Before Ximen Dazhuang's words fell, a crisp voice came from outside the courtyard.

"Zhao Gongzi is so Yaxing, I don't know if I mind if the little girl comes to ask for a glass of wine?"

A pale green figure floated in, it was Nangong Wan.

She wore a pale green dress today, and the hem of the skirt fluttered lightly in the wind, like a blooming blue lotus.

The sun shone on her body, like a fairy coming out of a painting.

Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang were both stunned, they didn't expect Nangong Wan to suddenly appear here.

However, Zhao Rang quickly reacted, smiled slightly, and got up to greet him.

"Miss Nangong's visit to the Humble House is really brilliant. You may be seated, and I will pour you wine. ”

As he spoke, he stretched out his hand and motioned for Nangong Wan to take a seat, then picked up the flask and poured her a glass of wine.

After Nangong Wan thanked her softly, she took the wine glass and drank it all, with a flush on her face adding a bit of charm.

"Good wine!"

She exclaimed.

"Zhao Gongzi's amount of alcohol must also be excellent."

Zhao Rang laughed and said:

"Don't say whether the amount of wine is good or not, but if the person who drinks with you is as beautiful and moving as Miss Nangong, then the wine will naturally have to drink a few more glasses!"

Simon Dazhuang echoed on the side: "Yes, yes, yes! Brother Jean is absolutely right! Miss Nangong, it would be great if you could come and drink and chat with us often! ”

Nangong Wan pursed her lips and smiled when she heard this, and said:

"Ximen Gongzi laughed, how can the little girl have the blessing to often come to drink and chat with the two sons?"

At this point, she paused, and continued:

"I wonder if the two sons have heard of this year's Spring Festival Banquet?"

Zhao Rang and Ximen Dazhuang glanced at each other and said in unison:

"Of course I've heard of it."

Nangong Wan nodded and continued:

"That's good. Zhao Gongzi really can't hide it, this Spring Festival night banquet is of great significance to our Nangong family, so ......"

She stopped abruptly at this point, as if hesitating to continue.

Seeing this, Zhao Rang said:

"Miss Nangong, but it doesn't hurt to say it."

After Nangong Wan took a deep breath, she finally said what she meant:

"My father hopes that Zhao Gongzi and Ximen Gongzi can help our Nangong family, so that His Royal Highness the Seventh Prince can give him a chance to participate in the Spring Festival Night Banquet!"

Zhao Rang didn't say anything immediately, but looked into Nangong Wan's eyes and asked:

"I wonder how Miss Nangong wants us to help?"

A hint of firmness flashed in Nangong Wan's eyes:

"Zhao Gongzi, I understand that this may be a bit difficult for you. But the Nangong family is willing to pay the corresponding price for this. ”

Zhao Rang was silent for a moment.

He knew that the power of the Nangong family should not be underestimated, but the complexity of this game was far beyond his expectations, and he had to act cautiously and could not be easily used by any party.

"Miss Nangong, although I, Zhao Rang, am young, I also know the rules in the rivers and lakes. The strength and status of the Nangong family, I naturally know it. But this Spring Festival Eve Banquet is not just a simple banquet, it is related to the power structure of the entire northern border. ”

Zhao Rang said slowly.

Nangong Wan nodded.

Zhao Rang is not an easy person to control, which is why she came to him.

"Zhao Gongzi, the Nangong family is willing to provide support, whether it is financial or human, as long as it can ensure the status of our Nangong family in this banquet."

There was a hint of temptation in Nangong Wan's words.

Zhao Rang shook his head slightly.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Nangong Wan's eyes, but she didn't give up, with a hint of pleading in her voice

"Zhao Gongzi, I understand your concerns. But the Nangong family doesn't want to take advantage of you, we just want to be able to get a place in this banquet. ”

Zhao Rang pondered for a moment.

The Nangong family is definitely qualified to participate in the Spring Festival Night Banquet, but it cannot be denied that the addition of the Nangong family will undoubtedly add more variables to this banquet, and when the other forces are not yet clear, Zhao Rang can't make a decision so quickly.

