"It's nothing, I just wanted to call you," the Prince of Zhenbei said softly.
Bei Gongminhao nodded, his gaze no longer fixed on Ji Wushang, but instead on everyone present.
At this moment, a man walked in from outside. He was about eight feet tall, with a handsome face, and an arrogant and wicked air. He was wearing a yellow prince's dragon robe, but he was even more arrogant than the dragon on the robe. His face was icy cold, and he was even more arrogant than Nan Xu Cong.
The Crown Prince remained silent, already paralyzed. The Second Prince, Huangfu Ting, was handsome, possessing a cunning blend of strength and gentleness. The Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan, was inherently cold, arrogance, and domineering. Nan Xu Cong always wore a facade of icy indifference, yet harbored a passionate heart. The Sixth Prince, Huangfu Yu, possessed a carefree spirit, a man who viewed life with a playful, almost mocking, attitude. The Fifth Prince, Huangfu You, died young, so we won't discuss him.
Everyone raised their wine cups as they looked at Huangfu Xuan, "Congratulations on the Third Prince's return to court!"
Huangfu Xuan nodded, then lifted his long robe and knelt on the ground, saying, "Greetings, Father Emperor!"
"Xuan'er, get up!" Emperor Zhou nodded and smiled as he pointed to the seat next to Huangfu Ting, who was waving a bone fan with a slight smile on his face.
Huangfu Xuan bowed again, "Thank you, Father Emperor!"
Once everyone was seated, a head eunuch announced, "The King of the Western Regions has arrived!"
Everyone looked outside again. Ji Wushang didn't have time to carefully examine the Third Prince Huangfu Xuan, but instead looked at Yiyun Shangcheng outside. Yiyun Shangcheng walked in from outside, looking somewhat travel-worn, with a kind smile on his lips. His sinister charm made everyone feel his aura, which vaguely carried a trace of murderous intent.
Yiyun Shangcheng smiled and gave Emperor Zhou a slight smile. "Greetings, Emperor Zhou! Please accept this!" As she spoke, an envoy presented a large luminous pearl. When it was opened, it emitted a dazzling light, even though it was daytime!
Those around couldn't help but marvel at how many rare and precious treasures the Western Regions truly possessed!
"King of the Western Regions, you are too kind. Please take a seat!" Emperor Zhou smiled, and the eunuch, knowing his place, stepped forward to accept the luminous pearl and withdrew. Emperor Zhou then pointed to the seat on his right, a seat that truly conveyed the impression of treating the King of the Western Regions as an honored guest.
The King of the Western Regions nodded and sat down on the honored seat on the right without any hesitation.
Their gazes involuntarily turned to Ji Wushang, while the Third Prince Huangfu Xuan looked at Nan Xuzong with a smile on his lips, as if to say, "Look, didn't I see your Crown Princess?" His smile was radiant, and then he looked at Ji Wushang.
Nan Xuzong's eyes deepened, while Ji Wushang lowered his head, refusing to look at anyone.
Nan Xuzong gently leaned close to her ear, "Don't be shy, relax."
Hearing his words, Ji Wushang immediately whispered, "Those glares, are they trying to kill me? I should have known better than to come!"
"Hehe!" Nan Xuzong chuckled twice. "You were specifically asked to come, so you couldn't refuse." He knew Huangfu Xuan's personality well. He was an arrogant and ruthless man who wouldn't give up until he achieved his goals. Compared to Huangfu Ting, he might not lose!
At this moment, the banquet began. Emperor Zhou looked at all the imperial nobles present and said, "Today, we are hosting a banquet to welcome the Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan. Therefore, my dear ministers, please enjoy the feast; there's no need for further formalities!"
The ministers nodded to each other upon hearing this.
Before Huangfu Ting could even strike up a conversation with Yiyun Shangcheng across the street, Huangfu Xuan had already spoken up, "King of the Western Regions, long time no see!"
"Indeed!" Evian Upper Town replied coldly.
Huangfu Ting was taken aback. Did they know each other?
"Do you remember the agreement we made six months ago?" Huangfu Xuan raised the wine glass in front of him, his expression equally cold.
"The day we meet again will surely be a time of endless drinking!" Yi Yunshangcheng said, his voice gentle yet firm, as he raised the golden dragon wine cup in front of him and downed it in one gulp.
"Fine! Let's see who falls first today!" Huangfu Xuan sneered. "You, the King of the Western Regions, are doomed to lose!" His powerful voice, though not loud, reached everyone's ears, forcing them to stop and look at them.
Yiyun Shangcheng burst into loud laughter, completely disregarding the fact that this was the imperial palace of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, "The outcome is still uncertain!"
