The Return of the King: A Generation of Prodigies

Chapter 477 A Sober Person

"Alright, if the Marquis really does something this time, my drinking capacity is unmatched in the entire Yunli."

Yu Sheng's alcohol tolerance is indeed exceptionally high; she is known as someone who can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.

Ordinary alcohol is like water to him; it's impossible for him to experience the feeling of being drunk.

As for wine of this caliber, even if he drank too much, he would only feel dizzy.

"It's alright, kid. As long as you come back safely, I'll let you drink to your heart's content in the wine cellar. If you're so capable, you can drink all the wine in the entire cellar."

The Marquis of Zhenbei looked at Yu Sheng with a smile in his eyes.

He knew that Yu Sheng had a high alcohol tolerance, but even if Yu Sheng had a high alcohol tolerance, she couldn't drink all the wine in his cellar.

Although the Marquis of Zhenbei was not a heavy drinker, his wine cellar did indeed contain a large quantity of fine wine.

Those were specially saved by the Marquis of Zhenbei to entertain his sworn brothers and friends.

Yu Sheng smiled and said nothing more. He raised the wine bowl in his hand and drank it all in one gulp with great gusto.

Setting down her wine bowl, Yu Sheng bowed deeply to the three people before her and said, "Yu Sheng is leaving."

After saying this, she turned and left without looking back. When she reached the carriage, Yu Sheng jumped on and drove away without looking back.

Shen Tianjiao and the other two watched the carriage go until it disappeared from sight.

"Alright, let's go back now. After breakfast, we still have someone to take us home."

Marquis Zhenbei withdrew his gaze. He had seen off too many people in his life and was already used to such occasions.

"Second brother, let's go back."

Shen Tianjiao walked up to Shen Tingzhi, who was still in a daze, and urged him to go back quickly.

The weather is already unbearably cold; staying outside for too long makes you feel freezing.

"Well, let's go."

Shen Tingzhi withdrew his gaze, turned to look at Shen Tianjiao, and said, "Why are you dressed so lightly? This mountain is not like the capital, it's very cold here, be careful not to catch a cold."

"It's okay, I'm fine, it's not too cold."

As Shen Tianjiao spoke, she adjusted the collar of her cloak with her hand. She had to admit that it was indeed much colder here than in the capital.

The three of them talked as they arrived at the Zhenbei Marquis's courtyard. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw Li Ziyan, who had just gone back to pack his things.

Li Ziyan was determined to go to Southern Chu this time, so after returning home last night, he had already ordered his people to pack his things.

All he needs to do now is get on the carriage and set off with Yu Po; he doesn't need to worry about anything else.

Upon seeing Li Ziyan, the Marquis of Zhenbei's initially pleasant mood instantly soured.

Although he had promised Li Ziyan that he would go to Southern Chu with her, to be honest, the Marquis of Zhenbei was still hesitant because he was afraid that Li Ziyan might encounter danger.

Now look at this silly little boy, so happy, he seems completely unaware of the situation he's about to face.

The Marquis of Zhenbei's hesitation and worry deepened even further.

Thinking about whether it was right or wrong to just agree to let this silly boy go with us.

At this moment, Li Ziyan, who was completely unaware of what the Marquis of Zhenbei was thinking, was happy because he had the opportunity to leave Ziyun Manor and broaden his horizons.

For Li Ziyan, today's opportunity was extremely rare. He had always been well protected and knew nothing about the outside world.

Finally, I can see what the vast and wonderful world outside is like, just like everyone else.

As for what the Marquis of Zhenbei was feeling at this moment, or how worried he was, it was all irrelevant to him.

Seeing Li Ziyan in his father's courtyard at this time was somewhat unexpected for Shen Tingzhi.

During this time, while staying at Ziyun Manor, Li Ziyan would occasionally visit the courtyards of Zhenbei Marquis and even Shen Tingzhi to pay his respects and discuss matters.

But that usually happens in the afternoon or evening. I've never encountered it so early before.

Shen Tingzhi was unaware that his father and sister had already agreed to let Li Ziyan go to Southern Chu as well.

