Grand banquet

The palace hall which only opened for special occasion was prepared for hosting the banquet. One after another carriage entered and people were making bee line to enter the hall.

All the envoys from other nations had entered and were now seated while having polite and formal chats. Emperor with his empress, consorts and royal children were already seated as the main host.

Finally the eunuch informs about the arrival of Yusheng's carriage along with the rest of Nanling envoys silencing the entire hall. Emperor along with his empress were already up in their feet's to welcome her.

With severe warnings and repeated training the servants were very respectful towards Yusheng and her entrouge. Finally with eager and ushering emperor the party enters inside the hall.

Similar to Nanling Yusheng's seat was right beside the emperors while Nanling were placed at the very front row showing their status and importance to the rest.

Emperor gives his opening speech and the banquet was formally started. Beside the envoys from other nations all the people from huajin including the royal couple were stiff in fear of offending Yusheng.

Yusheng who was now being served by xiaoqing was rather calm and aloof finally easing many hearts and mind. Everyone avoided the topic of princess Leiran as not sour the mood.

Taking the good mood in consideration emperor eyes the prime minister who getting the signal stands up and toasts to all the envoys but focusing on Yusheng.

"Esteem lord of the valley... huajin is in great delight from your arrival...shameful but our people fought tooth and nail to present some simple gifts to your esteem self...hope you will not be offended with these little playthings.."

Though said in such light manner but everyone knew the gifts were definetly priceless and treasures envied by many. They also knew it was huajin's way of apology for the previous matter.

Yusheng gives a nod and formal smile "this lord accepts their sentiments...this lord has some token for the emperor of huajin..hope it is to emperors liking..."

Emperor was in delight and immediately thanks Yusheng and says some polite words but the greed in his eyes was clear for all to see. Zhu geng behind Yusheng then steps forward with the gift and announces "lord of the valley...as a token presents 5 thousand years aged golden ginseng...divine level rejuvenating pill...heavenly lotus tea and finally divine prayer beads..."

The entire hall could only take deep breathes and eye the emperor with envy as each item was to die for. Emperor himself was trembling from excitement after thanking profusely he makes sure to place the box right beside him.

Following that other envoys also present their gifts to the emperor. By now the emperor was smiling from one ear to another as each item was luxurious and auspicious.

The entire atmosphere was warm and happy encouraging everyone to be at ease. The dishes and wine were top notch. Even the furnishing and dishwares were of top quality clearly flaunting their wealth and importance of this banquet for everyone to see. Soon stream of musicians and dancers join the venue to make the place more lively.

Eldest prince taking the opportunity raises his toast "esteem lord...it is this ones fortune to have you met again...hope the dishes of huajin are upto your liking..."

Everyone had there ears sharpened to listen the conversation while the eyes remained at dancers. Yusheng smiles and replies back "eldest prince..good to see you again..rather than fortune it is fate to have met...no worry's the dishes and wine is great"

After the compliment Xiuzhi takes his seat rather humbly there was no pride leaking from his body. His composure was taken and liked by all while Shiyou couldn't help but curse his brother inside for being a great actor.

As not to be left behind he also presents his toast to Yusheng and all the envoys very warmly. The current between two brothers was high and clear for all to see but not to the level to have a conflict started.

Empress who was docile and silent all the time in real was filled with hatred and anger. Her source of hatred was obviously Yusheng because of whom her daughter had suffered greatly. Even loosing the favor from emperor yet she had to smile and even fawn on the person.

Pei Jin with sharp eyes and attentive nature could feel the hatred from the empress. His own face darkening when seeing the empress taking viscious peeks at his beloved.