After the death of the host: the tyrant cried red eyes

Upon hearing this, Yan Qi smiled with satisfaction. He gently patted Zheng Yanmin on the shoulder, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes, "Sir Zheng really lived up to my expectations."

**The next day, as the sun began to shine, the team arrived in Liaocheng, a prosperous yet peaceful ancient city. **

Xiao Yi decided to stay here for one night so that he could continue his journey with full energy tomorrow.

Liaocheng prefect Sun Yuanshou had already been kneeling outside the post station, awaiting the arrival of Xiao Yi and his party.

"Your humble servant greets His Majesty, Madam Shen!"

There was a hint of flattery in Sun Yuanshou's voice. His fat body was almost sticking to the ground, his face was full of smiles, and he was doing his best to flatter.

"Flat body."

Xiao Yi's voice was cold and majestic. Shen Bingning was observing quietly at the side. She couldn't help but look at the governor's excessive flattery a few more times, and pondered in her heart.

Sun Yuanshou said hurriedly: "I have prepared a banquet to welcome your majesty."

Afterwards, Shen Bingning was led to a beautifully decorated room, where she changed into a more formal dress. Qing'er carefully combed her hair into a auspicious cloud bun, symbolizing good luck and fortune.

"My lady, this flower hairpin is very suitable for your temperament. Wearing it will definitely make you more radiant."

The hairpin in Qing'er's hand was light and delicate, inlaid with tiny gems, and sparkled under the light.

Shen Bingning was preoccupied and didn't have much expectation for the upcoming banquet. She just took a casual look and let Qing'er fiddle with it.

Her mind had already drifted far away, recalling what was written in the miscellaneous notes: after passing Liaocheng and going two cities west, it would be the border between Yan and Chu.

In Yan State, perhaps no one would dare to attack the tyrant easily, but once she stepped into Chu territory, unknown dangers would follow her like a shadow. She must find a suitable reason to avoid traveling with Xiao Yi, so as not to become the target of the assassin.

Just as Qing'er put on her hairpin and Shen Bingning in the mirror looked even more charming, she suddenly felt a heaviness in her head and could hardly keep her balance. She couldn't help but put her hand on her forehead and complained, "This weight is really unbearable!"

Looking at the mirror again, Shen Bingning was surprised to find that in addition to the hairpin, her head was also covered with various hairpins, shining with gold. No wonder she felt so oppressive.

"Miss, this is a complete outfit, symbolizing nobility and honor."

Qing'er explained.

Shen Bingning tried to negotiate: "Can you wear fewer pieces? This is too heavy."

Qing'er looked embarrassed and explained anxiously: "Time is tight, there is no time to change it."

Looking at Qing'er's apologetic eyes, Shen Bingning sighed and decided not to insist any longer, "Then let's go."

She told herself silently that she should think less tonight and just let nature take its course.

As soon as he walked out the door, he met Xiao Yi who was also preparing to go to the banquet.

Xiao Yi didn't seem to notice her and walked straight past her. Shen Bingning curled her lips. Although she was dissatisfied, she hurried to follow him, muttering to herself: What is this guy doing with his high attitude again? Who made him unhappy again?

The officials from Liaocheng City had already been waiting in the banquet hall. As soon as Xiao Yi appeared, everyone immediately knelt down to salute him. The scene was grand and solemn.

Xiao Yi took the seat of honor. Shen Bingning wanted to sit below him according to etiquette, but he pulled her back and said softly, "Come sit next to me."

When these words were spoken, the officials around looked at each other in shock.

Since ancient times, the only person who can sit at the same table with the king is the queen. Does Your Majesty intend to make Shen Bingning the queen?

Shen Bingning was completely unaware of this. Faced with this sudden arrangement, she felt uneasy, fearing that she had done something wrong and would displease Xiao Yi, so she had no choice but to sit beside him obediently.

Sun Yuanshou got the order to stand up, and he stood up immediately. Applause broke out, and melodious music filled the entire banquet hall. Seven or eight graceful dancers filed in, and the banquet officially began. What kind of power and calculations were hidden behind all this...

Shen Bingning was wearing a heavy headdress, and every step seemed to test her endurance. She tried her best to maintain an elegant posture and tried to immerse herself in the singing and dancing of the palace.

She secretly sighed in her heart, with such a luxurious scene and such graceful singing and dancing, it was no wonder that throughout history, the temptation of power had often led to plots to usurp the throne. Even a woman like her who considered herself indifferent to fame and fortune could not help but be moved by it.

Eunuch Wei, with his shrewd eyes, was always paying attention to every detail in the scene. He saw that His Majesty's wine glass was empty, but Miss Shen seemed to be completely immersed in the charming notes and dancing skirt, forgetting her duty as a concubine. He could not help but whisper in Shen Bingning's ear, with imperceptible urgency in his voice: "Miss Shen, it's time to add more wine for His Majesty. Don't keep the master waiting for too long."

Shen Bingning seemed to wake up from a dream, and pulled herself away from those distant thoughts. She turned her head to look at Xiao Yi, only to see that his expression was slightly unhappy, and his deep eyes seemed to hide endless coldness.

She quickly picked up the exquisite wine jug beside the table and filled it for him skillfully. Then she carefully tidied her hair which was a little messy due to her movement, sat down again, and cast her eyes towards the stage again, but her heart was already in turmoil.

Xiao Yi lowered his eyes, his gaze swept across the overflowing wine, and suddenly a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth. That smile seemed to contain too many complex emotions, making it difficult to understand.

Shen Bingning's heartstrings suddenly tightened at this smile, and an inexplicable uneasiness spread in her heart, as if something was about to happen.

Seeing this, Eunuch Wei immediately caught the subtle change in his master's mood. He cleverly whispered to the dancers in the audience: "Everyone, the performance ends here. Please leave."

The music stopped abruptly, and the officials began to talk. They exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why His Majesty suddenly lost interest in watching the singing and dancing.

Sun Yuanshou, the minister who was usually very good at dealing with people, seemed a little nervous at this moment. He held up the wine glass and carefully toasted Xiao Yi, with a tone of self-blame: "It is my fault for not considering things carefully and disturbing your Majesty's interest. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yi was still rubbing his brows, seemingly not caring about these words, and said calmly: "I can't hold my liquor these days, so I'll let my beloved concubine drink this glass of wine for me."

The ominous premonition in Shen Bingning's heart instantly came true. Although it was just to drink a glass of wine for him, the sudden order still made her feel a little uneasy.

However, compared with Xiao Yi's unpredictable emotions, this seems to be the best choice.

She raised the glass, tilted her head back, and the wine slid into her throat, leaving behind a faint fruity aroma.

Seeing this, Sun Yuanshou immediately seized the opportunity to praise her: "Although Miss Shen is a woman, her drinking capacity is extraordinary and is not inferior to that of men. I really admire you from the bottom of my heart! Please allow me to toast Miss Shen again!"