The Demon Lords

Chapter 1058: Chapter 254: Hold It In_3

When Qu Peiluo entered the inner courtyard, he first saw the sword maker who was assisting Mr. Chen in evaluating swords there.

Apparently, he recognized the sword maker and immediately stepped forward to greet him.

"Peiluo greets Uncle Dugu."

The Dugu Clan is a Chu State aristocratic family of the same stature as the Qu Clan. One of Qu Peiluo’s grandaunts is the wife of the sword maker’s second uncle, thus the sword maker is a generation senior to Qu Peiluo.

Furthermore, with the sword maker’s status as one of the four great swordsmen, accepting this gesture from Qu Peiluo is quite appropriate.

When a junior who’s about to get married pays respects to a senior, the senior should naturally respond with a gesture.

The sword maker was well-prepared, taking out a short sword from his bosom, tossing it directly to Qu Peiluo.

"This is for you."

"Thank you, Uncle Dugu."

A sword given by the sword maker is undoubtedly a fine sword; this is beyond question.

Qu Peiluo did not decline and received the sword respectfully. He then focused his attention on Mr. Chen.

The sword maker introduced,

"A swordsman from Qian State, Mr. Chen. He was sent by Master Yao."

Qu Peiluo promptly clasped his hands in salute,

Mr. Chen responded slightly while holding his sword.

The sword maker squinted his eyes, chuckling,

"There’s also a young Mr. Su inside, a direct disciple of Master Yao, very talented. Later, you can go and say hello. Who knows, on your wedding day, he might compose a poem for you."

"Yes, nephew understands."

Qu Peiluo continued walking inside and saw a carriage, with Zheng Fan standing by it.

Even though he was going to steal someone’s wife and had already advanced to unlocking much of the tofu with the man’s fiancée, Lord Zheng truly didn’t know Qu Peiluo.

Previously, when Qu Peiluo recited poems outside the door, Lord Zheng was inside embracing the princess and had only heard the voice of this prospective groom, without seeing him in person.

It wasn’t until Zhao Cheng kneeled before Qu Peiluo to pay respects:

"Servant Zhao salutes General Huwei; may the general be healthy."

"Rise."

"Thank you, General."

Oh?

It’s him.

Lord Zheng immediately assumed the role of the neighbor Old Wang, starting to scrutinize Qu Peiluo.

In terms of looks,

Hmm,

truly decent.

Qu Peiluo’s appearance is genuinely attractive, even more handsome than modern-day fresh faces—a fact that even Old Zheng couldn’t deny.

But then Lord Zheng dismissively thought to himself,

What’s the use of just looking good?

Qu Peiluo was unaware of Lord Zheng’s thoughts. Knowing Zheng Fan was Master Yao’s disciple, as acknowledged by the sword maker, he treated Zheng Fan very courteously:

"Greetings, Mr. Su."

Zheng Fan gave a slight smile, modestly stepping back half a step as he returned the salute:

"Greetings, General."

"It’s an honor that Mr. Su could attend Peiluo’s wedding banquet."

No, you’ll regret it.

"Peiluo is fond of poetry and admires Qian State’s culture. I hope Mr. Su can generously offer guidance, and Peiluo will be most grateful."

No, you won’t be grateful.

"Not at all, Brother Qu has an impressive demeanor, truly a gentleman of Big Chu; moreover, Brother Qu’s literary fame is something Su has long heard of."

After all, that day, I held your fiancée while listening to your poem reciting in the snow.

"Mr. Su is too kind; I am unworthy of such praise."

Qu Peiluo’s purpose in treating this disciple of Master Yao so courteously was clear, as the sword maker mentioned earlier. He hoped this "Mr. Su" would compose a poem or a verse on his wedding day.

In this era, the dissemination and influence of poetry are substantial, especially when "Mr. Su" holds the title of Master Yao’s disciple.

No one wouldn’t want their wedding to be grand and memorable through generations.

Standing aside, Zhao Cheng kept his head slightly lowered. Not uttering a word and showing no expression as the sole informed party here.

Eunuch Zhao found the dialogue between the prospective groom and Zheng Fan, their mutual admiration, and flattery to be filled with an ironic tension.

...

Inside the bedroom, it had been quiet for a long time.

The Regent hadn’t achieved what he wanted here. He knew his sister harbored resentment, and he came to allow her to vent; as a brother, he hoped his sister would live happily after marriage; as the "Emperor," he hoped his sister would fulfill the alliance with the Qu Clan.

In truth, regardless of the marriage alliance, the Qu Clan remained tethered to him. The Qu Clan had lost nearly fifty thousand Blue Luan troops and also the current head of the family, a Zhuguai for the Regent.

It’s impossible to step down now.

This marriage is merely a signal to other great families to declare a stance.

Thus, the Regent did not wish for his sister to have feelings of discontent.

Yet his sister’s reaction was odd to him. She should have accepted her fate, but now, she appeared exceptionally resilient.

This made the Regent, who liked having everything under control, uncomfortable. Every monarch enjoys controlling everything through their will and dislikes opposition.

Considering the overt and covert messages his sister had expressed in recent years,

the Regent’s mood now was inevitably tinged with annoyance.

He turned his head, looked at the princess, and said:

"Liqing, now that things are set and the wedding is imminent, I hope you can stay clear-headed. You are my sister; I watched you grow up, so I know my sister is very smart."

"Brother, are you threatening me?"

"It’s not a threat; it’s an imperial edict."

"An imperial edict?"

"My decree, ordering you to smile when you marry."

Even if it’s an act, you play it well!

I know you are capable; you’re not as fragile as you appear.

The princess sat on the chair, her gaze somewhat dazed as she watched her brother.

And then,

the Regent opened the chamber door,

The princess’s gaze first landed on Qu Peiluo standing at the entrance,

Alas, he’s here again;

Then,

The princess noticed Zheng Fan standing beside Qu Peiluo,

Ah, he’s here again!

Perhaps Lord Zheng’s appearance was stunning enough that it unexpectedly broke the oppressive anger she had felt from her brother earlier,

The princess’s face broke into a smile.

Noticing this, the Regent also felt relieved. His sister still listened to him and knew the proper behavior.

Qu Peiluo saw the princess smile upon seeing him,

Immediately responding with a sincere smile.

Seeing Qu Peiluo smile so happily,

Lord Zheng also...

No,

Hold it in, don’t smile.