Chapter 71 International Fellowship
The lights in the Purple Palace were brighter than ever, drawing the Milky Way into the human realm. The golden dragon pillars, wrapped in freshly lacquered gold leaf, shone brilliantly under the countless candlelight, nearly burning the eyes.
From the gilded and painted dome hang layers of gauze curtains, adorned with South China Sea pearls as big as pigeon eggs. They sway gently in the breeze deliberately stirred in the hall, reflecting a dreamlike halo.
The golden brick floor is so shiny that it reflects the bright light above clearly, and walking on it is like walking on the galaxy of stars.
The air was filled with an unprecedented strong fragrance. The elegant ambergris was diluted, replaced by a more domineering and extravagant exotic fragrance.
The top-quality rose water tributed by the Arab Empire, the finest sandalwood shipped from India, the cedar essential oil specially supplied from the northern desert grasslands... all kinds of rich and indissoluble sweet, woody and spicy fragrances mixed with the mellowness of fine wine, the sweetness of fruits and vegetables, and the different incense scents of distinguished guests from various countries, evaporated, collided and fermented in the huge palace, forming a luxurious atmosphere that made people feel slightly tipsy and slightly suffocated.
The sounds of stringed instruments and pipes were even more grand and complex than before. The chimes were deep and rich, the jade chimes were clear and melodious, the pipa was like pearls falling on a jade plate, the Qiang flute carried the desolation of the frontier, and the shamisen brought from the Fuying Kingdom played a strange tune, weaving together into a grand and strange symphony of all nations.
The sound of clinking glasses was heard constantly, compliments, tests and laughter in different languages and accents echoed in the hall, and the crisp sound of pearls and jade colliding was interspersed in between.
Envoys from various countries dressed in the most formal attire of their own countries, in bizarre and dazzling attires, with expressions of humility, arrogance, inquiry, and greed, gathered at the center of power of the Yan Kingdom.
All nations came to pay tribute! All because of the round, national defense artifacts concocted by Dongfang Yuning, Princess Lucky Star of Yan Kingdom—pitch-black, unremarkable lumps of iron that, during a drill in the royal enclosure, instantly razed a sturdy rockery to the ground!
The earth-shaking roar and the huge clouds of smoke that rose up completely crushed the last bit of ambition of all neighboring countries.
Today's banquet is held in the name of celebrating the everlasting diplomatic relations, but in reality, the countries come here with awe and fear, to show their goodwill, to test the waters, and... to spare no effort to promote their own "specialties" - beauties.
Princess Fuxing, Dongfang Yuning, was dressed especially adorably today. She wore a specially made lilac-colored palace dress, a bit looser than usual. The fabric was embroidered with adorable panda designs in finer silver thread, depicting them hugging bamboo, rolling around, or gazing at the sky in bewilderment.
The snow-white fur trimming the collar and cuffs was fluffy and soft, making the already fair face look even more childish, like a delicate glutinous rice dumpling.
She sat obediently in the seat next to Prince Yong Nangong Ye. The position was excellent and the view was wide.
Nangong Ye was wearing a black prince's python robe today. The dragon pattern embroidered with gold thread flowed in the dim light under the lamp, making his posture look more upright like a pine tree. However, his handsome face was covered with a layer of frost that kept strangers away.
His sitting posture seemed casual, but in fact all the muscles in his body were in a state of readiness. His broad shoulders intentionally or unintentionally completely covered the little princess beside him within his protection.
Those beautiful peach blossom eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and with undisguised scrutiny and warning, they accurately swept over every "peacock" and "sultry fox" in the hall who might cast their eyes on Dongfang Yuning.
[Tong! Tong! Look! Which country's the prince dressed like a golden peacock? The feathers on his head are almost poking the beams! And that one in the white robe, pretending to be serious, ugh, the beads in his hand are almost sparking from all the twists and turns! Is he secretly glancing at me? Brother Ye's eyes are so fierce, he seems to be shaking! Hahaha!]
Dongfang Yuning put on a serious face, looking like a dignified princess, but the villain in her heart was already dancing with excitement and complaining crazily to the system.
