Upon hearing this, Mu Zian replied with a serious expression.
"Stop fooling around, let's get down to business."
Upon hearing this, Mi Linglong immediately sat down to the side, puffing out her cheeks, and then said...
"What a hypocrite!"
Even so, Mi Linglong continued to speak.
"For many years, the nations of the world have been engaged in open and covert struggles."
"Your Great Li has won the war against the Xiongnu, which has naturally made other countries unhappy."
"Emperor Zhao originally intended to take advantage of this opportunity to reap the benefits, but you ended the war first, so naturally he is dissatisfied."
"Since he can't compete with Dali in terms of martial prowess, he will naturally try to suppress Dali in other ways."
"Although Dali is militarily strong, it has only taken a little over twenty years to grow from a small country into a major power."
"The capital of Zhao is located in the Central Plains, where culture and culture flourish. Since we cannot suppress it by force, we should naturally try to suppress it by our own strengths."
"Isn't that how relations between two countries work? They seem to be on the surface, but in reality, they're stabbing each other in the back."
At this point, the meaning couldn't be clearer.
The purpose of the Zhao delegation's visit was to dampen the arrogance of the Dali after its great victory over the Xiongnu.
Having received a satisfactory answer, Mu Zian got up and left.
Seeing this, Mi Linglong shouted angrily.
"Mu Zi'an! If you leave, don't come back!"
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian did not stop walking. If he really stayed here overnight, he would probably be torn apart by Xiao Xiuning the next day.
"Ahem, Your Majesty suddenly remembered that there are still some matters at home that need to be taken care of."
"I will come to catch up with you again when I have some free time."
After saying that, Mu Zian left without looking back.
This scene left Mi Linglong, who was inside the room, completely stunned!
"Miss, the Duke of Zhenguo has already gone far away."
It wasn't until Huan'er's voice came that Mi Linglong came back to her senses!
Mi Linglong angrily pointed to the spot where Mu Zi'an's figure disappeared and said.
"Mu Zi'an! You win! If you've got the guts, then don't ever come looking for me again!"
After saying that, Mi Linglong turned her head and buried herself in the quilt.
Huan'er watched from the side and said in a mature manner.
"Miss, you're too deeply involved~"
From inside the quilt came Mi Linglong's muffled voice.
"None of your business!"
The next morning, Zhao Dahu brought a group of servants from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to install a honeycomb briquette stove system in the room.
Feeling the warmth emanating from the room, Mi Linglong's mood improved considerably.
We were somewhat forgiving of Mu Zi'an's desertion yesterday.
......
No matter when or what era, the Spring Festival is undoubtedly the most important event in the hearts of the Chinese people.
This was especially true for feudal dynasties.
On the day of the Spring Festival, not only are officials entertained, but those who have performed outstandingly this year are also rewarded.
This is considered a year-end bonus to acknowledge your work throughout the year.
Imperial banquets in Chinese history have a long history.
Starting with the "New Year's Day celebration ceremony" in the Han Dynasty, it has been passed down and changed through various dynasties.
But the one thing that remains unchanged is that we must celebrate in a grand and spectacular way.
This year's Spring Festival was especially extraordinary for the entire Dali region.
Suppressing the rebellion in Luzhou and winning the war against the Xiongnu—any one of these events is a major celebration.
Therefore, this year's imperial banquet was unprecedented in scale.
From the morning onwards, the Dali Imperial Palace was bustling with activity.
A royal banquet is not just a simple meal or distribution of gifts; it is a political gathering of great significance to a country.
This imperial banquet was arranged by the Ministry of Rites, with the Court of Imperial Sacrifices responsible for its implementation.
From selecting dishes to setting the table, every detail requires careful consideration.
At dawn, before Mu Zian had even woken up, Xiao Xiuning had already stormed into Mu Zian's Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
Still half asleep, Mu Zian was pulled off the bed by Xiao Xiuning.
Immediately afterwards, a maid came forward to help Mu Zian change his clothes.
Xiao Xiuning directed from the side.
"This one won't work! Let's get another one!"
"This set is alright, but you need to change the turban!"
"This gold hairpin is too tacky, let's get the jade one instead."
...
Mu Zian was like a puppet on a string, completely at Xiao Xiuning's mercy.
Despite all the effort, Xiao Xiuning was still not satisfied, and in the end, she even brought Liu Rushi in to discuss it as well.
Women have always been very particular about their appearance.
Xiao Xiuning and Liu Rushi are both perfectionists when it comes to details, striving for perfection in every aspect.
Back then, Mu Zian braved the snow and marched thousands of miles across the grasslands, but he never felt the agony of these past few hours.
Perhaps because of yesterday's jealousy, Xiao Xiuning used a legitimate reason to torment Mu Zian over and over again today.
It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that Xiao Xiuning finally nodded in satisfaction.
"This barely resembles the demeanor of a Duke of Zhenguo."
After changing his clothes, Mu Zian lay on the chair in despair, looking as if he had just fought a bloody battle.
Meanwhile, inside the embassy of Dali.
Today, Song Min changed into a pure white brocade robe, making her look ethereal and like a fairy.
This left Prince Fuyang, who was standing to the side, somewhat stunned.
He saw the greedy look that Prince Fuyang was giving him.
Song Min frowned involuntarily; she genuinely disliked the Prince of Fuyang.
After all, who in the entire Zhao state didn't know the lecherous and wicked nature of Prince Fuyang?
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