Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1199 The Western Liang Banquet: Joyful Moments in the Newlywed Chamber

The evening banquet was held in a side hall, with dozens of tables arranged on both sides, piled high with wine and meat. Cheliji and Shaoge sat at the west seat, several bronze goblets in front of them already empty. The Western Qiang King's face was flushed with wine, while the Eastern Qiang leader frowned from time to time and looked towards the main seat, clearly still thinking about the scene on the dragon throne during the day.

Xu Huang, holding a wine jug, approached and put his arm around Shao Ge's shoulder: "Chief Shao Ge, look at your gloomy face, do you think my Xiliang wine isn't strong enough?" He then filled Cheliji's cup. "King of Xiqiang, today is a joyous day, we should make it lively—how about we go and tease the newlyweds?"

Upon hearing this, Shao Ge waved his hand, his drunkenness mostly gone: "No, no, the King of Liang's power commands respect throughout the Northwest. How dare we barbarians act rashly? If we displease the King..."

"Hey, you just don't understand!" Cheliji slapped his thigh, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Mengqi isn't that petty! Back in the day, he and I slaughtered horses and drank blood in Xiliang. What joke couldn't we take?" His tongue was already a little tied, but he became more and more excited as he spoke. "Go! Why not go?"

Xu Huang's eyes narrowed into slits with laughter as he repeatedly clinked cups with Cheliji: "The King of Western Qiang is truly decisive! Then let's settle this task of leading the charge..."

"Of course you, Gongming, should go!" Cheliji shoved him. "You're a confidant of the King of Liang, how could he really punish you?"

Xu Huang's eyes darted around, catching sight of Dian Wei not far away. The burly man was squatting beside a table, one hand gripping a roasted lamb leg dripping with oil, the other holding a wine jar and chugging it down his throat, the wine dripping down his stubble as his Adam's apple bobbed. Everyone knew that when Lu Wan became empress, Dian Wei had missed his duty as a guard due to drunkenness and swore an oath to abstain from alcohol. In recent years, with Chang'an at peace, he had been promoted from a personal guard to a general, and Ma Chao was no longer a constraint. Xu Huang and his old comrades had often urged him to break his vow, but now it seemed he had long since broken it.

Xu Huang, however, dared not provoke this fearsome figure. If he were to be chopped out with an axe during the wedding night festivities, he would have no recourse. He chuckled, turned, and leaned towards Pang De, draping his arm over the latter's shoulder: "Brother Lingming, what do you think of this…"

Pang De, flushed with alcohol, waved his hand dismissively when he heard Xu Huang's words: "Speak your mind, why are you beating around the bush?" Zhang Yan, who was sitting at the table, had already been plied with alcohol and was nodding off like a quail, which made the people around them chuckle.

Xu Huang leaned close to his ear, his voice low but brimming with excitement: "Brother Lingming, what's the point of you drinking Zhang Yan under the table? How about... we go and cause some trouble in the King's bridal chamber?"

Pang De's eyes widened, then he laughed, patting Xu Huang's arm: "You rascal, you really get itchy skin if you don't get a scolding from the King for three days?"

"Hey, it's not just me." Xu Huang gestured towards Cheliji with his lip. "The King of Western Qiang wants to add some fun for Your Majesty. With his sworn brother backing him up, what's there to be afraid of?"

Pound squinted and thought for a moment, his courage emboldened by the alcohol: "If that's the case, why not? It's just that you have to take the lead in this matter."

"How could I lead the way?" Xu Huang pointed at Dian Wei, who was chugging a wine jar not far away, and smiled slyly. "Let Dian Wei go! That guy is thick-skinned and tough. If he gets a beating, it'll be like a tickle!"

Pound glanced at him sideways: "Why don't you go and tell them?"

“You don’t understand,” Xu Huang patted him on the shoulder. “Back in Luoyang, you, the King, and Dian Wei had a life-or-death bond. Apart from the King, he only listens to you. Besides, you are the King’s most beloved general. With you around, how could he not give you face?”

These words struck a chord with Pang De, and fueled by the alcohol, he became somewhat tipsy. He swayed over to Dian Wei's desk, patted the man's broad back, and said, "Dian Wei, how many years has the King been waiting for this day? Today is the wedding, we must go and celebrate."

Dian Wei wiped the wine off his beard and asked in a deep voice, "Did Gongming instigate you again?"

