"Father Emperor has already attended the banquet, but the Crown Prince, Princes, and princesses of Qing’an Country have yet to arrive. Could it be they do not hold Father Emperor in regard? Or are they showing contempt for Dongchu Country’s authority?"
Yang Mengchen’s face turned stern as he followed the chilling voice to its source.
He saw the man speaking opposite him wearing a blue jade golden crown and a gold robe embroidered with five-clawed dragons and cloud patterns, his thick eyebrows and round face punctuated by thin lips, red as rouge. His phoenix eyes occasionally narrowed into thin slits, revealing the cold ruthlessness within his heart, and there was even a hint of illness between his looks.
"Prince Duan," Long Xuanmo whispered into Yang Mengchen’s ear, "Yesterday, Duke of Wuguo (Concubine De’s family and Prince Duan’s maternal family) sought an audience with Father Emperor, and afterward, Father Emperor released Prince Duan."
Yang Mengchen was already aware of the secret discussion in the Imperial Study Room. Duke of Wuguo, for the sake of Prince Duan, or, more precisely, for the everlasting glory and wealth of the Zheng family, had made such a significant concession. It showed how deeply calculative the Duke of Wuguo was, knowing when to abandon the less to preserve the more. Unfortunately, his grandson, Prince Duan, was a fool.
Qing’an Country was separated from the four countries by a great sea, but it was well-known that Qing’an Country was vast in land and abundant in resources, with powerful national strength, especially in agriculture and military, far surpassing the four countries. Emperors of the four countries had tried every means to forge good relations with it, but none had succeeded.
Now that there was finally a chance to establish a good relationship with Qing’an Country, Prince Duan was stirring up trouble in public; Xuan Mo believed the Emperor would not favor him.
True to his expectations, the Emperor coldly glanced at Prince Duan. Without uttering a word, he made Prince Duan’s back break out in a cold sweat.
Many astute imperial court officials looked at Prince Duan with eyes full of unspoken depth.
The delegates from the other three countries seemed as if they hadn’t heard anything, secretly hoping for a fallout between Dongchu and Qing’an so that they could profit as bystanders.
The irritation and disdain in Duke of Wuguo’s eyes disappeared as swiftly as they had come. He quickly regained his composure, slightly lowering his head, keeping his expressions unreadable.
"Prince Duan, mind your words!"
With a melodious and clear voice rising, Meng Jingqi slowly walked in.
Dressed in white, surpassing snow, his black hair like ink, he looked around with a gaze that was both attentive and serene. His demeanor was graceful and noble, amalgamating the world’s elegance and grace within himself. Like the clear moonlight under tranquil waters or the everlasting ice on steep cliffs, and the gentle breeze in the vast sky, he strolled leisurely with his robe fluttering, causing every flower in the garden to pale in comparison.
Behind him, Meng Hanyue with her transcendent grace was dignified and serene. Meng Jinghui’s martial valor and distinctive charm left countless young men and women flushed with excitement. frёewebnoѵēl.com
Seeing Yang Mengchen’s worried and caring gaze, Meng Jingqi smiled slightly as if thousands of pear trees were blooming all at once. Indeed, he was magnificent, peerless in this world!
Meng Hanyue and Meng Jinghui also smiled warmly at Yang Mengchen. If it hadn’t been for Jiujiu’s arrangements, they might not have been able to escape tonight’s events.
Yang Mengchen returned the sincere smile, and with her concerns alleviated, felt at ease.
Giving a warning glance at the three siblings of the Meng family, Long Xuanmo, hiding the movement behind the table, tightly squeezed his wife’s hand without causing her pain, using only a voice she could hear, "I’m better looking than they are. Don’t look at them!"
Withdrawing her gaze, Yang Mengchen looked back at Long Xuanmo, whose face was filled with jealousy, a little amused and somewhat helpless, but still gently squeezed his hand in return.
Looking at the couple whose eyes and expressions were filled with tender affection, Meng Jingqi felt a sense of relief deep in his eyes before turning to the Emperor in the seat of honor, bowing respectfully, "Jingqi and my younger sister have met the Emperor. I apologize for our tardiness; some despicable people blocked our way, and we hope the Emperor will forgive us."
"Who dared to offend our distinguished guests?" the Emperor immediately exploded with anger.
The three were attacked in Dong Chu City, and even if they didn’t harbor grudges for Jiujiu’s sake, as an Emperor, his and Dong Chu’s dignity were compromised.
The others present were greatly shocked.
But people from the three countries were secretly pleased, after all, Princess Chen was a princess who joined halfway. If Dong Chu and Qing’an Country became enemies over this, they would naturally be happy to see it happen.
Meng Jingqi said indifferently, "Your Majesty, rest assured, thanks to Prince Chen’s and Princess Chen’s thorough consideration, all those vermin have been captured, and later they will be handed over to Your Majesty for judgment."
"I will give you three distinguished guests a proper account," the Emperor said, suppressing his anger, and then turned to Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen, his tone filled with relief and praise, "Lucky for us, Momo and Jiujiu handled the matter with such attention to detail. Whatever reward you desire, just say it, and your father, the Emperor, will grant it."
Certain faces changed color instantly, but all eyes were on Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen, so no one noticed.
"To share our father, the Emperor’s worries and toil, is but the duty of your children and their spouses," Long Xuanmo implied that they did not wish for any reward.
Yang Mengchen stood calmly by Long Xuanmo’s side, the picture of an obedient wife in complete harmony with her husband.
The Emperor felt pleased and fortunate upon seeing this; indeed, Momo had great judgment to have married such a lucky and intelligent wife, which brought fortune to him and the Imperial Court as well, "You are all good children, please take a seat." He then motioned for Meng Jingqi and his siblings to sit down.
The Emperor began with some official pleasantries, then lifted his cup to drink with everyone. The banquet did not serve the usual imperial wine, but rather the Yang family’s ’Yongchang Jade Wine (sorghum liquor)’ and red grape wine.
The Yongchang Jade Wine was transparent and lustrous, rich and fragrant, while the red grape wine was subtle and soft, sweet and pleasant. After tasting it, everyone heaved a sigh of satisfaction: Truly divine wine! It was a pity that both the Yongchang Jade Wine and the red grape wine were sold in limited quantities each year, unobtainable by ordinary people, let alone other countries.
The Eldest Prince of Beiyue Country eagerly asked, "May I inquire, Princess Chen, whether the Yongchang Jade Wine and the red grape wine can be sold to Beiyue Country?"
Apart from the three Mengs, people from Nanping and Xiliang Countries were also clamoring to inquire.
They had heard that the Yang family had produced several kinds of wine, among which Yongchang Jade Wine and red grape wine were considered the finest. There were also many novel goods; they had come specifically for a chance to collaborate with the Yang family, and approaching Princess Chen, the treasure of the Yang family, was certainly the right move.
"Of course," nodded Yang Mengchen. "After the banquet, my brothers and I will discuss this with everyone." "Everyone is also welcome to look at other items; I’m sure you will be very satisfied."
Her words fell perfectly in line with the wishes of the people from the three countries.
After the singing and dancing, a charming woman suddenly said to Yang Mengchen, "I’ve heard that Princess Chen is exceptionally talented. I wonder if you could allow us the honor of witnessing it?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
