"He is truly a towering and upright man, I like him very much!" Feng Rulin said with a smile, pointing her orchid finger at Nan Xuzong.
Those present were stunned. Did Feng Rulin like men? She actually told Nan Xuzong, "I like them very much"? Everyone immediately turned their attention to Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong. Could it be that the Fourth Princess Consort had met her match? Was this not a woman stealing a husband, but a man also trying to steal a husband?
Ji Wushang's eyes gradually filled with anger. Feng Rulin's words, while praising Nan Xuzong at the beginning, already carried a hint of insult in the latter half! In this Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, where are there men who like other men? This is laughable!
"To see Prince Lin in the main hall today was like witnessing a divine being descend to earth! He fills one with envy; his handsomeness shines like the stars in the sky. I doubt there is anyone more handsome in Japan!" Ji Wushang's lips twitched slightly, his cool gaze fixed on Feng Rulin. If he dares to challenge, he'll gladly oblige!
Nan Xuzong's lips curled into a mocking smile. "My beloved consort, are you comparing Prince Lin to everyone in Japan? Indeed, in terms of handsomeness, probably no one can compare. In terms of beauty, those ordinary mortals should feel ashamed!"
Everyone who heard this immediately lowered their mouths to suppress their laughter.
Ji Wushang's meaning was clear: she described Feng Rulin as dazzlingly handsome, with no one in Fusang more handsome than him. These "people" naturally referred to the men and women of Fusang. Nan Xuzong's subsequent statement further emphasized this comparison, placing Feng Rulin alongside all men and women of Fusang. Being more handsome than a man was one thing, but being more handsome than a woman was a sign of insufficient masculinity. In the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, men pursued handsome masculinity, while women pursued gentleness and virtue—the distinction was very clear. Prince Lin, however, embodied a little of both, making him a laughingstock!
Feng Rulin's face paled slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Thank you for your kind words, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess! I'm truly surprised!"
"What's there to be surprised about? What my beloved consort says is the truth, and what I say is also the truth. If the prince is so surprised, surely no one in Fusang has mentioned that Prince Lin is exceptionally handsome?" Nan Xuzong smiled, then took Ji Wushang's hand and gently kissed it. "My beloved consort, let's go sit over there."
"Yes." Ji Wushang bowed slightly to Nan Xuzong.
Upon hearing Nan Xuzong's words, Feng Rulin's face turned completely pale. He hadn't expected these two to be so eloquent! Moreover, what Nan Xuzong had just said implied that no one in Fusang dared to speak the truth! They didn't even dare to mention the fact that the prince was exceptionally handsome, let alone any other truths!
These words had already ridiculed Fusang and damaged Prince Lin's dignity! They slapped him in the face, and yet he still had to say, "Thank you..."
Emperor Zhou smiled and said, "Alright, alright, we've exchanged greetings, so please sit down!"
Nan Xuzong smiled and said, "Yes." After saying that, he and Ji Wushang politely gestured to everyone before sitting down.
Seated next to them were the Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan, and Ma Ruyi. Huangfu Xuan and Ma Ruyi sat side by side. Ji Wushang secretly glanced at them and saw that Ma Ruyi had her head down, not daring to face the crowd, while Huangfu Xuan kept his gaze cold and sharp on everyone. His large hand was on Ma Ruyi's waist, but it was as cold as ice. His powerful aura made people afraid to approach, and Ma Ruyi became even more timid.
Everyone had witnessed what just happened. Apart from Ma Ruyi, who kept her head down and dared not look, and Huangfu Xuan, whose gaze was wicked and cold, and whose face was like ice, everyone else covered their mouths and chuckled.
Nan Xuzong gently placed his large hand on Ji Wushang's waist, gently pulling her to his side. Looking at the crowd and Emperor Zhou, he whispered, "What are you looking at and thinking about?"
“No.” Ji Wushang turned his gaze, then smiled at him, “They…” He didn’t finish his sentence.
Nan Xuzong lowered his eyes, nodded, and moved his lips slightly, "Let's wait and see."
Emperor Zhou beckoned after everyone was seated. At this moment, Consort Ning, who was sitting on the left, smiled and turned to Emperor Zhou, saying, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the Japanese dance is quite interesting, and I have also heard that Prince Lin has brought many singing girls with him. Why don't you come up and take a look?" She smiled.
Empress Yao, seated to Emperor Zhou's right, immediately showed displeasure upon hearing this. She had also heard this before, but what she heard even more was that the women of Fusang were alluring and possessed exceptional seductive skills, capable of driving men to ecstasy with both their technique and voice! If these singers were brought in and Emperor Zhou took a liking to them, wouldn't they be added to the harem? She would be busy again! She hadn't even managed to kill Consort Ning yet, and now a bunch of sluts had arrived. Who knew what their methods were? Wouldn't it be heartbreaking in the end?
