Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

Pei Yun sat at the same table as Yun Niang and Yun Wei.

A subtle fragrance wafts through the waterside pavilion.

Just as the atmosphere was delicate, a slight commotion broke out in the garden.

"Princess Yongle has arrived! Princess Changyang has arrived!"

A long, drawn-out chant instantly drew the attention of everyone in the Jade Garden.

The noble sons inside and outside the waterside pavilion all stood up.

They straightened their clothes, their expressions solemn, and all looked toward the entrance.

Pei Yun raised an eyebrow and whispered, "The main character has arrived."

Several palace maids led the way, and two graceful women approached.

The girl in the lead was about fifteen or sixteen years old.

She was dressed in a pale yellow palace gown, with lifelike phoenixes embroidered on the hem.

His complexion was slightly pale, as if he were somewhat sickly.

Her eyes still held a girlish innocence, yet her demeanor exuded royal dignity.

She is none other than Princess Yongle, personally bestowed upon her by the current Empress.

Beside him was a well-maintained, elegant and beautiful woman.

His phoenix eyes held a commanding presence, and his every step exuded an imposing aura.

Her gaze swept calmly across the entire room, and wherever it passed, everyone lowered their heads and held their breath.

It wasn't deliberate intimidation, but rather the natural pressure that comes from someone who has long held a position of power.

This beautiful woman was the mother of Princess Yongle, and also the aunt of the current emperor—

Princess Changyang.

Princess Changyang calmly swept her gaze across the entire room.

Everyone rose to their feet and bowed, and even the noise in the garden fell silent.

"That is Princess Yongle, whose given name is Yingle. Next to her is her mother, Princess Changyang."

Yun Wei's voice rang softly in Pei Yun's ear.

"As for the young man in brocade robes beside the princess, he is Yan Xu, the heir of the Prince of Yan's mansion."

"They grew up together since childhood and were as close as siblings."

"Today's tea party was arranged by him and several young masters from prominent families to make the princess smile."

Pei Yun followed Yun Wei's directions.

Prince Yan was indeed a handsome and distinguished young man.

At this moment, he was protecting Princess Yongle, chatting and laughing.

Pei Yun's gaze lingered briefly on Princess Yongle.

Recalling the line in the Daily Intelligence report, "At the Jade Garden tea banquet, there was a shadowy figure, the target being Princess Yongle," I became more cautious.

Princess Yongle and Princess Changyang took their seats in the main seats, and then everyone else sat down again.

The tea ceremony continued, accompanied by the melodious sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments, and the occasional graceful dance.

The atmosphere became a bit more lively.

After three rounds of tea and five courses of food, the tea was served.

Prince Yanxu stood up and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, today's gathering is rather monotonous if we only enjoy tea and scenery."

"How about we invite the talented men and women present to showcase their skills and talents to enhance the tea banquet?"

This statement immediately garnered a considerable response.

Some calligraphers wielded their brushes, others painted with vibrant colors, and still others, including martial arts practitioners, rose to demonstrate their skills and add to the festivities.

The atmosphere immediately became lively.

After drinking a few glasses of wine, Qin Yu became somewhat smug in front of the beautiful young lady beside him and boasted to the person next to him.

"When it comes to talent, who can compare to Miss Yun, whose musical skills are unparalleled!"

A young man in fine clothes sitting next to them, with an arrogant expression, changed his expression upon hearing this.

As the son of the Imperial Censor, Sun Shaoyou had long disliked Qin Yu.

He was glib and charming, and within moments of sitting down, he had already elicited smiles from the ladies.

Upon hearing this, he immediately raised an eyebrow.

His gaze fell on Yunniang, carrying an undisguised disdain.

"Oh? So it's that courtesan from Baidi Tower!"

Sun Shaoyou's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"These elegant gatherings are all performances by ladies from distinguished families."

"If we were to allow women of the night to perform on stage, it would be an insult to civility and would offend the eyes of the Princess and the Prince."

As soon as he said this, the pavilion fell silent.

Many people recognized Yunniang's identity, and whispers began to circulate. The gazes cast upon Pei Yun and Yunniang became strange.

Bringing a prostitute to a banquet is indeed somewhat inappropriate for such an occasion.

Princess Changyang, seated in the main seat, frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Although no outburst had occurred, a hint of displeasure had already permeated the air.

She was of noble birth and valued rules and propriety above all else.

The situation became awkward at one point.

Qin Yu's face turned pale, realizing he had made a mistake, and he opened his mouth to explain.

