29 The Imperial Banquet

The two large imperial palanquins arrived at the Hu Residence at the arranged time. Chao-xing and Lihua went out of the residence together with their father.

"Be careful and enjoy," Minister Hu told his daughters.

"Yes, father," both answered him back.

Then, they rode the palanquins. Minister Hu is satisfied with his two daughters. With Chao-xing even though she grew up in the southern border, she still learned how to be a lady. Maybe the concubine he married is not a waster at all. For Lihua, he is always amazed by how quick she learn things. Looking at her right now, no one will mistake her as the wild country girl in the past.

Lihua is sitting nervously inside the palanquin. She knew inside her that she's been preparing for this for five years, but still, her heart is beating faster. She remembered Chao Shen's face when she saw him at his cousin's birthday party. Aside from his handsome face, there is a strong sense of authority on how he carries himself.

"Why am I nervous?" she asked herself quietly as if saying it out loud will make it go away. Only if Mengyao is here, he should have reminded her that she can do it. But her friend is back in the border now, and she doesn't know when he will be back.

Lihua thought of her sister. She is pretty sure that she is very excited. She would love to help her win over the heart of the king if she's not here for a mission. But she cannot afford that. Being the blood princess and a holy mountain agent, she has to fulfill her duties and responsibilities. Her life is not her own.

She thought about the new selection process that the king commanded. She needs to be part of the 10 noble ladies and stay in the palace. And then, every month, one lady will be kicked out until one lady remains.

"You are really smart," she said as if talking to someone in front of her. Somehow she can guess the reason behind this sudden changes in the selection process. It is to bid time. The other party wants to know who are the enemies and you are the allies. She never thought that she has to play this role for a minimum of 9 months. She needs to be extra careful if she wants to succeed.

The Imperial palanquins arrived in the Imperial grounds on time. The noble ladies were gracefully coming out of their palanquins. Anyone who can witness this event can immediately say that at this time, all the most beautiful and noble ladies in the kingdom arrived. One by one the noble ladies were escorted inside the Imperial garden where everyone should be gathered.

When Lihua and Chao-xing arrived in the garden, they immediately spotted some of the noble ladies they met in Chao Ning's birthday party. If Lihua, scanned immediately the place, Chao-xing immediately approached Chao Ning. It looks like the two become instant friends. The two of them are excitedly chatting when Lihua finally approached them.

"Greetings Lady Chao," Lihua said.

Chao Ning looked at her puzzled.

"Oh, it's my sister Hu Huiyin. She's sick last time that's why she was wearing a veil."

"Oh, I remember. Greetings to you too Lady Hu." Chao Ning smiled at her.

Lihua noticed that she is looking at her closely. She felt uncomfortable about it.

"Is there something wrong with my face?" she asked nervously.

"Oh, I am sorry," Chao Ning said embarrassed. "You are beautiful that's why."

Lihua looked at her shocked. She never received a compliment like this before. She looked at her sister Chao-xing and the other girl beamed at her as if saying 'I told you so'

"It's good that you are not wearing that veil again," Chao-xing commented.

Then, they heard the eunuch announces the arrival of Princess Zhiruo. Everyone looked at the approaching lady elegantly walking towards them. She is wearing a light red hanfu with small white flowers embroidered on it. Her movement is mesmerizing. When she reached the elevated table in front, everyone bowed and greeted her.

"Greetings, your highness."

Princess Zhiruo smiled and acknowledged their greetings. Everyone was silent.

"Thank you for accepting the imperial invitation. Seeing everyone today, I feel that I came to an enchanted place where all these beautiful ladies are."

Most of the ladies blushed hearing such compliments. It looks like some of them also feel the same way.

Everyone went to their designated tables. The banquet started with some dance performances. Then followed by sending the food. Lihua is still trying to figure out what will happen next. She is sure that there is a reason for bringing them together aside from watching performances and eating. Then, suddenly, the Princess spoke.

"I hope you are enjoying yourselves. As I guess, everyone knew the reason why we are gathered today." The princess' face turned serious this time. Everyone nodded. It is known to the whole kingdom that this gathering is intended to choose the 10 noble ladies who will enter the palace.

"This might be short notice but let's have a little performance showing your talents."

Everyone was shocked to hear the Princess' words. Some of the ladies smiled excitedly and some just sank on their seats. Lihua's mind search for a performance she can do. She hasn't prepared for it but she will not let all her efforts go down the drain.

The talent show started shortly afterward. The ladies name is called. One by one they either sing or dance. Chao Ning's graceful dance awed the audience. Tian Xifeng's singing is not also bad. Princess Qingge's flute performance is also remarkable. The Hu sisters were the last to perform. Chao-xing performed a dance number. Lihua is quite proud of her sister after, she can tell that she has a talent in dancing.

"And now, Lady Hu Huiying."

All eyes turned to her. She can sense that some of the ladies are curious about her since it is the first time that they actually saw her face. Lihua moved gracefully towards the center. She bowed to Princess Zhiruo before facing the audience.

"Please forgive me but I don't have talents like everyone here," she said.

All the other ladies looked at her with disdain.

"What do you expect from a country girl?" she heard Tian Xifeng said loudly. She just ignored her and smiled at everyone.

"But, I hope the talent I'll be showing you today will be enough," as she said this, she signaled Ai to move forward. Her maidservant brought in small bottles.

"What I have here are essential oils that I myself extracted from various plants. As you all know I grew up in the countryside," she emphasizes the word 'countryside'

"I hope it is okay for Princess Zhiruo if I will make something for you?" she looked at the princess and the latter smiled at her motioned her to continue. Like everyone else, she is also intrigued with what she will do.

Lihua lightly put the bottles on top of a table in front of her. She moved her hands in a mesmerizing motion. Her graceful movements made the people present entrance. She started to open some of the bottles and pour and mixed them while saying,

"Spring is almost here. Coldness in one moment, warmth in the next. The lover's long-awaited return is coming. All the heavens rejoice and looked at them with envy."

Then, Lihua stopped. She holds a small white ceramic bottle in the air. Everyone take a deep breath. She looked at Princess Zhiruo and presented the small bottle.

"This represents the scent of spring," she opened the bottle and allow the scent to reach the princess's nose.

Princess Zhiruo inhaled the citrus scent in front of her. She showed a face of satisfaction and zest.

All the other ladies present wanted to smell that scent as well. This is the first time they saw someone made that.

"Just dab a few on your highness's clothes to have the scent accompany you wherever you go," Lihua explained.

"Oh, it's like a scented pouch?" a noble lady asked.

Lihua looked at the audience.

"It has the same concept as a scented pouch. But this one is liquid and last longer. Besides, you don't need to carry it with you. Just dab a few on your clothes before you go out and that's it."

Everyone was amazed hearing her explain what it is she created.

"Alright! Good job!" everyone heard a powerful voice from the other side of the garden. Everyone looked at the man who spoken and everyone bowed down immediately.

"Greetings, your majesty"

King Ju-long acknowledged their greetings and moved closer in front.

When Lihua looked up, she looked at the king softly. As she is starting to play her role, her eyes caught the man walking next to him. Their eyes met.