The Splendor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 5 Serving Wine
Xiao Yi adapted to the ancient environment, and once his injuries were healed, he would steal moments each day to practice martial arts while Shi Deyuan was still asleep.

That evening, as he was practicing until he was drenched in sweat, he heard hurried footsteps behind him, followed by a boisterous voice.

"Are you some kind of animal? You're training like a madman even before your injuries have healed?"

Xiao Yi turned around and saw Zhang Mantun approaching, dressed in bright armor, looking imposing.

"Alright, I have to thank Brother Mantun a lot. The injury looks serious, but it heals quickly."

"Shh, if people find out you're going to make a big fuss, you'll regret it."

"Then I'll keep it in mind."

Zhang Mantun asked, "Do you know what happened to that dog of a scholar?"

"How is it?"

"Come with me first, I'll tell you on the way."

"Erlang will wake up soon..."

"Who cares about Erlang? He hasn't left the mansion in five years. Come on, let's go to the banquet with the commander!" Zhang Mantun couldn't help but grin, his suppressed joy finally showing, and asked, "Guess which monkey is using this to scheme against the commander?"

"Who?"

"Su Fengji, everyone calls him 'Su the Bullskin,' because he even taxes the sale of cowhides. This old codger is also a regent minister, a prime minister. He must be stabbing the general in the back to seize power."

"and then?"

"It just so happens that Grand Commandant Wang is hosting a banquet today. The eldest son said that the scholar should expose Su's boasting. The commander agreed and asked me to accompany him as a guard. Anyway, I still need to bring servants to serve him, so I won't leave you out."

"I owe Brother Mantun another favor."

"Stop farting without any smell."

Although Xiao Yi received twenty lashes, he ultimately won the gamble and gained an opportunity.

As they walked and talked, they arrived at the front yard, where they saw that the banquet party had already assembled.

As Xiao Yi was observing the situation, someone suddenly bowed deeply in front of him; it was the scholar who had survived his blade.

"Thank you for saving me. My name is Feng Sheng, courtesy name Mingyuan, from Baima County, Huazhou."

"No need to thank me. It wasn't me who saved you, but rather the commander-in-chief's keen insight."

Feng Sheng was surprised to hear this and quickly said, "Thank you for your guidance, benefactor."

As they were talking, Shi Dechong strolled over and asked Feng Sheng, "When we get to the banquet, do you know what to do?"

Feng Sheng replied with fervor, "The students will definitely expose Su Fengji's cheating!"

"Is there evidence?"

"This……"

Shi Dechong, impatient, scoffed, "How dare you, a high-ranking official, convict someone like yourself?"

Feng Sheng was at a loss for what to do at the banquet and was filled with anxiety.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Yi made a decision and whispered a reminder: "I suppose the young master wants you to use your talent to overshadow Su Fengji's student who passed the imperial examination at the banquet, expose his shortcomings in public, and raise questions. The commander can then take the opportunity to investigate the case in detail."

Feng Sheng looked up and saw Shi Dechong nod slightly, then quickly said, "This student understands."

Xiao Yi was unsure of how this time he would stand up for himself, so he lowered his eyes and stood still after speaking.

A moment later, he felt Shi Dechong's gaze on him, and then said something with an expression of appreciation.

"Xiao Yi, tonight you will pour wine for your father... Chun Tao, find him a decent set of clothes to change into."

"Yes."

Xiao Yi knew he had made the right bet. When he looked up again, Shi Dechong had already turned and left.

Before long, Chun Tao hurried over and pushed a set of clothes into Xiao Yi's arms.

"The commander has set off; there's no time left. Here, take that carriage and change your clothes on the way..."

Chuntao quickly pointed and then jogged over to help Shi Dechong mount his horse.

After dismounting, Shi Dechong remembered something and asked, "I ordered you to investigate him. Have you found out anything?"

"Reporting to the young master, he was originally a servant in Li Song's household. His property was confiscated three years ago and he has been doing odd jobs in the front yard. Half a month ago, Erlang killed someone close to him, so he was transferred to the courtyard."

