Chapter 14 Prince Helian Feng
Prince's Mansion.
Tonight, in order to welcome the envoys from Southern Zhao, the palace was decorated with lights and bright lanterns were hung between the carved beams and painted buildings. The warm yellow light poured down, decorating the entire hall with golden splendor.
The bluestone slabs on the ground were as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the busy figures of the servants moving around.
There is a long carved yellow pear wood table in the hall, on which are laid a dazzling array of delicacies, and the aroma of wine lingers in every corner.
Crown Prince Helian Feng was wearing a sky-blue brocade robe with delicate silver cloud patterns embroidered on the corners. As he moved, the cloud patterns looked like flowing clouds.
He has a slender figure, a handsome face, and an elegant air.
Today, he always had a perfect smile on his lips, with a bit of innate nobility, yet still friendly.
At this moment, he stood up and raised his glass to the Nanzhao envoy:
"It is truly a blessing for our dynasty that Lord Xu has come from afar. May the friendship between our two countries be as mellow and long-lasting as this fine wine."
Xu Jingzhen, the envoy of Nanzhao, is over forty years old. He is majestic and handsome. He is the Grand Marshal of the Ministry of War of Nanzhao and holds an important position. This time, he was ordered by the Emperor of Nanzhao, Xie Zhen, to come to Tianqi with the rare treasure, the South China Sea Pearl, to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of Emperor Helian Cong.
Seeing Helian Feng's enthusiasm, he quickly stood up, picked up the golden cup, bowed slightly, and toasted the prince:
"Your Highness, you are too polite! It is an honor for me to represent Nanzhao here. Nanzhao and your country are closely connected, and we have a deep friendship. This glass of wine today is in honor of Your Highness, and I only hope that the friendship between our two countries will last forever!"
The two smiled at each other, raised their heads and drank the wine in their cups.
After putting down the cup, Xu Jingzhen looked solemn:
"Your Highness, speaking of diplomatic relations between our two countries, I cannot help but mention border issues. In the past, border disputes have caused much friction, and the people have suffered untold hardships. In that war eight years ago, countless ordinary people were displaced, their families torn apart, and their families lost."
Helian Feng nodded slightly when he heard this:
"Lord Xu is absolutely right. I am also well aware of the harm caused by border disputes. Every time I think of them, I feel heartbroken."
Xu Jingzhen sighed deeply and said earnestly:
"Yes! War is painful for both countries. Our emperor has often said that he does not want any more disputes. He only hopes that the two countries can coexist peacefully for the benefit of the people."
"Don't worry, Master Xu. Tianqi also hopes for peace. From now on, we must properly handle border affairs so that the people can live and work in peace."
The topic changed slightly, and Xu Jingzhen's eyes swept over everyone at the table and lowered his voice:
"Your Highness, I have brought you the rare South Sea Pearl as a gift to Emperor Tianqi. This pearl is truly priceless, and escorting it all the way was incredibly daunting. Fortunately, our ministers orchestrated a feint to the east and attacked in the west, splitting the troops into two groups and sending the pearl to the Crown Prince's residence first, thus ensuring its safety!"
Helian Feng smiled calmly:
"Now that we've reached the Crown Prince's Mansion, we're completely safe. I've placed the Eastern Pearl in the Treasure Pavilion, which is filled with traps and ambushes. It's impossible for ordinary people to get close. Even a martial arts expert would be in great danger of death if they enter."
"Treasure Pavilion?"
Mingying, the commander of the Prince's Palace guards, stepped forward and bowed.
"Master Xu, please rest assured! This treasure house was built under the personal supervision of His Highness. It is so well-equipped with traps and traps, and it will definitely protect the Dongzhu!"
"That's good, that's good!"
Xu Jingzhen nodded with satisfaction, and the two of them drank and chatted happily again.
Several staff members in the Prince's Mansion also toasted the entourage from Nan Zhao. For a while, the whole banquet hall was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter.
"Someone, bring some wine!"
Following the prince's order, the maids who had been waiting outside the palace entered the hall one after another, holding exquisite wine jugs in their hands.
Xiyan was mixed in with the crowd of maids. She lowered her eyes, with a human skin mask on her face. Her fringe covered most of her face. She was wearing a plain maid's outfit, which just concealed her original temperament.
Tonight, she and Manluo took advantage of the fact that the Prince's Mansion was hosting a banquet for the envoys from Southern Zhao in the front hall, devised a trick to divert the defense, and climbed over the wall from the back hall.
Manluo used poisonous incense to knock the two maids unconscious, and based on their facial features, she quickly took out two human skin masks, which the two of them quickly put on to cover up their original appearance.
Afterwards, the two of them went to the front hall and joined the crowd of maids. Because of the human skin masks on their faces, no one noticed them.
However, the two of them had their own division of labor and soon they went their separate ways.
Manluo's mission is to assassinate the envoy of Nanzhao, while Xiyan's mission is to steal the Dongzhu.
Just then, Crown Prince Helian Feng ordered wine to be served, so she followed the crowd into the hall.
Xiyan lowered her head, but her beautiful eyes were looking at him secretly.
But the hall was brightly lit, with the sound of stringed instruments and bamboo instruments, and it was extremely lively.
Helian Feng saw the maids bringing in wine, glanced around, and said in a clear voice:
"Fill it up for you gentlemen!"
A dozen maids took orders, holding wine jugs in their hands, and shuttled among the guests, pouring wine for everyone in turn.
Coincidentally, when it was Xiyan's turn, she happened to be near Prince Helian Feng!
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