Volume 1, Chapter 27: The Wedding Banquet

As soon as Gu Nanzhou returned to the compound, it was as if a pressure point had been struck; his expression shifted instantly, a world of difference from the doting, spineless demeanor he had displayed before his wife.

The light shone upon the sea of clouds below, making them look like streaks of fiery mist. Some of the denser cloud layers were even battered by the air currents into deep, concave fissures.

One must realize that even among prodigies of royal caliber, there exist limitations in talent and the eventual exhaustion of potential.

"Yes." Leng Xianning picked up the medicine bottle and counted the pills inside. One was missing; it seemed she had taken it.

Although Jian Yiyang was not close to Jian Lixing, he did not harbor the same animosity toward him that he felt for the rest of the Jian family.

Downstairs, A-Si and Jinfeng were enjoying the flowers. The osmanthus trees planted in the courtyard filled the space with a rich fragrance.

"You can speak your mind." Watching his expression, a sense of foreboding rose in her heart. She knew that whatever he was about to say would be impossible for her to accept; otherwise, he would not be so hesitant.

Yang Yi’s intention was not just for her to go on a business trip with Shu Mo, but that she would not be going as Shu Mo’s superior. Instead, she was to serve as his assistant, to facilitate his work, and to do whatever Shu Mo commanded without objection.

Cao Meichang was also somewhat puzzled, thinking hard. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck, and she understood.

His sinister eyes remained fixed on her retreating back. He did not know why, but he could not summon the joy he should have felt. Such a blow would undoubtedly leave her humiliated and heartbroken, yet a trace of reluctance stirred in his heart. He scoffed at himself, shaking off the hesitation.

Ye Xiaomei pulled back the curtains and gazed at the road and the vehicles being washed by the heavy rain outside; a slight ache pricked at her heart.

Regarding benefits, they roughly include: certain positions enjoy a 3+2 work schedule upon hiring; regardless of whether the probation period has passed, those formally participating in projects can receive a share of the profits based on their contribution, reaching up to hundreds of thousands in a single quarter, with a base starting salary averaging 25% higher than the market rate.

"Yes, Sovereign!" The remaining high-level leaders of the Nine Provinces, led by Elder Li and Elder Yin, answered in unison.

In the beginning, Zhuge Liang petitioned the Later Ruler, saying: "In Chengdu, there are eight hundred mulberry trees and fifteen qing of thin fields; the clothing and food for my children and relatives are already more than sufficient. As for me, while serving abroad, I have no other source of income; my personal clothing and food are all provided by the government. I do not seek to acquire further property to increase my wealth. On the day of my death, I shall not leave behind excess silk within, nor surplus wealth without, to fail your Majesty’s trust." And upon his death, it was just as he had said.

The man was very tall and exceptionally robust. His gray-white tunic was left unbuttoned, revealing clearly defined abdominal muscles. Tiny droplets of water glistened on his wheat-colored skin, and overall, the muscular lines of his upper body were perfect.

The rugged peaks of Yinping scrape the sky, where even the mysterious cranes hesitate to fly. Deng Ai wrapped himself in felt to descend from here; who would have known that Zhuge Liang had already foreseen it?

The brigade leader had been holding it in for a long time; his face was flushed crimson from the effort of suppressing a wild burst of laughter in his excitement.

As he spoke, Chu Lingjun pulled a length of white spider silk from his storage shell. The silk was bizarre; at regular intervals, an eye grew upon it, each with three black pupils within its socket.

At first glance, it appeared to be a giant snake, but in place of a snake's head grew a majestic dragon's head, its golden mane rippling in the breeze, while four imposing golden tiger claws sprouted from its belly.

However, after a brief pause, an aged yet somewhat familiar voice came from outside the door.

But that would have to be based on the premise that Ye Lei was going south. If Ye Lei did not move south, such a troop deployment would only pin down more forces in the mountains without achieving much effect.