who I am
After the incident between the Tufan prince and his wife subsided, the emperors of Louhuang, Yanyou, and Tufan gathered at the Qiankun palace. The four nations ultimately reached a settlement and dropped the matter. This incident also made Chen Yun's name famous abroad.
Because of this battle, Chen Ying's reputation became famous abroad.
On this day, Chen Yun was sipping tea at a table in the living room. Chen Feng, who was sitting next to him, asked, "Yun Yun, don't you want to have a meal before you go back?"
"No, I'm busy preparing for the palace banquet. I'm really bored."
"It seems like it's not easy for everyone. Actually, it's not easy for me either..."
Chen Yun placed the teacup gently on the table without making any unusual noise.
"Brother, before marriage, it's a matter between two people. After marriage, it's a matter between two families. You can't live on appearances. Our values don't match, our habits don't go well, and we won't compromise with each other. We're just living together. I'll test it out first. Don't worry, I won't go too far."
At this time, the place was bustling with activity, and then four people walked in. They were the Shi family, the governor of Zhongzhou. One of them, a tall, fair, and plump woman, ran over with joy at Chen Feng's arrival.
The Shi family was invited by the Chen family to sit in the main hall. However, the two families sat opposite each other. Both sides were silent for a minute, and the atmosphere was so tense that it was almost hard to breathe.
"No need for tea. We're not here just for you. We've been invited by His Majesty to attend the New Year's Day Royal Banquet." Then, Governor Shi's gaze fell on Chen Yun and scanned him. "Judging from your family background, it must have been provided by this young lady, right? Judging from your attire, you don't look like an ordinary person."
Chen Yun just smiled slightly, but in his heart he wanted to complain that he usually wore more gorgeous clothes, and now this set of clothes was the most ordinary clothes in the palace.
Chen Feng wanted to expose Chen Ying's identity, but before that, Chen Ying had already made it forbidden to reveal it.
Seeing that the other party really looked down on him, Chen Feng mustered up the courage to say, "Sir Shi, under your guidance, Shi Qiqi has grown up to be a better woman than most. I am now the head clerk of the caravan, and I will go into business on my own in the future. I will be able to make her happy."
Madam Shi sighed, then said, "Aren't our two families a perfect match? How long do we have to wait? When he brings Qiqi to the palace for a banquet someday, who knows, there might be hundreds of officials and young men chasing after her. How can you compare?"
The Chen family was helpless, and Shi Qiqi's eyes flickered, and she looked at Chen Feng again, as if to encourage herself, so that she could have the courage to persuade: "Dad, Mom, I believe in your blessings. Give Brother Feng some time, he will definitely grow up. By then, we can take care of you until you are fat and white!"
Chen Yun started to work on the Rubik's Cube, but received overwhelming rejection, which was too much to bear.
Madam Shi and Magistrate Shi looked at each other and nodded. Then Madam Shi adjusted her composure and said, "We're not snobs, actually. Provide two rolls of silk and satin and twenty taels of silver as a betrothal gift within one year, and we'll promise our daughter to you. If she changes her mind during this one-year period, you must not raise any objections."
Shi Qiqi said, "The Chen family need not worry. Qiqi will not fall in love with anyone else. The Chen family is a unique and promising family. There will definitely be more people who fall in love and more prospects."
Chen Yan smiled slightly, then put down the Rubik's Cube and asked the Shi family, "What is the full name of Shi Taishou? What was his position in the past?"
Shi Taishou said modestly: "I am Shi Dalang. Although I am the governor of Zhongzhou, my position is humble and cannot be compared with the great officials. I sit in the outer court."
Chen Yun stood up. "Alright, Ri Ri, Yue Yue, go back! Governor Shi, on the day of the banquet, just tell the maid of honor that you are, and someone will arrange a place for you. Father, all members of the Chen family must also attend the banquet. This is the order of His Majesty."
Upon hearing this, the Shi family had different expressions on their faces. They had obviously not expected Chen Yun to be so directly connected to the imperial family.
