The moment Yun Zhen finished speaking, Yun Xiao didn't understand what was happening.
Later, she realized that her brother was teasing her. Now that Murong had ascended the throne, he would naturally marry her, which was why he said that. She couldn't help but give him a playful glare, her cheeks flushing.
Even though she had lived a second life, she still felt shy at the thought of marriage. She hadn't expected to marry the person she wanted in the end. True love where hearts align was so rare in this world, and she seemed to have been blessed by heaven.
As the siblings chatted, the carriage traveled eastward toward Dong Qin.
The four nations converging in Yan Jing City was the first such gathering in a hundred years. The vast Yan Jing City was teeming with people. Hotels and teahouses were packed with guests, every room overflowing.
Discussions buzzed about the purpose of the other three nations coming to Yan Jing. Was it to test Dong Qin's strength, or did they genuinely harbor friendly intentions? No one knew for sure.
The new emperor had just ascended the throne, and his capabilities were not yet fully known. However, the simultaneous arrival of the three nations was a major event in a century.
The streets of the capital were guarded by the imperial guards, with patrols appearing frequently, showing no room for carelessness.
The significant responsibility of welcoming the three nations fell entirely on Yun Mo and Shangguan Lin. With their distinguished statuses and command of considerable military power, they were the most influential figures in Dong Qin.
They each selected a portion of the court officials and administrative officers, leading five thousand imperial guards to welcome the guests at the city gates.
Xi Liang and Bei Yan, along with the three nations of Nan Jin, entered from the south gate one after another, personally welcomed by Prince Shangguan Lin, accompanied by dozens of officials and five thousand soldiers.
In a solemn and imposing display, the horses' hooves beat a synchronized rhythm, creating a wave of sound. This demonstrated the strict vigilance of the imperial guards.
Xi Liang was first, followed by Nan Jin. The two imposing retinues stopped at Dong Qin's southern gate.
Light mist swirled around the well-equipped formation. Shangguan Lin, mounted on his horse, was clad in black brocade, his dark hair tied up, a red silk ribbon loosely fastened on his forehead, fluttering in the wind. His arrogant and imposing demeanor made it clear that he was not to be underestimated, looking down upon the world with proud self-assurance.
Raising his horse whip, he cupped his fists and announced in a clear voice, "This King leads Dong Qin officials to welcome His Highness Prince Li and all the envoys."
He dismounted, and behind him, the long line of imperial guards leaped off their horses in unison, their movements fluid, standing steadily by their horses, reins held in one hand. At a glance, they were perfectly aligned, demonstrating Dong Qin's strict military discipline.
The dozens of accompanying officials also quickly dismounted and stood beside Prince Shangguan, respectfully awaiting the arrival of Xi Liang's contingent.
Xi Liang's procession was not large and was extremely simple. At the front was a luxurious carriage, in which sat His Highness Prince Li of Xi Liang, accompanied by two military commanders and attendants by his side.
There were two other carriages. One carried two civil officials, and the other carried Yun Xiao and Yun Zhen.
Yun Zhen had originally been riding a horse, but Yun Xiao found it too lonely, so the siblings shared a carriage, chatting casually along the way until they reached the capital.
At this moment, hearing the voices at the city gates, Yun Xiao lifted the curtain to look outside. She saw the impeccably organized formation of Dong Qin at the city gates.
At the forefront was Prince Shangguan, followed by dozens of officials, and then two lines of imperial guards, appearing both majestic and imposing. This first impression immediately stunned the representatives from Xi Liang and Nan Jin. "Good, this fellow is capable," Yun Xiao murmured and then retreated, looking at Yun Zhen.
"Should we go back and visit Father?"
Yun Zhen narrowed his eyes and gracefully shook his head, leaning back lazily against a soft couch.
"Let's find a time to go back. We're currently with the Xi Liang contingent, and we're too conspicuous."
"Alright, we'll do that."
After the siblings discussed it, they leaned back in the carriage and waited, listening to the clear and pleasant voice of Prince Li, Ji Qingge, from outside.