The two exchanged veiled words, their conversation seemingly evenly matched. Perhaps not quite enough, Yiyun Shangcheng had someone move a stool to Huangfu Xuan's side.
This enraged Huangfu Ting, who was watching from the side. He lowered his head to drink, his eyes filled with malice. "You, Huangfu Xuan, it seems you were prepared all along!"
Ji Wushang looked at them, his gaze falling on Huangfu Xuan. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. This man's face... was very familiar!
---
...
☆、183 The Silent Piano
Where have I seen him before? But the feeling is just not good! What kind of feeling is it? Is it cold, is it despair! Is it from a past life or this life? Thinking... Ji Wushang tried to find this person's figure in his memories, but no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't think of him. It was just a very familiar face, or was he seeing the wrong face?
Nan Xuzong must have sensed Ji Wushang's unusual behavior, because he squeezed her hand gently. "What's wrong?"
Ji Wushang snapped out of her reverie, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. "It's nothing. I think I've met the Third Prince before... Maybe I'm mistaken."
"Hmm?" Nan Xuzong frowned. "What did you say? You've met the Third Prince before?" He pulled her slightly closer and whispered in her earlobe.
This posture truly made everyone believe that the Prince and Princess of Nan were not just ordinary lovers! Who says that people with disabilities can't have true love or women? This Princess of Nan is of noble birth—the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion! Look at her beautiful face and fair skin, a first-class beautiful noble lady. Judging from this posture, the two are very much in love!
"The Prince of Nan and his wife are truly enviable, so loving!" At this moment, someone spoke to Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang didn't say anything, but upon hearing these words, her face flushed. She looked up at the source of the voice and met the gaze of the Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan. His gaze was cold, as if she had seen a message of death!
Ji Wushang's heart skipped a beat. Nan Xuzong observed her change and read not any affection in her eyes, but rather, terror! How could this be? Nan Xuzong considered himself quite close to Huangfu Xuan and knew him fairly well. Could it be that he had missed something? Or was Huangfu Xuan always playing a different role in front of him?
Yiyun Shangcheng never expected that Huangfu Xuan would look at Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong while drinking with her! Moreover, his tone just now was a bit off, as if he was angry that his things had been taken by someone else?
No, Yiyun Shangcheng immediately looked in the direction of Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong.
While Beigong Minhao was drinking alone, he couldn't help but put down his wine glass when Huangfuxuan suddenly mentioned Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong. He then saw the frightened look in Ji Wushang's eyes.
Nan Xuzong's eyes narrowed. He would never allow Ji Wushang to be frightened like this. He grasped Ji Wushang's small hand in his large hand, squeezing it tighter to let the warmth of his palm transfer to hers. He spoke slightly, looking at Huangfu Xuan, "I, Nan Xuzong, finally received a marriage decree from the Emperor, so of course I must cherish this relationship. Besides, Wushang is the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion. I have a father-in-law like General Ji and an elder brother like Young General Ji. What more could I, Nan Xuzong, possibly want? When Wushang and I first met the Third Prince, his heroic bearing truly inspired awe!"
Hearing Nan Xuzong's words, Huangfu Xuan stopped looking at Ji Wushang and looked at Nan Xuzong. "Young Master Nan is too modest! Since ancient times, beauties have been paired with heroes. How could someone who can marry a beautiful woman like the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion not have outstanding skills!"
Nan Xuzong looked displeased. Was he mocking his inability to stand up straight when he used the phrase "standing tall and firm"? In the eyes of ordinary people, not being able to stand up straight means you're not truly standing tall and firm!
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang felt a surge of anger. He absolutely could not be intimidated by such a gaze! Who did he think he was? Even if he were the King of Hell, he would never yield!
Ji Wushang raised her head, looking coldly at Huangfu Xuan, "What the Third Prince said is absolutely right! My husband is able to bring me into this palace to participate in the Third Prince's welcoming banquet, which shows that he has extraordinary abilities! Otherwise, I would definitely be like those ordinary wives in the family, managing the courtyard and taking care of my parents in the inner courtyard! How could I have the opportunity to admire His Majesty's face! And how could I have the opportunity to speak with the Third Prince!"
These words immediately astonished everyone present. Hearing Huangfu Xuan's mocking remarks about Nan Xuzong, they had anticipated a heated exchange, but unexpectedly, it was the Princess Consort of Nan, not the Prince himself, who spoke! The Princess Consort praised Nan Xuzong as a truly upright and admirable husband, acknowledging that his physical disability did not diminish his noble character.
Moreover, it elevates the meaning of "standing tall and upright," giving people a sense of a spiritual realm. It also praises the Emperor, expressing respect and admiration. The final sentence is a deep irony; ostensibly, it says it's an honor to see the Third Prince here, but in reality, it's a condemnation of Huangfu Xuan for his impolite words!
