.

As soon as he stepped onto the boat, Li Dexian's eyes flashed with inquisitive curiosity and he looked around.

However, Lin Xiaofeng had already taken the lead, holding his sleeve and leading him directly to an empty desk.

Seeing Xie Hongxin's unique attire, or out of awe of Lin Xiaofeng's power, the other guests at the original table stood up and retreated, choosing another table to sit at.

As a result, the place where Lin Xiaofeng sat became empty in the blink of an eye, leaving only the three of them facing each other, each with their own ups and downs in their hearts, together in this wonderful space filled with the fragrance of ink and poetry.

Xie Hongxin harbored grudges, his face was gloomy, and he repeatedly murmured: "Where's the meat? Where's the meat?"

Lin Xiaofeng and Li Dexian followed closely behind, and their empty stomachs were also hit by the huge waves of hunger.

They had just gotten rid of the tedious official duties, had not yet touched the warmth of the afternoon table, and had already trekked for most of the afternoon under the scorching sun. At this moment, their stomachs were as empty as a desert, looking forward to the long-lost moisture.

At this moment, in the center of the dining table, a few plates of exquisite pastries were scattered. Although the craftsmanship was exquisite, it could not ignite people's appetite.

Lin Xiaofeng had sharp eyes and quick actions. He first picked up a piece of pastry and put it into his mouth. He frowned and smiled bitterly while chewing. He couldn't help but lament: "It tastes really bad!"

Not to be outdone, Li Dexian also quickly picked up a piece and put it into his mouth. His cheeks were bulging like a greedy little squirrel, and he muttered vaguely: "I think it's pretty good. It's many times better than those at home." , it’s absolutely delicious.”

Lin Xiaofeng's eyes widened and his face was serious. He seemed to be suffering from the bitterness. He swallowed the remaining half of the pastry in his hand and retorted: "How can those in your house be called delicious!"

Hearing this, Li Dexian suddenly fell into deep thinking. After a moment, he suddenly understood and blurted out in surprise: "Oh - yes! Why is my food always so terrible? Lao Lin, what's the mystery in this?"

Lin Xiaofeng smiled slightly, as if he had an insight into the world: "What's so strange about this? Since ancient times, those nutritious meals that claim to pay attention to nutritional combinations are often the same."

"What is a nutritious meal?" Li Dexian looked confused.

"A nutritious meal is to make the originally delicious and attractive ingredients tasteless, and then openly call it 'nutrition'." Lin Xiaofeng teased.

"So that's it!" Li Dexian seemed to have realized something, but then he said with anger on his face and gritted his teeth: "No wonder, the same dishes in my house are made unpalatable. It is indeed the so-called 'nutritious meal'! "

Lin Xiaofeng curled his lips, showing obvious contempt: "Not only does it taste terrible, but the price is also ridiculously high! If you don't believe me, go to the market and ask around. I bet you that the prices of your dishes are definitely far higher than the private prices."

"Okay! I must find out about this matter and see if those guys in the Imperial Kitchen dare to deceive me!" Li Dexian was furious and slapped the table, filled with a sense of justice.

While they were talking, Xie Hongxin had quietly finished two plates of pastries. When Lin Xiaofeng saw this, he immediately stretched out his arm to stop him and said sternly: "You kid, please take it easy, this is tea, not pig food! We are not at home today, so Xiao Taohua may just deal with one casually, and take away the rest." !”

When Xie Hongxin heard this, he smiled awkwardly and put down the porcelain plate in his hand, with a hint of guilt on his honest face.

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Not long after, the boat was already bustling with people, filled with guests of all kinds, just like a bustling market floating on the water.

Accompanied by the long rhythm of the lake water gently lapping against the side of the boat, this exquisitely crafted and dazzling water palace quietly sets sail, slowly heading towards the secret realm in the middle of the vast blue lake.

In an elegant corner of the cabin on the second floor, Li Haihua stood majestically. His figure was bathed in the beautiful light and shadow created by the blending of sparkling waves and golden sunlight. His eyes were like blazing searchlights, scanning the sea of ​​​​human heads below with vigour. .

Yang Zhongyi, who was leaning next to him, looked miserable, with a bruised nose and swollen face, just like a fierce dog that had just struggled to escape from a life-and-death fight. Although his body was covered with bruises, he still clung to his post.

"Is Lin Xiaofeng here?" Li Haihua's steady and powerful voice penetrated the noisy noise and went straight into Yang Zhongyi's ears word by word, subtly mixed with elusive urgency.

After Yang Zhongyi heard this, a bitter but tenacious smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. The pain seemed to fade away in the face of his determination for revenge.

He opened his bloodshot eyes hard, pointed his arms resolutely towards the stern of the ship, and although his voice trembled slightly with excitement, it was full of passionate power: "We found it, Mr. Li, please look at the seat near the water at the stern of the ship. It's us." The Lin Xiaofeng we are looking for only has two followers, a total of three people!"

At this moment, deep in Yang Zhongyi's heart, the flames of revenge were blazing. After being insulted by Xie Hongxin, he endured the humiliation and stepped into the Shangshu's mansion again. However, not only was he unable to wash away the stigma, but his former powers were deprived of him, and he was even tortured. Stop the poisonous hand.

This humiliation piled up into a mountain, and finally condensed into an unforgettable hatred for Lin Xiaofeng. At this moment, the wave of this hatred climbed to its peak like a rising tide.

At the same moment, Li Haihua looked in the direction pointed by Yang Zhongyi. Lin Xiaofeng was chatting and laughing with the seemingly low-status entourage on both sides. He had an aloof and leisurely look, completely ignoring all the flashy scenes around him.

In Li Haihua's hand, he gently shook a folding fan made of ink-wash landscapes. The surface of the fan was delicate, and the unique pride and indifference of a descendant of aristocratic families flowed between the fan bones.

Seeing this scene, he let out a sarcastic sneer: "As expected, this country boy, who has just entered the world of elegance, actually hangs out with such low-level characters. I wonder how those two people got into such an occasion?"

(End of this chapter)