"Miss Nangong, I need time to think about it. The Seventh Prince also said that this matter cannot be decided in a hurry. ”

Zhao Rang said slowly.

Nangong Wan nodded:

"Zhao Gongzi, I understand. The Nangong family is willing to wait for your reply. ”

Zhao Rang stood up and bowed to Nangong Wan.

"Miss Nangong, I will give you an answer as soon as possible."

Nangong Wan also stood up and saluted Zhao Rang in return:

"Zhao Gongzi, I look forward to your good news."

Zhao Rang watched Nangong Wan leave, but his heart was turbulent.

Ximen Dazhuang looked at Zhao Rang with a hint of worry in his eyes.

"Brother Jean, look at this......"

Zhao Rang waved his hand, signaling that Ximen Dazhuang didn't need to say much.

"You go and prepare the manpower first, and I'll take care of the rest."

Ximen Dazhuang nodded, turned around and left the courtyard.

Zhao Rang sat alone at the stone table, the wine glass in his hand rotating slightly, and the wine in the cup shimmered in the sunlight.

Nangong Wan's visit disrupted his plans.

He originally wanted to wait and see the changes in this Spring Festival Night Banquet, but the appearance of Nangong Wan made him have to reconsider his position.

The Nangong family, as a major force in the north, cannot be ignored.

And Nangong Wan is the daughter of the Nangong family, and her request naturally represents the attitude of the Nangong family.

I can't easily refuse Nangong Wan, but I can't easily agree to her either.

Zhao Rang sat alone at the stone table, thinking about Nangong Wan's proposal repeatedly in his heart. This Spring Festival Night Banquet is a game related to the future pattern for the major forces in the north. Although the Nangong family is strong, they may not be able to win this game.

Thinking of this, Zhao Rang couldn't help frowning. He knew that he had to be cautious and not be easily taken advantage of by anyone. Although Nangong Wan is beautiful and moving, behind her is the huge power of the Nangong family. Although Zhao Rang was confident, he also knew that he was not enough to compete with the Nangong family now.

At this moment, a slight sound of footsteps interrupted Zhao Rang's thoughts. He looked up and saw a figure dressed in black walking in from outside the courtyard. The figure was slender and had a grim face, and it was the personal guard of the third prince.

He walked up to Zhao Rang and bowed.

"Zhao Gongzi, His Royal Highness the Third Prince is invited."

The third prince summoned him at this time, it must have been for the Spring Festival Night Banquet.

Zhao Rang walked through the courtyard with the guards without a shadow, and finally came to a study.

The guard knocked lightly on the door, then pushed it open for Zhao to enter.

In the study, the three princes were standing with their hands in their hands, with their backs to the door.

Hearing Zhao Rang's voice coming in, he turned around with a smile on his face.

"Zhao Rang, you're here."

Zhao Rang bowed:

"I've seen His Royal Highness the Third Prince."

The third prince waved his hand:

"No need to be polite. Have a seat. ”

As he spoke, he gestured to a chair next to him.

Zhao Rang was not polite, and said directly after sitting down:

"His Royal Highness the Third Prince summoned you, I don't know what to order?"

The third prince smiled slightly:

"Zhao Rang, you are a smart person, you should know why I summoned you at this time."

Zhao Rang nodded:

"It's for the Spring Festival Banquet."

The third prince nodded:

"That's right. This banquet is also a rare opportunity for me. Someone from the Nangong family had already come to express their attitude to me, and they hoped that I could give them a chance to attend the banquet. ”

Zhao Rang didn't speak, just quietly listened to the third prince continue.

"The strength of the Nangong family should not be underestimated, and their initiative to show favor will undoubtedly add more chips to me. But I also know very well that the Nangong family must have their own plans and purposes. ”

When the third prince said this, he paused and continued:

"So I want to know what you think. I know that you have a good relationship with Lao Qi and are close. ”

Zhao Rang pondered for a moment and then said slowly:

"His Royal Highness the Third Prince is aware of everything, and he does have some concerns. Although the Nangong family is strong, it may not be able to win steadily, and it must be cautious at all times to ensure that nothing goes wrong. ”

The third prince laughed when he heard this:

"Zhao Rang, Zhao Rang, you are really a cautious person! But you're right, you have to be cautious in this game to make sure you don't go wrong! ”

At this point, he paused, and continued:

"But sometimes opportunities are fleeting, and if you miss this one, I'm afraid it's hard to have such an opportunity."