"Miss Chen, what do you mean?" asked the prefect Shi tentatively, his tone less arrogant than before.
Chen Yan smiled slightly, his eyes revealing an unquestionable determination: "Sir Shi, although the Chen family is not from a prominent family, my brother is talented and ambitious. Given time, he will become a great man. And Miss Shi, judging by her words and deeds, is also a gentle, virtuous, and understanding person. The two of you are in love and are truly a match made in heaven. Please give them some time!"
"As for the conditions you proposed, my Chen family can accept them. However, I have to add one more condition: within this year, Miss Shi Qiqi must maintain normal interactions with my brother and get to know each other, rather than being isolated like prisoners. If at the end of the year, their feelings remain unchanged, my Chen family will sincerely prepare a sufficient betrothal gift and marry Miss Shi with great ceremony."
The Shi family members looked at each other, clearly surprised by Chen Yun's proposal. Shi Qiqi's eyes gleamed with tears as she looked at Chen Yun gratefully, while Shi Dalang paused for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
"Okay, Miss Chen is a straightforward person, and I, Shi Dalang, am not an unreasonable person. I'll do as you say." Shi Dalang finally nodded in agreement, with a hint of helplessness in his tone, but also revealed a hint of recognition of Chen Yan.
Chen Yun nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Chen Feng and said, "Brother, I've given you this opportunity. The rest is up to you. Remember, treating each other sincerely is more important than any external conditions."
Chen Feng nodded excitedly, his eyes flashing with determination and gratitude. He knew that they had made it through this hurdle.
Soon, it was time for the Qiankun Kingdom's royal banquet. Inside the magnificent palace, the lights were ablaze, the music filled the air, and nobles, officials, and their families, dressed in splendid attire, streamed into the banquet hall in an endless stream. The scene was grand and lavish.
The Chen family, dressed in their carefully prepared attire, entered the palace with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. As soon as they entered the palace gates, they unexpectedly ran into the Shi family. The two families walked together towards the banquet hall, treating each other with respect.
Young men and women passing by looked at the Chen family, many secretly mocking their low-quality clothing. The Chen family could only keep silent.
A palace maid received them, and Chen Lu and Shi Taishou each took out their invitation letters.
At the palace gate, a palace maid came forward with a smile. She took the invitation from Chen Lu and Shi Taishou and, after carefully examining it, said respectfully, "Dear guests, I have been waiting for you to come. Please follow me."
Soon, the two families were brought to the banquet venue, passing through the hall and arriving at a place inside. The Chen family looked at the luxurious decorations around them with shining eyes, chatting with each other.
Brother Shi and the others asked in surprise, "Um, little palace maid, are both our families in the inner hall? Is this a mistake?"
Chen Lu looked calm and said with a smile, "Just sit down. My daughter has her reasons for making this arrangement."
After everyone took their seats, not long after, the eunuch's shrill yet resonant voice announced, "Your Majesty, the Emperor, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess!"
For a moment, the entire room fell silent, everyone's attention focused on a corner of the screen. It was Emperor Li Lie'ao, Empress Xue Lian, Crown Prince Li Lin, and Crown Princess Chen Yin, who was holding two babies.
Everyone knelt and saluted: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! May Your Highness be blessed with great fortune!"
"My dear ministers, please stand! Today is the imperial banquet, so please do not be formal with your subjects! Enjoy yourself! The banquet begins!"
When everyone looked up at the seat above, they saw that the royal family was dressed in noble clothes. Emperor Li Lieo was wearing a bright yellow robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns. The wide sleeves of the robe swayed gently with his movements, like floating clouds, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.
Queen Xue Lian wore a phoenix-patterned shawl. The bright red silk was embroidered with colorful phoenixes, and the phoenixes' eyes were inlaid with rubies, sparkling brightly. She wore a phoenix crown on her head, and the pearls and jade hanging from the crown swayed gently with her every move.
