The guesthouses were decorated in an elegant and solemn manner. The guesthouses of the envoys from the six countries were decorated in their own unique ways, incorporating both traditional elements of the Liang Kingdom and the cultural characteristics of their respective countries.
Every corner showcases Jingyuan's cultural heritage and the spirit of the times.
King Liang nodded in satisfaction, expressing his approval of Lord Huang's work.
"Lord Huang, you have done a great job," King Liang praised. "The envoys from the six kingdoms are about to arrive, and we must make sure they feel Jingyuan's enthusiasm and sincerity."
Lord Huang smiled modestly and said, "Your Highness, you flatter me. It is my honor to be able to share Your Highness's burdens."
The two toured the residence together, and after ensuring that everything was ready, they returned to the Liang Prince's Mansion.
Three days before the birthday celebrations, envoys from six kingdoms arrived in Liang. Their arrival attracted widespread attention from the people of Liang, and the streets were bustling with people stopping to watch these foreign visitors.
King Liang personally went to welcome the envoys from the six kingdoms and hosted a banquet for them at the guesthouse.
At the banquet, King Liang and the envoys from the six kingdoms had a very pleasant conversation in a harmonious atmosphere.
"Your Highness, we are deeply honored to be received by you personally." Xiao Yan, the fifth prince of Beiji Kingdom, stood up and expressed his respect to King Liang.
"Fifth Prince, you flatter me." King Liang smiled and waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. "It is truly an honor for my Liang Kingdom to have invited envoys from six kingdoms to gather here. Since you have come from afar, Liang Kingdom should do its utmost to be a good host."
“Your Highness is absolutely right.” Xiao Yan nodded in agreement, then turned to the other envoys, “Gentlemen, His Highness the Prince of Liang is so hospitable, we must make sure to experience the customs and culture of Liang, so that this trip will not be in vain.”
Everyone echoed their agreement, making the banquet atmosphere even more lively.
King Liang was satisfied. His gaze swept over everyone present and finally settled on the eldest princess of Xuan Yue Kingdom.
The eldest princess of Xuan Yue Kingdom is named Xuan Qing. She is a young woman with a beautiful appearance and elegant demeanor.
She was sitting quietly in her seat, not saying a word, yet she exuded a calm and composed demeanor.
King Liang smiled slightly and raised his cup to toast Xuan Qing: "Your Highness, I have heard that your country has become increasingly powerful in recent years, and your people live in peace and prosperity. You are truly a role model for us all. I toast you, wishing that Xuan Yue Kingdom and Jing Yuan Kingdom will be friendly for generations to come and work together for development."
Xuan Qing stood up, raised his cup in return, and said, "Your Highness, you flatter me. Xuan Yue and Jing Yuan are neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water, and should naturally be as close as brothers. May the friendship between our two countries last forever and may we prosper together."
King Liang nodded in approval, but inwardly he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for this princess.
He knew that the gathering of envoys from six kingdoms in Liang was not only to celebrate his father's birthday, but also to discuss future cooperation and development. Xuan Qing, as the envoy from Southern Chu, would undoubtedly play a crucial role in this process.
Thinking of this, King Liang couldn't help but feel full of anticipation for future cooperation.
Gaining the support of the royal families of these countries would undoubtedly increase our chances of securing that position in the future.
Rumors circulated that the Xuan Yue Kingdom intended to form a marriage alliance with the Jing Yuan Kingdom. This news was like a gentle spring breeze, bringing endless daydreams to King Liang.
He knew that the princess's arrival was not only to celebrate Emperor Wenyuan's birthday, but also to find a future partner among Jingyuan's princes.
This news stirred an overwhelming excitement within the King of Liang.
For many years, the Prince of Liang deliberately maintained a clean and virtuous image. He adhered to the bottom line of remaining unmarried and did not even take a concubine or have a maidservant.
All of this was so that he could marry a queen who could help him.
Now, the opportunity is right in front of him. King Liang is determined to seize this rare opportunity, show his best side, and win the favor of the eldest princess.
Of course, it wasn't just the King of Liang who had this idea; the princes of the other five kingdoms also shared it. Therefore, the representative sent by Jingyuan this year was their country's most competitive single prince.
Inside the palace, on the day of Emperor Wenyuan's birthday, a grand banquet was in full swing.
The arrival of the princes and princesses of the six kingdoms brought unprecedented splendor to the palace. Among them, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly Princess Xuanqing of the Xuan Yue Kingdom.
Her beauty lies not only in her appearance, but also in her calm and composed demeanor, as if she could remain calm and rational no matter what happened.
This temperament made her stand out among the many princes and princesses, making her the focus of everyone's attention.
During the banquet, princes from various countries toasted Xuanqing, hoping to win her favor.
Xuanqing, on the other hand, always maintained a smile and gracefully handled various situations.
Meng Zhelan was not originally qualified to attend such an occasion, but the Empress Dowager specifically requested her presence. She also suggested that this opportunity could be used to promote their newly opened Yuejifang in the West Market.
Yuejifang was a shop jointly established by Meng Zhelan and the Empress Dowager. It specialized in selling various women's beauty and health products developed by Meng Zhelan, such as Jade Skin Cream, Nourishing Cream, and Warming Uterus Pills, which were very popular among female customers.
Although Meng Zhelan was not enthusiastic about business activities, she had no choice but to stand beside the Empress Dowager at her insistence.
At this moment, Xuanqing walked up to the Empress Dowager, bowed deeply, and greeted her in a clear voice: "Xuanqing greets the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager enjoy boundless blessings, peace, longevity, and good health."
The Empress Dowager looked at her with admiration in her eyes.
She smiled and said, "Xuanqing, you've come. Get up quickly and come to my side."
Xuanqing obediently walked to the Empress Dowager's side, bowed his head and stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.
"It's been many years. Do you still remember me? You were only six or seven years old then." The Empress Dowager had visited Xuan Yue Kingdom ten years ago.
Back then, Xuanqing was just a naive little girl, clever and lovable. Now, ten years later, she has grown into a graceful young woman, elegant and gentle.
The Empress Dowager held Xuanqing's hand, carefully examining her, and nodded with satisfaction: "You've truly blossomed into a beautiful young woman. How have you been these past years in Xuan Yue Kingdom?"
Xuanqing replied respectfully, "Thanks to the Empress Dowager, I am doing very well in Xuan Yue Kingdom. My father and mother love me very much, and my brothers and sisters are also very harmonious. Although Xuan Yue Kingdom is not large, it is peaceful and prosperous, and the people live and work in peace and contentment."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction and said, "That's good. Your mother's teachings are indeed exceptional; you have the demeanor of a princess. Excellent!"
She made no attempt to hide her admiration for Xuan Qing.
Xuan Qing blushed slightly. "Your Majesty flatters me. I am but a person of mediocre talent. It is my good fortune to receive your praise."
The Empress Dowager took Xuanqing's hand again and said with concern, "You are still so humble. You must be tired from the journey here. Please sit down and rest."
Xuanqing sat down as instructed, and the Empress Dowager scrutinized her carefully, her eyes filled with satisfaction.
She reached out and gently patted Xuanqing's hand, saying softly, "Qing'er, you've grown into a young woman now, with your own thoughts and insights. I'm very pleased. Your mother is blessed to have such a good daughter like you."
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