In the city of Linzi, there was a Cloud Mist Mountain, and its fame was by no means inferior to that of Xia Mountain.
At this moment, Jiang Wang was sitting leisurely in the pavilion with Xu Xiangqian, Li Longchuan, Gao Zhe, and Yan Fu. Outside the window, clouds and mist swirled, changing into various shapes.
In the Great Qi royal palace, there was a Stargazing Pavilion, the tallest building in the city of Linzi.
And the highest mountain in Linzi was generally considered to be Cloud Mist Mountain.
Of course, in the entire city of Linzi, whether it was buildings or mountains, none could surpass the Stargazing Pavilion.
On Cloud Mist Mountain, there was a scenic spot called the Cloud-Sea Mirage.
Fixed on the first day of each month, the layered clouds atop Cloud Mist Mountain would transform into illusory towers and pavilions, breathtakingly beautiful.
In the earliest times, some said it was a hidden secret realm, some said it was a natural wonder of heaven and earth, and others even claimed it was the reflection of an ancient immortal palace manifested in the present world...
Of course, it was later proven that this so-called Cloud-Sea Mirage was merely the manifestation of a formation array. The reason why the sea of clouds surged atop Cloud Mist Mountain was due not only to the mountain's terrain but also largely to the gathering of the formation array.
This spectacle was not natural, but man-made.
Therefore, among the Seven Wonders of Linzi, this name was never included.
The reason why Cloud Mist Mountain's fame could rival that of Xia Mountain was not due to this Cloud-Sea Mirage with its obvious artificial traces, but rather the place where they were currently sitting.
This pavilion belonged to the Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion, one of the four great establishments in Linzi.
Among the Eight-Tones Tea, Red Sleeve Flutter claimed three cups. Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion had only one tune, yet its reputation was not inferior to the others, all thanks to the words "Tianxiang" (Heavenly Fragrance).
When people sat leisurely in the pavilion, a faint fragrance would drift around their noses. This was not incense fragrance, nor cosmetic fragrance, but the scent of the Cloud Mist Flowers from the garden at the summit of Cloud Mist Mountain. The fragrance was ethereal and subtle, yet lingering and captivating.
The historical allusions behind this need not be elaborated; ultimately, the entire Cloud Mist Mountain belonged to the Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion.
Among the four great establishments, both Red Sleeve Flutter and Spring Begonia were located in bustling, crowded areas. Only Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion was different—it was in a relatively remote location, yet it was still famous in Linzi, with wealthy guests frequently coming to stay for months, seeking nothing but tranquility.
Seeking tranquility in a place of pleasure and entertainment—just think about that.
Jiang Wang had been very actively visiting the four great establishments recently, and had indeed gained some reputation for his playful exploits among the younger generation in Linzi. Yan Fu scattered his money like water, treating guests at every feast. As soon as Xu Xiangqian heard that Yan Fu was present, he would definitely follow along, and not only that, he would also drag Li Longchuan along. Of course, the term "drag" was debatable—Li Longchuan had never been unwilling.
But unlike the others, Jiang Wang was not interested in the ladies of the four great establishments, but rather in the Eight-Tones Tea.
The eight tunes played by the Eight-Tones Tea were: bianzhong (chime bells), flute, drum, pipa, qin, se, yu, and sheng.
Among these, the tune of the bianzhong was the Music Marquis's Drunkenness, and the tune of the pipa was the Mist Maiden's Pipa. The tea with the qin tune was here at the Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion on Cloud Mist Mountain, called Hidden in Clouds.
A cup of flower tea, with the lingering notes of the qin, intoxicating the senses, as if hidden within the clouds.
Since sparring with Li Longchuan, Jiang Wang had attempted to incorporate music into his techniques, and had made breakthrough progress.
During this period, Chong Xuan Sheng was very busy, so he often had Jiang Wang socialize on his behalf. Socializing was not really Jiang Wang's forte—he was not the smooth and diplomatic type—but since he needed to taste all eight tunes anyway, it served both public and private purposes, and he simply made do.
Yan Fu was a person who was difficult not to like. He was gentle, courteous, and generous with his spending.
Gao Zhe was another type of person—rough in appearance, but with extremely deep thoughts.
When with Jiang Wang and the others, he never mentioned his cousin who had been lost in the Tianfu Secret Realm. It was unclear whether their relationship was poor, or because Xu Xiangqian had fallen out with Gao Jing outside the Tianfu Secret Realm.