Crown Prince Li Lin wore a black robe with a python pattern, which shimmered mysteriously in the candlelight. He wore a white jade belt around his waist, which accentuated his upright posture and imposing presence.
Crown Princess Chen Yun wore a floor-length, moon-white dress embroidered with peony patterns. The hem was embroidered with a continuous, golden pattern of auspicious clouds. A jewel-studded phoenix hairpin adorned her bun, while pearl tassels dangling from either side gently brushed against her fair cheeks, adding to her allure. The two infants in her arms were also dressed in delicately embroidered dresses. Wrapped tightly, their delicate cheeks looked especially adorable in the candlelight.
Chen Siyu, who was below, said to the people around her, "Dad, Mom, look at me! I'm so beautiful and noble!"
Everyone stood up, and the Shi family finally saw Chen Yun's true identity. Their eyes widened in shock, and they looked at Chen Yun and wiped their eyes. Shi Dalang's face turned pale and red. He could never have imagined that the Crown Princess, being adored by everyone, was actually the Chen girl he had looked down upon not long ago. Mrs. Shi and Brother Shi were filled with regret, their mouths open, unable to speak for a long time.
Shi Qiqi stammered, "Isn't that... the second daughter of the Chen family? Brother Feng..."
Chen Feng said, "My second sister is the current Crown Princess of Qiankun Kingdom. Otherwise, how could we have a seat in the inner hall?"
Chen Feng's face was filled with a proud smile. He gently patted Shi Qiqi's hand, signaling her to rest assured.
Mrs. Shi quickly apologized with a smile: "Oh, if you have such status, you should have told me earlier! You don't have to wait a year, you can get married anytime!"
Shi Taishou nudged Shi Qiqi and said, "Let's have a good discussion in the future! My dear relatives, we can discuss their affairs after the festival."
The Chen family agreed with a smile.
It was in such a harmonious environment that the whole audience laughed and talked. As the palace maids brought food, the banquet began, with singing and dancing, and endless wine and delicious food.
Li Lin and Chen Ying also came down to the stage to toast.
When they arrived at the Chen family and the Shi family, Chen Yun spoke first: "This is the Shi Dalang of Zhongzhou, the Shi family, the one my elder brother loves!"
Li Lin smiled and said, "I see. Congratulations to Brother Chen Feng and to Governor Shi!"
Governor Shi smiled and raised his glass: "That day, I did not know that the second daughter of the Chen family was the current Crown Princess. I do not know how to accept the punishment, so I will drink a glass myself first."
Prefect Shi drank the cup, and Mrs. Shi poured wine beside him.
"Then the punishment shall be settled, and the crime shall be atoned for. What the Imperial Court said before is also what I thought. Let us keep good relations between our two families in the future!"
Li Lin smiled and said, "Then you continue. We will go to the next table. Be careful, the people in the palace are not kind."
After saying that, the two of them took the palace maids to the next table.
As the banquet reached its climax, Empress Xue Lian suddenly suggested, "Today is the New Year's Day banquet. I would like to add to the festivities. How about having the young talents here demonstrate their talents to liven up the atmosphere? What do you think?"
As soon as these words came out, they were immediately responded to by the guests, who all applauded in agreement. Seeing this, Chen Yun secretly thought that this might be a good opportunity to push the relationship between Chen Feng and Shi Qiqi to the next level.
"Father, everyone here today is a talent. Regardless of whether they are good or bad, proficient or frustrated, they should all be given opportunities to demonstrate their talents and discover their potential. Now, I would like to recommend my eldest brother as the first."
"The Crown Princess is absolutely right. Today, regardless of whether you are conceited or not, you should show off and release all the unhappiness from the past!"
However, Chen Feng was extremely scared. He had no talent at all, was simple-minded and rude. He had once secretly studied with Chen Yan, but his level was far inferior to that of his sisters.
"Can I not go? I don't have any special skills." Chen Feng whispered to his parents.
