Chapter 226 "Ginger" (Thanks to the book friend Wang Shi Sui Yuan for the reward!)
Choi Family, Chun Fu Tang
Just as the birthday banquet was about to begin, a tall and burly figure slowly walked into Chunfu Hall. At the same time, the housekeeper of the Cui Mansion who was in charge of calling out the names also shouted:

"The Governor's special envoy, Lord Xing Dalin has arrived!"

When Ye Mingsheng, who was sitting in the corner with his eyes closed, heard the name "Xing Dalin", he immediately opened his eyes.

For something like the Cui family's birthday banquet, it was inevitable that Song Wenhui, the governor of Liaoyang, would send someone to congratulate. However, Ye Mingsheng never expected that the person Song Wenhui sent was Xing Dalin...
This really proves the old saying, those who come with evil intentions will not be visited by those with good intentions!

I have to say that the Cui family really gave face to Xing Dalin, or Song Wenhui behind him. As an important member of the family, Cui Dakai actually personally welcomed Xing Dalin into the inner hall. At today's birthday banquet, no more than five people had this treatment!

Seeing this, Ye Mingsheng smiled indifferently. Xing Dalin was just a loyal dog raised by Song Wenhui. His target today was the Cui family. He couldn't lose the big picture for the small one.
"It is your family's ancestor's birthday. The Governor wanted to come in person, but he was too busy with official duties, so he could only entrust me to come and congratulate. Lord Cui, please don't think I am too humble!"

In the inner hall, Xing Dalin bowed to Cui Shao and said with a smile:

"General Xing, what are you talking about? Everyone knows that you are a favorite of the Governor-General and have a promising future."

"Governor, you took time out of your busy schedule to remember our ancestor's birthday and sent General Xing here. This is already a great honor for our Cui family. The Cui family is grateful!"

Although he said polite words, Cui Shao's expression was very dull. He didn't seem as happy as his words showed!
Feeling Cui Shao's attitude, Xing Dalin's heart sank, but he kept smiling and secretly winked at his men around him.

One of his men immediately came over carrying an object covered with red silk. Although no one knew what was under the red silk, the appearance and Xing Dalin's identity were enough to attract everyone's attention.

Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Xing Dalin showed a look of satisfaction on his face, and said to Cui Shao with some pride:
"Master Cui, you don't know that although the Governor sent me to congratulate, the protagonist is not me, but this thing!"

After Xing Dalin finished speaking, he didn't keep anyone in suspense and directly lifted up the red silk...
Under the red silk, there was a jade Buddha that was one foot tall!
The jade Buddha is of just the right shade of jade, revealing a sense of vitality and vigor. Not only that, the carving of this jade Buddha is also lifelike and vivid, and it is obviously the work of a master at first glance!
"This jade Buddha was specially purchased from Luoan at a high price by the Governor-General to express his congratulations to the Cui family. He then asked Master Li He to carve it, which took him 9981 days. There is only one of its kind in the world!"

"The Governor-General wishes to use this Buddha to wish the Cui family's ancestors good fortune as vast as the East Sea and a long life as long as the Southern Mountains!"

Xing Dalin's words were sonorous and powerful, and as soon as he finished speaking, there was a burst of admiration in Chunfu Hall.

"Such a large jade Buddha is carved from a single piece of jade. The Governor is truly generous!"

"The Cui family is truly the most powerful family in Liaoyang. They are so proud that even the Governor-General has to give such a valuable gift to the ancestor on his birthday!"

"Master Li He's jade Buddha carving skills are truly amazing! Master is worthy of being the best jade carver in Liaoyang!"

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"Your Excellency the Governor, this gift is too precious. The Cui family cannot afford it!"

Amid the exclamations of the crowd, Cui Shao, the head of the Cui family, said in a deep voice:

Xing Dalin seemed to have expected Cui Shao's refusal, and continued to say sincerely: "Master Cui, you are wrong. This jade Buddha is precious, but how can it be compared with the sincere heart of the governor?"

"I hope Lord Cui will not let down the Governor-General's kindness!"

Understanding the double meaning of Xing Dalin's words, Cui Shao narrowed his eyes slightly. However, just when he was about to say something, a faint voice came from Chunfu Hall.

"The jade Buddha brought by General Xing is indeed the best in the world, which is amazing. Ye also has a treasure and would like to present it to the ancestor!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Chunfu Hall suddenly became quiet. Everyone looked at each other in confusion, wondering who was so ignorant!

Now that this jade Buddha has appeared in the world, it should be the first gift of today. Who is so ignorant of his own limitations that he dares to compete with it?
At this moment, Ye Mingsheng slowly stood up from the corner and walked towards Cui Shao, while Ye Dong, who followed behind him, had a maroon wooden box in his hand.

Ye Mingsheng's sudden outburst immediately focused everyone's attention on him, and everyone in the crowd began to whisper and discuss with each other.

"Ye Mingsheng, what does he want to do?"

"The fun is finally here. Xing Dalin and Ye Mingsheng have a grudge against each other, and Ye Mingsheng really doesn't want to sit back and watch Xing Dalin take the limelight!"

"What is Ye Mingsheng's guard holding?"

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Seeing Ye Mingsheng appear, Xing Dalin tried his best to suppress the anger in his heart, not letting his hatred show even a little bit. He looked at Ye Mingsheng and pretended to be a little surprised and said:
“Who is this brother…?”

Seeing that Xing Dalin pretended not to know him, Ye Mingsheng showed a playful smile on his face. He did not expose Xing Dalin's little thoughts, but said lightly:
"I am General Huwei of the Zhenwu Army, Ye Mingsheng!"

"Oh! It turns out to be Lord Ye. I wonder what birthday gift General Ye would like to offer together with this jade Buddha?"

When Xing Dalin said this, he showed contempt, as if he was mocking Ye Mingsheng for overestimating his own abilities.

"It's nothing, just a herb!"

Ye Mingsheng said lightly, not caring at all. As he spoke, he waved his hand, and Ye Dong behind him opened the maroon wooden box in his hand at the right time. A piece of plant rhizome that looked like an ordinary piece of ginger suddenly appeared in front of everyone.

There was a faint laugh among the crowd as they watched this piece of "ginger". They had been watching Ye Mingsheng, who represented the Zhenwu Army, stand out. They all thought that even if Ye Mingsheng couldn't produce a treasure that could be compared with the Jade Buddha, the treasure he presented shouldn't be any worse. They never expected that Ye Mingsheng would be so casual...

(End of this chapter)