System 118's electronic voice carries a sense of calmness that comes from a masterful grasp of the situation:
[Ding! Host, the Golden Peacock is Tuoba Hong, the third prince of the Wuyue Kingdom in southern Xinjiang. He prides himself on being a playboy. The three feathers on his head are the feathers of the Golden-Winged Dapeng King, symbolizing bravery (and exaggeration).
The introverted man in white robe is the first disciple of the high priest of Tianyuan Kingdom, named Yun Zhan. He practices the way of ruthlessness. In his hand is a thousand-year-old dark wood soul bead, which is said to be able to calm the mind (the effect is questionable).
He was indeed observing you, but Prince Yong's murderous aura successfully dissuaded him. Scans indicate that there are currently seven potential 'peacocks' and five 'sullen foxes' targeting the host within the palace. Threat level: Low. Prince Yong's defensive posture is perfect; the host is advised to enjoy the feast.
Dongfang Yuning:
[Rest assured! I must be rest assured! With Brother Ye here, I feel incredibly safe! But... Tong, look at my brother-in-law and my eldest nephew, the Crown Prince, they seem to be under even more pressure! Those beauties brought by the envoys are practically glued to them!]
Just as Dongfang Yuning saw, the seats of Emperor Nangong Yu and Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian had become the center of the storm.
An exotic dancer with an enchanting figure and a golden veil was dancing in front of the throne to the music. The golden bells on her bare feet jingled, her waist was incredibly flexible, and her eyes were full of charm, her target was the emperor.
The envoy from Fuying Country was even more direct. Behind him were two girls kneeling in gorgeous twelve-piece dresses. They lowered their brows and looked pleasant, but their beauty could not be concealed. It was obviously a carefully prepared "gift".
Nangong Yu watched the dance expressionlessly, his eyes as deep as an ancient well, showing no trace of emotion. When the dancer made an extremely bold spin, attempting to throw the fragrant handkerchief towards the throne, Nangong Yu finally spoke. His voice was not loud, but it carried the thunderous pressure of an emperor, instantly drowning out the music in the palace:
"I, inspired by the warnings our ancestors gave me in dreams, believe that a harem that is too numerous is detrimental to the longevity of our nation. To show my sincerity, and to pray to Heaven for good weather and peace for our country, I have resolved that, effective immediately, the six harems will be vacant, with only the Empress serving as the Central Palace. This is my sincere wish, and serves as an example to all the people. I appreciate the kindness of all nations, but I dare not disobey the orders of our ancestors."
“Wow—”
A suppressed cry of surprise echoed within the palace. Disbanding the harem?! Leaving only the empress?! This was truly shocking in the history of any nation!
Empress Dongfang Qiwu sat upright on the phoenix chair. Upon hearing this, she just turned her head slightly and showed the emperor a dignified, appropriate, and gentle smile with a hint of "Your Majesty has worked hard."
Only the eldest princess, Nangong Yue, who was sitting below her, had the sharpest eyes to see that her mother's hand, hidden under the wide sleeves of her phoenix robe, was pinching the back of the hand of the confidant nanny standing beside her with all her strength! The nanny's face turned pale with pain, but she had to force a respectful expression.
[Ancestors appeared in my dreams?! Brother-in-law, that excuse you made up is… refreshing and refined, yet carries a hint of mudslide-like dominance! Hahaha! You're really going all out for your sister! Look at those envoys' faces, they're all green! Hahaha!]
Dongfang Yuning laughed out loud in his heart.
Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian was also under considerable pressure. A Beidi princess, with a forthright personality, approached with a large ox-horn cup to toast him, her gaze fixed on the crown prince:
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, is exceptionally valiant and brave. We, the Northern Di people, deeply respect heroes! Would Your Highness dare to drink this cup of blazing fire?"
Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian stood up, his figure as straight as a pine tree. He took the glass of liquor, but did not drink it. Instead, he raised it to the guests in the hall and spoke in a clear voice, with the calmness and unquestionableness of a crown prince:
"Cheng Qian thanks the princess for her kindness. However, governing a country and managing a family requires sincerity and dedication. I have been deeply influenced by her teachings and know that the truest love is to drink from only one of the three thousand rivers. My Crown Princess is the one my heart desires and the only love of my life. In this life, within the Eastern Palace, she alone is enough to comfort me. I wish to join hands with the Crown Princess, to be role models for the people of Dayan, to uphold this aspiration together, and to grow old together. I will always remember the friendship of all nations, but my body and heart have already been taken, and I dare not look elsewhere."