Yi Yun Shangcheng narrowed her eyes, looking at Ji Wushang, "The Princess Consort of the Southern Prince has such a clever tongue." She hadn't seen him for a few days, and she had become even more beautiful and charming, and her silver tongue had become even more impressive!
"I thank the King of the Western Regions for his praise on behalf of Wu Shang!" Nan Xuzong looked at Huangfu Xuan and Yi Yun Shangcheng. Although his face appeared kind, everyone knew that Nan Xuzong was not happy inside; he was suppressing his anger! Nan Xuzong turned back to look at Ji Wu Shang and gave her a doting smile. Ji Wu Shang, in turn, squeezed his hand and nodded slightly. The meaning was, "I'm here. Even if everyone else is after you, I'll always be here!"
Huangfu Xuan suddenly laughed, "Hahaha! The King of the Western Regions is right, the Princess Consort of the Southern Kingdom is indeed very eloquent! I admire her greatly!"
Ji Wushang turned his head, his smile concealing his true feelings, and said, "What I just said was merely stating the facts; there was nothing eloquent about it. I simply thank you for the praise, Third Prince, and thank you for the praise, King of the Western Regions!"
A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Huangfu Xuan's eyes, but it disappeared in an instant. He nodded slightly and turned to Yiyun Shangcheng, saying, "Let's continue drinking!"
"Alright!" Yi Yun Shangcheng glanced at Ji Wushang out of the corner of her eye, then raised the wine glass in front of her and continued to drink.
Those around them watched them continue drinking before turning away to continue their own eating and drinking. This Ji Wushang is truly remarkable; he managed to subdue three men with just a few words. Tsk tsk!
Ji Wushang sighed softly, and Nan Xuzong placed the hot tea in front of her, saying, "Take a sip to warm yourself up."
"Hmm." Ji Wushang nodded, took the teacup with both hands, and then took a sip of hot tea.
Bei Gongminhao glanced at Huangfu Xuan and Yi Yunshangcheng, his eyes darkening. He lowered his head and continued drinking, but his gaze was fixed on Ji Wushang, watching her every move, watching her drink the tea, and then Nan Xuzong helping her to soothe her mood.
If it were me standing next to her, I would never allow myself to be ridiculed like that! But, isn't she afraid of the Third Prince's wrath? The Third Prince has been trained on the frontier since childhood, and the battlefield can easily forge a ruthless, cold-blooded, and arrogant personality. Doesn't she know she should avoid him and not provoke such a man?
"Cong, I want to go back," Ji Wushang whispered. The atmosphere was too oppressive. Just as he finished speaking, a eunuch shouted loudly, "The Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Consort Yun have arrived!"
Ji Wushang narrowed his eyes, while Nan Xuzong squeezed Ji Wushang's hand, expressing some helplessness. If these three women came over now and didn't sit at the back of the banquet until the end, they would definitely arouse the disgust of these people.
Ji Wushang understood and nodded.
Everyone rose to greet them, "Greetings to the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Consort Yun! Long live the Empress Dowager, long live the Empress!" Emperor Zhou also personally came down to greet them, "Mother, Empress, beloved Consort, why have you all come together?"
"Isn't it lively with so many people? I was feeling bored in Cixin Palace, and the Empress and Consort Yun came to chat with me. They heard about this palace banquet, and I've been itching to attend one for so many years, so I came along." The Empress Dowager, with her kind face and gentle eyes, wore a noble palace dress with a slightly red hue that reached the ground. She smiled as she spoke, having already looked at everyone in the hall. Finally, her gaze settled on Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong.
This must be the first time I've seen the Princess Consort of the Southern Prince, right? I heard the Empress had summoned her to the palace for a meeting before, but I hadn't had a chance to see the child myself. I never expected her to be so beautiful; she's quite a match for Cong'er! Cong'er has good taste!
The Empress Dowager withdrew her gaze and looked at Emperor Zhou. Emperor Zhou then said, "Quickly, quickly bring a brocade seat for the Empress Dowager! Give everyone a seat."
"Please sit down and join us for the banquet!" The Empress Dowager smiled, looking at so many people, and felt happy.
"Thank you, Empress Dowager!" The crowd bowed again before taking their seats.
At this moment, Consort Yun turned her gaze to the Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan. Huangfu Xuan's birth mother, Consort Yuan, died young due to illness and was entrusted to Consort Yun's care. Consort Yun was the mother of Crown Prince Huangfu Yun, but suddenly there was someone vying for the throne with her son. Naturally, she sided with her own son and caused Huangfu Xuan a lot of suffering.