"Where did he get his skills? I hadn't even noticed him before."

"You must have studied at the Prime Minister's residence. Young master, is there a problem?"

"Do you think he looks like a servant? He's been in this household for three years, and overnight he stands out from the crowd. How strange!"

“When I was questioning him, I happened to run into Erlang. He said that Xiao Yi has always been like this, so it’s not surprising.”

"understood."

Shi Dechong was busy and didn't ask any more questions, then kicked his horse and rode away.

--------

As night fell, the Grand Commandant's mansion, where the banquet was held, was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.

An official in a red robe was waiting at the gate. When he saw Shi Hongzhao's entourage approaching from afar, he hurried to greet them.

"Yan Jinqing pays his respects to the Grand Tutor. This humble official is unfortunate, having previously resigned due to the mourning period. Thanks to the Emperor's boundless grace, I have been reinstated as the Inner Palace Attendant. It has been a long time since I last inquired about you, and I fear the Grand Tutor may not recognize me..."

"I know you. You're not very capable. You got promoted by relying on the merits of your fierce subordinates."

Yan Jinqing was taken aback, and quickly bowed, saying, "I am ashamed, I am ashamed... This humble official helped the Grand Tutor down from his saddle."

"drive."

Shi Hongzhao flicked his whip, rode straight past, and entered the mansion. Afterwards, Shi Dechong smiled slightly at Yan Jinqing, dismounted at the gate, and strode in with considerable grace, but did not utter a single word.

Yan Jinqing awkwardly straightened his brand-new official robe, then turned around and suddenly saw a young man getting off the carriage.

The young man was dressed simply in a light gray linen round-necked robe. He wore neither a crown nor a hairpin, and his hair was tied up with a cloth rope. He looked like a servant or advisor of a historian, but he had a unique and outstanding temperament.

"That demeanor."

Yan Jinqing keenly realized that the young man's identity was definitely not simple, so he went to greet him again.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Yan Jinqing, the Inner Court Envoy."

"Greetings, Lord Yan."

"May I ask your honorable name, sir?"

"You flatter me, just call me 'Xiao Yi'."

"The 'Y' in 'A' and 'B'?"

"Yes."

Yan Jinqing's expression shifted, and he asked again, "Second in command?"

Xiao Yi shook his head and asked in return, "Does Lord Yan have something to say?"

"I have come to welcome the Grand Tutor. Please follow me."

"Thank you."

Yan Jinqing walked ahead, occasionally turning back to notice Xiao Yi's attitude when speaking with the Shi family's generals and retainers, which further strengthened his conviction in his judgment.

Shi Hongzhao arrived last. As soon as he arrived, everyone stood up to greet him. After some pleasantries, the banquet began.

The group took their seats at the tables, with Xiao Yi standing beside Shi Hongzhao, pouring wine while keeping an eye on the banquet.

He had a rare opportunity to understand the current situation, and he had to seize it.

Tonight may be a night of pleasure for others, but for him it is a matter of survival. Therefore, he cares nothing for the dancers, the delicacies, or the luxuries, but listens attentively to the high-ranking officials' conversation.

There were four most important people at the banquet, all of whom were regents appointed by the emperor.

They are: Grand Tutor Shi Hongzhao, Grand Preceptor Yang Bin, Grand Commandant Wang Zhang, and Minister of Works Su Fengji.

These people held complex official positions. For example, the titles of Grand Tutor and Grand Commandant were honorary titles, while the title of Chancellor was similar to that of a temporary prime minister. Each of them also had real positions and concurrent duties.

Xiao Yi couldn't figure it out for a moment, so he came up with a simple concept, which wasn't accurate, but it would help him understand the situation more quickly.