"Thank you for your trouble, Prince Shangguan."
"You are too kind."
After a round of pleasantries, Shangguan Lin made way and instructed the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue to lead the way, escorting them with two thousand imperial guards.
The entire group proceeded grandly towards the diplomatic accommodations.
At the city gates, Shangguan Lin also welcomed the contingent from Nan Jin. This time, like Xi Liang, Nan Jin was represented by a young prince.
He had initially intended to create some difficulty for Dong Qin. However, seeing how friendly Prince Li Ji Qingge of Xi Liang was with Dong Qin's people, he found it inconvenient to cause trouble and decided to restrain himself.
The two nations, with their vast retinues, proceeded in a grand procession towards Dong Qin's diplomatic accommodations.
Although there were many spectators lining the streets, creating a sea of people, they were rational. They understood that this matter was of national importance.
Only when several nations were friendly could the world be at peace, allowing them, the common people, to live their lives peacefully, eat their fill, and count their silver.
Therefore, the crowds were orderly. Apart from hushed murmurs, there were no loud exclamations.
The group was escorted into the diplomatic accommodations by Dong Qin's envoys.
Dong Qin's diplomatic accommodations were built to the east of the imperial palace, less than a hundred li away, and were usually uninhabited.
It was unexpected to have the opportunity to host envoys from various nations this time. The Emperor had dispatched two important ministers, Shangguan Lin and Yun Mo, to welcome them. This was to show Dong Qin's respect and, at the same time, for them to ascertain if the three nations harbored any ill intentions.
During the reception, Shangguan Lin and Yun Mo had generally discerned that at least the three nations currently had no unusual movements. Besides essential ministers, the number of elite soldiers from each nation was not large, only two to three hundred. This was normal for nations engaged in diplomatic relations.
Therefore, after settling the envoys from the three nations, they returned to the imperial palace to report.
In the evening, the palace hosted a banquet to entertain the envoys, inviting them to rest well. Ministers would arrive at the hour of You (5-7 PM) to escort them to the palace banquet...
Within the diplomatic accommodations, the three nations each occupied a separate hall, far apart from each other. In the center were pavilions and terraces, small bridges and flowing water, covered walkways, and bluestone paths.
Elite soldiers from various nations and Dong Qin's imperial guards were stationed everywhere, guarding crucial routes to ensure the safety of the envoys and prevent any mistakes.
Yun Xiao and Yun Zhen each occupied a room. At this moment, the siblings were sitting in the flower hall with Prince Li Ji Qingge, drinking tea.
"Ji Qingge, we're going back to the prince's manor."
Yun Xiao didn't stand on ceremony with Ji Qingge and blurted it out. The guards outside the pavilion heard this extremely arrogant shout and could only wear bitter expressions, daring not to protest in the slightest.
Ji Qingge was unconcerned. However, he was very interested in Dong Qin's local customs and couldn't help but suggest, "Xiao'er, why don't you take your cousin to stroll around the streets?"
Yun Xiao's eyes widened, and she reluctantly raised her hand, indicating that the matter should stop there. What was her status now? She was still a distinguished guest of Dong Qin.
She didn't want to cause trouble. If she could act with impunity in Xi Liang, it was absolutely not the case here, because she didn't want to cause trouble for Murong.
The throne had just been reclaimed, and the people of the world, even everyone, was watching intently how he would handle matters.
Any slight misstep could lead to ridicule or attract covetous glances from others, so she absolutely would not allow any mistakes to occur.
"Aren't you tired, Your Highness Prince Li? It's best to rest peacefully. There's still the palace banquet to attend tonight. His Majesty specifically prepared it for the envoys of the three nations. Prince Li can take this opportunity to propose friendly relations between the two countries to His Majesty. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"
As soon as Yun Xiao spoke, Ji Qingge remained silent, but then she added, "Since this is your suggestion, then you shall accompany me to the palace banquet tonight. We can have a good chat then."
"What?"