Therefore, Huangfu Xuan, having witnessed the power struggles within the palace, had no choice but to request permission to train on the frontier, where he honed his martial arts skills and developed a wicked and arrogant arrogance. Now, Crown Prince Huangfu Yun is half-dead, holding a hollow title, making the battle for the throne inevitably fierce. Huangfu Xuan was adopted by Consort Yun, but will he still cherish that bond now?
Huangfu Xuan felt Yun Shufei's gaze, smiled, and thought, "I have returned after completing my studies, while the Crown Prince is bedridden. Yun Shufei, do you remember how you treated me back then?"
The Empress looked at Huangfu Ting and saw him drinking his wine with obvious dissatisfaction, which also displeased her.
What was the reason? The gaze fell on Huangfu Xuan, who was drinking happily with Yiyun Shangcheng, and immediately understood.
Princess Huangfu Lan looked at Huangfu Ting opposite her. Seeing him unhappy made her happy, since he almost got herself killed.
"Since this is a welcoming banquet, how can it be celebrated without music? Bring on the music." The Empress Dowager looked at everyone and smiled.
"Yes." The eunuch waiting outside immediately called for a singing girl to come and perform.
At this moment, Yiyun Shangcheng walked up to the Empress Dowager and said, "This humble prince toasts the Empress Dowager!" In his hand was a golden dragon wine cup.
The Empress Dowager listened to the voice and looked at the person. She saw that Yi Yun Shangcheng had a charming and evil aura. His purple eyes were slightly lowered. His aura of dominating the world was very shocking. The purple aura was lingering around him. His handsome face made people unable to take their eyes off him.
The Empress Dowager raised her wine cup, "May the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty and the Western Regions Dynasty unite in marriage and enjoy eternal peace!" Although the Empress Dowager had long lived in the deep palace, she was aware of the important affairs of the country. Although Princess Muchen was not marrying a prince, marrying the second son of the Prince of Zhenbei was still a good choice! This son would be granted the title of Prince of the County in the future, which would not be a low status for Princess Muchen.
Emperor Zhou nodded as he listened to their conversation.
Yiyun Shangcheng smiled slightly, "I'll drink first as a sign of respect!" He then finished his wine. The Empress Dowager also drank hers in one gulp. It was not hard to see the nobility in her eyes, nor was it hard to imagine her former glory.
Yiyun went back to her seat in the city, but when she returned, she only glanced at Huangfu Xuan. Huangfu Xuan nodded slightly to show his friendliness and didn't mind. After all, with the addition of the Empress Dowager and two others, the rules were naturally different.
The dancers then filed in from outside the palace and, in front of the crowd, performed their most beautiful dance in front of the vast hall.
Huangfu Xuan watched the dances with a cold gaze, while the ministers seemed to be enjoying them immensely.
Huangfu Ting turned his head and looked at the King of the Western Regions. "Why did the King of the Western Regions not come to my palace yesterday as agreed?"
A hint of murderous intent flashed in Yi Yun Shangcheng's eyes, but it vanished instantly. He replied, "Something came up yesterday, and I am truly sorry that I failed to inform the Second Prince in time. It was really my fault, and I am willing to punish myself with three cups!" With that, he picked up his wine cup, poured three cups, and drank them all.
Huangfu Ting knew what he had been doing yesterday, but it was truly remarkable that he had managed to resist the effects of the "Free and Easy Powder"! You must understand, the potency of this drug is enough to drive a man or woman mad for three days and three nights! If you're healthy, you might survive; if not, you'll die from exhaustion! Moreover, intercourse with a virgin is absolutely necessary to achieve this!
I wonder which lady he slept with that night?
Huangfu Ting nodded, "Never mind, the King of the Western Regions must be too busy with state affairs to remember such a trivial matter as mine! Haha!" He then took a sip of wine, seemingly mocking himself.
Yi Yun Shangcheng's fist, clenched beneath her knees, turned white at the knuckles. She was determined to avenge this! All she wanted was for him to marry the Seventh Princess! Let's be frank! Marrying her would make her the Queen of the Western Regions; once they arrived, her life or death would be entirely in her hands!
Should I grant them their wish, since they're so eager to get married?
His gaze was cold as he glanced at the Seventh Princess, Huangfu Lan, who was quietly eating to the side. Huangfu Lan seemed to have no interest in getting involved in this conflict and didn't look at anyone's gaze.
Huangfu Ting saw Yi Yun looking at Huangfu Lan and immediately felt that something was amiss.
The song and dance had come to an end, and the dancers had left, but the next batch of dancers had not yet come up.
Seeing the opportunity, Huangfu Ting immediately stepped forward and bowed before Emperor Zhou, Empress Dowager, and Empress, saying, "Grandmother, Father, Mother, I have a suggestion!"