He spoke very seriously, his eyes sweeping across the entire room, finally landing on the gentle and quiet Crown Princess beside him. His eyes softened instantly, full of cherishment.
Crown Princess Shen Jingshu lowered her eyes slightly, her cheeks flushed, but her demeanor remained dignified and generous.
[Poof! 'Three thousand rivers, only take one scoop'? 'Deeply taught' nephew of the Crown Prince, just give me my ID number! Hahaha! But well said! So well said! That's what a man should be like! Loyalty is the way to go!]
Dongfang Yuning was so excited that she shook her little feet under the table.
[Tong, look at that Beidi princess, her face is falling! Hahaha! Isn't my chicken soup delicious!]
System 118:
[Ding! His Royal Highness the Crown Prince quoted the host's famous saying, with remarkable effect! Princess Tuoba Yu of Beidi experienced a dramatic emotional swing, from determination to shame and indignation. The threat was lifted. The host's 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' technique made its international debut, with remarkable results. Awarded the virtual medal of 'Little Master of Golden Quotes'!]
The atmosphere in the hall was a bit tense for a moment. The envoys from various countries had run into two tough opponents, the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and their faces were a little embarrassed. At this moment, the Minister of the Honglu Temple, who was in charge of diplomatic affairs, stepped forward at the right time and spoke in a loud voice:
"Your Majesty's grace and His Royal Highness's affection are truly a blessing to all of Yan Nation, and they set an example for the world! To celebrate this grand event of peace among all nations, Your Majesty has granted permission for today's banquet to be a fitting occasion for good marriages! The talented men and women of Yan Nation admire the talents of other nations, and we hope this banquet will serve as a medium to forge friendship between our two nations and create a beautiful story together!"
As soon as the words fell, the long-arranged noble ladies and gentlemen of the Yan Kingdom, guided by palace servants, entered the palace with graceful demeanor. Some were heroic, while others were gentle and charming, instantly attracting the attention of envoys and princes from various countries. A large-scale international friendship and matchmaking event officially kicked off!
Nangong Ye breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense shoulders relaxed a little, but the arm around Dongfang Yuning remained tight as ever.
His eyes were like precise radars, sweeping across the foreign faces that began to chat with the noble ladies and gentlemen of Yan Country, especially a few of them who were still glancing over here dishonestly.
Dongfang Yuning completely entered the melon-eating mode, scanning the entire audience with his big, bright eyes, like a badger that fell into a melon field.
[Wow! The son of the Minister of War and the little princess of the grassland tribe are having such a great time chatting! There's something interesting going on!]
[Huh? Why is that Fuying Kingdom envoy always hanging around the second daughter of Li Yushi's family? She seems reluctant.]
[Look, look! In the corner! Is that girl in the yellow dress, Fan Tianxing, the daughter of the Grand Marshal? Why is she hiding so far away? She looks so grim!]
System 118 immediately dutifully broadcast:
[Ding! Target locked: Fan Tianxing, daughter of the Grand Marshal. Emotional state: extremely depressed, sad, and disheartened. Related character: Xiao Jingheng, son of the Marquis of Zhongqin (the host's 'childhood sweetheart').]
Dongfang Yuning's gossip spirit instantly burned:
[Childhood sweethearts? There's a story?! Hey everyone! Quick! Dig deep! I want to hear the firsthand news!]
System 118's electronic sound instantly switched to a deep and magnetic late-night emotional radio mode, with just the right amount of sighs and regrets:
[Host, this is a story about childhood sweethearts and deep youthful love, but ultimately lost to time, misunderstandings, and green tea...
Fan Tianxing and Xiao Jingheng, whose homes were adjacent to each other, were true childhood sweethearts. They chased butterflies in spring, gathered lotus flowers in summer, admired maple leaves in autumn, and piled snow in winter... Their footprints covered every landscape in the suburbs of Beijing.