There was a hint of deep meaning in the words of the three princes

"Your Royal Highness the Third Prince, I understand what you mean."

Zhao Rang said in a deep voice.

"But this banquet is not only a show of the Nangong family, but also a contest between the major forces in the north. All possibilities must be considered in order to make the most informed choice. ”

The third prince nodded, he admired Zhao Rang's calmness and wisdom.

"You're right. This banquet is indeed a big show. The addition of the Nangong family will undoubtedly make this scene more exciting. But only oneself knows their own abacus, which is also a necessary backhand, and they can't be led by others. ”

"His Royal Highness the Third Prince, for the Nangong family, I actually have some preliminary thoughts below."

A trace of surprise flashed in the eyes of the third prince, he didn't expect Zhao Rang to have a plan so quickly, and he was willing to tell himself.

"Oh? Let's hear it. ”

The third prince said with interest.

Zhao Rang stood up, walked to the window of the study, looked at the scenery outside, and said slowly:

"First of all, we need to understand the true intentions of the Nangong family. They want to participate in the banquet, it must be more than just to show their strength. You need to know their purpose before you can decide how to work with them. ”

The third prince nodded in agreement.

"Secondly, we can't let the Nangong family take the lead. The power dynamics in the North need to be balanced, and we must ensure that other families have the opportunity to show themselves at banquets. ”

A hint of appreciation flashed in the eyes of the third prince, and Zhao Rang's plan was in his arms.

"In the end, we need to have our own hole cards. This banquet is not only a contest of strength, but also a contest of wisdom. Only by using enough brains in advance can you occupy an advantageous position in this game. ”

The third prince stood up and walked to Zhao Rang's side, and the two looked out the window side by side.

"Zhao Rang, your idea is very good. But you have to remember that this banquet is not only a contest between the royal family and the Nangong family, but other forces are also secretly observing. Baihe Mountain, the people of the Western Regions, the Investigation Division, and the Southland! ”

Zhao Rang heard the words of the third prince with a warning in them.

Outside the window, the breeze is like silk, gently caressing the leaves, as if whispering about the coming storm.

The lights in the study flickered, reflecting two figures on the wall, one bright and one dark, like a rehearsal of a life-and-death struggle.

The sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence of the study, like thunder before a rainstorm, which made people's hearts tighten.

A guard panicked into the study, his face full of horror.

"Your Royal Highness the Third Prince! Someone broke into the mansion at night! ”

The third prince's face changed suddenly, but he quickly regained his composure.

The night was like ink, and Zhao Rang's figure was like a pine, standing in front of the three princes, like an insurmountable mountain.

The black steel knife in his hand pointed obliquely at the ground, and the fierce knife aura seemed to split the silent night into two.

The wind outside the window suddenly became rapid, accompanied by a sound of breaking the air, and a black shadow rushed out of the darkness like a ghost, hitting Zhao Rang's heart with lightning speed.

The dagger in his hand flickered with cold light, revealing a strong killing intent.

Zhao Rang seemed to have a premonition, his body flickered, and he dodged this fatal blow at a speed that ordinary people could not reach.

Turning around, he saw a masked man in black staring at him coldly, his eyes, like an abyss, revealing endless coldness and killing intent.

"Who are you? Dare to break into the mansion of the three princes at night to assassinate! ”

Zhao Rang shouted coldly.

The man in black didn't answer, but just waved the dagger in his hand and threw himself at Zhao Rang again.

His body is strange and unpredictable, and every attack goes straight to the point, as if he wants to put Zhao Rang to death.

In the study, for a while, the figures of the two were intertwined, and it was difficult to separate.

Zhao Rang's long knife danced impenetrably, like a silver dragon snake flying in the air, defusing the attacks of the man in black one by one.

The man in black, on the other hand, relied on his flexible body and sharp dagger to constantly launch onslaught, trying to find Zhao Rang's flaws.

