Chapter Twenty-Two: Gifts from Various Nations (Part 2)

The Qianqing Emperor did not overly praise the gifts sent by Yueyang. Among the five great nations, Yueyang ranked last in terms of strength. Yet more than a decade ago, when Bucheng dispatched troops to attack Yueyang, the latter adopted a purely defensive strategy and won a stunning victory. The whole world was astonished that the weakest nation had managed to defeat Bucheng, and from then on, the other countries ceased to look down on Yueyang.

The envoy from Yueyang only smiled faintly at this, saluted everyone with a cupped fist, and took his seat.

At last, the envoy from the final nation could hardly contain himself. Dressed in splendid robes, he rose to his feet and produced a brocade box over ten times larger than the one Yueyang’s envoy had offered. As he opened it, he declared, “Emperor Qianqing, by order of my royal father, I present to you a pair of jade qilins. These are no ordinary jade qilins—they are crafted from bloodstone unique to Blood Spirit Mountain, formed by condensed blood essence, crystal clear and translucent. Placed under sunlight, you may gaze directly at the sun! Isn’t that so, Ah Bai?” The man’s final words were directed at the attendant beside him, who lowered his head as though he hadn’t heard a thing.

“Ah Bai! Ah Bai!”

Knowing he could no longer ignore his master, the attendant finally replied, “Yes, my lord, you speak the truth!”

“You took so long to answer—shall I have you practice standing on your head when we return? And I’ll make sure Little Red, Little Black, and Little Green come watch your elegant posture! No, that won’t do—too few people. I’ll call Little Purple as well!” The man grinned mischievously, making Bai Luo’s heart skip a beat.

Emperor Qianqing laughed heartily at the exchange. “Prince Chen of Jinjing, you truly are witty and entertaining—your attendant matches you in humor as well. Eunuch Lian, why are you dawdling? Take Prince Chen’s gift, or do you expect him to hold it forever?”

“Wait!” Jun Mochen called out loudly, halting the eunuch in his tracks. The eunuch looked on in confusion, unsure why Prince Chen had interrupted. The emperor caught his eye and subtly signaled him to wait for further instructions. Understanding, the eunuch bowed slightly and smiled at Jun Mochen.

Jun Mochen then drew a much smaller brocade box from his sleeve—smaller even than the one Yueyang’s envoy had brought. He carefully wiped it, not wanting to soil its surface, then opened it a crack to check its contents. Satisfied, he smiled. “Emperor Qianqing, this is my latest creation: a supreme elixir concocted by none other than myself, the world’s foremost alchemist. It dissolves instantly in water or mouth, is colorless and tasteless, and is called the ‘Super Invincible Longevity and Vitality Pill.’ There is only one in the world—my own father cannot bear to part with his. By chance, upon hearing of your upcoming birthday, I decided to present this finished product to you as a tribute.”

The emperor, having anticipated such a display, was not particularly surprised. Smiling, he urged the eunuch to accept Jun Mochen’s pill, then asked, “And what other effects does your pill possess?”

“The effects are numerous!” Jun Mochen replied, sounding like a schoolmaster lecturing his class. “It extends life, strengthens the body, restores a man’s vigor, enhances a woman’s beauty and complexion—its many virtues are yet to be discovered!”

His words sent the emperor into peals of laughter, and the assembled company joined in.

Bai Luo, seeing so many people laugh, wished he could sink into the floor. Jun Mochen shook his head and said, “Ah Bai, you must have faith in your master!”

In fact, what Bai Luo really wanted to say was that, after returning to Jinjing, his master would be chased and beaten by the Supreme Emperor!

Jun Mochen, seeing through Bai Luo’s thoughts, nodded and said, “Bai Luo, do you know what a true attendant should do?”

At this, Bai Luo could only inwardly lament.

“When your master is in danger, you must rush forward to protect him. So, when we return to Jinjing, remember to stand between me and my father—don’t let him strike me, understand? If you fail, I’ll have you stand on your head in front of Little Red, Little Black, Little Green, and—no, not enough people—Little Purple as well!” Jun Mochen spoke as if it were only natural, making Bai Luo drop his head even lower. Oh, master, asking me to stand before the Supreme Emperor… how is that any different from dying?

Bai Luo was truly on the verge of tears.

Their whispered conversation went largely unnoticed, as the Qianqing Emperor continued laughing, and most others paid them no mind. Yet not everyone missed their outrageous exchange—Luo Wensheng, Yuchi Jingque, and the man who had just seated himself before Feng Xiaoli all heard every word.

When the emperor’s laughter finally subsided, Empress Yuanmin gazed at him tenderly. Sensing she wished to speak, the emperor invited her to do so.

With a charming smile, she said, “Your Majesty, after so many dazzling gifts from the envoys, why not see what the young ladies have prepared for you? As I understand, they have all gone to great lengths to craft something special. I think, Your Majesty, now would be a good time to witness their skill and creativity.”

“Since the empress suggests it, I shall have a look,” the emperor agreed.

All the while, Feng Xiaoli’s stomach rumbled relentlessly. Jin Ning failed to recognize the sound for what it was and exclaimed, “Miss, did you hear that strange noise? I’ve never heard anything like it!” She leaned in, searching for its source, and finally looked at Feng Xiaoli in astonishment. “Miss, why is that sound coming from you?”

Feng Xiaoli rolled her eyes. “That’s the sound of your mistress being hungry! What are you waiting for—start the meal! I’m starving here!”

Jin Ning replied awkwardly, “Please endure a little longer, Miss. We’ll be able to eat soon!” Thankfully, they were seated at the very end, and only the gentleman before them had heard the noise; otherwise, Jin Ning would have been mortified.

“Miss Li, you are truly unique,” the man said with a smile.

Feng Xiaoli was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’ve already fallen at your feet.”

“But I’m not wearing a pomegranate skirt—I’m wearing a gauze dress!”

“Then I have fallen at the hem of Miss Li’s gauze dress!”

“Jin Ning!” Feng Xiaoli whispered into her maid’s ear, “This man is definitely not right in the head!”

Jin Ning stared blankly, unsure how to respond.

Feng Xiaoli continued, “Do you know how to deal with someone who’s not right in the head? You just go along with whatever they say—otherwise, you’ll end up as crazy as they are. Understand, Jin Ning?”

—Author’s Note—

If you’re enjoying the story, add it to your collection! It will only get more exciting from here. Thank you all in advance!