"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuch retreated.
The eunuch soon led in two people, the Crown Prince of Qingluo Kingdom, Changsun Zhu, and the Minister of Rites from YunCang Kingdom, Gu Le. These two never came without a reason. Murong Liuzun’s eyes darkened as he rose from his dragon desk and walked to the high seat above.
"Changsun Zhu pays his respects to Emperor Xian."
"Gu Le pays his respects to Emperor Xian."
"Be seated," Murong Liuzun gestured, a serene radiance enveloping him. His face was smooth and radiant, his beauty beyond compare, showing no anxiety or unease. Changsun Zhu and Gu Le exchanged glances, clasped their fists in thanks, "Thank you, Emperor Xian."
The two took their seats below, and palace maids served tea.
Murong Liuzun, clad in a bright yellow robe embroidered with a coiled dragon, a jade pendant adorning his chest, and a golden crown tying his hair, exuded a commanding and noble aura. His handsome face was set in a stern expression, and he spoke slowly, "May I know the purpose of Crown Prince Changsun's visit to this Emperor?"
"Reporting to Emperor Xian, this is also my unnecessary interference, I hope Emperor Xian will not blame me," Changsun Zhu spoke with a graceful smile, his demeanor elegant and poised. He slowly set down his cup, his divinely crafted face holding a warm smile.
"Regarding the recent assassination of the Crown Princess by the Prince of Nan'an, Qingluo Kingdom has always been on friendly terms with XianYue Kingdom. With such a major event occurring, if Emperor Xian requires any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. Qingluo Kingdom will absolutely not stand idly by. Even if the two countries were to engage in conflict, XianYue should not forget that they have friendly nation Qingluo."
As Changsun Zhu finished speaking, Gu Le from YunCang Kingdom, sitting beside him, immediately nodded in agreement.
"And YunCang Kingdom as well. Although our nation is small and our strength is meager, we have always been on good terms with XianYue. If that Danfeng Kingdom dares to bully XianYue, Emperor Xian need only give the command, and we will mobilize our troops at your service."
After their respective pronouncements, Murong Liuzun on the high seat’s pupils were dark, his emotions like turbulent waves, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly broke into a smile.
"Crown Prince Changsun and Minister of Rites, you worry too much. Our XianYue Kingdom will not fall out with Danfeng Kingdom. With peace among the seven nations, why would there be talk of war? The world is at peace. If war were to break out, causing widespread suffering, it would not be my doing. Regarding the matter of the Crown Princess's assassination, I have my own plans. Crown Prince Changsun and Minister of Rites need not be concerned. However, I thank Qingluo Kingdom and WanCang Kingdom for your amity."
Changsun Zhu's eyes darkened. The Emperor Xian was indeed prepared, but for what? Why was he so unperturbed? His sharp gaze flickered, unsettled. However, since the Emperor had spoken thus, it was naturally inappropriate to say more. Thus, Changsun Zhu smiled heartily and clasped his fists, speaking loudly.
"It seems I was overly concerned. How could the Emperor Xian, as perceived by the world, not be able to handle such a minor matter? Zhu was overthinking."
"However, Zhu has indeed been concerned, and YunCang Kingdom has also been concerned," Emperor Xian smiled gently, his smile carrying a hint of ambiguity that was understood by all.
Changsun Zhu's smile grew somewhat stiff. The feeling of having his thoughts seen through was not pleasant. This Emperor Xian was truly extraordinary. It seemed their Qingluo Kingdom must be even more cautious in the future.
"You are too kind. We bid you farewell."
Changsun Zhu and the Minister of Rites of YunCang Kingdom bowed respectfully and withdrew. The figure on the high seat did not move, and a cold, bloodthirsty voice resounded, "A Jiu, escort Crown Prince Changsun."
"Yes, Your Majesty," A Jiu swiftly flashed to follow the tall, upright figure ahead, his clear voice carrying, "Farewell, Crown Prince Changsun."
