"..."
One by one, princes and ministers from various small countries entered the hall, but Wang Yan's gaze remained unchanged. Only when he saw Prince Kolo did a cryptic look of seriousness flash across his face.
Just as the banquet was halfway through and the singing and dancing were about to end, a row of palace maids carrying round cups walked in with graceful steps.
The old emperor also smiled broadly.
"I have recently acquired a delicacy, and I would like to take this opportunity to share it with all my beloved ministers and envoys from various countries!"
After saying that, he gestured with his eyes to Eunuch Hai beside him. Years of thoughtfulness made Eunuch Hai understand his meaning instantly, and his face beamed with joy as he said this.
"Unveiling the mystery!"
Upon hearing this, the palace maids immediately reached out and lifted the lid, revealing a tender, yellowish-white substance inside…
Qin Qing looked at the contents of the bowl and revealed an expression of "I knew it." She had wondered why the demand at Full Moon Pavilion had suddenly increased yesterday. After all, crab meat was expensive, and even among the high-ranking officials and nobles at Full Moon Pavilion, few people bought it regularly. She had been quite puzzled by the sudden increase in demand. So it turned out they were selling it to the old emperor...
Thinking about this, the crab meat in front of her suddenly didn't taste so good. She sold it for a few dozen taels, while Full Moon Pavilion sold it for over two hundred taels! This small bowl would probably sell for a sky-high price of four hundred taels! That's enough to buy a two-bedroom apartment!
It's true that comparisons are odious, but what can she do when she doesn't have the fame and heritage of Full Moon Pavilion?
Then, Grandpa Hai stood on the high place and began to explain to everyone.
"This dish is called 'Abundant Fortune'! It is made from the meat of a type of aquatic animal called crab. Its flavor is incredibly delicious, and the meat has distinct layers of texture. It is extremely rare! Please savor it!"
With the old emperor's permission, everyone curiously picked up their spoons. Wang Yan was not surprised at all when he saw what was inside, after all, Qin Qing had been feeding him quite a lot during this period, and even the best food would become tiresome if eaten too much!
But the others were different, especially the so-called Prince Xiyiji of Puda Kingdom. After eating a bite of crab meat, he was full of amazement!
"It's so delicious! I never imagined there could be such wonderful food in the world. I've lived for over twenty years and have never tasted anything like this crab before. And the yellow meat melts in your mouth, so fragrant and delicious! It's simply a delicacy! Your Majesty, please allow me to once again express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous gift!"
A subtle act of flattery, using the guise of delicious food, subtly expressed admiration and amazement to the old emperor, making him even happier and laughing heartily.
Qin Qing was stunned. It was the first time he had ever seen someone so skilled at flattery, especially a crown prince...
Perhaps noticing the surprise in her gaze, Wang Yan explained again.
"Puda is arid year-round, with a vast territory but very little water, scarce vegetation, and frequent sandstorms. Yet, it has the largest population of all the countries, and countless strange and poisonous creatures! Therefore, it desperately needs our country's help..."
Qin Qing nodded slowly upon hearing this, then looked at Wang Yan with a smile on her face.
"Although you always have a serious face, you are quite observant. You even noticed my subtle surprise and confusion."
Wang Yan paused in his wine glass, but did not answer her. His expression remained unchanged, but he was utterly helpless inside! It wasn't that he was observant; rather, his attention had been entirely focused on Qin Qing, worried that she might be unhappy because of the atmosphere. Who would have thought she would have so much free time to observe others!
Meanwhile, upon hearing these words from the Crown Prince of the West, Prince Chloe's lips curled into a slightly sarcastic smile, clearly showing his disdain for the prince's obsequious manner.
Then, he looked away, only to see Qin Qing speaking quietly...
A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. According to the scouts' investigation, this woman was nearly forty years old and of ordinary status. She even had grandchildren. How could she be here?
He never expected to see this woman here. After all, Wang Yan was a renowned and valiant general of the Tianlong Kingdom, so it was normal for him to appear at a banquet. But that woman…
Looking at where the two were sitting, Prince Chloe instantly recalled the murderous scene on the city wall. At that moment, even he was terrified, as if he would die at any moment. It seemed that... it was because his sword was held against that old woman!
So that's how it is! They have this kind of relationship!
Thinking of this, Prince Chloe's eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint in them. He noticed the woman's fair skin, gentle and clear eyes, and curvaceous figure; every smile and gesture exuded the feminine charm befitting a mature woman…
She doesn't look like a woman who's almost forty at all!
Wang Yan seemed to sense something and quickly looked in someone's direction. The two locked eyes! Prince Chloe was caught red-handed, but instead of feeling embarrassed, he smiled smugly, full of provocation!
Clearly, he was very dissatisfied with Wang Yan!
Wang Yan frowned slightly. For some reason, he felt a very dangerous feeling from this person, and the faint killing intent made him more cautious.
Does he know this person? Why does he seem to have a lot of malice when he looks at him?
Qin Qing had no idea about the complicated relationship between them. After finishing the crab meat, he obediently sat in his seat and did not move. After all, the less he talked, the more he pretended to be deaf, and the less trouble he would get into!
However, no matter how low she tries to keep a low profile, some people still won't let her off the hook!
Suddenly, the old emperor on the stage smiled and said that their Tianlong Kingdom had a dance that was so beautiful that he specially invited everyone to watch it!
Then, with a clap of his hands, more than a dozen women, dressed in pink long sleeves, with flowing black hair, veils on their faces, and graceful figures, poured in from outside.
Accompanied by a refreshing fragrance, a magnificent and graceful dance unfolds before you…
Among them, the most eye-catching was the white figure in the middle of a group of dancers in pink dresses. Every turn and gesture she made was full of indescribable charm, and her proud and charming eyes flickered slightly. She was extraordinarily beautiful! Everyone present was amazed!
Only Wang Yan and Prince Kolo watched expressionlessly, showing no amazement whatsoever. The old emperor, sitting above, noticed the amazement in the eyes of the group below, his face filled with pride and self-satisfaction.
Qin Qing: "..."
How could she not attract attention?! Amidst a sea of pink, that striking white stands out like a crane among chickens—of course she'd be noticed! I really don't understand what these people are thinking. Imagine a stunningly beautiful woman without makeup, wearing cheap clothes, standing next to a woman with average looks but exquisite makeup, flowing robes, and a decent figure—any discerning person would notice the latter, right?
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