"How could you ask such a question, sister? Prince Lin is an honored guest. How can we allow an honored guest to dance? Our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty is not without singing and dancing girls! Guards, play the music and start the singing and dancing!" Empress Yao glanced coldly at Consort Ning and immediately gave the order.
Empress Yao was indeed shrewd and powerful; Emperor Zhou didn't utter a word of dissent. Consort Ning, intending to plead her case, was immediately silenced by Emperor Zhou's words, "The Empress is right… Consort Ning should simply enjoy the dance." He gently patted Consort Ning's hand. What a joke! Empress Yao was so jealous; how could one openly invite a Japanese dance performance in front of her!
At this moment, Feng Rulin stood up with a smile, looked at everyone, and then his gaze fell on Emperor Zhou, Empress Yao, and Consort Ning on the throne. "Your Majesty, I have brought some gifts into the city on the orders of my father. Please accept them." He smiled and gestured to his delegation.
The delegation immediately stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, please grant permission."
"Please." Emperor Zhou nodded with a smile. Since it was Feng Rulin who spoke, he naturally couldn't refuse. Empress Yao certainly couldn't say anything either, otherwise, she might be seen as petty!
Feng Rulin sat down with a smile, picked up his golden dragon wine cup, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Emperor Zhou. Emperor Zhou immediately raised his own cup as well, saying, "Please."
Everyone raised their glasses.
“Your Great Xia Zhou Dynasty has a saying that ‘drink first as a sign of respect,’ so I’ll drink first as a sign of respect!” Feng Rulin smiled, her eyes crinkling.
Emperor Zhou nodded. "Please."
After Feng Rulin and the others finished drinking the wine, they beckoned for the envoys to summon a number of songstresses.
Suddenly, a song with a unique Japanese flavor began to play, and the songstresses, swaying their bodies, dressed in kimonos and wooden clogs, came forward, hopping and skipping into the hall in time with the rhythm. The sounds of string and wind instruments were melodious, carrying a hint of shouting, yet also full of tenderness.
The surrounding ministers had never seen such a dance before, so they couldn't help but put down their wine cups and look at the women with their alluring figures.
These women were also extremely well-dressed, wearing white masks on their faces. The masks were painted with the likenesses of the gods they worshipped in Fusang, or rather, images they imagined themselves.
But they were all extremely alluring.
The women were extremely skilled, dancing with perfect precision, their wooden clogs clicking as they leaped in unison.
Feng Rulin closed her eyes and hummed the tunes softly, as if she were in her own palace. Ma Ruyi, listening to the familiar music from her hometown, slowly raised her head, her gaze cold and clear as she looked at the songstress before her.
That year, I was also forced to dance like that to please her customers. I would learn any dance, but in the end, all I got in return was a beating.
Why must she always be manipulated by them? Why must she suppress her abilities and martial arts, becoming a weakling? Is it all for him? Ma Ruyi's gaze fell on Huangfu Xuan, whose eyes were practically burning with fire! Her heart skipped a beat; he didn't like these dances?
Huangfu Xuan lowered his voice and said coldly, "Did you see the Japanese dance and want to jump in too?"
Ma Ruyi froze, realizing he had noticed her observing him! "No," Ma Ruyi said, lowering her head, not daring to look any longer.
Huangfu Xuan's cold eyes narrowed, and he pulled her directly towards him. She panicked and immediately tried to push him away, "Don't do this, there are many people watching!"
"I like it this way!" Huangfu Xuan snorted coldly, his proud head held high, who dared to say a word against him!
Feng Rulin watched the courtesans from the opposite side, her gaze lingering on Huangfu Xuan and Ma Ruyi through the gaps in their sleeves. A smile crept onto her face. "My dear sister, my beloved Princess Yu, are you thinking of the cherry blossoms of your hometown? Are you thinking of your palace? Do you remember your dance? Do you remember your promise?"
Ma Ruyi was pulled into Huangfu Xuan's arms, so she could only turn her gaze to him, "Xuan."
"Did I give you permission to call me by my name?" His eyes blazed with an inexplicable fire. "Did seeing him remind you of something?"
"I...I didn't. Please forgive me, Your Highness!" She immediately lowered her head.
Ignoring the stares of everyone, Huangfu Xuan pulled her into his arms! "The more you resist, the more I will do it!" he sneered. Prince Lin has arrived. Is she going to go to their side and oppose me? And then carry out her plan, making me fall into her hands!
Ma Ruyi immediately stopped, looking at him, and said, "Whatever you want!"
Huangfu Xuan's anger burned even brighter, "Ma Ruyi!"