Changsun Zhu snorted coldly, flicking his hand away. His expression, which had been elegant moments before, turned dark and unpleasant.
A Jiu watched Crown Prince Changsun and the Minister of Rites of YunCang Kingdom depart, then turned back towards the great hall. He saw the Emperor on the high seat rise and descend, a contained, dark chill emanating from him, his eyes like torches scanning A Jiu.
"Do you know what Changsun Zhu meant?"
A Jiu raised his eyebrows, pondering Crown Prince Changsun's words just now. At first hearing, they seemed well-intentioned, but there was always a hint of conspiracy, as if he harbored ill intentions.
"Crown Prince Changsun outwardly aids our XianYue Kingdom, but the underlying meaning of his words doesn't sound benevolent at all," A Jiu said in confusion. Murong Liuzun, standing behind him, pursed his lips and smiled coldly and杀戮: "Qingluo Kingdom and the other four nations are all ill-intentioned. They wish to devour us, XianYue Kingdom and Danfeng Kingdom. It is likely that someone is currently instigating Prince Ji. If we two families were to clash, they would undoubtedly join forces to annihilate us by surprise, and then the five kingdoms would divide the territories of our two nations."
Murong Liuzun had completely grasped the intentions of the other five nations. He let out a cold laugh, a chilling expression flashing across his handsome face, and he gritted his teeth, grumbling.
Changsun Zhu, wait for me. One day, I will conquer your Qingluo Kingdom.
"Your Majesty, do not be upset. In any case, we will not fulfill their wishes." xxs
"That is true," Murong Liuzun’s anger dissipated, his entire face radiating a glow. He slowly smiled, his expression gentle and warm. Who would have thought Yao'er was so intelligent? If he could gain her sincere help in the future, why worry about not conquering the seven kingdoms?
Murong Liuzun's mind involuntarily conjured an image. That military weapon called a hand grenade. Was it truly effective? And could Yao’er manufacture it?
"A Jiu, send two people to monitor the movements of the five kingdoms?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
...
In the Jinhua Palace, a gleaming black coffin was placed squarely in the center of the hall. Large white flowers were neatly arranged on the coffin, a shocking sight. The entire hall was desolate.
Prince Ji Xue of Danfeng Kingdom, clad in white mourning attire, appeared haggard and uneasy, his face etched with tragic grief. He knelt beside the coffin, occasionally fanning the spirit tablet and keeping vigil for his Imperial Sister.
The hall was silent.
Suddenly, his personal palace maid entered from outside the hall door and spoke cautiously, "Your Highness, envoys from WanHe Kingdom, HuangYuan Kingdom, and YueRang Kingdom seek an audience."
Ji Xue raised his head, his eyebrows furrowed in surprise. Since his Imperial Sister's death, those envoys had only visited once and had not returned since. They were probably afraid of getting into trouble. Why were they all here now?
Ji Xue did not rise. He waved his hand, "Please invite them in."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The palace maid retreated and soon led three envoys into the great hall. Ji Xue knelt rigidly beside the black coffin, his handsome face conveying shattered grief. He did not rise to greet them, only shifting his body slightly, his hoarse voice ringing out.
"Please forgive Ji Xue for being unable to rise to greet you."
"It is only proper, it is only proper," the Prime Minister of WanHe Kingdom said with a smiling face, a smile that was clearly malicious. He led the other two envoys in feigning sincerity, offering incense to the Crown Princess, and then comforted Ji Xue. Finally, he shifted the conversation and spoke harmoniously.
"Prince Ji, rest assured. This time, Prince Nan'an of XianYue Kingdom dared to kill the Crown Princess. Our WanHe Kingdom and FengYuan, along with other nations, will not stand idly by. The world says Emperor Xian is insidious and cunning. Are we to fear him? If he does not hand over Prince Nan'an this time, Prince Ji, rest assured, we will send troops with Danfeng to crusade against XianYue Kingdom."