Chapter 656 - 205: Attending the Banquet, a Show of Strength

Shen Bai swirled the wine cup in his hand, his mind racing.

He couldn’t figure out the purpose of this family banquet, but it was definitely not simple.

’For now, all I can do is observe the situation before deciding on a course of action.’

After several rounds of drinks and courses, the atmosphere gradually grew more lively.

It was as if everyone had forgotten the scene that had just occurred with Shen Bai.

Zhang Dao Ling was drinking sullenly. Even with the Marquis of Ren De keeping him company, he still seemed quite gloomy.

The Marquis of Ren De already knew why before he arrived. He said, "It’s because of Lord Shen, isn’t it?"

At these words, Zhang Dao Ling gently put down his wine cup, glanced at the Marquis of Ren De, and said, "Marquis, there’s no need to try and get close to me like this. We both know where we stand. We each serve our own master, that’s all. There’s nothing more to say."

"I only came today to keep up appearances."

He was in no mood to be diplomatic.

Especially after Shen Bai had publicly humiliated him today, his mood was completely ruined.

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Ren De laughed heartily and said, "Lord Zhang, I am also a subject of the Great Zhou Country. There’s no need to be so distant."

"You lost face because of Shen Bai today, and I was not pleased to see it either. If you need help in the future, feel free to find me at any time. I will be sure to lend you my aid."

Zhang Dao Ling just smiled and continued drinking, as if he didn’t take the Marquis of Ren De’s words seriously.

In fact, he was well aware of the turbulent situation with the Dukes, but he was content in his position as a Daoist Order and didn’t want to cause trouble.

If the Marquis of Ren De truly intended to rebel in the future, it would be a headache for the Emperor, and it would be his problem to solve.

’As long as I don’t make any mistakes within my own jurisdiction, I’ll be fine.’

Seeing that Zhang Dao Ling didn’t answer, the Marquis of Ren De wasn’t anxious. He narrowed his eyes, continued to drink his wine, and his thoughts also turned to matters concerning Shen Bai.

Just then, a voice came from nearby.

"Actually, it’s not as if there’s no way."

The Marquis of Ren De and Zhang Dao Ling both turned their gazes toward the source of the voice.

At their table sat a young man of ordinary appearance, but a hint of madness swirled in his eyes.

The Marquis of Ren De was very familiar with this frenzied aura.

He fell silent, saying nothing.

It wasn’t just the young man. Everyone at the table was the same.

The Marquis of Ren De began to suspect Xinhua Academy’s intentions.

The young man put down his wine cup and said, "Don’t be nervous. I’ve placed a special Restriction here. No one can tell, and our conversation won’t get out. Besides, we don’t want to cause any extra trouble."

The Marquis of Ren De did not speak.

Only Zhang Dao Ling put down his cup, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I didn’t expect so many of you to be from Xinhua Academy. If I were to inform Lord Shen of this situation, I imagine he would have you all arrested immediately."

There were many people from the Observatory at this banquet. If Zhang Dao Ling really did that, all of them here would be finished instantly.

The young man shook his head. "Lord Zhang won’t do that. Because Lord Zhang is very fond of his son. And it is precisely for that reason that we dared to come here so brazenly."

Zhang Dao Ling’s expression turned extremely dark. "My son has already cut all ties with you. Don’t say any more nonsense, understand?"

A hint of madness laced the young man’s tone. "Even if he didn’t do anything heinous, even if he never harmed a single soul, he still joined Xinhua Academy. And even though you, Lord Zhang, saw it and stopped him quickly, he had already joined. Lord Zhang, that is a fact."

The Marquis of Ren De was slightly surprised. He looked at Zhang Dao Ling, a trace of shock in his eyes. "Something like that happened?"

’He hadn’t expected such explosive news. He finally understood why Zhang Dao Ling was so reluctant to have any contact with Shen Bai.’

’If Shen Bai were to find out about this, it would surely cause a massive stir immediately.’

Zhang Dao Ling clenched his fists, his tone calm. "Speak. What do you want? You didn’t just come here to flaunt your power in front of me, did you?"

A mocking smile appeared on the young man’s face. "Actually, Lord Zhang’s son is very capable and quite talented. If he had stayed in Xinhua Academy, he would certainly have made something of himself. What a pity."

"We came here simply to make a deal with you, Lord Zhang. If the deal is successful, how about we erase all of his records in Xinhua Academy?"

"When the time comes, all records will be erased right in front of you, Lord Zhang. You will no longer be constrained by this matter, nor will it affect your official career in the Great Zhou Country."

"We can even help you, Lord Zhang, deal with Shen Bai and settle the grudge that was formed today. How about it?"

Zhang Dao Ling tapped his fingers on the tabletop and sneered, "Tell me. What is this deal?"