Shi Hongzhao and Yang Bin shared military and political power. Shi Hongzhao was more assertive, while Yang Bin considered the overall situation and was more accommodating to Shi Hongzhao. Wang Zhang was the owner of the mansion and his job was to collect taxes and revenues. Su Fengji served as the deputy head of the central government and was a versatile and capable individual.

The four individuals, though sometimes at odds, also cooperate, working together to undermine the young emperor.

In addition, another important figure who was not present was repeatedly mentioned – Guo Wei.

The first topic of conversation at the banquet revolved around Guo Wei.

Xiao Yi roughly understood the situation. Guo Wei's honorary title was Jianxiao Situ, and he held the position of Deputy Privy Councilor in the court. His real power was the military governor of Tianxiong Army. After the new emperor ascended the throne, there were constant rebellions. Shi Hongzhao ordered Guo Wei to quell the rebellions everywhere, so he was Shi Hongzhao's henchman.

This year, Guo Wei was stationed in Yedu. Shi Hongzhao strongly supported him and, under the pretext of attacking the Khitan, handed over the seal of the Privy Council, which allowed him to mobilize troops throughout the country, to Guo Wei.

This matter became the biggest conflict among the regents.

Yang Bin served as the Privy Councilor in his early years. Su Fengji slandered Yang Bin to the late emperor, who dismissed him and temporarily assumed the position of "acting head" of the Privy Council. As a result, after the late emperor passed away, Yang Bin simply supported Shi Hongzhao and Guo Wei, who held significant military power, and preferred to lose the position of Privy Councilor rather than give it to Su Fengji. Wang Zhang was caught in the middle and suffered in silence, constantly saying that he wanted to be transferred to another post.

In short, it's a story about five men fighting over a rock.

As he spoke, Su Fengji gradually became more sarcastic and pointed.

"The good news from the north should be arriving soon. Grand Commandant Wang has worked hard to supply the army, and Grand Tutor Shi has been decisive in entrusting the seal of office to him. If Guo Wei wins, he should first pay homage to the Grand Tutor."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi immediately picked up the wine pot on the table.

Sure enough, Shi Hongzhao slammed the wine glass down on the table with a "bang," splashing wine everywhere.

"Guo Wei is defending the border for the country. Giving him the seal of office is for the good of the country. If you are not satisfied, you are welcome to go to Yedu to lead the troops yourself."

"Grand Tutor, please calm your anger." Su Fengji feigned pallor. "I am but a civil official, how could I possibly lead troops? I fear Your Majesty is young and may not understand the painstaking efforts of the Grand Tutor Zhou Gong in assisting you. If you suffer a defeat, you may spread slanderous rumors..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shi Hongzhao shouted, "Why don't you just impeach him directly!"

The atmosphere became tense, so Wang Zhang quickly tried to smooth things over, laughing and saying, "You're all exaggerating and getting off-topic. Guo Wei has such a distinguished record of military achievements, how could he not win?"

"If that is possible, I will apologize to the Grand Tutor."

Su Fengji picked up his wine cup, walked around the table to Shi Hongzhao's table, bowed, and drank the wine in the cup.

Xiao Yi initially didn't understand his behavior, but after thinking about it, he realized. Su Fengji had made a good show of it. If Guo Weisheng won, it would be because he was concerned about the country and offered honest advice; but if he lost, Shi Hongzhao would have to swallow his pride and return the toast he offered today.

The next moment, the empty cup was handed to Xiao Yi.

Su Fengji said, "Pour the wine, I will toast the Grand Tutor twice more."

Xiao Yi slightly raised the hand holding the wine pot, then stopped.

A thought suddenly flashed through his mind, making him feel a chill.

Once this cup of wine is poured, he may not be able to withstand Shi Hongzhao's wrath. Su Fengji's small action would be a terrible disaster for him, who is as insignificant as an ant.

An empty cup stopped in front of me.

After a moment, Xiao Yi reached out and took it from Su Fengji's hand, replying in a calm yet polite voice.

"Lord Su, the general's wine is too strong; you can't drink it."

His words drew stares from everyone present.

(End of this chapter)