“What do you mean by ‘instigating’?” Pound glared. “As brothers, we should add to the King’s joy—by making a ruckus in the bridal chamber!”

Dian Wei scratched his head: "Will the King be angry?"

"The King of Western Qiang is here!" Xu Huang chimed in, his voice booming. "He's the King's sworn brother, he's already given his approval, what's there to be afraid of? He won't blame us!"

Pound and the others echoed, "Perfect! Perfect!"

Dian Wei stroked his beard and took a big gulp of wine: "Then...when are we going?"

"Let's talk after most of the guests have left," Xu Huang instructed. "Don't get drunk first!"

Gao Shun, who remained completely still, sat upright at the table, watching the several drunken generals huddled together, their faces full of mischievous schemes to disrupt the Liang King's wedding night. His brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing. After all, it was a joyous occasion, and these men, who had spent years licking blood from their wounds, rarely had such a relaxed moment. However, he secretly considered that if things really got out of hand, someone would have to be there to keep an eye on them, lest they really go too far.

In a corner of the side hall, the atmosphere was different from the rest of the hall. Li Ru was drinking with Ma Teng, but his gaze kept falling on Yang Biao. This Grand Commandant, who came from a family of four generations of high-ranking officials, had come as an envoy of Lü Bu, but Xu Shu had noticed his intention to surrender, which made Li Ru take him seriously. He raised his cup in greeting, his voice gentle: "Lord Yang, it's been many years, and you are still as charming as ever."

Yang Biao set down his cup and returned the greeting with a bow: "Lord Li, you are too kind. It is my honor to witness the grand wedding of the King of Liang." His words were cautious, but his eyes held a hint of probing. Although the Yang family was a prominent clan, the court was in decline. If they could gain the protection of Xiliang, it might be a way out. Li Ru noticed this and offered another cup: "Although Xiliang is remote, it knows how to respect talent. If Lord Yang has the time, he might as well stay a few more days and see the new look of Chang'an."

The phrase "new atmosphere" carried a profound meaning. Yang Biao nodded in agreement, and the two exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding flowing freely in their cups.

Not far away, Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang stood side by side, seemingly out of place. Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan, nodding to Xu Shu who was passing by, but they didn't discuss anything further—the Xiangyang affair was still a thorn in his side. Although Xu Shu knew they served different masters, he couldn't hide his resentment towards such methods, and after a few pleasantries, they looked away. Guan Yu's hand was on the hilt of his sword. He tried several times to call out to Xu Huang, but the fellow seemed not to see him, engrossed in drinking with a Western Qiang general, laughing ostentatiously. Guan Yu frowned, gulped down a cup of wine, and found it somewhat bitter as it went down his throat.

It wasn't until Ma Chao came to offer a toast that Guan Yu straightened up. Although he harbored resentment over Ma Chao's overstepping of authority during the day, he had always respected Ma Chao's character and, considering that his side had indeed made mistakes in the Xiangyang affair, he clasped his hands and said, "King of Liang, Jingzhou was wrong about what happened in Xiangyang."

Ma Chao laughed loudly and patted Guan Yu on the shoulder: "Yun Chang, today is a joyous day for me, let's not talk about military affairs." After saying that, he raised his cup. Seeing that he was unwilling to say more, Guan Yu felt even more depressed and drank it all in one gulp.

The most lively gathering was at Cao Cao's envoy's table. Cao Ang was busy attending to the guests, acting almost like a host—after all, he would soon be Ma Chao's brother-in-law, and he felt no awkwardness with his idol whom he had admired since childhood. Seeing Xu Huang, Dian Wei, and others huddled together whispering, their eyes full of mischief, he excitedly squeezed in: "What good news are you generals talking about? Count me in!"

Xu Huang hooked his arm around his neck: "Good lad, we need a clever one! There's going to be some fun later, dare you come?"

Cao Ang's eyes lit up: "As long as it brings joy to the King of Liang, what is there to be afraid of!"

Outside the hall, the wind and snow intensified, while inside, the wine flowed freely. Thoughts swirled in the candlelight—some were tentative, some relieved, some excited, and others harbored hidden calculations—all enveloped by the grand wedding banquet, temporarily absorbed by the warmth and aroma of the wine filling the room.

