➢ trailing fragrance.

CHAPTER VII. | a father's banquet (cont'd)

As the first few guests began to trickle out of the grand banquet hall, their laughter fading into the distance, Chief Jiang made a subtle gesture toward a nearby female servant. With a quiet nod, the servant approached, wrapping her arms gently around Xiuming to help steady her as she leaned against her. Another male servant stepped forward, offering his assistance to Elder Hu, guiding him toward his room with respectful silence.

The room began to empty, leaving only a handful of the more tenacious revelers, but it wasn't long before Hua Ruling, Physician Song, Chief Jiang, and Lu Xiaofeng quietly slipped away from the banquet, making their way to one of the pavilions nestled on the Hua family grounds. This secluded spot had been arranged by the four in advance—a place where the festivities would not disturb the important discussion that was to take place.

Lu Xiaofeng was the last to arrive, his footsteps echoing softly on the stone path leading up to the pavilion. He was unhurried, but the tension in the air was palpable, each step heavy with the weight of what was about to transpire. When he reached the pavilion, his gaze swept over the other three, who were already gathered and waiting.

"So," he asked, his voice a mixture of amusement and wariness, "what's the plan? What's going to protect me tonight?" He clasped his hands together, eyes flickering over the small group as if daring them to answer.

Chief Jiang, ever composed, reached into the folds of her robes and pulled out a gleaming item—a vest unlike any other Lu Xiaofeng had seen before. As she handed it to him, she explained with quiet pride, "This is my father's creation." Lu Xiaofeng took the vest in his hands, inspecting it. It was made from a soft cloth, but the outer layer was stiff, almost unnervingly strong, as though it had been woven from the threads of the toughest material imaginable. "This is the 'Crystal Lotus Vest,'" she continued, her voice rich with authority. "It's forged from a rare silk found in the Japanese islands, reinforced with pure sheets of metal from the western regions. It can protect its wearer from almost any harm."

Physician Song stepped forward, adding his voice to the explanation. "I've treated the vest with a special herbal solution as well. Once you wear it, you'll be invulnerable—swords, poisons, nothing will be able to harm you."

Lu Xiaofeng turned the vest over in his hands, his fingers tracing its strange texture. Despite the odd mix of softness and strength, there was a peculiar herbal scent wafting from it, strong but not unpleasant. "I've never worn anything like this before," he muttered, an edge of curiosity in his voice.

Hua Ruling, who had been silently observing, added his thoughts. "I know your Lingxi finger is your signature defense," he said, his tone measured, "but for tonight's sake—and for Lou'er's safety—I must ask you not to use it. If Hua Manlou sees your technique, he'll recognize you immediately."

Lu Xiaofeng nodded, understanding the gravity of the request. "I understand, Uncle Hua," he replied, his voice steady but with a hint of reluctance. 

He removed his outer robes, turning his back to Chief Jiang, who dutifully lowered her eyes to the ground, a slight flush creeping across her cheeks.

Physician Song stepped around him, taking the vest into his hands and moving to tie it onto Lu Xiaofeng's back. As the man worked, tightening the knots with swift precision, Lu Xiaofeng couldn't help but ask, "So, you're telling me I have to just let him stab me?"

"Not only do you have to let him," Physician Song answered grimly, "but you must make sure he stabs you deep, right behind your heart."

A cold shiver ran down Lu Xiaofeng's spine. "And what if he slits my throat instead?"

"If we follow the plan," Hua Ruling interjected firmly, "there won't be a mistake like that. We've taken every precaution."

Lu Xiaofeng gave a short, tight laugh, though it was laced with unease. "Right. When I think about the plan falling apart... well, it gives me chills."