Xiao Tingyi raised his head again, his eyes, as calm as still water, met the Duke of Wei's gaze. There was not a ripple of emotion, his look both peaceful and detached.
Having been in court for many years, he had seen his share of young prodigies and gifted individuals, but none as profound as Prince Ding.
The Duke of Wei, a man who had met countless people and whose eyes had seen through flames of malice, could usually discern a person's character with a mere glance. Yet, before Xiao Tingyi, he couldn't fathom even a hint of his thoughts.
Prince Ding appeared frail, but his moves in the chess game were ruthless and left no room for retreat, a clear indication of his nature.
It was no wonder that after a decade away from the capital, he still held firm control over the Ding Army of the Southwest, leaving the effeminate dandies of the Eastern Capital far behind. It was better to be straightforward than to play mind games with such a man. After a moment's thought, the Duke of Wei spoke.
"I invited Your Highness to my residence today because I have a favor to ask."
Xiao Tingyi held a black piece, his expression serene, neither responding nor indicating his stance.
This reaction made the Duke of Wei, who had initiated the conversation, feel a touch awkward. However, having come this far, he could only press on.
"I have two grandnephews in my clan, both spirited young men who have honed their martial arts since childhood and possess a desire to serve the Great Jin. Therefore, I humbly request Your Highness's assistance. I beg you to consider their earnest enthusiasm and make an exception to allow them to train with the Ding Army."
He picked up the hot tea beside him. The leaves, just steeped in boiling water, swirled vigorously, unfurling slowly and releasing their fragrant aroma. The snow-capped peaks of Qian Shan truly offered fine tea.
Even the tribute tea from the palace was no better.
Xiao Tingyi remained silent. It was his attendant, Yang Zhao, who replied.
"Duke of Wei, you may not be aware, but the recruitment office for the Ding Army is permanently located in the Ministry of War. If the two young masters are keen to train with the Ding Army, they may register there. I am confident that with their abilities, they will stand out."
His words were as good as saying nothing. How could the Duke of Wei not know this? But if his grandnephews were to truly enlist, they would start as common soldiers. It would take years before they could even reach the rank of vanguard, let alone general.
The Wei family was determined to help the Ninth Prince achieve his ambitions, and military power was indispensable.
Therefore, if they could plant their own people within the Ding Army, it would be immensely beneficial.
"Guard Yang, you jest. How could I not know? However, the recruitment office has always enlisted common folk. I recall the laws of the Great Jin stipulating that if a member of a noble family joins the army, they may be directly promoted to the rank of Colonel. What are Your Highness's thoughts on this?"
Indeed, such a law existed in the Great Jin. However, since Xiao Tingyi took command of the Ding Army, this regulation had become as good as waste paper. Rank was determined solely by military merit, regardless of one's background.
Yang Zhao eyed the Duke of Wei coldly. He was truly an old fox, trying to exploit this loophole.
Just as he was about to refuse, he heard Xiao Tingyi speak slowly, his voice as melodious as a jade chime.
"As long as any son of the Great Jin is willing to serve the court, the Ding Army will not refuse. Duke of Wei, having such grandnephews is a blessing for the Wei family."
Hearing this, the Duke of Wei was overjoyed.
After repeatedly expressing his thanks, the stone that had been weighing on his heart finally eased slightly.
His joy lasted only a moment before Xiao Tingyi continued.
"However, before I took command of the Ding Army, I obtained an imperial decree from my brother, the Emperor, permitting all members of the army, regardless of their status, to be promoted solely based on military merit. It is precisely because of this that our soldiers have been invincible and the Ding Army has been able to conquer Southern Yue. With the imperial decree in place, Duke of Wei, you put me in a difficult position."
The smile that had been on his face moments ago seemed to freeze. The Duke of Wei, suddenly burdened with such a weighty accusation, was momentarily taken aback before his expression swiftly changed.
"So that is how it is. Since His Majesty has issued a clear decree, I would never dare to ask Your Highness to make an exception. Let me pretend I never said anything today. I have troubled Your Highness."
"Duke of Wei, you are too kind. We are all serving the Great Jin, and it is no trouble at all."
Xiao Tingyi took a sip of his tea, his tone calm.
He was refined and peerless, yet like a wisp of cloud, impenetrable and unyielding, making him incredibly difficult to deal with.
The Duke of Wei's intention to win him over was not new; he had probed him multiple times before without any clear response.
Whether today's matter succeeded or not was secondary. As long as the First Prince's faction could not win him over, that would suffice.
With two knocks, a servant outside the door reported that several princes had arrived.
"Understood. You may go. I will be there shortly."
Everyone knew the purpose behind the Duke of Wei's banquet for the city's dignitaries.
In fact, at the very beginning, the Duke of Wei had considered marrying his granddaughter into Prince Ding's manor as a consort. However, after several attempts to probe, there had been no response, and he had given up.
Alas, such a good match was ultimately lost to fate.
Looking at Xiao Tingyi, who still appeared detached from worldly affairs, like an immortal, the Duke of Wei felt a pang of regret.
In the waterside pavilion, guests were gradually arriving.
The young ladies and gentlemen of the Eastern Capital, each with their own circles of friends, stood in twos and threes, discussing the latest jewelry and makeup, or making plans by the pond, never feeling lonely.
Liang Luo and Wen Yuwei, dressed particularly charmingly today, wore expressions of displeasure.
Usually, at such times, they would be the ones basking in the limelight beside Wei Lanxuan. Today, however, that role had been taken by Bai Sihan, whom they had only met once.
A mere daughter of a concubine from the Bai family, yet she possessed such skill and cunning, not only earning Wei Lanxuan's favor but also engaging in cheerful conversation with several young ladies, blending in remarkably quickly.
Wen Yuwei's dissatisfaction grew.
Compared to Liang Luo, her background was even more humble. Even though her uncle's official position was one rank higher than Gao Liang, it was useless.
She was merely a niece, and thus many treated her with superficial politeness.
Seeing Bai Sihan steal her spotlight, her vanity made her increasingly dislike this Miss Bai.
The Feng and Bai families seemed to be her natural adversaries. The subtle humiliation she had suffered from the Feng family some days ago was still fresh in her memory, and now she was being overshadowed by a daughter of the Bai family.
Her handkerchief, twisted into a crumpled mess in her hand, she watched Bai Sihan's charming smile, her mind contemplating how to ruin her.
"Yuwei, what are you looking at?"
Wen Yuwei, who had been lost in thought, was suddenly startled by someone beside her. She looked up to see her cousin, Wen Mengsheng.
"Brother, I wasn't looking at anything. Weren't you supposed to go to the academy? Why are you here?"
Wen Yuwei was somewhat confused. When she left home this morning, she had specifically asked if he wanted to come along, but he had refused.
Why was he here now?