TSFLIP Chapter 543

Interesting.

A fleeting gleam flashed across Meng Xi’s eyes—there for a moment, then gone.

If we’re talking about clichés, then anytime a man starts thinking a woman is “interesting,” it usually means he’s about to fall in love with her. That’s the golden rule in thousands of romance novels—without exception.

“Fengguang,” the elegant and dignified Empress gently called her daughter’s name, “the song is over. Come back now.”

“Okay!” Fengguang nodded cheerfully. She waved her hand, and a palace maid carried away the Jiao-wei qin. Several other maids returned the fine wine and delicacies that had been cleared earlier from Si Jia’s table. She looked up and winked at Si Jia. “I think your playing was really beautiful, but… I don’t think you’re suited for the Qin.”

Si Jia, usually stoic and unreadable, suddenly looked up. His eyes, dark as obsidian, were deep and unreadable—he seemed to be waiting for her to explain what she meant.

But Fengguang left it at that, offering only a mysterious smile before bouncing back to sit beside her mother. Wang Ci lovingly patted her on the head. Her smiling eyes were bright and carefree, as if the moment of enigmatic intrigue just now had been nothing but an illusion.

Si Jia lowered his gaze. His slender fingers traced the rim of his chilled wine cup. That flicker of emotion he’d just felt—it, too, seemed like an illusion.

At that moment, the envoy from Liubi Kingdom rose respectfully and said, “By order of our king, we present the finest Chenxiang wine from Liubi as a symbol of lasting friendship between our two nations. May this gift bring peace and prosperity to our peoples.”

Xia Chao responded, “We’ve long heard that Chenxiang wine is your national treasure. Due to the rarity of its ingredients and strict brewing conditions, even your royal family receives only ten jars each year. For your king to offer one today, in the spirit of peace, is truly an honor. I look forward to tasting it.”

“You flatter us, Your Majesty,” the envoy said, turning to his men. “Well? Bring the wine forward!”

“Yes, sir!” A soldier stepped up with the wine jar in his arms. After bowing respectfully, he walked forward. At the base of the steps, a eunuch took over and presented the wine to the emperor.

The eunuch removed the seal and poured the wine into a white jade cup.

Xia Chao lifted the cup and smiled. “The reputation of Chenxiang wine is well deserved. I haven’t even tasted it yet, and the aroma alone is intoxicating.”

The man who brought the wine stood respectfully at the base of the steps. “This is the best jar chosen by our king himself. I hope it meets Your Majesty’s approval.”

“Father!” Fengguang suddenly jumped up and snatched the cup from Xia Chao’s hand. With curious excitement, she said, “I’ve never tried Chenxiang wine before. Why don’t you let me have the first taste?”

Xia Chao usually gave his daughter whatever she wanted, but this time he frowned. “Fengguang, you’re still too young to drink.”

“I’ve already had my coming-of-age ceremony. I’m not a child anymore!”

Wang Ci, noting Xia Chao’s expression, smiled gently and said, “Your father’s right. Young ladies shouldn’t drink too much. Fengguang, be a good girl and put the cup down.”

“Nooo, I want to drink it!” Fengguang pouted and stomped her foot. In the process, the cup slipped from her hand and crashed to the ground. The wine splashed across the floor, bubbling and smoking.

Someone shouted, “The wine is poisoned!”

In that instant, the man standing at the bottom of the stairs suddenly pulled out a dagger and lunged straight at Xia Chao. The emperor remained calm under pressure, kicking over a table to block the attack. The royal guards immediately sprang into action.

Meng Xi flew forward and intercepted the assassin mid-strike. The man was no ordinary attacker—his strength was formidable—and Meng Xi engaged him in a fierce battle.