Chapter 107: The Feast at Hongmen Hosted by the Inspector of Yizhou (Part Two)

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As Zhang Chi arrived, the Governor of Yizhou had already come out to greet him, his face beaming with smiles. “Your presence truly honors this humble abode, it truly does.”

Though the governor appeared affable on the surface, Zhang Chi knew all too well that in the officialdom, people could change faces faster than turning a page. Perhaps one moment they called you brother, the next they would stab you twice in the back—such was politics.

Zhang Chi had always shunned involvement in politics for this very reason: too much insincerity, too many complex relationships. Throughout history, the greatest pitfall for talented heroes and beauties alike was politics and officialdom. Navigating this treacherous world required utmost caution. Countless gifted men and women had perished without a trace, victims of this very snare.

After a modest exchange of words, Zhang Chi was invited by the governor into the inner hall.

As the governor welcomed Zhang Chi and Luo An, he also eyed the silent figure trailing behind Zhang Chi—the Shadow Blade. Cloaked and face-hidden, sword in hand, she caught the governor’s attention. Stroking his goatee, he smiled and inquired, “Young sir, who is this? Why does she hide her face behind a veil?”

“She is my personal bodyguard,” Zhang Chi replied after a brief pause. “As for the veil, well, she’s rather plain-looking and fears frightening others, so she keeps it on most of the time.”

The Shadow Blade shot Zhang Chi a fierce glare but said nothing.

The governor’s smile turned oddly sarcastic. “My residence is heavily guarded. Why would you still feel uneasy enough to bring a bodyguard along? You are indeed cautious.”

Zhang Chi thought silently: “It’s precisely because I’m here at your place that I’m not at ease.”

The governor’s tone was clearly mocking, but Zhang Chi took it lightly, replying calmly, “A personal bodyguard never leaves one’s side. You, Governor, are overthinking it.”

They exchanged smiles, their words a deft dance of subtle barbs and parries. In mere moments, they arrived at the door of the inner hall. The governor gestured grandly, his smile radiant: “Please, young sir, lead the way.”

Upon entering, Zhang Chi was truly amazed. Though only a handful of guests were gathered for the feast, there were dozens of serving girls attending to them.

The governor had already ordered three tables set with wine and delicacies. Zhang Chi, Luo An, and the governor took their seats accordingly, the governor at the head, Zhang Chi and Luo An at either side, while the Shadow Blade stood silently behind Zhang Chi.

The tables were laden with exquisite dishes, and on either side knelt two beautifully dressed girls attending to each table, pouring wine and serving food. Upon closer look, each of these women possessed a fair share of charm.

It is said that wealthy landowners live in luxury, but compared to the aristocratic enjoyment of this era, those landowners’ lifestyles were truly modest.

As Zhang Chi pondered this, the governor raised his cup. “Young sir, you have traveled far. I toast to you. This land of Shu not only boasts beautiful scenery but also sweet and mellow wine. Let this first cup welcome and honor you. Drink it fully.”

During the Jin dynasty, the aristocracy took pride in their drinking prowess. Fortunately, Zhang Chi had a strong constitution for alcohol, so he was unafraid. The maidservants refilled his cup promptly. Zhang Chi raised his glass to return the toast to the governor and drained it in one go.

No sooner had he set down the cup than it was refilled again. The governor continued, “Your words before the Chengdu King’s palace today were thought-provoking and weighty. For such extraordinary spirit, I shall toast you again.”

Zhang Chi drank another cup. Before the governor could speak again, Zhang Chi said, “Governor, your hospitality is generous. I merely return the favor.”

Luo An had hoped to hear how Zhang Chi would persuade the governor to dispatch troops, but once seated, all that followed was mutual toasting—seven or eight cups passed in no time, yet not a word was spoken of mobilizing forces against the Hu.

If the governor remained silent, that was understandable; but why did Zhang Chi not mention it either? Luo An could no longer restrain himself. Seeing the governor enjoying the wine, he thought it the perfect moment to discuss serious matters. He addressed the governor, “Governor, regarding the matter of dispatching troops to resist the Hu…”

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Before Luo An could finish, the governor cut him off. “Lord Luo, tonight’s gathering is a private banquet. Let us speak only of pleasant things. Do not let mundane affairs spoil our mood.”

“Indeed, indeed,” Zhang Chi agreed. “Rare is the governor’s warm hospitality. We should enjoy ourselves fully tonight. Governor, let us drink once more.”

The governor had initially meant to wear Zhang Chi down with wine before questioning him further, so he drank quickly without touching the food. Yet after seven or eight cups, Zhang Chi’s face remained unchanged, while the governor himself began to feel dizzy.

Seeing Zhang Chi raise his cup again, the governor waved his hands nervously. “Your capacity is impressive, young sir. I am no match for you. But I have prepared well—look at these serving girls. Each is handpicked for her beauty. With such temptresses urging you on, you will surely enjoy yourself.”