After drinking the Hidden in Clouds tea, the group discussed going to the summit to enjoy the flowers.
Having come to Cloud Mist Mountain, of course there was no reason not to see the Cloud Mist Flowers.
The Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion had a corridor that led directly to the summit.
On one side of the wooden corridor, it hugged the mountain; on the other side, it seemed to float in the sea of clouds.
Although all of them had considerable cultivation, none would ruin the mood by flying directly up the mountain.
Halfway along the path, they encountered a group of people ahead, surrounding a young man like stars around the moon, walking toward them.
It was autumn, and Cloud Mist Mountain was somewhat cold, but those who came here to enjoy the scenery likely had some cultivation, wearing only light garments.
Only this young man was wrapped in a thick sable fur coat, his face pale, giving a frail and delicate impression.
Among the group behind him, Jiang Wang recognized a familiar face—Zhang Yong.
The whole person was no longer the immature and youthful figure from outside the Tianfu Secret Realm. He was dressed appropriately, with a complete and imposing bearing. His gaze when looking at people was no longer evasive, but carried scrutiny and a hint of melancholy. Upon seeing Jiang Wang, he only nodded slightly in greeting.
Thus, the identity of this fur-coated young man was obvious—the eleventh prince of Great Qi, Jiang Wuqi, also one of the strongest contenders for the throne.
"Your Highness."
Li Longchuan, Yan Fu, and others around him greeted him one by one. These people were all either wealthy or noble, and when meeting a prince, there was no need for elaborate bows.
They merely pulled Jiang Wang to the side to show respect.
Even this degree of respect was not something all princes and princesses could enjoy.
If it were Chong Xuan Sheng who came, and the fourteenth prince Jiang Wuyong on the other side, would it be the same?
It was precisely because Jiang Wuqi had a bright future and the possibility of ascending to the throne that these young nobles with limitless prospects showed him respect.
The atmosphere of Great Qi was considered tolerant. Even for a prince, coming to a place like Tianxiang Cloud Pavilion was not considered rude.
Particularly for people like Li Longchuan, Yan Fu, and Gao Zhe, princes and princesses were a common sight—nothing unusual. When they encountered them, they would simply greet each other and go about their own business.
True top-tier young nobles would not involve themselves in the succession struggle. No matter who ascended the throne in Great Qi, they could not do without the support of their families. It was only people like Zhang Yong, whose family had fallen, who needed to fight for the merit of supporting the new emperor, seeking a chance at revival.
To everyone's surprise, Jiang Wuqi did not intend to leave. Instead, he stopped.
After acknowledging the young nobles one by one, he looked at Jiang Wang and said, "Your bearing is extraordinary, and the sword at your waist already shows the qualities of a fine weapon. You must be Chong Xuan Sheng's right-hand man, our Great Qi's Green Ram Town Baron?"
Jiang Wang bowed his head slightly in greeting. "Jiang Wang greets Your Highness."
Jiang Wuqi coughed twice before saying, "You have rendered service to our Great Qi in Yangdi, and I respect that. But in Chiyang Nanyao, you publicly humiliated my fourteenth brother. As his elder brother, if I had not seen it, that would be one thing, but since I have encountered you, I must make some statement."
"Displaying the might of Qi, I should reward you. But the dignity of the imperial family, I must uphold." He looked at Jiang Wang and said, "What do you think?"
These words were clear and straightforward. Even seeking trouble was done in an upright manner, making it difficult for others to harbor resentment.
"Since I went to the battlefield, it was no longer a matter of right or wrong, only life and death, victory and defeat. I killed some people and shed some blood in Yangdi, and even if there were some merits, His Majesty has already rewarded me. There is no need for Your Highness to reward me further."
Jiang Wang looked directly into Jiang Wuqi's eyes without any evasion. "As for the matter in Nanyao, the rights and wrongs will naturally be judged fairly. Your Highness should know this as well. I never had any intention of humiliation, but those who humiliate others will always be humiliated in turn."
These words were neither humble nor arrogant. Li Longchuan and Yan Fu nearby both nodded secretly in approval.
Jiang Wuqi had spoken to him directly—I am a person who rewards and punishes clearly. I want to reward you, and I also want to punish you. Can you accept this?
And Jiang Wang answered Jiang Wuqi—The reward, I don't need your reward; that is something the Emperor should do. The punishment, I have done nothing wrong regardless, so do as you please!