The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Seeing that the other party was determined to continue feigning madness, Li Chong couldn't help but sneer and mocked:

"Oh, Lord Cui, you're drunk? A few cups of rice wine and you're intoxicated? That's not like the Lord Cui I know. I served as an official in the provinces for a few years, and I even fought in the most chaotic years of the world. I've heard that Lord Cui used to be known as the God of Wine who could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Are you trying to ruin my performance today because you think I'm too smug?"

The question was quite blunt and direct, but since Cui Ling had already done it, he wasn't afraid of being confronted. He simply rolled his eyes, leaned back, and fell into a deep sleep, snoring loudly two hours later.

He seemed quite nonchalant about being dizzy, not caring what others thought.

Whether he was truly drunk or faking it, everyone present had their own opinion.

They looked at each other, unsure how to end the situation, and finally all turned to look at Li Chong, the protagonist of the incident.

Seeing Cui Ling's nonchalant attitude, Li Chong sneered, and was about to step forward and press his philtrum to expose him.

Zhang Ping'an stepped forward, grabbed his arm, shook his head, and gently advised, "Since Lord Cui is not a good drinker, let the servants take him back to his residence to rest first. Let's continue!"

Li Chong quickly understood what was going on. He had been furious just now, and he hadn't expected Cui Ling to use such a shameless trick to disgust him, showing him no mercy whatsoever.

Since that's the case, we shouldn't cater to the other party's wishes and turn this promotion banquet into a mess.

Thinking of this, Li Chong calmed his anger, thinking that a gentleman's revenge is never too late.

Then he walked over to Cui Ling, squatted down, smiled, and said loudly, "Since Lord Cui is drunk, let someone take him back to his residence first. We'll continue. There's more excitement in the second half, but it's a pity he won't be able to see it!"

After saying that, she pretended to trip unintentionally, kicked Cui Ling hard, and then followed the servants to change her clothes.

The innkeeper was very shrewd. After hearing the commotion, he had already quietly instructed the waiter to clean the floor and bring out new tables, cups, and dishes.

At this moment, he proactively took on the task of escorting the person downstairs.

I just hope this troublesome plague god leaves as soon as possible!

Cui Lingsheng was tall and muscular, and even the innkeeper and waiter, working together to lift him by one arm, could barely move him.

Zhang Ping'an saw through the scheme and realized that Cui Ling was secretly exerting effort.

So he stepped forward and casually reminded him in a low voice, "Some things are best left unsaid. If you keep making a scene, you'll really go too far. Surely Lord Cui doesn't want to offend all his colleagues today?!"

Whether Cui Ling listened or not, he gagged a few times and then let the shopkeeper drag him away.

The way things were handled today was disgusting, not to mention Li Chong, even Zhang Ping'an found it quite repulsive.

In general, even if someone wanted to deal with another, they wouldn't resort to particularly low-level or blatant methods; they had to consider appearances.

Unless they really break off relations and never speak to each other again.

This is why Li Chong dared to openly invite Cui Ling to join him for a meal; he was certain that Cui Ling wouldn't, and wouldn't dare to, do anything.

Even if you're angry, you have to keep it to yourself.

But who knew that the other party would act so unpredictably, and do things so crudely and bluntly!

The man with the beady eyes was struggling to suppress his laughter. After Zhang Ping'an sat back down, he leaned closer and whispered gossip, "Sometimes, even a rough guy has his strengths. Li Chong definitely didn't expect this, did he? He got humiliated, didn't he?"

“Cui Ling’s actions were disgusting. He took advantage of the large number of his colleagues present and knew that Li Chong wouldn’t do anything to him, so he vented his anger. But this also indirectly brought the conflict between the two of them into the open,” Zhang Ping’an shook his head.

Instead, he was somewhat worried: "I originally thought that this peaceful coexistence would last for at least a year or two!"

The man with the beady eyes didn't seem to care, calmly picking up a peanut to eat. "Why worry so much? You might go bald! I think they're evenly matched, and who knows, one of them might end up getting hurt!"

With so many people around, Zhang Ping'an couldn't very well tell the green-eyed man about the gossip and disputes among them. After sighing, he could only pick up his teacup and drink tea.

On the other side, Cui Ling opened his eyes as soon as he got into the carriage, his eyes clear and lucid, showing no sign of being drunk.

It was obviously intentional just now!

His subordinate stood by, somewhat worried: "Sir, you've really offended that guy surnamed Li today. I'm afraid he won't let this go easily!"

Cui Ling sneered upon hearing this, leaning lazily against the carriage: "So what? He was certain I wouldn't do anything, but I'm going to vent my anger on him! I've won countless battles with fewer troops. Does he think that just because he has a good family background, is well-educated, and has a meteoric rise in his career, he can always keep me on top and have a smooth life? Bah! Let me tell you, I'll be his obstacle from now on! Everyone wants me dead, but I'll refuse to die!"

The subordinate dared not utter another word after hearing this. He had climbed up from the ranks of a close bodyguard, risking his life alongside Cui Ling, and knew his master's temperament all too well.

They never truly admit defeat until the very last moment; their very blood runs with an indomitable spirit and a refusal to accept their fate!

When faced with such an opponent, only death can truly eliminate the threat.

After Li Chong changed his clothes and came out, the scene became lively again, but the atmosphere was not as good as before, and it always seemed deliberate.

Before long, most people found excuses to leave, unwilling to get involved in the feud between the two powerful officials who were currently in power.

Zhang Ping'an and Green Bean Eyes were the last group to leave. When they said goodbye, Li Chong looked normal, but his eyes were actually filled with gloom, clearly dissatisfied with the situation today.

Comforting someone at a time like this is useless.

Zhang Pingan patted the other person's arm, then left with his beady eyes.

The farce spread throughout the capital the next day, and even Xiaoyuer heard about it, but he was busy preparing for the palace examination and didn't ask any questions.

At the same time, he also received an unknown letter.