Fan Tianxing is bright and cheerful, like the morning sun; Xiao Jingheng is gentle and refined, his talent beginning to show. The two families are well-matched, their hearts connected. Once Fan Tianxing's coming-of-age ceremony is complete, the Zhongqin Marquisate will propose marriage, creating a perfect match...
However, fate played tricks on him. When Fan Tianxing was thirteen, Xiao Jingheng's distant cousin, Zhang Yiyi, whose parents had both died, was taken into the Marquis's residence. Zhang Yiyi, a delicate and graceful girl, wore a lingering melancholy between her eyebrows. She spoke softly, tears streaming before she even spoke...
At first, Fan Tianxing took pity on her life and treated her like a sister. Xiao Jingheng also took good care of her out of kinship. But gradually, things changed.
Fan Tianxing and Xiao Jingheng made an appointment to go outing together. Zhang Yiyi must have caught a cold, so Xiao Jingheng had to stay and take care of her.
Fan Tianxing carefully prepared a birthday gift for Xiao Jingheng, but it was accidentally broken by Zhang Yiyi, in return for Xiao Jingheng's words, "Yan'er didn't mean it, Xing'er, don't take it to heart."
Fan Tianxing won first place at the poetry competition, but Zhang Yiyi fell ill the next moment, causing Xiao Jingheng great distress. He blamed Fan Tianxing for being too aggressive and not understanding others...
In every argument, every misunderstanding, Xiao Jingheng's heart was unconsciously biased by Zhang Yiyi's tearful eyes and the weak words of her cousin, "It's all my fault, don't blame Sister Xing."
He always saw Fan Tianxing's aggressiveness, but ignored Zhang Yiyi's scheming behind the coincidences. Fan Tianxing explained, argued, but the disappointment kept snowballing...
On the day of her coming-of-age ceremony, Fan Tianxing dressed up in her best clothes, but what she received was not the happy news of the Xiao family proposing marriage, but the news that Xiao Jingheng accompanied Zhang Yiyi, who had suffered a relapse of her heart disease, to the Huguo Temple to burn incense and pray for blessings...
The girl's last shred of hope was completely extinguished. Her heart died at the most brilliant age. From then on, the bright and flamboyant Fan Tianxing disappeared, leaving only this girl in the corner of today's banquet, her brows locked with a hint of sorrow, her heart as dead as despair... Host, this melon is so bitter!
System 118's affectionate (and gossipy) report was like a drop of water thrown into boiling oil, instantly causing an uproar in the core circle of the Yan Kingdom royal family who could hear Dongfang Yuning's inner thoughts!
Emperor Nangong Yu's hand holding the wine glass paused almost imperceptibly, his eyes swept sharply towards Xiao Jingheng who was sitting at the seat in the Marquis Zhongqin's Mansion, and then glanced at the lonely, goose-yellow figure in the corner who was forcing a smile.
His Adam's apple rolled, and he forced himself to swallow back the "confused!" that nearly slipped out of his mouth. He covered it up by drinking, and with his other hand, he pinched his thigh hard under his dragon robe! It hurt! For the sake of the nine clans!
Queen Dongfang Qiwu's hand holding the silk handkerchief suddenly tightened! She looked at Fan Tianxing with eyes full of pity, and when she looked in Xiao Jingheng's direction, her eyes were instantly as cold as ice.
In order to maintain her demeanor as the mother of the country, her feet hidden under her phoenix robe once again began a desperate struggle with the soles of her shoes, and the toes of her shoes were almost broken!
[What a foolish prince! What a green tea cousin! They make me so angry!]
Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian had a blank expression on his face, but he tightened his grip on Crown Princess Shen Jingshu's hand. Shen Jingshu sensed her husband's anger and gently returned the handshake. The Crown Prince took a deep breath.
[My old side injury seems to be starting to ache again! This Xiao Jingheng is blind and blind! He needs treatment!]
Princess Nangong Yue was so excited that she nearly overturned the fruit plate in front of her! She took a big gulp of iced wine to suppress the curse rushing to her throat, but she choked and burst into tears, which she pretended to be "moved to tears by this poignant (and infuriating) love story."
Only the maid beside her had a few more fresh crescent-shaped marks on her arms.
