Xiao Yu was the center of attention at the banquet, the most sought-after figure in the entire Zhou Dynasty. Whether intentional or not, he was constantly approached by people eager to engage him in conversation. As a prince, second only to the crown prince in rank, he exuded an air of noble indifference while seated lazily in his chair. His demeanor was one of aloof pride, making it clear he was above the crowd.
The conversations flowed around him, but he remained detached, listening with a cool demeanor and responding only occasionally with a few words. No one dared to complain about his lack of enthusiasm; even receiving a brief reply from him felt like an immense honor.
Feeling bored, he found amusement in observing Song Feiwan. At that moment, she gulped down her drink, her eyes widening slightly as she scrutinized her glass. Was there something wrong with the wine? He frowned slightly, causing the official seated across from him to tremble in fear, worried he had said something amiss.
After a few moments, Song Feiwan joyfully lifted her glass with a smile and drank it all in one go. She looked at Zhou Zheng and said, "More, please."
To her surprise, it turned out to be a sweet and tangy sparkling wine! It seemed to be fermented from beast's milk, with a subtle milky aroma that delighted her senses. Since arriving here, she hadn't had any carbonated drinks; the sensation of bubbles dancing on her tongue was truly astonishing.
The taste was beyond compare—anything made by him far surpassed all the beverages she had ever enjoyed back in the modern world. After savoring three cups in succession, her expression radiated happiness.
Turning her head, she found Xiao Yu resting his chin on his hand, watching her with an enigmatic smile that lingered for longer than she realized. The officials who had come to curry favor with him had long since departed.
"Your Highness?" Song Feiwan blinked, puzzled by his gaze. "What’s wrong?"
Xiao Yu's eyelashes fluttered as he shifted his gaze away and replied nonchalantly, "Nothing."
It was unusual for him to watch someone so intently while they drank. What could possibly be interesting about that? Since he had said so, Song Feiwan shrugged it off and raised her glass again. "More, please," she said to Zhou Zheng.
Zhou Zheng smiled eagerly and said, "This servant obeys your command." He then explained that this was a tribute wine from the Western Xia, and the quantity was limited.
Song Feiwan glanced around and noticed that only those of noble rank above the princes received a small flask each. Her own flask was already empty. She hadn't had enough to drink.
Her pink tongue unconsciously flicked out to lick her lips. Xiao Yu, who had just turned his gaze away, found his eyes drawn back to her face at that moment, catching sight of her tongue retreating. His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his gaze darkened.
Song Feiwan was oblivious to his change in demeanor. She rolled her eyes and looked over at him, extending a delicate little hand with her palm facing up.
Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow in question.
With a charming smile, Song Feiwan softly said, "Your Highness, didn't you mention that the Xu family, who harbors resentment against us, might pose a threat during the banquet after spending so much time with the Crown Prince?"
"I see there are many people here, and they have too many opportunities to act against us. Since I understand some medical principles, I would like to help Your Highness test for poison."
Xiao Yu slowly curled his lips into a smile; at that moment, he found the banquet interesting.
"Oh? Which wine does the princess wish to test?"
She looked at the porcelain wine jug on his table and said earnestly, "Let's start with the wine."
Xiao Yu nearly laughed out loud at her antics. He picked up the jug with his long, slender fingers but did not hand it directly to her. Instead, under her eager gaze, he feigned concern and asked, "If there is poison in this wine, wouldn't that harm the princess?"
Song Feiwan replied confidently, "I’m not afraid; I brought an antidote pill. Besides, worrying for Your Highness is my honor."
Xiao Yu scoffed inwardly. Honor? It wasn't like that when you slapped me earlier.
After admiring her eager expression for a moment, he slightly raised his chin and commanded, "Bring me a wine cup."
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