Joining the Joyful Union Sect, My Life in the Grip of My Senior Sister

Chapter 500: A Banquet of Schemes?

Lin Fengmian knew full well that the evening banquet was anything but a friendly gathering, yet he had no choice but to attend.

This welcome banquet was basically a family affair, attended only by members of the Heavenly Grace King’s household and the Ding family.

Moreover, it was mostly the younger generation participating, meaning that the banquet would be filled with Jun Yunzheng’s allies.

The banquet was held in the royal palace, and no guests were allowed to bring their guards. As a result, You Yao, Elder Ming, and others couldn’t enter.

Jun Qingsheng and the other elders would probably only show up at the beginning, leaving the rest of the time to the younger generation.

With the strength of Jun Yunzheng and his allies, finding an excuse to teach Lin Fengmian a lesson would be all too easy.

While there was no risk to his life, some humiliation was almost inevitable.

As long as no lives were lost, Jun Qingsheng and the others would turn a blind eye to the younger generation’s quarrels.

Elder Ming looked worried and advised, “Your Highness, you must exercise some restraint tonight!”

“Why should I be afraid? Tonight, it’s them who should be afraid!”

Lin Fengmian smiled mischievously and turned to You Yao with a grin. “You Yao, aren’t you going to change your clothes?”

Elder Ming was stunned.

What?

You Yao frowned in displeasure. “I can go like this.”

Lin Fengmian shook his head. “That won’t be enough. You look too plain. It would be embarrassing to take you.”

“Hurry up and change into something nicer, or I won’t take you.”

You Yao would have been thrilled not to go, but she couldn’t defy the old man’s orders.

If something happened to Lin Fengmian at the banquet, it would be a disaster.

Reluctantly, she said, “I don’t have any other clothes.”

Lin Fengmian looked at Shangguan Qiong and smiled. “Lady Shangguan, lend her something. And while you’re at it, change into something stunning too.”

“Remember, it has to be something that will turn heads, boost my reputation, and stir up trouble!”

Shangguan Qiong nodded and dragged the reluctant You Yao away.

Elder Ming was extremely impressed and gave a thumbs up. “Your Highness, you are truly brilliant!”

Lin Fengmian smiled faintly, gently fanning himself. “This is just a basic strategy.”

Knowing that the banquet was a trap, how could he not prepare in advance?

First, he had approached Shangguan Qiong, using a mix of threats and persuasion to get her cooperation.

Under the dual pressure of his “stick” and whip, he successfully convinced her.

Lin Fengmian, worried that Shangguan Qiong might hesitate to act against the Princes of Heavenly Grace, also set his sights on You Yao.

Not surprisingly, she refused outright, telling him not even to think about it.

But he wasn’t concerned. There was always a way.

Last night, before his body tempering session in the underground cavern, Lin Fengmian had asked the mysterious old man for permission to borrow You Yao.

Fearing that Jun Yunzheng might go too far, the old man agreed and told him to proceed as he saw fit.

Lin Fengmian, trying to gauge the old man’s identity, asked how far he could go.

The old man casually replied, “Just don’t kill anyone. Maiming is fine.”

With this assurance, Lin Fengmian felt confident.

This man was definitely connected to the Heavenly Grace Royal Family – Jun Qingsheng at least knew about him!

Half an hour later, You Yao, now dressed in new clothes, was dragged out by Shangguan Qiong.

Shangguan Qiong knew exactly how to appeal to men, showcasing her best features.

Dressed to the nines, her already captivating appearance became utterly bewitching, the kind of look that could indeed stir up trouble.

You Yao, too, had been meticulously dressed in a slightly revealing purple gown, her shoulders bare and her cleavage subtly visible.

She clutched her chest now, clearly uncomfortable. If a fight broke out, she’d be severely handicapped.

While this seductive outfit from the Joyful Union Sect was effective at confusing enemies and boosting defense, it came at the cost of significantly reducing the wearer’s combat effectiveness.

You Yao’s look of utter desperation made Lin Fengmian and Elder Ming stifle their laughter.

Neither of them had ever seen her in such a state, and the effort to keep from laughing was almost too much.

Barely holding back his amusement, Lin Fengmian said, “Alright, my lovely ladies, let’s go!”

With these two women by his side – capable of both causing and resolving trouble – he was actually looking forward to the banquet.

Jun Yunzheng, do you want to cause trouble?

Go ahead!

I’ve brought these two beauties with me. Let’s see who ends up bullying who!

The group soon arrived at the Heavenly Grace Palace. Lin Fengmian stepped out of the carriage with the two women and put an arm around Shangguan Qiong as they walked in.

He would have liked to do the same with You Yao, but he was afraid that she might chop off his hand.

You Yao followed behind as usual, but was quickly stopped by the guards at the entrance, who were confused by the situation.

“Your Highness, the guards are not allowed in without a summons!”

Lin Fengmian almost burst out laughing. “Are you blind? This is my companion. How dare you stop her?”

The baffled guard looked at the two women standing far away from each other and hesitated.

“Your Highness, this is clearly not the case. Please don’t make it difficult for me.”

You Yao had no choice but to come closer. Lin Fengmian wrapped an arm around her waist, causing her to stiffen.

With a woman on each arm, Lin Fengmian asked with a smile, “Is this better? There’s no rule against bringing two companions, is there?”

The guard hesitated, then gestured for them to enter. “No rule, Your Highness. Please go ahead.”

Satisfied, Lin Fengmian walked in with the two women, even turning around to give the guard a grateful smile.

“You have a good eye. Keep it up, and you’ll go far. I’ll buy you a drink sometime.”

Hearing this, You Yao wanted to kick the scoundrel, but fearing she might be turned away, she held back.

The three were led by a eunuch into a large hall where tables were arranged according to rank.

The room was bustling, with most of the royal and Ding family members already present, chatting and laughing.

Lin Fengmian and his companions were among the last to arrive. As soon as they entered, the lively atmosphere suddenly cooled down.

All eyes turned to the trio, making You Yao, who wasn’t used to such social events, feel out of place and wonder if she was making a fool of herself.

Most of the royal descendants were young, exuding the arrogance and pride typical of noble offspring.

A young man, the center of attention, stood up and looked at Lin Fengmian and his companions.

He was of average height and appearance, with slightly dark skin. His appearance was unremarkable, saved only by his demeanor.

This was Jun Yunzheng. Although his name sounded poetic, there was nothing poetic about him.

But considering Jun Qingsheng’s even less impressive appearance, Lin Fengmian could understand.

Jun Yunzheng had done his best with what he had. No one could blame him for that.

Unaware of Lin Fengmian’s inner mockery, Jun Yunzheng scrutinized the trio.

He couldn’t see through Shangguan Qiong and You Yao’s cultivation levels, but he recognized the alluring woman as the leader of the Joyful Union Sect.

The other woman, who looked uncomfortable and fidgeted, wore a bronze eye patch that looked familiar.

The deputy commander of the Shadow Guard, You Yao?

No way, no way!

There was no way the Grim Reaper would be dressed like that, let alone being held by that brat!

He must have mistaken her for someone else.

You brat, how dare you play dress-up with You Yao? Aren’t you afraid she’ll castrate you in your sleep?