Chen Feng was scolded by his parents, and a wry smile appeared on his face, but he also knew that this was unavoidable. He took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed to the emperor, empress, and the guests. His heart was secretly beating fast, but he forced himself to remain calm.
"I am a humble commoner, Chen Feng. I am not very talented or well-educated, and I am afraid I am not qualified to be accepted by the upper class. Besides traveling with the merchant caravan, my greatest hobby is listening to stories and operas. Today, I will improvise a piece about the auspicious dragon and phoenix, hoping to add some color to the banquet."
Under the gaze of the crowd, Chen Feng cleared his throat and began to recount the ancient and legendary story. At first, his voice was a little trembling, but as the story progressed, he gradually immersed himself in the role, and his voice became sonorous and powerful, full of emotion.
He told a story of heroism and beauty, of loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness, a story so full of twists and turns that it was captivating. The guests were enchanted, and even Empress Xue Lian could not help but nod in approval, a flicker of admiration in her eyes.
Shi Qiqi was even more captivated by what she heard. She had never seen Chen Feng so confident and radiant before. At this moment, she became even more resolute in her feelings for Chen Feng and became even more convinced that the man before her was worth waiting for and relying on.
After the story was told, the audience burst into thunderous applause.
Chen Yun praised him and said, "I, your son, must also thank you. It was you who created a crucial turning point in the Tufan Rebellion, allowing Qiankun Nation to shift from a passive position to an active one. It's a pity that despite Bai's intelligence, he offended many people due to his honesty and lost some jobs. I hope that his position as Caravan Master can last longer."
Li Lie'ao understood and smiled faintly, knowing that Chen Yun wanted to promote his brother. But that was fine. This was also an opportunity to elevate Chen Yun's status as a commoner. "Let's raise the status of the Crown Princess! Let the officials stop complaining about her humble background every day."
"Chen Feng, have you ever been a soldier?"
"Your Majesty, I did participate in the Battle of Jinyang, but... I was too young and immature at the time, so I volunteered to leave the team."
"Haha! Just as the Crown Princess said, you're too honest. I remember you were just an 11-year-old boy back then. Before I ascended the throne, you accompanied me in battle and even served as the temporary commander-in-chief to complete Jinyang's counterattack and the rebellion of the kings. I guess you had to leave the team for a special reason."
Chen Yun looked at Li Lieo with a puzzled expression, and the Chen family members looked at His Majesty.
"Why is Your Majesty lying with your eyes open?" Chen Feng couldn't help but think worriedly.
"How about I restore your position as Chief of Staff to assist the Crown Prince in handling documents?"
Brother Shi asked the prefect, "Dad, what is the position of the Chief Secretary? What is his rank?"
"He is an eighth-rank official, primarily responsible for promoting literature and teachings, and serves the Crown Prince. It's a sinecure."
Chen Feng immediately knelt down and saluted: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gift!"
The emperor then continued, "My dear ministers, you may not know this, but the Crown Princess's father was General Chen Richen, the former General of the Right Guard. He was versed in literature and history, and skilled in projectiles and archery. Unfortunately, a battle left him with multiple injuries, and his face was altered after treatment, making him unable to draw a bow and fight. He secretly withdrew from my service, and I was heartbroken for a long time! So, everyone, the Crown Princess is no commoner, it's just that her family has been too low-key."
The Chen family finally understood that the emperor was gilding the Chen family.
But Chen Yun's rebellious nature came to the fore. "If this is the case, then I'll be adopted as a goddaughter by my godfather Huang Jian. Will this lower my status even further? Ah, no! In your opinion, no matter whose family you're adopted into, if you're born into a pariah family, you're still a pariah. So, it's better for my family to be considered commoners. By the way, I used to be a slave in society! Now that you treat me like a god, how about calling me Guanyin's maid?"
Chen Yun grinned, his eyes revealing an aura of looking down on everyone, making everyone present feel an invisible pressure.
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