"Come and have breakfast with us. This should be the first time in a long time that you've had the chance to eat with your family."

Although the Marquis of Zhenbei had considered not having Li Ziyan go to Southern Chu, he was overjoyed to see Li Ziyan looking on with anticipation for the new life he was about to experience.

He couldn't bear to interrupt his fantasy at this moment and shatter his beautiful dream.

Li Ziyan obediently followed, while Shen Tingzhi, completely unaware of the situation, looked at Li Ziyan and then at Shen Tianjiao, hoping someone could give him an answer.

Upon receiving the signal from Shen Tingzhi, Shen Tianjiao simply shook her head at him, indicating that he shouldn't rush.

The family sat together and began their breakfast.

Although there is a rule of not speaking while eating at the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence, this rule has little binding force or effect when the whole family sits down to eat together.

Because it's difficult for their whole family to get together and eat at the same table.

Although we still couldn't gather all five of us at the dinner table today, there were four of us including Li Ziyan. However, the table remained unusually quiet until the meal was over.

Shen Tingzhi didn't know how others enjoyed the meal, but he found it quite frustrating and unpleasant.

Because no one came forward to answer his questions.

Throughout the meal, he kept watching the Marquis of Zhenbei's expression and observing Li Ziyan's demeanor.

The Marquis of Zhenbei and Li Ziyan were on completely different levels.

One of them had a furrowed brow, seemingly troubled by something, while the other, even while eating, couldn't suppress his inner elation, his mouth practically stretched to the back of his head in a wide grin.

The scene before him made Shen Tingzhi feel as if he had missed some incredible spectacle.

After finally finishing his meal, the Marquis of Zhenbei put down his chopsticks and left the table.

Following them, Shen Tianjiao, Shen Tingzhi, and Li Ziyan also left.

The Marquis of Zhenbei looked at Li Ziyan and asked with resentment, "Are you really sure you want to go to Southern Chu with me?"

"Don't care what dangers or hardships we might encounter on the road?"

"Leaving aside whether you can endure the hardships of traveling to Southern Chu, I'm afraid you'll have difficulty adapting to the daily meals alone."

As Li Xian's grandson, Li Ziyan has never known what hardship is like since the moment he was born.

He had the best of everything at Ziyun Manor. His meals were meticulously prepared, and he was served when he dressed. Even if he just took a stroll around Ziyun Manor, he would have several people serving him.

Marquis Zhenbei simply couldn't imagine how this pampered young master could cope with the hardships he would have to endure along the way.

"Ziyan, you've thought it through. There has to be a first time for everything. If you can't take that first step, how can you expect to have a future?"

"Don't worry, my lord, Ziyan is not afraid of hardship. I can face all kinds of things with everyone."

No matter what others say, Li Ziyan is determined this time to go to Southern Chu.

Although he didn't know how to endure hardship or what dangers their journey might encounter, he was determined to give it a try.

After his grandfather passed away, the Zhenbei Marquis's family became his closest relatives, and the Zhenbei Marquis also told him that he would be a member of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion from now on.

Ziyun Manor was his home, and so was the Zhenbei Marquis's residence.

The reason he insisted on going to Southern Chu this time was not only to train himself and stop being a useless person, but also because he did not want to become a disgrace to the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion.

He didn't want people to look down on him in the future, and also to gossip about the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion.

The four children of the Marquis of Zhenbei are all outstanding individuals, truly exceptional people.

The eldest son, Shen Yiyang, is the future heir of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion. He has established remarkable military achievements at a young age and is a rare military talent in Yunli.

He is the future war god and guardian god of Yunli, following in the footsteps of Zhenbei Hou.

The second son, Shen Tingzhi, also took on the heavy responsibility of managing the people of a prefecture at a young age.

He is a talented young man with both ability and skill, and now that he has returned to the capital, he has become a capable assistant to the Empress.

Help the Empress solve various problems and teach the Crown Prince; in the near future, he will become a pillar of the nation.

