As the congratulatory banquet began, the entire imperial palace was adorned with festive lanterns and decorations. Those invited to attend were all distinguished figures and high-ranking officials.
Even the great vassal kings were summoned to the palace, making the court extraordinarily lively and causing quite a stir.
Dragon Emperor sat in the main seat, slowly sipping his wine, appearing somewhat tipsy. Many ministers beside him were also in high spirits. The triumphant return of numerous generals signified the eternal prosperity of the White Dragon Dynasty, ensuring they would not be conquered by the Nine Heavens Dynasty and thus would not become refugees. Sudana Novel Network.
“Tonight is a congratulatory banquet. The Li family deserves immense credit for our decisive victory over the enemy!”
The Dragon Emperor raised his wine cup, his gaze turning towards the head of the Li family. “I propose a toast to you. The Li family has contributed greatly to my White Dragon Dynasty, and the White Dragon Dynasty will always remember it.”
“Thank you, Dragon Emperor!”
Without any hesitation, the head of the Li family picked up his wine cup and drank it in one gulp. His heart was filled with heroic spirit. With these words from the Dragon Emperor, it was an immense honor for the entire Li family.
The Lin family and the Zhao family exchanged glances, their brows furrowing simultaneously. They understood clearly that after this incident, the Li family’s status would likely surpass theirs, which naturally posed a threat to them.
“Your Majesty, our success in repelling the Nine Heavens Dynasty this time is largely thanks to the驸马's valor.”
With a serious expression, the head of the Li family stated, “If not for the驸马's decisive action, catching the Nine Heavens Dynasty off guard and inflicting irreparable losses, we would not have returned safely.”
“I have already heard of this matter!”
The Dragon Emperor nodded. “Even if you hadn’t said it, I would have rewarded the 驸马!”
The head of the Li family slightly cupped his fists, not knowing what else to say, and then retreated to the side.
The Dragon Emperor turned his gaze towards Lu Fan. “驸马, you accompanied the Li family on this campaign and rendered great service, becoming renowned throughout the White Dragon Dynasty. Tell me, what reward do you desire? I will not be stingy.”
“Really?” Lu Fan’s face lit up with joy.
“Naturally, it is true!” The Dragon Emperor nodded. “Seeing your happiness, perhaps you wish for me to bestow the princess upon you, so you may marry soon?”
“Indeed, indeed. Judging by the驸马's eagerness, this must be his intention,” the head of the Li family chuckled. “When we were in Nine Dragon City, I observed the驸马 and the princess showing great affection for each other. They are truly a match made in heaven. I implore Your Majesty to grant them an early marriage!”
Lu Fan’s brow furrowed instantly. He had originally intended to ask the Dragon Emperor for the Spirit Gathering Bottle, but with the head of the Li family’s remark, he found it difficult to speak. After all, this was the imperial palace, and offending the Dragon Emperor would be counterproductive.
“I implore the Dragon Emperor to grant the marriage!”
With no other recourse, Lu Fan spoke. Although he had many reservations, he dared not disobey in the slightest. After all, his true objective was the Spirit Gathering Bottle, and if his intention were revealed, obtaining it would not be so easy.
“Since the position of 驸马 was earned through selection, no one dares to contest it,” the Dragon Emperor stated. “How about the 驸马 marrying the princess seven days from now?”
“Thank you, Dragon Emperor!” Lu Fan slightly cupped his fists.
Those around also cheered instantly. Lu Fan had brought many subordinates with him to Nine Dragon City, and they were naturally happy for him.
Princess Linglong stood not far away, her face beaming with joy. She was quite pleased with Lu Fan and they were deeply in love. If she could marry Lu Fan, it would indeed fulfill her wishes.
On the VIP platform, Bai Hu and the Eighth Prince sat side by side, watching the scene coldly, seemingly unwilling for Lu Fan to be appointed 驸马, nor wishing for Lu Fan and Princess Linglong to marry.
“Father, he is to be married in seven days. If we were to make a move against him then, it might incur the Dragon Emperor’s displeasure,” Bai Hu remarked. “But I can confirm that Bai Xi died at his hands. If he lives, how can I face the spirit of Bai Xi in heaven!”
“Rest assured, within these seven days, as long as he meets an untimely end, this matter can be resolved,” the Eighth Prince said with a cold expression. He had not come to the imperial city merely to attend the congratulatory banquet.
Only recently had he learned that Lu Fan was the one who killed Bai Xi, and how could he let this slide? He was determined to make Lu Fan pay the price.
After the congratulatory banquet concluded, Princess Linglong took Lu Fan’s hand. “We are to be married in seven days. I want to have a set of clothes custom-made for you.”
“There’s no need, is there?” Lu Fan smiled. “Actually, I wanted something today, but alas…”
“What do you want?” Princess Linglong asked in surprise. “I told you before, you can tell me anything you want.”
“Never mind, it’s not that important,” Lu Fan waved his hand and then turned to leave.
Seeing Lu Fan’s retreating figure, Princess Linglong looked perplexed, even bewildered. She did not understand Lu Fan’s words, nor did she know what he truly desired.
Returning to his residence, Lu Fan felt somewhat helpless. He had been in the imperial city for so long yet still had not obtained the Spirit Gathering Bottle, a fact that left him unwilling to accept.
“Sir, you are to be married in seven days, and then you will be the true 驸马,” Duan Tianya said with a smile. “Actually, I think this is quite good. In the future, you will have a place within the White Dragon Dynasty and will not have to fear the Eighth Prince’s mansion.”
“I understand what you are saying, but my heart already belongs to another,” Lu Fan shook his head, his expression becoming solemn. “Unfortunately, the treasure hall is guarded by formidable experts. Otherwise, I would have succeeded long ago.”
“In that case, why don’t I go and lure away the expert, and then you can make your move?” Duan Tianya suggested. “This way, you won’t have to trouble yourself.”
“That won’t do!” Lu Fan shook his head. “Chief Steward Li’s strength is unfathomable. If you go as bait, it will surely cause endless repercussions, and even I may not be able to save you.”
“My life is yours, Sir. I am willing to sacrifice myself for you,” Duan Tianya stated directly.
“There is no need. We are not at that stage yet!” Lu Fan shook his head. “We should act according to the circumstances! If there is an opportunity, we will find another way.”
Duan Tianya nodded slightly and said no more.
Meanwhile, in a separate courtyard of the imperial palace, the Eighth Prince stood with a cold expression, a hidden aura of killing intent emanating from him.
“Father, are you truly planning to act?” Bai Hu approached. “Once you make a choice, you cannot regret it. I believe you are aware that this matter is no small thing. If the royal family discovers it, we will be in trouble.”
“Assassinating the 驸马 is a capital offense,” the Eighth Prince chuckled. “How could I not know this?”
“In that case, why is Father intending to act within the imperial city?” Bai Hu reminded him again. While he wanted Lu Fan dead, he was acutely aware that acting at this juncture was unwise.