CHAPTER 67: CHAPTER 66: BIRTHDAY PEACH

Just as Lu Qing said, although Assistant General Cao Tianbao was merely a Standard Second Rank military general, because the First Rank General of Cavalry position in Jin Country remained vacant, naturally, he became the leading military figure in the court.

One must know, when Emperor Jin faced many challenges before finally ascending to the current throne, he was especially cautious in appointing military officials.

The reason Cao Tianbao could hold a high position and wield military power was that he followed Duke Yan in fighting bloody battles for Emperor Jin back in the day, narrowly escaping death multiple times, which earned him his current prestige.

Such a distinguished figure’s birthday celebration would certainly be considered a major event in the Capital.

Lu Qing took Zhu Yu in a carriage from Prince Xiaoyao Mansion, but halfway through, they were blocked on the road. The once quiet and spacious roads near the Assistant General’s Mansion were now filled with various luxurious carriages and attendants carrying birthday gifts.

Only then did Zhu Yu realize a problem.

"We didn’t bring a birthday gift?" She lowered the curtain and turned to ask Lu Qing sitting opposite her.

Going to a birthday celebration empty-handed seemed quite inappropriate.

"Naturally, one does not go to a birthday celebration without a gift." Lu Qing rummaged through his sleeve, pulling out an embroidered pouch, and from the already small pouch, he took out an even more delicate... peach.

Zhu Yu had to pick up the small peach with two fingers and carefully observe it in front of her.

Upon closer inspection, the peach was indeed exquisitely crafted, truly admirable.

Zhu Yu didn’t understand jade, but she could tell the peach itself was carved from a piece of high-quality, translucent green jade, inlaid with gold wire, with the gold complementing the jade beautifully, exuding an uncommon aura of elegance.

However... while it was indeed elegant, it was also truly small, possibly just the size of a thumbnail.

Assistant General Cao, just the name alone conjures the image of a bulky, towering figure.

Zhu Yu found it hard to imagine such a figure playing with such a tiny peach in his hands, wondering what that scene would be like.

"Are you sure he would like this?" She carefully placed the small peach back into the pouch, afraid if she dropped it inside the carriage, it would be lost.

Lu Qing nonchalantly smiled, reassuringly saying, "Don’t worry, General Cao won’t like anything I give him."

Zhu Yu almost doubted her ears; how could someone use such a comforting tone to say that?

She glanced at Lu Qing, who remained indifferent.

But thinking about it, it’s not surprising. He had just mentioned that Cao Tianbao fought alongside Duke Yan, meaning he was one of Duke Yan’s men.

Though Zhu Yu didn’t know why Duke Yan, with power at his fingertips, was so concerned about Lu Qing, the stance the night of their wedding suggested they were just looking for any opportunity to sink their teeth into Lu Qing.

With that in mind, sending any birthday gift to Cao Tianbao was indeed irrelevant. After all, with different stances, there’s no need to please someone destined to be unpleasable.

Then again, since there is mutual dislike...

"Why did this General Cao invite you to his birthday feast?" she asked Lu Qing.

Lu Qing chuckled with a hint of sarcasm, "I guess Duke Yan reminded him. No matter how much he despises me, he must keep up appearances, since it’s hard to predict the Emperor’s thoughts. A moment of carelessness could leave room for error.

For General Cao to hold his current position, he is not just a mere brute."

Zhu Yu nodded, completely believing Lu Qing’s words.

In the imperial court, who’s not an old hand with centuries of experience, already becoming quite adept! There’s no such thing as simple-minded straight arrows!

The carriage moved slowly along, and they finally arrived at General Cao Tianbao’s mansion entrance.

"Master, I’ll wait outside. You and Second Master can go in!" said the escort Fu Lu, who jumped down to help hold the curtain for them.

Prince Xiaoyao Mansion originally had a carriage driver, but since Lu Qing was attending a banquet at Duke Yan’s confidant’s home with Zhu Yu, Fu Lu felt like they were stepping into a dragon’s den and was somehow uneasy.

Since Lu Qing thought bringing him in would be too aggressive, he dismissed the carriage driver to rest, taking the driver’s role himself!

Lu Qing got off the carriage, swaggering towards the Assistant General’s Mansion, with Zhu Yu closely following behind.

To be honest, though reluctant to admit it in front of Lu Qing, she actually quite enjoyed the feeling of being by his side, able to see things a woman in the backyards of manor tea parties would never encounter.

The servants of Cao Tianbao’s house likely knew their master didn’t quite favor Prince Xiaoyao, so upon seeing Lu Qing, they only greeted him with courtesy, without much warmth. Lu Qing didn’t mind and proceeded to place the jade peach on the gift register and continued on.

Zhu Yu followed Lu Qing into the Assistant General’s Mansion, and looking around at the furnishings, she inexplicably felt a sense of familiarity.

Despite Cao Tianbao being a top military figure of the current court, holding great power, this old general who spent half his life in battle didn’t care much for ostentatious structures. The General Mansion buildings were rather moderate, very similar to the manor of Prince Shuo, Zhu Cheng.

After circling through a corridor, they arrived at the front courtyard, which was spacious, with a prominent stage ahead where a performance was taking place. Actors in warrior costumes were juggling, flipping, making it very lively.

In front of the stage was a large round table, appearing to be the main seat for today’s celebration, surrounded by many smaller round tables, indicating a considerable number of guests.

Those who had already arrived were notable figures in the court, scattered in various areas, watching the performance or chatting in groups.

Lu Qing strode in, and with his demeanor and appearance, it was hard not to attract attention.

Those who saw him mostly put on a fake smile, greeting him politely, and then made excuses to leave, as if afraid of being caught in conversation by Lu Qing.

Though it was evident Lu Qing had no such intentions.

Lu Qing seemed unconcerned or simply used to their attitude, and after making a round, he sat down in front of the stage to watch the performance, looking at ease.

Thinking no one would approach them, suddenly a clear voice came from behind: "Elder Brother!"

Lu Qing turned his head upon hearing and saw a young man in splendid attire quickly walking towards them.