The third son, Shen Xinghao, is also a capable general, possessing innate superhuman strength and the courage to win battles from afar.

As for the youngest daughter, Shen Tianjiao, she is now Yunli's regent empress.

He was an exceptionally talented and virtuous ruler, capable of achieving great feats and leaving an indelible mark on history.

As an unofficial member of the Zhenbei Marquis's household, Li Ziyan couldn't be too weak.

If he were too weak, he would drag down the overall excellence of the Zhenbei Marquis's Mansion, which was the last thing he wanted to see.

Therefore, he also needs to become stronger and become a powerful person.

Only by becoming a strong person can he be worthy of being a member of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion.

At this moment, Shen Tingzhi finally understood why his father was unhappy and why the atmosphere was so oppressive.

However, compared to the Marquis of Zhenbei's worries, Shen Tingzhi was quite impressed with Li Ziyan.

I never expected this frail-looking boy to have such courage.

I don't want to be a caged bird, nor do I want to be someone who needs to be protected. Instead, I'm willing to step out of my protective circle and comfort zone and become a different person than before.

This courage and boldness are worthy of admiration and respect.

"If you want to gain some experience, you don't necessarily have to go to Southern Chu."

"Besides going to Southern Chu, there are many other things we can try."

Marquis Zhenbei should not and would not hesitate and waver on something he had already agreed to.

However, Li Ziyan's identity is special after all. If the Marquis of Zhenbei fails to keep a close watch on him and something happens to him, the Marquis of Zhenbei will really have no face to see Li Xian in the future.

"No, this time I am determined to go to Southern Chu."

Li Ziyan, who is usually obedient and compliant, has never shown such a strong attitude in front of her elders before.

"Ziyan knows the Marquis's worries, and he also knows that the Marquis does not want Ziyan to go to Nan Chu because he is worried about Ziyan's safety."

“But my lord, Ziyan’s mind is made up. Even if my grandfather came, he couldn’t change Ziyan’s mind.”

The Marquis of Zhenbei looked up at Li Ziyan, wondering why the child had suddenly become so stubborn.

"Alright, then tell me your reasons for insisting on going to Southern Chu."

Seeing that the Marquis of Zhenbei was getting angry, Li Ziyan remained calm and slowly explained his reasons.

“My lord, you said that from now on I am also a member of the Zhenbei Marquis’s mansion.”

"As a member of the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion, I cannot remain useless as I am now."

“Last night I told you that I wanted to go to Southern Chu to hone my skills and say goodbye to my current life.”

"Now I'll tell you my other reason: I don't want to become a burden on the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion."

"Letting others mention me is not to bring honor to the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion or to your reputation, but rather to make me a laughing stock."

“If I don’t go to Southern Chu, I can still have many opportunities to gain experience, but only by going to Southern Chu can I gain real experience.”

"If I hadn't gone to Southern Chu and had instead undergone other trials, nothing would have changed for me."

"I am still just a protected young master."

"Although I've broadened my horizons, my essence won't change much. What benefit would such an experience bring me?"

Li Ziyan was a clear-headed person; he understood very well the difference between going to Southern Chu and staying.

If he stays in Yunli, he can only be the Li Ziyan he is now, and nothing will change.

Yunli is the territory of the Marquis of Zhenbei. As long as the Marquis of Zhenbei is there, he will be well protected and will not be able to get any real experience or growth.

Only after leaving Yunli would the Marquis of Zhenbei be unable to reach him. Although he would still be protected by people, this kind of protection would be different from the protection under his nose.

Only in harsh environments can his life grow rapidly.

Li Ziyan's words truly shocked the Marquis of Zhenbei. This child has really grown up and knows where his future lies.

If Li Xian were still alive, he would be very happy to see Li Ziyan grow up and would be completely at ease.

"Good, a good man should have ambitions beyond his hometown. It is good that you have such ambitions."

Marquis Zhenbei stood up and walked to Li Ziyan's side, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Being away from home is not the same as being at home, so you must be careful in everything you do."

"Once we arrive at our destination, we must consult with Yu Po before making any decisions."