"Please!" The three distinguished individuals politely declined each other's invitation.

Gong Yuhan, who had not gone far, was called back.

"The Emperor of Nanling!"

Gong Yuhan's back stiffened, her hands clenched tightly in her wide sleeves, she took a deep breath before straightening her back and slowly turning around, a gentle and polite smile on her face, quietly waiting for the others to approach.

Gong Yuhan nodded to the three men in greeting. He felt that the Emperor of Beixiang and the Emperor of Nanling were going to make things difficult for him, at least to embarrass him, especially Yang Mingyue of Dongyang.

Unexpectedly, the two men didn't say anything, just exchanged greetings, and the group headed towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

There was still some time before the banquet began. Emperor Jingyuan, accompanied by three others and a group of officials from the Ministry of Rites, went to the main hall to meet the emperor. Many key ministers were also present.

Emperor Jingcheng sat atop a dragon throne made of golden nanmu wood, a symbol of power. The wood's grain was exquisitely beautiful, and the back of the throne was carved with a five-clawed golden dragon, soaring through the clouds with lifelike detail. The golden dragon scales refracted a dazzling light under the sun, inspiring awe. The armrests and legs were also decorated with dragon reliefs, their smooth lines conveying a sense of solemnity and elegance; the throne embodied both majesty and power.

Emperor Jingcheng looked down over the entire palace, and the ministers were all waiting for the arrival of today's protagonist.

As the high-pitched chant of the eunuch at the palace gate drew everyone's attention, their gazes fixed on the tall, wide palace gate.

"The Emperor of Nanling, the Emperor of Dongyang, and the Emperor of Beixiang are here to pay their respects. Prince Yuan has arrived!"

Emperor Jingcheng sat calmly on the dragon throne, watching the group slowly enter. Although they all wore smiles, their manners and styles were quite evident.

After bowing, Prince Yuan stepped aside. Yang Mingyue and Liu Xinqi stepped forward and nodded slightly in greeting: "Emperor Yang Mingyue of Nanling, Emperor Liu Xinqi of Beixiang."

Emperor Jingcheng nodded, and everyone's gaze immediately turned to Gong Yuhan of Nanling Palace. He stepped forward and respectfully performed the deepest kowtow: "Liu Xinqi greets Your Majesty the Emperor!"

The serious expressions on the faces of the officials of Xijing visibly relaxed, replaced by expressions of satisfaction.

"Please rise." Di Jingcheng spoke calmly, raising his right hand. His expression remained largely expressionless, leaving the three below unsure of his attitude.