But Pei Yun stopped him with a single look.

Yunniang secretly clenched her fist in her sleeve, her nails almost digging into her palm.

She maintained a polite smile, but her heart was pounding with nervousness.

She wasn't afraid of being looked down upon, but she was afraid of implicating the young master because of herself.

Pei Yun seemed oblivious to the strange looks he was receiving.

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, then smiled calmly and spoke in a clear voice:

"I heard from Young Master Qin that the Yuqin Garden tea banquet is not judged by social status, but by talent."

"Attending the banquet today seems... somewhat inconsistent with your words?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying a hint of mockery.

These words were directed at the young master who had spoken rudely earlier, and also subtly targeted the rules of the tea banquet.

Sun Shaoyou's expression changed slightly, and he let out a cold snort.

"Do you really think that the vulgar music of a courtesan can be considered high art?"

Pei Yun put down his teacup, looked around, and finally his gaze landed on Sun Shaoyou's face.

That is incorrect.

"Status is determined by a single piece of paper, while talent is revealed by a single song."

He spoke slowly, his tone steady yet resolute.

"Moreover, Miss Yunniang's musical skills are unparalleled in the capital; her melodies have captivated countless scholars."

"If anyone thinks that Miss Yunniang's skills are not good enough, I, Pei, am willing to set up a trap here."

"Let's wager a 'bet' on whether Miss Yunniang's zither music can captivate everyone present."

"how?"

These words caused an uproar in the room!

Everyone was astonished.

This "agreement" can be big or small, ranging from a simple promise to providing full assistance, depending entirely on the identity and credibility of the parties making the agreement.

They were astonished by Pei Yun's outrageous words.

Those who can attend the tea banquet are all of noble status.

But now they dare to gamble with a "one-time agreement" on a courtesan's musical skills.

What amazed them even more was the man's protectiveness of this courtesan, even to the point of confronting a room full of powerful and influential people.

"An agreement?"

Sun Shaoyou laughed as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.

"My father is the Imperial Censor, and who is your status to dare to make such a presumptuous bet with me on a 'one-way' wager?"

Pei Yun smiled slightly and did not argue with him.

He simply reached into his robes, took out a token, and casually tossed it onto the table.

"bite--"

The token landed on the white jade table with a crisp sound.

The sound wasn't loud, but it struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.

The token is antique, with a black background.

The front is engraved with a ferocious beast in red gold, while the back has the character "Pei".

It was the waist tag of a centurion from the Northern Garrison of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

"Pei Yun, Commander of the Northern Garrison."

Pei Yun spoke calmly, stating his name.

The mockery on Sun Shaoyou's face froze instantly.

The others inside the waterside pavilion gasped in shock.

In the capital, which powerful or wealthy family wouldn't tremble at the mere mention of the "Imperial Guards"?

"Pei Yun? That Jinyiwei commander who, despite losing all his cultivation, still manages to solve numerous bizarre cases?"

"It was him! Wasn't he already...?"

"Judging from his demeanor, he doesn't seem like a useless person at all."

A murmur arose, and everyone's gaze toward Pei Yun was instantly filled with surprise and curiosity.

Who in the capital doesn't know the infamous reputation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Moreover, this is Pei Baihu, who has recently gained fame.

"How about this identity? Is it enough to make a bet?" Pei Yun asked with a smile.

Sun Shaoyou's expression changed repeatedly.

Although he was the son of the Imperial Censor, he was ultimately far inferior to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who held special privileges granted by the emperor.

For a moment, he found himself in a difficult situation.

But if we back down under the watchful eyes of everyone, what face will we have left?

He gritted his teeth and forced himself to say, "Fine! You're Commander Pei of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, right? I'll take your bet!"

"If she truly possesses such superb musical skills that we are completely convinced, then so what if I, Sun Shaoyou, lose to you!"

"I will certainly apologize!"

"But if it's just some decadent music, unbearable to hear... Commander Pei, you shall apologize to us in public and take her away from Yuqin Garden immediately!"

"Fair and reasonable."

Pei Yun nodded, her smile unchanged.

"Once a man has made his word, it is hard to follow him."

"I, Sun, accept Pei Baihu's 'one agreement'!"

Sun Shaoyou said, his neck stiff.

Just then, Yunwei Star Official, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

Her clear, cool voice was like jade beads falling onto a plate.

"Since Commander Pei has such refined tastes, then Yunwei will also add some color to the occasion."

She paused, looked at Pei Yun, and a strange light flashed in her eyes.