The autumn air was crisp and clear, and the Great Liang Imperial Palace was shrouded in solemnity. Today was not a day for a grand court assembly, but all the civil and military officials had gathered in the Taiji Hall, because the neighboring northern country, the Northern Di, had sent an envoy to pay tribute.
On the dragon throne, Xiao Xun, dressed in court robes with his crown and tassels dangling, stood with a calm and dignified expression, exuding authority without anger. Xin Jiuwei sat regally on a phoenix throne to the side, her bearing graceful and poised, her gaze calmly surveying the delegation below. High-ranking officials, including Duke Xin Yunzhou and Minister of Revenue Qi Huaihe, stood on either side.
The chief envoy of the Northern Barbarian delegation was a prince of the Northern Barbarian royal court named Agula. He was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, tall, with a rugged face and shrewd eyes, displaying the boldness and subtle calculation characteristic of nomadic peoples. He presented the letter of credence and the list of tribute items according to protocol—nothing more than furs, fine horses, gems, and other northern specialties. His words were respectful, expressing admiration and submission to the Celestial Empire.
However, the most eye-catching person in the delegation was not the envoy Agura, but a young couple following behind him.
The man was in his early twenties, dressed in the fine clothes of a Northern Di nobleman. His face bore a four or five-point resemblance to Xin Kui, but his eyebrows and eyes were arrogant, his chin slightly raised, and his gaze as he surveyed the Liang palace carried a hint of barely perceptible contempt, as if he were in a barbarian land. He was the third prince of the Northern Di, and also Xin Kui's half-brother, Bo Rigu.
The woman, about seventeen or eighteen years old, wore a fiery red Northern Di dress embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread. A large turquoise necklace hung around her neck. Her face was beautiful and radiant, like a rose with thorns. Her figure was graceful, and her eyes, sparkling with a bold wildness and discerning eye, stared directly at the Emperor and Empress on the dragon throne. Even when her gaze swept over Xin Yunzhou, the most valiant among the military officers, she paused for a moment, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. She was Qiqige, the most beloved little princess of Northern Di, the younger sister of Bo Rigu, born of the same mother.
As was customary, Xiao Xun accepted the official letter, expressed his appreciation for the Northern Di king's "submission," and bestowed generous gifts in return. The atmosphere appeared harmonious.
Just then, Qiqige suddenly stepped forward, her voice clear and crisp, carrying a grassland accent yet fluent in Liang Mandarin: "Your Majesty the Emperor of Liang, Your Majesty the Empress! Qiqige has come from afar, bringing not only my father's respect, but also the most sincere friendship of the Northern Di people. I have long heard that Liang is rich in resources and talented people, and I have especially heard that your esteemed General Xin, the Duke of Zhenguo, is brave and skilled in battle, a war god of Liang. Qiqige admires you greatly and wonders if I may have the honor of seeing your valor?" Her words were direct and bold, her gaze fixed intently on Xin Yunzhou.
A hush fell over the hall. The officials exchanged subtle glances. This statement, seemingly a naive and innocent expression of admiration, was in fact extremely impolite and revealed a ulterior motive.
Xin Yunzhou frowned slightly, stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said in a calm and firm voice, "Your Highness flatters me. As a military general, it is my duty to protect my country. I dare not accept the title of 'God of War.' Before His Majesty, Your Highness should observe proper etiquette." He did not glance at Qiqige twice, his attitude distant and restrained.
Agula quickly smoothed things over, chuckling, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. The little princess has been spoiled since childhood and has a straightforward personality; she meant no harm. She simply admires the elegance and charm of the Celestial Empire and was just curious." He then changed the subject, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping towards the direction of the imperial harem, "I've heard... I've heard that a princess from my Northern Di who was stranded in Daliang many years ago is now in your country and is deeply favored by Her Majesty the Empress? I wonder if I could meet her today? It would fulfill my longing for my homeland."
These words sent a chill down the spines of those in the know. The finger was pointed directly at Xin Kui!
Xin Jiuwei maintained a gentle smile, but her eyes had turned slightly cold. She naturally knew of Xin Kui's Northern Di bloodline, but she hadn't expected the Northern Di to dare mention it openly in court. Before she could speak, Xiao Xun calmly said, "Oh? Is that so? I haven't heard of it. The affairs of the harem are naturally managed by the Empress. If Prince Agula wishes to reminisce, he may see the Duchess of Zhenguo at the palace banquet." He emphasized the words "Duchess of Zhenguo," clearly indicating Xin Kui's current status.
A hint of surprise flashed in Agula's eyes, seemingly not expecting Xin Kui to become the principal wife of the Duke of Da Liang. He quickly smiled and said, "So that's how it is! What a joyous occasion! Congratulations!"
Bo Rigu scoffed softly, his voice low but loud enough for the people in the front row to hear: "A bastard with the blood of a lowly female slave from the Northern Barbarians, how lucky she is." His contempt was undisguised.
Xin Yunzhou clenched his fist tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hand. His gaze swept towards Bo Rigu like a knife, a flash of murderous intent appearing and disappearing in an instant. Xiao Xun gave him a warning look, and Xin Yunzhou forcibly suppressed his anger.
Xin Jiuwei took everything in stride, a cold smile playing on her lips, but her expression grew even gentler: "I, on behalf of the Duchess of Zhenguo, appreciate the longing of the Northern Di royal court. However, you are now the Duchess of my Great Liang Kingdom; the past is but a fleeting memory. The Prince and Princess will see you at the palace banquet." Her tone was soft, yet carried an undeniable resolve, directly defining the Northern Di's intention to "reminisce" as a mere "meeting," and emphasizing Xin Kui's current status.
The initial undercurrents were temporarily suppressed by the combined efforts of the Emperor and Empress. But everyone knew that the storm stirred up by the Northern Barbarian delegation had only just begun.
That evening, a banquet was held in the palace to entertain the Northern Di delegation. The palace was brightly lit, the music was melodious, and the guests clinked glasses.
Xin Kui, dressed in the formal attire befitting a duchess, sat beside Xin Yunzhou. She had dressed specially for the day, her makeup exquisite, her demeanor calm and gentle. Sitting next to the handsome and imposing Xin Yunzhou, they appeared as a perfect couple. Her face was calm, but her palms were slightly sweaty. The arrival of the Northern Di delegation, especially the appearance of Bo Rigu and Qiqige, had stirred up some unpleasant memories for her.
Sure enough, after a few rounds of drinks, Agula brought up the topic again, raising his glass to Xin Yunzhou and Xin Kui, saying, "Duke Zhenguo, Madam, meeting you today, I truly understand what a perfect match you are! On behalf of the Northern Di Royal Court, I toast you both, wishing you a harmonious and loving marriage!"
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