Prince Yong's brows furrowed, and a chill grew thicker throughout his body. He subconsciously held Dongfang Yuning tighter in his arms, as if he was afraid that this awful story would pollute her ears.
[Protect Ning'er, stay away from idiots and green tea! ]
His other hand was in his sleeve, once again tightly gripping the angular white jade pendant, wondering whether he should give himself another wake-up call.
The person being mercilessly analyzed by the system—Zhongqin Hou's son, Xiao Jingheng—was sitting upright in his seat. He hadn't been unaware of Fan Tianxing's distant behavior and his unusual behavior today, and he was plagued by an inexplicable irritation and uneasiness.
He subconsciously picked up the wine glass and wanted to take a sip, but just as the glass was about to touch his lips—
Dongfang Yuning's concluding and penetrating words struck his mind like thunder:
[Oh my god! Isn't this a classic example of how a childhood sweetheart can't resist a green tea girl, how those favored are fearless, and how belated affection is worth less than grass?!
Xiao Jingheng's childhood sweetheart, has his brain been molded by his cousin's tears?! Sister Fan is such a good girl! She was forced to be PUAed by these two...
Ugh, they're so frustrated by the team-up bullying! Now they know no one's paying attention to the party? They know she's going to marry someone from another country? What were you doing before? Serves you right! Seriously!
This kind of man should be made to feel the pain of chasing his wife to the crematorium, and it would be best if his ashes were scattered everywhere! I'm so pissed! Tong, give me some sunflower seeds to calm my nerves!
“Bang—!”
Xiao Jingheng could no longer hold the white jade wine glass in his hand, and it fell straight to the ground and shattered! The clear wine splashed on the corner of his luxurious robe.
He was struck by lightning, his face instantly pale as paper, completely devoid of blood! His body began to tremble violently and uncontrollably!
Those deliberately ignored details, those disappointed eyes of Fan Tianxing, those glimmers of pride behind Liu Hanyan's pitiful appearance, those hesitant exhortations from relatives and friends...
It was as if an invisible hand had ripped open the veil that was covering her face, and she was exposed in front of him, naked and bloody!
PUA? Feeling fearless because of being favored? Belated affection is cheaper than grass? Chasing your wife to the crematorium? Even the ashes are scattered?
Every word was like a red-hot knife, stabbing into his heart and stirring it violently!
"No...it's not like that..."
He muttered to himself in a daze, his voice broken. He suddenly looked up, and his red eyes looked past the crowd of people and locked onto the figure in the corner who was wearing a goose yellow dress and seemed to be isolated from the hustle and bustle - Fan Tianxing!
He opened his mouth, wanting to call her name, wanting to rush over to explain, wanting to tell her that he was wrong, that he was blind...
However, at that moment when he was shocked and confused!
Emperor Nangong Yu, perched high on the throne, his eyes flashed with brilliance! He had been waiting for this moment! While everyone (including the envoys from various countries) was distracted by Xiao Jingheng's disgraceful cup-throwing, the emperor slammed the imperial table with a resounding, unquestionable decision:
"good!"
The cry of "OK" caused a buzzing sound in the hall, and also stifled Xiao Jingheng's almost sudden shout.
"I have observed that the Grand Marshal's daughter, Fan Tianxing, is quiet and elegant, with a dignified demeanor. She is truly the epitome of a noble lady from our Yan Nation!"
Nangong Yu looked directly in the direction of Fan Tianxing with a sharp gaze, his tone full of praise that I am very satisfied.
"Just now, the Honglu Temple reported that Prince Yuchi Xiao of Loulan is a young and handsome man, well-versed in both civil and military skills. He admires the elegance of our Yan Kingdom and sincerely seeks to marry a virtuous woman to establish an everlasting friendship between our two countries!"
He paused, and his gaze swept across the entire audience majestically, especially lingering for a moment on Xiao Jingheng's pale face, with the cold scrutiny of an emperor.
"I deeply agree! Fan Tianxing is of noble character and makes a perfect match! Special decree: Marry the Grand Marshal's legitimate daughter, Fan Tianxing, to Prince Yuchi Xiao of Loulan! Choose an auspicious date for the wedding! Our two countries will forever be brothers!"
