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When Deng Chen said this, his tone carried more admiration than anything else. Not everyone could afford to live like Shangguan Wuyou, who, despite his family background, had to withstand the temptations of power and desire. Like Deng Chen himself, who also yearned for such a life but was incapable of achieving it.

“I’ll take you over, introduce you, and let you meet him. If his attitude isn’t good, don’t take it to heart.” If it were an ordinary person, out of respect for their friendship, they would at least show some courtesy on the surface even if unwilling. However, with Shangguan Wuyou, Deng Chen really couldn’t say for sure. That’s why he made a point of saying this to Han Yu in advance, so it wouldn’t be too awkward if it didn’t work out.

“The Young Master Wuyou indeed lives such a carefree and unrestrained life. It is truly enviable,” Deng Chen said with a smile as he approached.

Shangguan Wuyou looked up at Deng Chen, but as for Han Yu standing by his side, he acted as if he didn’t see him unless he spoke up: “The world itself is free of troubles; it’s people who bring trouble upon themselves. If you’re willing, you can do the same.”

“I’m a mundane man unlike Brother Shangguan, burdened with too many thoughts and concerns, with too much I can’t let go of. Hence, I can only envy you from afar.”

“Everyone has their own way of living in this world; it all depends on your choices. As long as you have no regrets, that’s all that matters,” Shangguan Wuyou said before he went back to his wine and said no more.

Deng Chen and Han Yu exchanged glances, and then Han Yu stepped forward: “My name is Han Yu. I am honored to meet Young Master Wuyou.”

Since Shangguan Wuyou held an official position at the Imperial Court, he was present at the event. When Han Yu addressed Shangguan Wuyou in this manner, he was following Deng Chen’s advice. Shangguan Wuyou least appreciated the formalities of officialdom. Even with personal connections, it was best not to bring official status into the picture.

“So, you are the Han Yu who dealt with that lawless band of bandits. Quite courageous indeed,” Shangguan Wuyou said without much warmth in his voice. Hearing this, Deng Chen was delighted, knowing from his friend’s attitude that there was some admiration for Han Yu, and he felt more at ease.

Deng Chen had been worried that Shangguan Wuyou might not give Han Yu the time of day as Shangguan Wuyou generally disliked those who were sycophantic and obsequious. Though he knew Han Yu was not that kind of person and that Han Yu had gotten to where he was today on his own strength, even risking his life with only a small portion of it down to luck, others didn’t see it that way. Given Han Yu’s rapid rise at such a young age, there were plenty of rumors about him, some of which were unpleasant to hear.

“That is indeed me,” Han Yu responded straightforwardly, not downplaying his actions. His forthright demeanor seemed to match Shangguan Wuyou’s temperament.

“Why are you standing there? If you’re willing, take a seat and have a few drinks with us. Let’s consider ourselves friends.”

With that invitation from Shangguan Wuyou, Han Yu naturally agreed. Deng Chen, momentarily stunned, followed suit and sat down, inwardly surprised by Shangguan Wuyou’s almost friendly reaction.

Shangguan Wuyou cast a glance at his longtime friend and immediately knew what he was thinking. “No need to compare me with those people. I always focus on a person’s substance. What are those rumors to me? I am hardly that shallow, judging everything by appearances. Setting everything else aside, just the fact that he put an end to that evil gang of bandits earns him my respect!”

Of course, it wasn’t as simple as Shangguan Wuyou made it sound. At the time, that gang of bandits had quite a few tricks up their sleeves, which Shangguan Wuyou had also paid attention to. So, when Han Yu eventually exterminated the bandits, Shangguan Wuyou conducted a detailed investigation of Han Yu, learning about his life and deeds, which led to his high regard for Han Yu. Especially since Han Yu had handled himself well just now, dealing with those who tried to charm or intimidate him with equanimity. Watching Deng Chen bring Han Yu over, Shangguan Wuyou went with the flow and made the connection.

Shangguan Wuyou, Deng Chen, and Han Yu were all individuals who attracted a lot of attention. So, when the three of them sat together, drinking and chatting, it led many to speculate and assess the situation. Some who had considered troubling Han Yu now weighed whether they should proceed, guessing at the relationship between Shangguan Wuyou and Han Yu. After all, everyone knew that without a close relationship, Shangguan Wuyou would not offer such treatment.

Han Yu took in the reactions of everyone present, his expression unchanged, yet a profound look flashed deep in his eyes.

At the banquet, a man seated opposite Shangguan Wuyou watched Han Yu and the others drinking and conversing spiritedly. His eyes narrowed viciously, betraying a dangerous signal: This youngster does have some ability, getting on Shangguan Wuyou’s good side so quickly. New grudges and old, he has ruined my plans. There are still accounts to be settled with this arrogant young man!

“A thousand cups of wine are not enough when friends meet. Xiu Qi is truly a kindred spirit. If it weren’t for the occasion being inappropriate, I would drink three hundred cups with you.” Shangguan Wuyou went from mere appreciation of Han Yu to a genuine sense of camaraderie. He had thought Han Yu, coming from a farming background, would be limited in his abilities and perspective. Yet, Han Yu had demonstrated extraordinary insight, with views and understandings closely matching his own. They found each other’s company agreeable.

“If Brother Run Zhi doesn’t mind, come to my Mansion some day. I’ll have my Wife prepare some dishes, and we’ll also invite Wei Qing to join us. Let’s drink to our heart’s content!”

“Nothing could be better than that. Run Zhi, you don’t know, but the food at Xiu Qi Mansion is excellent. Whether it’s the meals or the pastries, I haven’t found anything to match it,” Deng Chen said eagerly, looking forward to visiting Han Yu’s home.

“That sounds wonderful. If Xiu Qi doesn’t mind, I’ll bring my Wife too. She is as much of a foodie as Run Zhi and would never miss out on good food,” Shangguan Wuyou replied, a man who doted on his wife. He and his Wife had been childhood sweethearts, and upon growing up, he brought her home as his Wife. The couple lived wholeheartedly together, unlike other Young Masters who were surrounded by a bevy of wives and concubines. Even Deng Chen, who had no concubines, had a little girl in his room to attend to him.

Han Yu, having agreed with Deng Chen and Shangguan Wuyou, thought it was about time to go outside and meet Su Wenyue to take her home. His love and respect for his Daughter-in-law were apparent, earning another look of esteem from Shangguan Wuyou. Speaking of which, he too had to go and meet “that fierce little foodie” of his own. As Deng Chen observed the two men, he shook his head in amusement.