I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1013 Hidden murderous intent

Kapisa City.

Su Yao, accompanied by Guo Jialusu, Tipo, Sahir, and others, slowly entered the city under the guidance of the envoy.

The city streets were clean and lined with shops, clearly much more prosperous than the previously captured Yan City. People along the way stopped to watch and whisper among themselves.

"Is that the king from Qin?"

"What Qin state? I heard they're called Han people now."

"Moreover, I heard that this king is a reincarnation of a god, who single-handedly wiped out several of our northern strongholds!"

"Huh! Really? Isn't it okay to let someone like that in?"

"Who knows?!"

"I really don't understand what our provincial governor is planning."

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Su Yao and his entourage arrived at the Provincial Governor's Mansion. It was a magnificent building that blended Greek and Persian styles, with towering stone pillars supporting a wide dome and exquisite mosaic murals adorning the walls.

"The Han envoy has arrived—"

As the servant announced loudly, the mansion gates swung open. A middle-aged man in a magnificent purple robe stepped out, a warm smile on his face. He was slightly overweight, with a kind face, and looked more like an ordinary wealthy merchant than a provincial governor.

"I am Huvishka, Governor of the Kushan Nya Province. I have long admired His Highness the Great Han Tang King's reputation, and today I have the honor of meeting him; indeed, it is well-deserved."

Su Yao nodded slightly: "Your Excellency, you are too kind. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Huvishka's smile remained unchanged: "Your Highness has come from afar, so it is my duty to be a good host. Please follow me; the banquet is ready. Shall we eat and talk?"

Su Yao nodded, and the group entered the hall, where a long table was laden with delicacies, flanked by dozens of elegantly dressed maids. Huvishka led Su Yao to the head seat, while he himself sat at the lower end.

"I have heard of Your Highness's miraculous feat in Yan City, single-handedly breaching the city walls and then fighting against a thousand men outside the city. I am truly filled with admiration." Huvishka raised his cup in a toast, "This cup is to Your Highness's divine might!"

Su Yao picked up his wine glass but didn't drink it immediately: "The provincial governor's information network is quite impressive."

Huvishka laughed heartily: "To be honest, Your Highness, ever since Prince Botiao launched his northern expedition against Dayuan and Kangju, I have been closely following the situation at the front, eagerly awaiting the intervention of the Han Dynasty. It is truly an honor to have you here today!"

Guo Jia stood to the side, gently waving his feather fan, listening to the translator's account, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes. This Huvishka was overly enthusiastic, and his words subtly hinted at discord with Prince Bodiao; clearly, he had ulterior motives.

When Guo Jia conveyed his doubts through the translator, Huvishka laughed again. He didn't explain, but clapped his hands, and then a group of dancers gracefully entered and began to dance to the music. The lead dancer was particularly beautiful; she was about sixteen years old, her face veiled, and every smile and gesture exuded charm.

“This is my daughter Aisha,” Huvishka said meaningfully. “She has always admired the culture of the Han Dynasty and loves heroes. Today, upon learning of Your Highness’s arrival, she specially performed this dance for you.”

Huvishka has inquired about it.

Alongside the outrageous claims surrounding this Han-Tang emperor, there were countless dubious pink-themed rumors.

Since ancient times, stories of heroes and beauties have been the most popular topics of conversation among the people. According to legend, from emperors in the far east to princesses of various countries in the Western Regions, queens of grassland tribes, noble ladies, beautiful village women and dancers, all had inexplicable relationships with this Tang king.

While Huvishka wouldn't entirely believe it, the mere existence of such a rumor clearly proved that this man was quite fond of beautiful women.

That's normal, after all, which man isn't lustful? Even he himself had seven wives and then took an eighth concubine.
With such power and martial prowess, how could His Highness the Tang King not know how to enjoy beautiful women?

So Huvishka summoned the most beautiful dancer in the manor, pretending she was his daughter, and had her dance for Su Yao.

"What does Your Highness think of my daughter?" Huvishka asked, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes as he saw Su Yao's gaze linger on Aisha.

He bought this dancer at great expense and trained her for several years. Her appearance, figure, temperament, and dancing skills were all top-notch, and she was specially used to win over the powerful and wealthy.

Originally, he intended for this woman to play a role in the future with the Governor-General of the North, but now that he had a better target, he gritted his teeth and went all out to bring out this trump card.
However, he kept staring at Su Yao's face and found that even he himself had to put a lot of effort into restraining this kind of person, so why did the King of Tang seem unmoved?
The reason is simple: Su Yao has seen plenty of stunning beauties, and he wouldn't let a beauty ruin his plans.

However, Su Yao still praised the provincial governor for his hospitality.

After the song ended, Su Yao clapped his hands and said, "Her dance is graceful, she is beautiful and has a sweet voice. She is indeed a wonderful person."

Huvishka was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly said, "If Your Highness wishes, how about letting my daughter stay tonight?"

"No rush, no rush," Su Yao interrupted, raising his hand. "Your Excellency, let's talk business first. You invited me here today, surely not just to please me?"

Huvishka's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal: "Your Highness is indeed straightforward. To be honest, I do have an important matter I wish to discuss with Your Highness."

With that, he turned his gaze to the dancers: "Aisha, offer His Highness a toast and then leave. We'll call you if we need you."

"Yes, father."

Aisha bowed gracefully, took the wine pot from the maid standing to the side, and walked slowly towards Su Yao.

Her features were exquisite, her eyes sparkling with affection, and her figure graceful. With each step she took, the hem of her light gauze skirt swayed gently, revealing a section of her snow-white ankles beneath.

"Your Highness, please have some wine." The girl's voice was soft and charming, with a hint of exoticism. Her slender white fingers gently lifted the golden cup and offered it to Su Yao.

Su Yao took the wine glass, and their fingertips brushed together seemingly unintentionally. Aisha recoiled as if electrocuted, lowering her head slightly, a mixture of shyness and awe. But in that instant of closeness, she whispered in a very low voice:
"The wine is poisoned."

Her lips barely moved, and her voice was so soft that only Su Yao could hear it.

Su Yao's eyes flickered slightly. He calmly took the wine glass, glanced at the deep red wine, smelled it, and then his gaze fell on Huvishka.

"Your Excellency, this wine is indeed mellow and fragrant. May I ask when it was brewed?"

Huvishka smiled broadly: "This is a century-old fine wine from the Western Regions, specially prepared for Your Highness."

Su Yao smiled slightly, raised his glass, and drank it all in one gulp.

A flicker of wild joy flashed in Huvishka's eyes, but he quickly concealed it, feigning respect as he said:
"Your Highness is indeed generous! I admire you. I have some confidential military information to tell you, Your Highness. Please allow me a moment to speak with you."

Upon hearing that the provincial governor wanted to call Su Yao away alone, Guo Jia and the others immediately sensed something was wrong and hurriedly warned him, alerting him to the possibility of a trap.

However, Su Yao waved his hand and said, "It's alright, I'll go with him and see what he's up to."

(End of this chapter)