As the King of Liang, Ma Chao dared not neglect his duties at the banquet. Carrying a wine jug, he first toasted the leaders of the Western and Eastern Qiang, then exchanged pleasantries with the envoys of Cao Cao, Lü Bu, and other warlords, before returning to the Western Liang civil and military officials to clink glasses with Pang De, Xu Huang, and others. Although he drank several cups, his eyes remained clear, showing no signs of drunkenness—today was a joyous occasion, and he was extremely mindful of propriety.

As he turned, he saw Ma Xiu and Ma Tie waiting under the corridor, and whispered to them, "I'll go back to the inner hall first. Please keep an eye on the guests outside and make sure they don't get too drunk and lose control." Ma Xiu and Ma Tie bowed in agreement, and then he straightened his robes and headed towards the side hall where Dong Bai was. That place was originally the Jiaofang Hall during Liu Bian's time, and although it had not been officially renamed, it had been decorated elegantly and properly, serving as a temporary resting place for newlyweds.

Xu Huang, with his sharp eyes, had already spotted Ma Chao's turning back. He immediately nudged Pang De beside him with his elbow and winked at Dian Wei, Cao Ang, and the others. They understood and quietly moved to a corner. The guests in the hall were already half-drunk; some were snoring on the tables, others were still playing drinking games, the room filled with the smell of alcohol mixed with laughter and curses, a noisy chaos that made it difficult to discern anything amiss. Everyone knew that the King of Liang was in a good mood tonight, and even if the revelry went late or a little too far, they probably wouldn't be truly blamed.

"Has Your Majesty returned to the inner palace?" Cao Ang asked in a low voice, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"They must have gone to keep the princess company." Xu Huang rubbed his hands together, grinning mischievously. "Let's wait a little longer. I reckon they'll just sit down inside, and then we can go over and 'add some joy' to the occasion."

Dian Wei replied in a gruff voice, "Don't really anger the king."

"Don't worry!" Pound patted his chest, his face reeking of alcohol. "With me here, the king will at most glare at us!"

The group exchanged smiles, then each took a large gulp of wine. They waited for the guests to disperse before heading to the inner palace—the bridal chamber was definitely going to be a lively affair tonight.

The inner hall was brightly lit by candlelight, exuding a gentle, feminine charm unlike the hustle and bustle outside. Dong Bai sat before her dressing table, still in her wedding gown, the phoenix coronet and embroidered robes accentuating her graceful features. A group of women surrounded her, chatting and laughing, each displaying their own unique charm.

Zhen Mi handed Dong Bai a plate of candied fruit and said softly, "Sister, try this. It's sweet but not cloying, and it can help soothe the effects of alcohol." Her tone was gentle, and her gaze was fixed on Dong Bai with a genuine smile.

Gongsun Rou was more cheerful. She picked up a dried fruit from the table, popped one into her mouth, and said, "Sister Dong has finally made it. From now on, you'll be the first among us to have a proper 'status,' so you'll have to be very kind to those of us who are still waiting." Her words were joking, but there was no malice in her eyes.

Cai Wenji plucked the strings of her zither, her tune light and cheerful: "What's the rush? Your destiny has arrived." With a flick of her fingertips, the strings produced a playful note, making everyone laugh.

Sun Shangxiang swirled the fruit wine glass in her hand, her eyes sparkling: "In my opinion, it's us who should be in charge, lest someone use visiting as an excuse to run to the Prince's mansion every few days and disturb the newlyweds' peace." As she spoke, she glanced at Gongsun Rou, and the two smiled at each other with a hint of sisterly understanding, "Sister Dong, don't be soft-hearted."

Zhang Qiying, being calmer, simply straightened Dong Bai's slightly disheveled skirt: "Sister, don't listen to their commotion. You're the star today, so just wait patiently. He may seem rough around the edges, but he's actually very meticulous and won't keep you waiting too long."

As the late emperor's empress, Lu Wan didn't have many fantasies about marrying Ma Chao. Even though she deeply loved Ma Chao, she had always deliberately kept her distance from him over the years. In her heart, she felt that it was good enough to get along as fellow disciples. She stepped forward and patted Dong Bai's shoulder: "Don't worry, sister. If he dares to bully you in the future, I will be the first to not forgive him."

Dong Bai blushed at their words, but wasn't annoyed. He simply wrung out his handkerchief and said, "You guys are always making fun of me. You'd better watch out. If you laugh at me today, I'll have to teach you some manners when you come in the future." Though he said this, he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes.