Chapter Twenty-One: Gifts from the Nations

The Emperor ascended the imperial throne, accompanied by Empress Yuanmin, who took her seat beside him on the phoenix throne. He was dressed in a golden dragon robe embroidered with soaring dragons, radiating an aura of majesty that swept over the hall. His gaze swept across the crowd, and all bowed their heads, not daring to meet his eyes. Empress Yuanmin wore a faint smile at the corner of her lips; her brilliant red glazed skirt, adorned with a hundred jewels, drew whispers of awe, and the long trailing hem was simply breathtaking. Her hair was crowned with a golden jade headdress, covering her head in splendor. She sat with regal composure, accustomed to such grandeur since the day she became Empress. From her first time upon the phoenix throne, all agreed that Empress Yuanmin was truly worthy to be the mother of the nation.

The assembly cried out, "Long live the Emperor! Long live Empress Yuanmin!"

"All ministers, rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" All rose and took their seats.

Feng Xiaoli touched her nose; she disliked bowing, but such ceremonies were unavoidable. Though she felt little joy, she secretly delighted in the rarity of the occasion—after all, she seldom saw the old man, so what harm was there in bowing this once?

The Emperor smiled as he watched the crowd settle, then spoke: "Huai Capital welcomes envoys from many lands, which brings honor and glory to our city. You have journeyed here to celebrate my birthday, and for this, I must apologize for any inconvenience."

"Your Majesty, you are too modest. To be present in Huai Capital is an honor for us from Tianshang. Indeed, this visit has opened our eyes. The people of Huai are honest and the city is prosperous—all thanks to Your Majesty's diligent governance. To express our heartfelt good wishes, our Cangyue nation presents the Penglai Longevity Vase, wishing Your Majesty everlasting life!"

An envoy seated below the Emperor rose to speak, deftly turning the apology to a compliment and directing attention to their gift.

The Emperor’s eyes lit up, and he uttered several words of praise. He was, after all, only human—long life was a topic he favored, and the Longevity Vase was exactly to his taste; its name alone was enough to stir the heart.

The envoy from Tianshang, hearing the Emperor's praise, finally allowed a subtle smile to curve his previously tense lips.

Feng Xiaoli observed the envoy, then glanced at the white-robed man seated beside him. This man’s appearance surpassed even that of the most beautiful women; his narrow, almond-shaped eyes fixed unwaveringly ahead. When the Emperor praised their nation, he showed no emotion, his expression cold and distant, as if he were a celestial being untouched by mortal affairs—a presence as commanding as the Emperor himself.

She quietly asked Jin Ning who he was. Jin Ning, following her gaze, recognized him as Crown Prince Luo Wensheng of Tianshang. Feng Xiaoli heard nothing beyond the name, but noticing Jin Ning’s blushing cheeks, she was astonished. Jin Ning, usually as talkative as an old aunt, was blushing! With a look of disdain, Feng Xiaoli teased Jin Ning for her lack of composure, accusing her of swooning over handsome men.

Jin Ning, flustered as if her secret had been exposed, stood awkwardly. Feng Xiaoli sighed, "You should learn from me. That’s real composure—no man’s charm can conquer me, because mine is greater! The more I speak, the more I realize my own allure. Jin Ning, how is it that after all this time, you haven't fallen under the spell of my skirt?"

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"Because, Miss, you’re wearing a gauze skirt, not a pomegranate one!" Jin Ning replied, barely suppressing her laughter.

Feng Xiaoli muttered under her breath, "What a devil," referring to Luo Wensheng. At that moment, when no one noticed Luo Wensheng’s expression, he furrowed his brow slightly.

Next, the envoy from Bucheng stepped forward: "We in Bucheng also wish the Emperor everlasting life. Like Tianshang, we feel honored to be here. Seeing the Penglai Longevity Vase from Tianshang, a rare treasure indeed, we too wish to present a gift: the Willow Silhouette Landscape by Master Xiao Teng. May Your Majesty accept it with a smile!"

Master Lian, standing by the Emperor’s side, hurried to receive the painting from the Bucheng envoy and presented it to the Emperor. The Emperor was transfixed; if one looked closely, one could see a spellbound gleam in his eyes. Even Empress Yuanmin, seated on the phoenix throne, showed a hint of admiration.

"It is truly the work of Master Xiao Teng. A painting by him is worth its weight in gold. Your nation has spent much thought in presenting such a precious gift to Huai Capital!" The Emperor smiled. The Penglai Longevity Vase had already stirred his heart like the waters of the Yellow River, but now, faced with the famed work of Master Xiao Teng, his emotions surged even higher. The same excitement was evident on the faces of Empress Yuanmin, Yu Wenhao, Yu Wenche, and the assembled ministers.

Even if it could be bought, it could not be found.

Feng Xiaoli watched their unrestrained excitement with confusion. Was it really necessary to be so thrilled?

The Bucheng envoy, seeing their reactions, was smug, clearly expecting such admiration. He was secretly delighted, knowing the gift would please the Emperor and overshadow the previous Penglai Longevity Vase.

"Sigh!" Feng Xiaoli lamented.

"Why are you sighing again, Miss?"

Feng Xiaoli shrugged helplessly. "Can I call them frogs in a well?"

Miss, that's outrageous! Could you not be so shocking? If anyone overheard, you'd be doomed. Jin Ning glanced around, relieved that no one seemed to have heard Feng Xiaoli’s words and let out a breath. Miss, please keep such thoughts to yourself, I beg you.

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Yet while others paid no attention, Luo Wensheng’s newly relaxed brow tightened again. And another striking man seated beside the Bucheng envoy cast a glance toward Feng Xiaoli.

She met his gaze, only for him to turn away, but she could guess the look had come from the man in black. She asked again, "Jin Ning, who is that?"

This time, another man seated across from Feng Xiaoli answered, "That is the Third Prince of Bucheng, Wei Chi Jingque."

"And who are you?"

"Me?" The man smiled. "Just a humble name, not worth mentioning!"

But was it really so? The man possessed a face of stunning beauty, with a grace no one could imitate. For a moment, she thought he was Zilin.

Damn it, why was she thinking of him again?

Then the envoy from Yueyang knew it was his turn to speak. He rose, holding a brocade box, which he slowly opened, filling the imperial garden with even more brilliance. The crowd gasped in admiration.

"Our Yueyang nation presents the Emperor with the priceless Whitefall Black Pearl. This black pearl is cultivated from the rare and most valuable Whitefall Black Mussel of Yueyang. At night, it shines like a beacon, guiding the way through darkness. Whenever Your Majesty takes out the Whitefall Black Pearl at night, there will be no need for lamps—you will see clearly!"

Though the gift was not as precious as those from Tianshang and Bucheng, it was unique in its ingenuity.

"Yueyang has also put much thought into this. I shall keep it well and, at sunset, take out the Whitefall Black Pearl!"

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