C206

Three days later was Xiao Tianyuan's birthday. Xiao Tianyuan was a very low-key person and Hou Hou was always reluctant to announce his birthday to others, so very few people in the court knew that it was his birthday. However, Fang Zinan and Xiao Tianyuan had been friends for many years.

Shang Yiqing had dressed up for the day and came to the Xiao manor with Fang Zinan.

The Xiao Residence was no different from usual. The only difference was that the random red lanterns hanging from the ribbon gave off a more joyous feeling than usual.

"Big Brother Xiao, I wish you today's day at your age and today's day at your age." Shang Yiqing congratulated Xiao Tian Yuan with a smile on his face.

"Prince Rong, Imperial Concubine Rong, it's good that you two have come. There's no need to spend so much money." When Xiao Tian Yuan saw that the congratulatory gift given by the couple was actually a Night Pearl, he immediately felt that it was too much. There was no need to be so formal in regards to his relationship with Fang Zinan.

Shang Yiqing giggled. "This was given to me by the emperor last time. I only lent it to him as a gift."

At this moment, Ying Ying also stepped forward to welcome them. "Esteemed wangfei, you've arrived. Please come in."

Fang Zinan slightly nodded his head, "Today is Brother Xiao's birthday. Princess, I have long decided to come here to buy a glass of wine to drink."

A smile appeared on Xiao Tianyuan's face as he said in a clear voice, "Alright, today we must not let Prince Rong get drunk. Please!"

Fang Zinan and his wife walked into the hall with smiles on their faces. Just as they turned around, they heard a servant report, "Prince Xuan is here."

King Xuan? Why would he come? Shang Yiqing thought like this as she turned around. King Xuan had already walked into the courtyard. The head steward of Duke Xuan's estate followed behind him, holding a long brocade box in his hands.

"General Xiao, I heard that today is your birthday, so I'm here to congratulate you." Duke Xuan wore a bright yellow robe and had a complacent smile on his face.

Xiao Tianyuan hurriedly went forward to greet him. "Your highness is too courteous. How can this lowly one, Sheng Chen, work hard for Your highness?"

Do you know why this guy is here? The moment Shang Yiqing saw him, she thought of the argument she had with King Xuan in the weapon store. Her heart was in turmoil whenever she thought of him, and if Ying Ying hadn't pulled her out last time, she would have fought with King Xuan to the bitter end.

Ying Ying also had the same question in her heart. However, today was her big brother's good day and he was a guest. How could she be rude to him? He had no choice but to step forward and pay his respects.

"Third brother, you came as well." Fang Zinan was also surprised by King Xuan's appearance, but he was usually calm and collected, not showing any emotions on his face like Shang Yiqing.

King Xuan chuckled and glanced at Fang Zinan, then intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Shang Yiqing. He smiled and said, "So it was earlier for Prince Rong and his wife. It seems that I was late."

"Your Highness's words are too polite. The time is right, please!" Xiao Tianyuan's cold face revealed a smile.

King Xuan waved his hand. "Wait a moment. It's the general's birthday today. This King also has a gift to present to you." He then turned around and instructed the butler, "Open the brocade box."

The butler opened the embroidered box and King Xuan reached out to take out the longsword inside. He handed it over to Xiao Tianyuan and courteously greeted him, "This is a gift from this king. I hope that General will accept it."

Shang Yiqing saw that the sword was as black as pitch, with a golden glow under the sunlight. Wasn't that the sword that fought with King Xuan at the weapon store the other day? Why did he give this gift to Xiao Tianyuan as a congratulatory gift? I really don't understand him. As she thought of this, she shot a glance at Ying Ying. The shock in Ying Ying's eyes was no less than Shang Yiqing's. However, the two of them did not speak. Instead, they wanted to hear what King Xuan had to say.

Xiao Tianyuan politely declined. "How can I accept this …"

"General, you didn't accept this gift. Could it be that you think that this king's gift is too light and not as heavy as Prince Rong's?" A faint smile hung on King Xuan's face, but his tone was tinged with dissatisfaction.

Xiao Tianyuan said in fear, "This is not what I meant!"

"That's not what I meant!" With a 'shua' sound, King Xuan drew the sword away. Its body was as black as ink, and there was a faint golden glow under the sunlight. He brandished the sword in his hand and waved it at the trees beside him.

Xiao Tianyuan was also a person who knew the sword, so he immediately praised, "A good sword!"

"This king knows that General Xiao's martial arts and skills are high. This sword will be given to the general. I wish that one day, the general will fight and win the battle!" King Xuan closed his scabbard and gave the sword to Xiao Tian Yuan.

Xiao Tianyuan accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, King Xuan!"

"Third brother, today is General Xiao's birthday. Since the two of us are here to congratulate General Xiao, we must drink a cup today." Fang Zinan stepped forward and smiled.

"Everyone, please …" Xiao Tian Yuan led the crowd to the main hall. At this time, the servants had already set up the dishes and wine. Everyone sat down and began to drink.

"General Xiao, it's your birthday week today. This prince will toast you first!" King Xuan boldly said as he raised his goblet.

"Many thanks to the two princes for coming today. This lowly one shall be the first to pay respect." Xiao Tianyuan said as he downed the cup of wine.

"Come, let us drink together!" Fang Zinan also raised his glass and everyone drained it in one gulp.

After drinking the cup, King Xuan glanced at Ying Ying before raising the cup again. "Miss Ying Ying, it's been a while since we last met. Does this prince wish to toast you as well?"

Normally, Ying Ying would never be willing to drink, but today was her big brother's birthday. Not only was King Xuan a guest, but he was also an esteemed guest. How could she refuse? He could only stick the wine glass to his lips and drink it.

Shang Yiming laughed inwardly. It seemed that King Xuan still hadn't given up on Ying Ying. Otherwise, why would he snatch Mo Jian and gift him the sword as a birthday present? All of this was an indication of his intentions. Unexpectedly, he heard King Xuan say, "Lady Ying Ying, this king deeply regrets the past. This king wishes to see you today on General Xiao's birthday party …"

Before she could finish her words, Ying Ying said, "Duke Xuan is being too courteous. Since this matter is already over, why should we worry about it?"

King Xuan nodded. He cast another glance at Ying Ying. She was only three feet away from him, but he felt that she was distant and unreachable. In his heart, he was filled with both admiration and regret. He didn't say anything for a while.

When Fang Zinan saw this, he quickly changed the topic, "Third brother, today is to celebrate General Xiao's birthday. We clearly said earlier that we were going to get drunk, let's drink quickly."

King Xuan lowered his head and laughed self-deprecatingly. "This duke has lost my composure …" With that, he raised his wine glass again, "Fourth brother is right, we must not get drunk today."

"Come, let's drink." Xiao Tianyuan called out to everyone.