"Third Imperial Brother, I'd like to offer you a toast." At this moment, Nan Xuzong raised his wine cup and called out to Huangfu Xuan. Ji Wushang looked at Ma Ruyi and saw that her face was flushed red, as if she was about to argue with Huangfu Xuan. Ji Wushang smiled and looked at Huangfu Xuan, "Wushang also offers a toast to Third Imperial Brother, to thank you for your help to my wife and me over the past few days!"
Can't those two be a little nicer sometimes? Doesn't Huangfu Xuan know he needs to be gentler with Ma Ruyi sometimes? They should at least show others what they're capable of!
General Ma Rong and his son Ma Rui, who were sitting on the side, frowned. Their Ma Ruyi was going to be subjected to the Third Prince's tyranny.
Huangfu Xuan's attention was diverted by the two of them, and his eyes finally settled down. He picked up the wine glass in front of him and said, "Thank you, Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister-in-law!" He finished his wine as he spoke.
Nan Xuzong smiled, finished his drink, and then looked at Ji Wushang, "Why are you drinking this wine too?"
"A little wine, is that alright?" Ji Wushang looked at him and smiled.
He closed his eyes slightly and nodded.
Ji Wushang drank the wine and then put down the glass. "This wine is a bit strong."
"So you don't need to drink it." He picked up the fruit wine and poured it into her glass. "Drink this if you're thirsty."
"Yes." Ji Wushang smiled. He was truly a very considerate man, always taking care of her.
At this moment, the songstresses finished their dance, and the surrounding ministers couldn't help but clap and cheer.
Feng Rulin stood up at this moment, "This is a gift I prepared for His Majesty the Zhou Emperor, please accept it!" He smiled and waved his hand, and immediately all the singing girls stood aside, and then uniformly took off their masks. Sure enough, they were all beautiful young women of fourteen or fifteen years old!
"They are all young ladies selected from among the noble families, and will be taught the rules of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. We hope Your Majesty will accept them!" Feng Rulin waved his hand, and the ten young women immediately knelt down and said to the Emperor, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Feng Rulin meant that these women were all noblewomen, all virgins who had never been to the palace, of qualified status, had just displayed their talents, and now their beauty was evident. Therefore, they were to be given to Emperor Zhou as concubines in his harem.
Seeing this scene, Empress Yao suppressed her anger and gritted her teeth, saying, "Prince Lin's gift is truly lavish!"
"These are just small gifts; I hope Your Majesty will accept them with a smile!" Feng Rulin smiled slightly. Since ancient times, men have been unable to resist the allure of women; how could Emperor Zhou possibly refuse!
Emperor Zhou stood up. "Guards, lead them into the Yin Feng Pavilion." The Yin Feng Pavilion was where the young ladies-in-waiting lived. These ladies-in-waiting were naturally there to replenish the emperor's harem, and a small portion of them were also intended for the princes.
Empress Yao gritted her teeth, while Consort Ning raised a hint of sarcasm at the corner of her mouth.
"Your Majesty," Empress Yao said after some thought, "I believe the Crown Prince lacks a suitable advisor. Perhaps we could allow him to select a few women he finds attractive to fill the position, thus alleviating his worries?" She knew that offering ten women to Huangfu Xuan or Nan Xuzong would likely result in rejection, and it would be a waste of her time and effort.
Crown Prince Huangfu Yun is already a pawn in my hands, so why not use him now? Let those vixens stay out of the way. Once they're in the Eastern Palace, I'll pressure Huangfu Yun to find some excuse to execute them. That's the best way! As for the rest, I'll leave them to Emperor Zhou to play with. Then I'll make an example of them to show the women in the harem that Empress Yao isn't someone to be trifled with!
Emperor Zhou listened and looked at Huangfu Yun. Huangfu Yun's eyes darkened slightly, and he dared not speak immediately.
"What does the Crown Prince think?" Emperor Zhou asked. He himself couldn't handle so many women, let alone Empress Yao and Consort Ning. If he were to bring all ten Japanese women into the harem, even if he didn't favor any of them, Empress Yao and Consort Ning would cause trouble every day.
"Your subject will obey the orders of Father and Mother." The Japanese woman, I've heard, is quite skilled in bed; I might as well give her a try. Anyway, that's what Empress Yao wants!
Feng Rulin smiled. Their harem was in quite a mess! These ten women had all undergone special training, and he was going to have them catch them off guard one by one!
I refuse to believe that Empress Yao can accomplish anything significant!
"Then we'll go to the Yinfeng Pavilion afterwards and select a few women to enter the Eastern Palace." Emperor Zhou waved his hand, dismissing the women.