Both of them were extremely fast, and it was difficult for ordinary people to catch their movements with the naked eye.

You can only hear the crisp sound of swords colliding, and the sound of the wind breaking through the air.

The figure of the man in black was ghostly, flickering in the flickering lamp of the study.

Every time he appeared, it was accompanied by a fierce murderous aura, which made Zhao Rang dare not be careless.

"Ding!" There was another crisp sound, and Zhao Rang's long knife and the dagger of the man in black collided again, and sparks splashed everywhere.

This time, the man in black took advantage of the situation to take a few steps back, stood firmly on the windowsill, and looked at Zhao Rang with cold eyes.

Zhao Rang did not pursue, he knew that the strength of this man in black was not under him, and rash pursuit would only reveal flaws.

He took a deep breath and held his long knife across his chest, staring warily at the man in black.

The eyes of the two met in the air, as if a spark was flickering.

The atmosphere in the study suddenly became solemn, neither of them spoke, but the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder.

A gust of wind blew, blowing the curtains of the study to the sound of hunting, the sound of the wind.

The man in black suddenly moved!

He turned into a black shadow and threw himself at Zhao Rang.

The speed was as fast as a bolt of lightning piercing the night sky. Zhao Rang had already prepared, his body shook, and he skillfully dodged the attack of the man in black.

At the same time, with a wave of the long knife in his hand, a cold and shining sword light greeted him.

"Boom!" There was a loud bang.

The attacks of the two collided in the air, and a powerful air current erupted.

Zhao Rang only felt a huge force rushing in, and involuntarily took a few steps back.

The man in black took advantage of the situation to roll over and jump out of the window and disappear into the night.

Zhao Rang chased to the window, only to see that it was dark outside the window, where was there any trace of the man in black? I couldn't help frowning.

The most important thing at this moment is to protect the safety of the three princes.

Zhao Rang turned around and walked to the side of the third prince and said in a low voice:

"Your Highness, this person has good strength, and he is obviously prepared, so he must be on guard!"

The third prince nodded, his face solemn.

Who is this man in black?

Why did he break into the mansion of the Three Princes at night to assassinate?

Zhao Rang didn't have time to think about these questions.

He walked out of the study and looked up, only to see dark clouds in the night sky, as if they were about to swallow the whole sky.

As soon as Zhao Rang stepped out of the mansion of the Third Prince, a carriage of the Investigation Division came galloping and stopped in front of him.

The curtain was lifted lightly, revealing Qingqing's cold and determined face.

"Get in the car!"

She commanded briefly, with unmistakable majesty in her tone.

Zhao Rang was slightly stunned, and then jumped into the carriage. The car is spacious, but only Qingqing sits alone.

She was dressed in a black tights with a short sword hanging from her waist, looking heroic.

"Why are you here?"

Zhao Rang asked.

Qingqing didn't answer his question, but stared into his eyes, as if trying to read something from his eyes.

"What do you think of tonight's events?"

She finally spoke, her voice low and powerful.

Zhao Rang knew that she was asking about the assassination of the third prince by the man in black, so he said in a deep voice:

"There must be something strange about this. The man in black was very strong, and he was obviously not an ordinary assassin. He chose to assassinate the three princes at this time, which must have a deep meaning. ”

Qingqing nodded, agreeing with him.

"I think so too. And I suspect that this matter has something to do with the Nangong family. ”

Zhao Rang's heart moved, and he remembered the scene when Nangong Wan came to him today.

Could it be that the Nangong family really has something to do with this matter?

"Do you have any proof?"

Qingqing shook her head:

"There is no conclusive evidence yet. But the owner of the building has already sent someone to investigate. But before I do that, I have one thing to tell you. ”

She paused, then continued:

"According to the intelligence of the Investigation Division, the third prince has secretly made contact with the people of the Western Regions."

Zhao Rang's heart sank when he heard this.

The people of the Western Regions have always been at odds with the major forces in the north, and their intervention at this time will inevitably make the situation even more complicated.

The carriage galloped through the night, and soon disappeared into the night.

Zhao Rang sat in the car, his heart full of thoughts and worries.