??Chapter 657: Chapter 658 Divine Goddess_1
Chapter 657: Chapter 658 Divine Goddess_1
Chapter 17:
Yu Ze went to ask for Lady Yu Jin’s advice, which surprised the Marquise, who wondered when her son had beco so filial and even knew to seek his old mother’s counsel for matters. It was only upon asking that she discovered it had been Muniang’s request. Jian Yue felt a wave of warmth in her heart and deeply believed she had married the right daughter-in-law. She even gave Yu Ze a heartfelt talk, insisting that Muniang was a good girl and he should cherish her properly.
Yu Ze responded respectfully on the surface but couldn’t help but laugh to himself, feeling resigned.
Yu Jin just happened to co in and seeing Jian Yue talking so happily to Yu Ze, he curiously asked, “What are you two discussing that’s made mother so delighted?”
Jian Yue laughed, “Nothing much. You’ve arrived just in ti. I’ve heard that Princess An of Qilian Kingdom is about to have a grand wedding. She even sent a special invitation to Muniang, hoping she can attend next spring. Considering you’ve spent so much ti in Qilian Kingdom and have received their hospitality, you should properly thank them. Otherwise, just prepare a grand gift, and when next spring cos, let your brother take it on your behalf.”
Yu Jin’s expression briefly stiffened as he glanced at Yu Ze, “A letter for sister-in-law?” His tone seed to ask, ‘What about ?’
Yu Ze spread his hands, “Could it be for ?”
Jian Yue scolded with a laugh, “My child, don’t scare your mother. Our house certainly can’t afford to marry a princess. Muniang is such a good girl, you mustn’t fool around and let her down.”
Yu Ze said with a smile, “Of course, it’s just a joke. Jin does have a good relationship with Princess An, but since he was once a hostage there, he probably doesn’t want to go. When the ti cos, prepare a gift, and I’ll take it there for you.”
Yu Jin didn’t say anything, but being taciturn by nature, Jian Yue didn’t notice anything unusual.
When Yu Ze returned, he told Muniang about Yu Jin’s reaction. Muniang huffed, “So he’s not as carefree as I thought.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“What do you an, ‘what do I plan to do’? Should I really help them make connections? Yu Jin should be clean-cut when it cos to people he pushes away. If he can’t let go, he should plead by himself. As his sister-in-law, do I have the duty to take on such tasks for him?” Muniang replied crossly.
“Then why are you bothering to test Yu Jin’s intentions? If he can’t let go, he’ll inevitably seek her out on his own.”
“That’s exactly what amuses !” Muniang said, lifting her head proudly.
Yu Ze pinched her chin and kissed her, “Your husband requires compensation for this!”
“Ah, my lord, how co I’ve heard that there will be an envoy coming to the capital from Louxi soon? Do you know about this?”
Yu Ze was startled, “Every year, many foreign envoys co to the Daqian Dynasty. Why have you suddenly taken an interest in this?”
Muniang sneered, “I’ve heard that Louxi abounds with beauties, and the envoys from there will surely bring a few stunning won to present to us.”
Yu Ze imdiately understood Muniang’s implication and said, sowhat chagrined, “My wife, do you still not trust ?”
“Hmph, who knows? I’m unaware if these beauties can charm soone to death, but don’t you look at them too much. If you get bewitched, what am I to do?” Muniang replied, irritated.
“Now that my wife has spoken, I certainly won’t spare another glance,” Yu Ze smiled. He had seen plenty of Louxi beauties and knew they were no more than skin-deep. What was there to care about? He still didn’t understand his own wife. With her alone, what woman in the world deserved another look from him?
However, Yu Ze would never say this out loud. Sotis, seeing his wife get jealous actually gave him quite a bit of satisfaction.
When the envoy from Louxi arrived in the capital, the emperor hosted a banquet for all the ministers and their female relatives, mainly because every ti Louxi sent an embassy, they would bring so rare items. Naturally, beauties were also a major highlight, and the emperor often used these to reward his ministers. Otherwise, why would Muniang worry? Now in the Daqian Dynasty, Yu Ze was the man of the hour. If the emperor was pleased, why wouldn’t he reward him with a beauty?
They began dressing up early in the morning, as was customary, and then followed Yu Ze into the palace. Marquis Chen, with his title, would naturally attend, and Jian Yue followed as well.
Muniang thought about it: among Marquis Chen’s concubines, Concubine Si was a beauty bestowed by the emperor. Although not from Louxi, she was a stunner that could topple nations. Back then, Marquis Chen was still young and couldn’t refuse her. Later on, as Marquis Chen aged, he naturally didn’t have the desire to accept more, and the emperor didn’t insist anymore.
Entering the palace, Muniang naturally sat with the other ladies, and due to Yu Ze’s high status, he took the principal seat on the right side. Muniang’s seat was also near the front, which conveniently allowed her to observe the hall’s proceedings.
The emperor sat loftily above on the jade steps, with the empress seated on the honored seat beside him, looking exceedingly dignified. Yet, ironically, right beside the emperor sat He Fangfei and Rong Suqing, two favored concubines whose status in the palace was soaring. The empress had to grind her teeth and swallow her displeasure.
“Today I have invited everyone to share in so delights; there is certainly no need for excessive formality,” said Long Yi, looking jolly and in a good mood. Muniang hadn’t seen him for a year, and now, he appeared to have gained more than just a round of weight.
“We thank Your Majesty for your great grace.”
“By the way, the envoy from Louxi has already entered the palace. Summon him to the hall,” Long Yi said languidly, anticipation evident in his heart. The beauties from Louxi were indeed as reputed.
“Announce the Prince of Louxi to et the emperor!” the eunuch called out at the top of his lungs.
Then they saw the Prince of Louxi stride into the hall, his attire exuding exotic charm, his appearance and deanor quite impressive. Louxi was known for rearing beauties, and it seed they had done well with this handso man as well.
The Prince of Louxi knelt on one knee and saluted: “Long live the emperor.”
As a vassal state to the Daqian Dynasty, such a salute was naturally due.
Long Yi laughed heartily, “What fine treasures have you brought us this ti, Prince of Louxi?”
The Prince of Louxi respectfully said, “There are three treasures, but though pleasing to the eye, they cannot compare to the beauty of our won. Therefore, we would like to first present our beauties to Your Majesty. Amongst them, one is the most beautiful girl in Louxi, a ‘Divine Godess,’ if you will.”
Long Yi imdiately perked up, “Oh? Bring them forth for us to see.”
With a smirk, the Prince of Louxi clapped his hands. Musicians began to play, and dancers filed in gracefully. Among them, three were clearly dressed more extravagantly and had their faces veiled. The beauty at the forefront, as the Prince of Louxi stated, was the ‘Divine Goddess.’
Muniang stared at the beauties for a long while, and indeed agreed with the claims about Louxi’s beauties. Even just partially veiled, their elegance already shone brightly.
The court ministers in the hall were all watching intently; desire was written all over their hearts. How could n resist such beauty?
Yu Ze took a casual sip of his wine, his mind preoccupied with gauging the Prince of Louxi’s intentions, not bothering to watch the dance.
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