Feng Rulin left his seat, then stepped forward and bowed slightly, saying, "When I traveled through various countries, I saw some strange people and events. I would like to ask Emperor Zhou and everyone to help me answer a question that has troubled me for a long time." He smiled and immediately waved for someone to bring over a long desk, on which were placed three dice cups, each containing eight dice.
Everyone's expression changed. In the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, rolling dice was considered the act of a lecherous rogue. How could he bring it into the imperial palace! Didn't Feng Rulin inquire about the rules of their Great Xia Zhou Dynasty? The Zhou Emperor had explicitly forbidden such things from being kept in the palace, and now Feng Rulin dared to challenge the Zhou Emperor's bottom line?
Everyone immediately turned their attention to Emperor Zhou. His face was indeed cold, but he was facing Prince Feng Rulin from Fusang; how could he lower himself to his level?! This required demonstrating the dignity of a great power!
"I wonder why the prince brought these things up?" Emperor Zhou's lips twitched.
"Your Majesty, I've always wondered how to roll these dice to get the minimum possible number. Not one, but zero. How can one possibly achieve zero?" Feng Rulin asked, pointing at the dice.
The people around immediately started whispering among themselves. It was already very difficult to roll a "one". They wondered what kind of skill it would take to roll a one, because it required at least five or six dice, not just one!
Some ministers, however, did not know how to roll a "one".
We looked at each other, exchanged glances, and tried to reach a conclusion in private, but to no avail.
"I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to grant me instruction? I've heard that the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty is full of talented people; I'm sure there are some who can be selected." Feng Rulin smiled, looking at the Zhou Emperor with captivating eyes that seemed to beckon him to the emperor's dark pupils.
Emperor Zhou paused, then said, "Your Highness's question... Heh, I'm sure there's someone in this hall who can help Prince Lin!" His smile was almost impenetrable as he glanced at the people in the hall. The ministers, seeing Emperor Zhou's gaze sweep over them, all lowered their heads, not daring to look. First, if they really did roll the dice and didn't get a winning number, they would disgrace the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. After this night, they might lose their official hats, or even their lives. Second, if they rolled the dice and got a winning number, it would bring honor to the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, but wouldn't that be telling Emperor Zhou that they often played these lecherous games? Wouldn't that be courting death?
After much thought, who would dare to take the risk? No one.
Emperor Zhou suppressed his slight anger and said, "Whoever can roll a number on the dice today will be rewarded."
The crowd looked at each other, still hesitant to try. After all, these ministers had very little experience and didn't know how to shake it or what the techniques were!
Huangfu Ting had no female companions by his side, after all, he had married two concubines, who had not yet been allowed to enter the main hall to dine with everyone. At this moment, Huangfu Ting smiled and said to Huangfu Xuan, "Third brother, you have been at the border for a long time, so you must have seen many strange people and events. I wonder how this die was rolled to get a 'one'?"
Huangfu Xuan raised his cold eyes slightly. He still vividly remembered how Huangfu Xuan had tried to snatch Ma Ruyi from him! How dare Huangfu Xuan ask him this question in the main hall! Huangfu Xuan said coldly, "I'm afraid you should ask yourselves, Second Brother! I've heard that you and Sixth Brother often frequent the marketplaces, so you must be even more skilled than I am on the frontier!" Huangfu Xuan immediately turned his attention to Huangfu Ting and Huangfu Yu.
Huangfu Yu was taken aback. He had been sitting in an inconspicuous spot, intending to remain invisible, but unexpectedly, he had been dragged into this! He smiled at Huangfu Xuan and said, "That's right, my second brother and I do frequent those bustling places, but he only accompanies me and doesn't get involved much. As for me, well, hehe!" He just smiled in the hall, not caring at all about the gazes of others.
Everyone knows that the sixth prince just likes to play and doesn't think about anything else.
Emperor Zhou's face darkened. "Yu'er needs to learn from your elder brothers! You're not young anymore; it's time for you to start your studies!"
"Father's words of admonition are well said!" Huangfu Yu smiled, but it was clear that the words went in one ear and out the other.
"Oh, it seems I was wrong this time. The Great Xia Zhou Dynasty didn't play these games after all. Ah, I see, I see!" Feng Rulin sighed feigningly. "It seems no one can solve this problem for me."
"No, no, Your Highness is mistaken." Nan Xuzong laughed at this moment, having just witnessed the incredibly interesting expressions on the faces of the surrounding ministers! It seems that the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty is facing both internal and external troubles!
"Our royal family of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty doesn't play these dice games much, but some common people do enjoy them. It's a tool for people to entertain themselves. It's not that the people of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty don't play these things, as the prince said." Nan Xuzong chuckled as he spoke, then gently placed a piece of pastry into Ji Wushang's bowl and whispered, "Have some, or you'll be hungry."
Ji Wushang nodded slightly.