Li Jia-Li

Li Mansion was notoriously recognized as one of the most beautiful buildings in Honga. Its green walls with gilded gates highlighted the dark, well-kept wooden house. The entrance garden was covered with creeping and colorful flowers forming a perfect path to the large entrance with large cherry trees that surrounded the entire mansion highlighting the red roof. In the middle of the entrance patio, there was a pond with ducks giving a refreshing view that was pleasant. It looked like the home of an honest and admirable man. Every picturesque setting reflected the softness of a perfect family.

However, Yan Feng knew that the minister was a cruel and self-serving man and that whole facade was very misleading.

A group of men approached and checked their identities, after discovering that it was not just an ordinary guest but the King of Sunri, all the men bowed in a gesture so ridiculous that they could almost see their noses touching the floor. Yan Feng rolled his eyes and moved on with his companion by the side. A maid was already at the door smiling to receive them and without further ado they took him to the main hall where the minister and some assembled men were. Beside the fat man with the mustache logos was Mrs. Li, an old woman with a conserved and elegant appearance, with large ornaments that displayed on her body reminding her of Consort Ayame de Naran.

Soon Yan Feng's stomach turned and a dark facade fell before his eyes. That environment was reminiscent of everything he lived in Naran and that he struggled day and night to forget.

- Welcome to my home Majesty! You must be tired after a long journey. Come sit down! - Yan Feng noticed that his place was a little more reserved next to the minister. The feast served was special delicacies typical of the Sunri region, such as roast deer and special sauces with boiled vegetables. Everyone seemed to smile and happy, but the smiles did not reach the eyes. It was a meeting, to finally decide, whether or not there would be an alliance and he knew that any slip could put all his plans in check.

- I hope you enjoy the banquet and our hospitality. - The minister returned to his place smiling and turned to Yan Feng. The appearance of the Sunri king made Jus famous. He was really a beautiful and perfect man for not just a war alliance, but in marriage as well. Minister Li's mind began to work on possibilities to unite his daughter to the king. He knew he could not deliver his most expensive jewel to any man, but Yan Feng of Sunri was not just an ordinary king, he was known to be a war dragon, and if everything went well it would be the perfect taste for your daughter. It was an arrangement from heaven!

- Everything is perfect! - Yan Feng looked at the Minister's massive face and forced a smile.

- Well, finally, Sunri has a king equal to the grandeur of the state that he is. I know that we will have new times, a new era. In addition, I hope it will be beneficial for everyone.

- I have heard those words, Minister. On the day that the King of Naran ascended the throne, he spoke that same thought. Moreover, see where we are...

- Amon de Naran is a bastard! Everyone knows that bastard blood must not ascend the throne. See for yourself, Naki is in tatters and if we do not act soon we will be like them, eating dust and living on crumbs like hungry dogs.

Yan Feng stared firmly at the minister's invited people while he was speaking, and realized that not everyone shared the same thought.

- What I came to do that night is a war alliance. - Yan Feng said the word that everyone was afraid. He was always an objective person and was already tired of being there.

- What kind of alliance? - The minister cut the whole subject and went straight to the point.

- I know that Honga lives subordinate to Naran and the current king is sick and who currently governs the state is your lordship. I also know that he hates Naran as much as I do and that he still swallows Amon's actions against the state for subordination to his king. What I offer is freedom in exchange for support.

A silence fell over the hall. No nobleman dared to speak at any time. Yan Feng waited for the response from the minister or anyone there and feared that it had been too quick in his words. However, he also knew that his words affected the structures of the State. Everyone wanted the Freedom that the States of Sunri, Kase and Yate had, and not accepting their offer of alliance and freedom was foolish and choosing to live in slavery. Yan Feng was certain that he would leave that Banquet with a favorable answer.

- Well, my King ... - The minister smiled yellow. - I know you must be tired and need a good night's sleep. How about a few relaxing moments before we talk seriously? Just as you are looking for a favorable answer, I have to watch over my position. Who can say that he will keep his word and Honga will have the dreamed freedom?

- You have my word ... - Yan Feng promptly replied.

- Words are like wind, just as it comes, go! Wait a few more days, you are my guest of honor to settle in my house and in time I will analyze your conduct.

- I am the King, there is nothing to analyze in me...

- And I am the current regent of Honga, while the king is sick I make the decisions. As long as you are at my house, your safety is guaranteed.

Yan Feng analyzed the situation. If he did not accept the conditions of the minister, he would lose a possible ally and win a rival in the war. It would only be a few days inside the mansion and no one would dare touch a hair on his head, not while his entire army camped inside the city near the border with Naran. In addition, it would be easier to get information from Honga and study its allies if it accepted the hosting invitation.

It is only a few days, nothing so unbearable for those who have waited seven years. - Yan Feng thought as he finally sighed.

- I accept your offer some days will not hurt.

The minister smiled genuinely and took his wife's hand. Everyone toasted the new covenant and soon the host lowered his glass. Moreover, he raised his hands in a simple gesture to the servants at the door. The minister awaited the climax of the night and was certain that the King of Sunri would fall in love with his daughter.

Soon a woman of average height entered the doors of the hall. All the guests held their breath carefully when Li Jia-Li walked gracefully over to his father. Her footsteps looked like a nymph, her long brown hair flying like a feather in the wind. Her face was as delicate as a flower; it seemed unreal that her eyes had a radiant glow like a moon in a black sky. She was indeed a beauty unparalleled within the state. All the gestures, the way of looking was that of a well-educated and submissive woman.

Li Jia-Li made a brief bow to her father and as soon as she observed the guest, her cheeks flushed slightly, giving her expressions a cute air. Her eyes quickly drifted to the floor and soon she took her place in the opposite direction from Yan Feng, right next to her mother.

- Majesty, this is my daughter and my most precious treasure, Li Jia-li, surely you have heard of her.

Yan Feng noted that the places where he and the minister's daughter were, even though they were opposite, were in the same direction. He had already read some books on Honga customs and that position was an indication of future fiancés. Yan Feng swallowed and smiled forcefully. Now he was sure of the type of alliance that the minister wanted, it was the wedding.