The imperial edict came like thunder, instantly breaking the eerie silence in the hall!
Fan Tianxing suddenly raised his head, the blood drained from his face, his eyes were filled with shock and confusion, but soon, the shock was replaced by a dead calm.
She slowly stood up, walked to the center of the hall, and bowed to the throne. Her voice was calm, yet filled with a sense of finality:
"Your Majesty, your humble servant Fan Tianxing, thanks you for your grace! Long live your Majesty, long live your Majesty, long live your Majesty!"
He didn't even look at Jamel Xiao.
Prince Yuchi Xiao of Loulan was a tall and handsome young man. He was overjoyed when he heard this. He immediately stood up from the table and expressed his gratitude loudly in Yan dialect, which was accented but full of joy:
"I, the foreign minister Yuchi Xiao, bow to thank His Majesty the Emperor of Yan Nation for his grace! I will cherish Princess Tianxing and we will be together forever!"
He looked at Fan Tianxing with undisguised amazement and sincere joy.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Highness the Prince!"
There was an immediate response in the hall, and envoys from various countries congratulated one after another. The ministers of Yan State also breathed a sigh of relief, as they had finally solved another hot potato.
Only Xiao Jingheng, as if all his bones had been pulled out, slumped back to his seat, his face ashen. He watched Fan Tianxing calmly accept the order, watching her straighten her back as she walked towards the Loulan prince. A huge wave of regret washed over him like a surging wave, instantly drowning him completely.
He wanted to rush over, wanted to stop it, wanted to shout "No", but the emperor's pressure, the golden words of the imperial edict, and the inner judgment that pierced his soul like a punishment from heaven just now made his whole body stiff and he couldn't utter even a syllable.
There were only the broken pieces of wine glass on the ground and the spreading wine stains, just like his broken heart at the moment.
[Wow! My brother-in-law is awesome! Quick! Accurate! Ruthless! The timing of this decree is perfect!]
Dongfang Yuning was stunned and gave thumbs up to his brother-in-law in his heart.
[Although Sister Fan married far away, the Loulan Prince's eyes look quite sincere. It's better than staying in the capital with that blind childhood friend and that green-tea cousin! New map, new beginning! Come on, sister! Piss off that scumbag childhood friend to death! Tong, this melon is so satisfying!]
System 118:
[Ding! The host's summary is spot on! Belated affection is better than cutting losses in time. Bye bye, bye. The next more obedient golden sentence will be automatically generated! Reward: a virtual medal of 'Awakening in the World'! Prince Yuchi Xiao of Loulan has a high initial favorability value and a promising future. The son of the Marquis of Zhongqin, Xiao Jingheng, has an emotional breakdown index of 99%. His progress in chasing his wife is at the crematorium level: hardcore.]
Nangong Ye felt the excitement of the little person in his arms. He looked down at her surprisingly bright eyes and her little face which was slightly red with excitement. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, but were quickly flattened by him.
He held her arm tightly, and his low voice carried a hint of helpless pampering that only she could hear:
"Sit tight, be careful not to overeat melon."
Dongfang Yuning immediately sat up straight, his big eyes still rolling around, scanning the entire audience, looking for his next target:
[Command! Quick! Radars on full blast! See if there are any hidden melons! At today's social gathering, this princess is going to eat melons to get her money's worth!]
System 118's electronic voice immediately switched to an excited scanning mode:
[Ding! System scanning... New target detected! The third person from the left front, wearing a crimson brocade robe and waving a gold-sprinkled folding fan...]
Inside the Purple Palace, the music began to play again, as if the thrilling arranged marriage had never happened.
The envoys from various countries and the "shields" arranged by the Yan Kingdom once again engaged in lively conversation, all smiles and clinking glasses. Beneath the rich aroma, however, were more unknown undercurrents surging, and a field of melons about to be ignited by inner voices.
Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, adjusted his sitting position to ensure that he could keep all possible flying "melon seeds" (whether beauties or troubles) out of a safe range.
He glanced at the little princess beside him who was pricking up her ears excitedly, ready to welcome the next wave of melons, and silently clenched the jade pendant in his sleeve.
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