“Oh?” Zhang Chi’s interest was piqued.

One of the girls stepped forward, knelt at Zhang Chi’s table, and offered a cup. “Young sir, your youthful charm has truly captured this humble servant’s heart. Might you honor me by drinking this cup?”

Zhang Chi laughed heartily. “Well said, well said.”

Zhang Chi loved his wine, and with beauties encouraging him, he did not refuse a single cup.

Soon, dozens of cups had passed beneath his belt.

The governor had hoped to intoxicate Zhang Chi to learn his origins, but Zhang Chi’s stomach seemed bottomless—no matter how much he drank, his expression remained unchanged, and the more he drank, the livelier he grew.

He did not know that before crossing into this era, Zhang Chi had been a notorious drinker, able to down over two pounds of 58-degree liquor. The ancient brewing techniques made the local wine far milder than what Zhang Chi was used to—he found it less intoxicating than beer.

Seeing Zhang Chi drink so many cups, the governor finally asked, “You carry yourself with such dignity; you are clearly no ordinary man. From which noble family do you hail?”

This was the governor’s true concern.

Zhang Chi smiled but did not answer directly, instead inviting the governor to guess, “What do you think, sir?”

The governor pondered deeply. To be so trusted by the Chengdu King, this young man’s background must be extraordinary. Tentatively, he inquired, “Might you be connected to the Huan clan of Jingzhou?”

The Huan family was one of the powerful clans that could command respect from the Chengdu King. Although Zhang’s surname was Zhang, noble families often had many branches and relatives with different surnames.

Zhang Chi shook his head with a smile.

The governor showed some disappointment. He had hoped Zhang Chi was indeed from the Huan clan, as Huan Xuan’s power in Jingzhou could serve as a valuable backing.

“Then perhaps the Wang clan of Taiyuan?” This family’s Wang Gong commanded the Northern Garrison Army, also a formidable force.

But Zhang Chi again shook his head.

The governor enumerated the major warlords of the realm, but Zhang Chi denied each one.

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Since this young sir was not from any of the top noble houses, he must be a fallen scion of some lesser clan. Stroking his goatee, the governor chuckled and rattled off more names: “Could it be the Wang clan of Langya? The Chen, Xie clans? Or the Yu family of Yingchuan?”

Zhang Chi shook his head one by one. “None of these.”

The governor was perplexed. “Young sir, please do not trouble me further. If none of these, then from where do you come?”

Zhang Chi chuckled softly and answered honestly, “Governor, the families you mention are all noble houses. I am but a humble scholar from a modest family, nothing more.”

The governor inwardly doubted him. “Is that truly all?”

Zhang Chi nodded firmly. “Truly nothing more.”

Seeing Zhang Chi’s sincerity, the governor suddenly changed his attitude completely. He slammed his cup down and ordered, “Guards, seize this traitor at once!”

No sooner had he spoken than dozens of soldiers rushed in from outside, swords drawn, clearly lying in ambush. They surrounded those inside the hall.

Luo An was shocked. “Governor, what is the meaning of this?”

The governor’s voice turned cold. “The traitor deceived the Chengdu King. Today, he even killed an imperial official, Yi Cao Congshi. I shall capture and punish him immediately!”

“Misunderstanding! This is a misunderstanding,” Luo An hurried to smooth things over. “Young sir Zhang is a distinguished guest invited by the Chengdu King. How can you wield weapons against him?”

Zhang Chi smiled calmly without a word, as if fully confident.

The governor was eager to learn what leverage Zhang Chi possessed. “Surely the Chengdu King has been deceived as well. I will eliminate this man now and then report the truth to the King.”

Though the Chengdu King was nominally ruler of Shu, many matters were constrained by others. The governor could easily act first and report later, and even if he did, the King could do nothing.

“To kill me, you must first ask my bodyguard’s permission,” Zhang Chi said serenely.

The governor suddenly remembered the veiled woman behind Zhang Chi. Hearing his words, he looked her over.

Since entering the governor’s residence, the Shadow Blade had not spoken a word until now. In her usual cold tone, she said, “You are within ten paces. If I wished, taking your life would be easier than turning my hand.”

The newly arrived soldiers heard this and hesitated, treating her words as a warning.

Just as they prepared to advance, Zhang Chi leisurely lifted his cup, took a sip, and smiled, “Governor, if you doubt me, you may try. Let us see who dies first—you or I.”

The governor was truly at a loss. Whether Zhang Chi’s claims were true or not, he dared not take the risk. He stared at Zhang Chi for a long moment.

“This truly is fine wine you have prepared, Governor,” Zhang Chi said, calmly drinking and eating as if the entire matter had nothing to do with him.