Soon, Hua Qingcheng and Mu Lige were led by the eunuch chief Qu Chengde to Shaohua Palace where the palace banquet was held.
It was the end of the Si hour, and although the banquet hadn't officially begun, many people had already gathered in Shaohua Hall. These people were all important figures in Zhaoyang State, some senior officials in the court, others distinguished generals. Each one was dressed in gorgeous official uniforms, top hats, and jade belts, appearing exceptionally solemn. Their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation, as if they were waiting for something important to happen.
Entering Shaohua Hall, the first thing that caught my eye was the spacious and bright hall. Inside, numerous tables and chairs were neatly arranged, with fruit plates and tea placed on them. The seats were arranged according to the official rank of the civil and military officials, with the higher the rank, the closer they were to the front.
The hall was lavishly decorated, its walls resplendent with gold and jade, every inch showcasing the royal majesty and dignity. In the center, a long red carpet stretched to the uppermost seat. There, a massive dragon throne, intricately carved with lifelike patterns, sat.
Officials gathered in groups of three or five, chatting in low voices. Some looked solemn, as if discussing state affairs; others smiled broadly, greeting one another. Still others sat alone, gazing thoughtfully ahead.
On both sides of the palace stood rows of majestic guards, wearing heavy armor and holding spears, with solemn expressions and firm eyes.
The palace musicians were tuning their instruments in a corner, their melodious music echoing through the hall, making people feel relaxed and happy. This wonderful music made people immersed in it, temporarily forgetting all their worries.
At this time, a eunuch shouted loudly: "The Third Prince and His Royal Highness the Princess of Laifeng have arrived!"
As the chanting ended, everyone present turned their attention to the two figures in gorgeous attire who walked slowly from the entrance of the hall.
Their arrival was like a dazzling light, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
Hua Qingcheng and Mu Li held hands, calmly accepting the gazes from all directions, and walked to the seats in the prince's area with smiles on their faces and sat down.
However, just as they had just sat down, a burst of surprised shouts suddenly came from all around: "Oh my God! Is this really the third prince of our Zhaoyang Kingdom who became a monk in Tianlong Temple since childhood? What's wrong with his belly? No way, he is actually... pregnant?" An official widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief, and couldn't help but exclaimed.
As the official finished speaking, the other officials began to whisper among themselves. After all, Zhaoyang State was a patriarchal nation. A woman getting pregnant and bearing a child was perfectly normal, but a man getting pregnant was like a rooster laying an egg—unbelievable. After all, the Third Prince was undoubtedly a man of patriarchy.
As a result, everyone present simultaneously focused their attention on "Su Mulichen," their eyes filled with astonishment and curiosity. For them, this news was too shocking, completely overturning their understanding of the world.
"Maybe the Laifeng Female Kingdom has some secret medicine that can change a person's physique." Another official also whispered.
"But, is there really such a magical medicine in this world?" someone questioned.
"Yes! And even if such a medicine really exists, how could it be easily spread out?" another person echoed.
"Could it be that the royal concubine gave birth to a princess instead of a prince?" someone suddenly thought.
"That's impossible! I think the Princess of Laifeng is clearly a woman. If the third prince is a woman, then how did he get pregnant?" Someone immediately retorted.
"What do you think? Could this be a conspiracy by the Lady of Laifeng? Do they want to use this child to threaten our emperor?" someone asked worriedly.
"No way! Although the Laifeng Female Kingdom is powerful, it wouldn't do such a thing!" Someone said in disbelief.
"Hmph! People's hearts are hidden, who knows what they are planning? In short, this matter must not be taken lightly." Someone snorted coldly.
…
For a moment, everyone was speculating on various possibilities, and the scene became noisy and chaotic.
At this time, Mu Lige, who was sitting on the third prince's seat, ignored the discussions of the people around him and continued to communicate calmly and quietly with Hua Qingcheng.
However, Mu Lige's eyes would occasionally glance towards Ran Qiyue, who was sitting in the Imperial Master's seat. He could clearly sense the cold gaze that Ran Qiyue was casting on him and Hua Qingcheng, intentionally or unintentionally. It was a tingling sensation, like being stared at by a venomous snake.
After a while, the high-pitched chanting of the Imperial Household Department rang out again in the hall, reverberating like a mighty bell: "The Emperor has arrived! The Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort have arrived!"
As the Imperial Household Department finished speaking, everyone in the hall, except Hua Qingcheng and Mu Lige, stood up and saluted, shouting in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort!"
Su Mutianjun slowly walked up to the throne, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room like an eagle, before he sat down firmly on it. Qin Shuyao and Shangguan Yuechan followed closely behind, sitting on either side of him.
"Stand up!"
Su Mutianjun, seated at the head of the table, looked down upon the crowd below like a lofty deity, his hand raised slightly to offer support. He glanced at Hua Qingcheng and Mu Lige, who sat comfortably at their seats. A flicker of dissatisfaction flashed across his deep eyes, fleeting and almost imperceptible to others, including Mu Lige and Hua Qingcheng.
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