Chapter 986: Testing

"Wang Qiandu, you’ve arrived just in time!"

As Wang Chen’s gaze fell upon Liang Shijie, the latter immediately raised his head and flashed a toothy grin at him.

The tone was so familiar, as if the two had known each other for ages.

Wang Chen calmly bowed to him, saying, "I am Wang Chen, here to greet His Highness, Prince Jing!"

"No need for such formalities!"

Liang Shijie tossed aside the bone in his hand, wiped his greasy lips with his plump hand, and laughed, "Sit down quickly and try this freshly cooked braised pig trotter; it’s absolutely delicious!"

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Wang Chen took a seat opposite Liang Shijie, with a distance of ten paces between them. The table was laden with various delicious dishes, including roasted whole lamb, suckling pig, and veal, with meat being the main attraction.

Though it couldn’t quite compare to a wine pool and meat forest, it was certainly lavish!

"Let’s discuss business later; filling our bellies is the priority!"

Liang Shijie grabbed a greasy elbow, saying, "Wang Qiandu, eat as much as you can; don’t hold back!"

From the looks of it, Wang Chen suspected that this prince was merely seeking a dining companion.

Two plates of steaming braised elbows were promptly placed before him!

"Your Highness is too kind; I shall obey your command."

Wang Chen nodded and reached for a trotter to eat.

He consumed the same size elbow as Liang Shijie, but his movements were far more graceful, calm, and natural.

In the blink of an eye, he had polished off a four or five-pound braised elbow.

Most people would be stuffed by now, but he immediately picked up a second one and swiftly devoured it, barely staining his mouth with grease.

Liang Shijie stared in amazement, his small eyes wide with surprise.

"Good!" he suddenly exclaimed, laughing heartily, "Wang Qiandu is indeed no ordinary person; it was not in vain that this king organized this feast for you."

"Your Highness flatters me."

Wang Chen took the goblet offered by a maid and downed the fine wine in one gulp.

Liang Shijie said, "Eat, eat, eat; we’ll talk after you’re full!"

He seemed to have truly transformed into a glutton.

But Wang Chen was unperturbed.

His cultivation level had reached the sixth level, and his digestive ability was over ten times that of an ordinary person; he could go long periods without food or drink while also being able to consume vast amounts in a short time.

Most importantly, Wang Chen could cheat.

Thanks to the marvelous function of his storage space, he could make this prince eat until he was bursting!

Next, Wang Chen consumed half a roasted whole lamb and a roasted suckling pig, along with other delicious food from the mountains and the sea, matching the portions that could feed a dozen people.

He also drank two jars of aged fine wine, leaving the maids attending him drenched in fragrant sweat.

At first, Prince Jing still had a competitive spirit with Wang Chen, but after a while, he patted his swollen belly and stopped his binge eating.

With the prince full, Wang Chen also ceased eating, timing it perfectly.

"Everyone can go now."

Liang Shijie waved his hand and said, "Bring two pots of tea."

He shifted his hefty body and remarked to Wang Chen, "Wang Qiandu, you are the second person I have ever seen who can eat like this!"

Wang Chen smiled and remained silent, not asking who the first was.

However, Liang Shijie, unable to contain himself, revealed, "The first person who can eat like this is, of course, me!"

Wang Chen chuckled, "I would never dare to compare myself to Your Highness."

Liang Shijie shook his head, saying, "It’s hard to find a kindred spirit in this world. Wang Qiandu, although you are young, your appetite truly delights me; unlike some people who can eat a lot but pretend they can’t, that’s too hypocritical!"

Wang Chen didn’t engage with that remark and asked, "Your Highness, you invited me to Spring Moon Tower tonight, it can’t be just to test my appetite, right?"

"Of course not!"

Liang Shijie laughed heartily, "I heard there is a young hero in the cavalry who excels at Slaying Demons and exterminating evil, so I couldn’t resist inviting you to see what kind of person has gained the emperor’s favor."

At this point, he suddenly changed his tone, saying, "A talent like you is far too underutilized in the cavalry. I can recommend you to the Tiger Ben Army; the prospects there are much better than in the Yiluan Directorate!"

Is he trying to poach me?

Wang Chen was a bit surprised and momentarily did not respond.

Liang Shijie spoke earnestly, "Wang Qiandu, you don’t have any plans yet, right? The internal struggles of the Yiluan Directorate are constant; the commanders each have their own thoughts, and I’ve heard some folks can’t stand seeing young people do well and always want to create trouble."

"Wang Qiandu, Daye is not the same as local counties; you need to be careful!"

Wang Chen nodded, "Thank you for your reminder, Your Highness. I will certainly keep it in mind!"

What this prince said might be true, but it would be foolish to completely trust him.

Wang Chen wasn’t foolish!

No matter what the other’s purpose in inviting him tonight was, as long as he didn’t get greedy or fall for traps, he would be fine.

Liang Shijie continued to speak a few more words, all of which Wang Chen brushed off with vague replies.

The atmosphere inevitably grew a bit colder.

The rest of the gathering was rather uneventful, and it ended hastily.

After Wang Chen took his leave, Liang Shijie waved for all the maids and musicians to leave, leaving him alone on the brocade seat to ponder, his expression shifting unpredictably.

After a little while, the prince clapped his hands.

A gray figure appeared beside him like a phantom and bowed, asking, "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

"Investigate this Wang Chen thoroughly."

Liang Shijie said in a deep voice, "Bring up his family history for me, especially in these past two years. Check every detail carefully, leaving no stone unturned!"

The gray figure bowed and accepted the command, "Yes!"

Liang Shijie’s gaze then shifted to the left, where a curtain fell silently, revealing an old Taoist in a blue robe with hair as white as a crane yet a youthful complexion.

"Daoist Shen, what do you think?"

Liang Shijie spoke respectfully, even with a hint of deference towards the old Taoist.

The old Taoist pondered for a moment before replying, "This person exudes a balanced and steady aura, with a calm and prolonged breath. There are no signs of demonic corruption; if there are problems, there certainly aren’t any."

"However, his destiny is extremely obscure and cannot be glimpsed; please forgive the Taoist for his inadequacy!"

"You exaggerate, Daoist."

Liang Shijie shook his head and said, "No one is immortal; who can know everything? Your words are enough."

The old Taoist thought for a moment and said, "It would be best for him to be a friend; if he becomes an enemy, we must strike ruthlessly, leaving him no chance to escape, or the consequences will be unpredictable!"

"What a pity…"

Liang Shijie seemed to recall something, letting out a heavy sigh.

In the world, one is not entirely in control of their own fate, even if they are of royalty; many situations leave them with no choice!