Time flies, and several days passed in the blink of an eye. This also means that An Honghan's birthday is getting closer and closer.
The concubines in the harem and the ministers in the court were all searching for treasures, waiting to please the emperor on his birthday.
Xi Xizhi was no exception. With An Honghan's birthday just two days away, she hadn't even decided what gift to give him.
How about giving jade? There's plenty in the palace.
How about giving her a necklace or jewelry? An Honghan isn't a woman, she definitely wouldn't like those things.
And so, Xi Xizhi, who had nothing to do all day, once again stared blankly at the blue sky.
What should I give as a gift?
As soon as An Honghan stepped through the door, he saw Xi Xizhi with a distressed expression. He reached out and stroked her forehead. "You didn't think things through earlier, but now that the time is almost here, you realize how tight the deadline is. If I'm not satisfied, I will punish you severely."
Upon hearing this, Xi Xizhi shuddered and snapped back to reality.
An Honghan narrowed his eyes, put his arm around the child, and walked to the table. "Lin En, tell the imperial kitchen to serve the dishes."
With An Honghan's birthday approaching, many eunuchs in the palace have begun preparations. The Liuyun Palace, which is specially used for the banquet, is bustling with eunuchs and palace maids coming and going.
Xi Xizhi held her silver chopsticks, picked up a few pieces of green vegetables and put them in her mouth. She glanced at An Honghan a few times, feeling a little guilty, and asked hesitantly, "An Honghan, what do you like?"
Instead of making wild guesses, it would be easier to ask An Honghan directly. Xi Xizhi stared intently at An Honghan with her bright, watery eyes, hoping he would give her an answer.
An Honghan put down his silver chopsticks and raised an eyebrow. "This is a gift from you. Do you expect me to choose it myself? I'm afraid you can't give me what I want."
Xi Xizhi shrank back in fright, and realized that was true.
Who is An Honghan? He possesses a vast empire, and has no shortage of wealth or power. If he were to choose a gift himself, he would probably have to put his true abilities to the test.
Xi Xizhi remained melancholy... What gift should she give him?
After two days of confused and troubled thinking, Xi Xizhi finally came up with a solution. With her chubby little hand, she slapped the table and jumped up from her chair. "I've got it!"
These two words startled the palace maids and eunuchs in the hall, who thought to themselves, "What's wrong with this young master? Why is he so agitated?"
Time always flies, and two days passed in a flash. Finally, An Honghan's birthday arrived. Everyone in the palace was in high spirits, hoping that their gifts would please His Majesty and bring a smile to his face.
The Liuyun Palace was filled with lanterns and candles at night, creating a magnificent and imposing atmosphere. Many ministers arrived early, carrying their gifts to the eunuchs to register, and occasionally whispering among themselves about what they had brought. Tonight's banquet did not seem as oppressive as the previous ones.
Xi Xizhi peeked her head out from behind the pillar. She had barely managed to escape An Honghan's clutches tonight and sneak out. After carefully scanning the Liuyun Palace, she saw that An Honghan was sitting on the dragon throne and hadn't noticed her. Xi Xizhi tiptoed out of the palace.
Since we're going to give a gift to An Honghan, we must make sure it makes him happy.
Xi Xizhi didn't have anything valuable, but she had three good helpers. Isn't the key to traveling the world simply having many friends? Xi Xizhi did this very well.
First, she returned to Panlong Palace to retrieve the package she had prepared. Then, Xi Xizhi immediately went to the green lawn and summoned three butterflies.
After these days of instruction from Xi Xizhi, the three butterflies were able to speak some simple words.
"You...you...have come." One of the butterflies, who had transformed into human form, stammered.
Xi Xizhi opened the package somewhat impatiently and took out three sets of clothes. "Hurry up and put these on. The banquet is about to start, and we'll need you to hold things together. If anyone dares to try to pull you away like last time or make suggestive remarks, then don't be polite to them!"
The three butterflies nodded knowingly. "Don't worry, we... will definitely make... your emperor... satisfied."
Xi Xizhi blinked in confusion. What did "Your Majesty" mean? But it was only a momentary question. The urgency of time made Xi Xizhi put the question aside and urge the three butterfly beauties to get dressed quickly.
Having learned from their previous experience, the three fairies seemed much more familiar with each other after transforming into human form. They followed Xi Xizhi, passing through buildings and pavilions, until they arrived at the entrance of Liuyun Palace.
The appearance of the three of them immediately sparked another round of heated discussion.
The dance they performed last time was unforgettable, but unfortunately, they only saw it once. Many ministers and merchants inquired about the whereabouts of the three women, but they seemed to have vanished without a trace, leaving no trace in the world.
"You guys go out and dance later. I've already talked to Lynn about this. Dance what you're good at, make sure it's spectacular. We'll rely on you to stall for time," Xi Xizhi said very solemnly. If she weren't so short, she would definitely have run over and patted the three fairies on the shoulders.
"I...I understand." The three fairies stammered a little, but they all nodded.
Xi Xizhi had great faith in their martial arts skills and was not worried at all about any problems that might arise.
Lynn didn't understand why Xi Xizhi had made this arrangement, and he was even more confused as to why Xi Xizhi had repeatedly told him to keep it a secret from His Majesty. However, Lynn ultimately chose to help Xi Xizhi, for no other reason than that even an old man like him couldn't resist a child's tantrums.
"My little ancestor, you must be careful. If His Majesty finds out that this old servant is hiding something from him, I'll lose my head." Lin En was still shaken and terrified.
Xi Xizhi blinked and continued to act cute, "Uncle Lin, don't worry, I will definitely not make An Honghan angry. On the contrary, I will make him happy. Just wait for your reward. You help watch over the three of them for now. The dancing will be your responsibility later."
Lynn sighed. No wonder His Majesty couldn't do anything with this child; even he himself couldn't resist the charm of her smile.
Look at that little nose and mouth, isn't it adorable?
"Alright, alright, my little ancestor, you'd better hurry up, don't keep His Majesty waiting."
Xi Xizhi gave Lin En a reassuring look, indicating that absolutely no mistakes would occur.
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