The First Guests of Wanxia Residence

When the guests were seated, only Prince Rong ran into the kitchen. It was the first time he had seen Xiang Bei since he fully recovered from his illness.

"Big fool! You're here too. Why didn't I see you in the lineup just now?" Upon seeing this handsome face, Xiang Bei immediately overlaid the image of his previous happy and silly self in her mind, filled with joy.

"You're just focused on Qiao Ziqiu, how could you notice us? You probably didn't even see how dark Ah Mo's face turned, did you?" Prince Rong's face no longer had the cute and pleasing smile from before; it was now replaced by a teasing and affectionate one.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I don't have that. But big fool, don't you think Brother Ziqiu looks handsome? Normally, he's like a refined and ethereal immortal, but in armor, wow, he's so heroic and extraordinary! It's such a contrast." Hearing him mention Qiao Ziqiu, Xiang Bei's excitement from the morning could finally find an outlet. She chatted away with Rong Zhi, completely oblivious to his increasingly aggrieved expression.

"I thought we agreed not to call me a big fool anymore." clearly, Prince Rong couldn't empathize with her on her point. Look at this conversation, their focus is completely different.

"Yes, yes, I forgot. Prince Rong, I'm sorry." Xiang Bei was also excited and accidentally used the old nickname again.

"Don't call me Prince Rong. You're still calling Brother Qiao Ziqiu, I'll tell Ah Mo, you infatuated girl." Prince Rong's interactions with Xiang Bei now were casual and affectionate, although not foolish anymore, their sibling-like bond was even stronger than before.

"Brother RongZhi, absolutely, my best and most understanding Brother Rong, you're the best, you won't go, will you? You're not allowed to go to say anything to him, got it? You know how hard it is to appease Ah Mo when he's angry. Here, have some sweets, you'll definitely like it. It's my latest invention, ice powder with honey and condensed milk, I give it a name Hony moon ice smoothie. You're the first one to try it. Ah, take a bite."

"This is quite good indeed. Hmm? Really delicious." Prince Rong had recovered from his illness, but upon seeing Xiang Bei, all the trust and reliance he had for her during those days came flooding back. Xiang Bei freely used the vocabulary from modern stories in front of him, and he adeptly responded, "You're so infatuated with Qiao Er, aren't you afraid of making Ah Mo jealous? Or perhaps you really want to accept the marriage arranged by your family?"

"Oh, stop being nosy. Besides, I have nothing to do with Ah Mo. Who is he, anyway? Jealous? Please. Alright, stop talking about me. Tell me about yourself. How have you been?" Xiang Bei and Prince Rong seemed more like modern friends who had come together, speaking and acting relaxedly in front of each other.

"Indeed, when it comes to parental arrangements and matchmaking, it's not bad if you can genuinely admire your future husband. Brother Rong just hopes for your happiness." Although Xiang Bei and Mo were in love with each other, it was Qiao Ziqiu who had been betrothed to her by their families, a genuine fiancé chosen by their elders. It wouldn't be bad if she felt something for him, right?

Yes, this was ancient times, how far could a love affair go without even the families' involvement in the marriage arrangements? Mo probably had his own constraints, too. This surge of love was probably not enough to give her the courage to become a third party or even a concubine waiting for an official appointment. Xiang Bei had been so busy these past few months that it wasn't until now that she remembered, apart from Mo's love confession, her family hadn't sent any news. Except for Prince Rong. Oh well, with the impending war, what was she thinking about all these messy things? Xiang Bei pushed aside her momentary feeling of confusion and returned to her conversation with Prince Rong.

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about those troublesome matters. Help me take these bottles of double-steamed rice wine based the honey alcohol out, be careful, these glass bottles were made by you when you were sick in the mountains, there aren't many left."

"I'll make more for you after this war is over. Whatever you want, I'll make it for you." Prince Rong was delighted to see how much Xiang Bei cherished the things he made.

The two entered the hall where the banquet was already underway. General elder Qiao quickly got up and bowed, and the others followed suit, "Prince Rong, I have been rude to start without you."

"Elder Qiao, please sit quickly. As the eldest here, it's only right for you to take your seat first. Besides, I've already sneaked in and had some, I even brought back some good stuff for you all. Please, everyone, have a seat. Let me pour you some of Mo's private reserve wine, something you won't find in the palace." Prince Rong opened the strong honey wine that Xiang Bei had given him in the kitchen, and instantly, the room was filled with its fragrance.

This was the first batch of honey wine harvested by Xiang Bei in her space. After the first fermentation was completed, it underwent a second double-steamed distillation, and then was buried underground in the valley near the waterfall until today.

Everyone present was a warrior, so there wasn't anyone who didn't appreciate good wine. The atmosphere was ignited by the fragrance of the high-proof liquor and became lively.

Cheng Mo got up and walked straight to Xiang Bei, leading her to General Qiao's side. "Come here, Xiang Bei, let me introduce you. This is General elder Qiao, the commander of the Southern Frontier Navy and a founding hero of the Yunmeng Dynasty. General Qiao, this is Miss Tong Xiang Bei."

"General Qiao, it's an honor to meet you. I've often heard my mother and maternal uncle tell your heroic stories, and I've admired you for a long time. Today, to have the chance to meet you in person is truly a great joy."