Inside the great hall, the lights shone brilliantly as laughter and joy echoed through the air. Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, the atmosphere harmonious, as if the two nations had cast aside old grudges to become the firmest of allies.
Zhang Chengyan was not usually a heavy drinker, but today he seemed like a different man; he toasted frequently, and the intoxication grew. Sitting to one side, Bai Wutong watched him with calm, watchful eyes, periodically refilling his cup.
Seeing the cup full once more, the Tujue envoy below hurriedly stood up, face wreathed in smiles, and unleashed a torrent of flattery that coaxed Zhang Chengyan into downing his drink in one gulp yet again. Bai Wutong had long since seen through the envoy’s intentions. They were clearly trying to get Zhang Chengyan drunk to create an opportunity for the two princesses to serve him for the night. Ordinarily, with Zhang Chengyan’s shrewdness, he would have surely noticed, but today, the two Tujue princesses were so charming and alluring that their every glance and smile had long since captured his heart; he had no capacity left to consider such things.
Chapter 324