Extra — Western Guests

The teenage sixteen-year-old crown prince allowed his favorite maid and helper, Han Yasheng, to assist him in getting dressed. She draped a fur coat over his usual attire, and contrary to the emperor's suggestion, she didn't mind if Li Jie appeared slightly less elegant, as long as he stayed warm. She placed a cozy hat on his head.

Li Jie grinned as he noticed the furrowed brow on Han Yasheng's face, understanding her concern. "I'm warm, don't worry," he reassured her.

Han Yasheng patted the prince's hair, ensuring that his appearance was flawless. "I don't understand the royal family."

"Neither do I," Li Jie chuckled, rising to his feet and yawning. "Should we really do this?" he pondered, eyeing the puffy hat covering his head.

"It's either endure the court's nagging or risk Your Highness catching a cold," Han Yasheng replied sternly. "I will always choose the latter. If Your Highness dares to touch the hat or take it off, I will make sure you regret it."

Li Jie smiled, his cheeks rosy. "I won't."

Just as they finished, the Huang siblings, Huang Baozhai and Huang Yiming, knocked on the door. "Your Highness!" Li Jie heard Huang Baozhai's cheerful voice.

Han Yasheng gave the crown prince a warm look, patting his back. "They're waiting for you."

Li Jie grinned once more and went to open the door. Stepping outside, he was greeted by the chilly winter breeze, feeling invigorated.

"Hi," he greeted the two with a small smile as they began walking.

Due to their differing ranks, Li Jie walked only a short distance ahead of the Huang siblings. Although he never cared about such distinctions, today, as they were meeting with the court and the royal family of the western kingdom, Li Jie didn't want to make even a single mistake.

"What are you going to do?" Huang Baozhai inquired. "When you meet the westerners, I mean."

Li Jie bit his lip, uncertain himself. "I don't know," he admitted. "I suppose I'm expected to entertain them and make a good impression?"

"When you put it that way, I can't help but think of something else," Huang Baozhai chuckled.

"As you arrive," Huang Yiming interjected suddenly, "don't remove the hat. It's very cold."

Huang Baozhai glanced at her sibling and then at Li Jie's head as they neared the main hall.

"I'll be honest, Your Highness," she said, patting the hat when no one was looking. "This makes you look ridiculous."

"Health is more important," Huang Yiming responded firmly. "Besides, they are the guests. Why should he be the only one concerned with appearance?"

Li Jie secretly smiled, agreeing with Huang Yiming. "I suppose you're right."

However, his attention was abruptly captured by the sight of the western royal family standing near the court's entrance, engaged in conversation.

Huang Baozhai's eyes widened. "Is that the western prince?"

No one ever mentioned Li Jie removing his hat and attempting to fix his hair, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes attempting to avoid the gaze of the other prince, although he failed miserably.

"Your Highness," the western prince smiled, acknowledging the boy with a bow before others. "Good evening, Your Majesty," Li Jie bowed to the western king, then turned to address the prince. "Good evening, Your Highness."

Then, with red cheeks that had nothing to do with the cold, the eastern crown prince uttered the words he had been taught.

"Merry Christmas."