At this time, the maidservants began to bring forth the screens to shield the young ladies.
Chen Rong let out a sigh as soon as the screens went around her. The crowd’s prying eyes had made her rather uncomfortable just now.
She bowed her head, took a small sip of wine, and watched Wang Hong’s shadow on the other side of the screen.
Just then, the doorway grew clamorous. The scholars and even Wang Hong all rose to welcome the newcomer.
Chen Rong paused while, next to her, Chen Wei happily cried: “He’s here.” Her voice slightly trembled due to her anxiousness.
Ran Min has come?
Chen Rong turned her head to look.
Through the screen, she could only see a vague silhouette striding inside. He was tall and majestic in the wavering lantern light.
Accompanied by Wang Hong, Ran Min was engaged in conversation while walking in.
Before long, he had sat down a few tables in front of Chen Rong.
The nobles continued to encircle Ran Min even after he had taken his seat. Amid the jollity, Chen Gongrang solemnly stood up, accorded Ran Min a deep bow and proceeded to say: “Nan’yang is lucky to have you in its time of danger. The city is joyous that you can be here, general.”
Chen Gongrang was well-respected. His speech immediately drew the crowd’s attention.
Under everyone’s scrutiny, Ran Min simply smiled. His voice was laced with exhaustion and hoarseness when he said: “Sir, there is no need for these words.”
Chen Gongrang laughed. “Aye aye, there is no need for these words. I’m sure it’s quite obvious to you.” He waved his sleeves and returned to his seat.
At this moment, Chen Wei leaned toward Chen Rong, whispering: “Ah Rong, my heart’s pounding.”
Chen Rong stared at the tall, imposing man, smiled and unhurriedly replied, “Jiejie, it won’t help to be nervous.”
“But I am nervous,” Chen Wei muttered. “I didn’t make a good impression when I last saw him. I don’t even know if he’ll ever like me again.”
Chen Rong couldn’t give her the answer to this matter, or did she want to.
She only looked to Ran Min’s side and was disappointed when she did not see Sun Yan among the men who came with him.
With all notable guests gathered by this time, the prettily dressed servants entered and began to place food and drinks on the guests’ tables.
When food was brought to Chen Rong’s and Chen Wei’s tables, the screens had to be moved.
The moment Chen Rong looked up, she and Chen Wei both received Ran Min’s gaze. In the bright lights, his blade-sharp eyes caused Chen Wei to subconsciously shrink back, her face reddening from embarrasment. Chen Rong was also made to shudder at his stare.
In an instant, the screens shielded them once more, and the man also looked away.
Wang Hong suddenly left his seat and brought wine to Ran Min’s table. He unceremoniously waved his hand and bade: “Prepare my table.”
“Aye.”
Two servants moved his table and placed it opposite Ran Min.
After he had sat down, Wang Hong raised his cup and smilingly said, “I would’ve died in Mo’yang if it hadn’t been for your two thousand knights. I’ll never forget your life-saving grace. Please accept this toast.”
Then he threw his head back and emptied the drink.
Ran Min laughed. He took his cup and also emptied it in one swig.
Afterwards, Ran Min regarded Wang Hong and suddenly asked, “But I don’t know why Murong Ke must have your head at all costs.”
He hadn’t spoken very softly. Within a short time, numerous heads turned toward them and the noisy hall returned to silence. Everyone was now listening to their dialogues.
“He was just petty, that’s all. He couldn’t accept his defeat,” Wang Hong blithely replied.
Murmurs arose at his words.
Ran Min, too, asked in surprise: “Couldn’t accept his defeat? When have you made his acquaintance?”
Wang Hong smiled but did not give a response.
Seeing that he did not want to answer, Ran Min again laughed and poured the two of them more wine. “Come, let’s have another drink.”
As they drank, Wang Yi scowled from his seat. He disdainfully glanced at Ran Min and asked his nearby peers: “Why does Qilang befriend this commoner who goes by two surnames?”
The servants kept quiet. At length, the middle-aged scholar who often accompanied Wang Hong softly replied, “Qilang has always liked to do as he pleases. Why concern yourself, sir?”
His blunt words caused Wang Yi to shoot him a glance. Seeing that the scholar did not look afraid though he was bowing, he quietly harrumphed and returned, “He’s only a barbarian. Qilang is degrading his station by befriending him.” Despite uttering these words, his voice was kept low enough for Ran Min not to hear.
The nobles began to make their rounds in the hall. Amid the merry-making, Chen Gongrang remained at his table.
In front of him, Ran Min and Wang Hong were both stepping out.
Chen Gongrang pleasantly smiled at everyone who came to greet him, but still did not go to Wang Yi. An attendant came behind him to remind that: “Master, why don’t you go and talk to Sir Wang?”