For a time, various countries were filled with doubt, and successively dispatched envoys to the Crescent Kingdom.
Today, Fengyang Street, the most prosperous street in Lin'an City, was exceptionally lively, packed with people. Even the teahouses and taverns on both sides of the street were overflowing with customers, craning their necks to catch a glimpse.
The long alley was teeming with people, all eager to witness the rumored betrothal procession of the royal family.
On both sides of the street, black cloth screens, half a person's height, stood with soldiers stationed on either side to maintain order. Thus, despite the crowds, everything remained peaceful.
The distant strains of drums and music grew faintly, and the crowd suddenly became excited, all craning their necks to look.
A long procession approached. At the forefront was a guard of honor, followed by a squadron of officers on horseback. After the officers, the royal imperial chariot appeared.
Seated regally in the magnificent chariot was none other than the Emperor's most favored brother, Prince Nan'an.
No one had expected the Emperor to dispatch Prince Nan'an for this betrothal, which indicated the importance he placed on the matter.
The entire city of Lin'an was in an uproar, the crowd buzzing with anticipation.
Rumor had it that Prince Nan'an was cold and aloof but exceptionally handsome. Seeing him today confirmed the truth of the rumors.
Prince Nan'an was clad in an extraordinary, luxurious brocade robe with wide sleeves, his figure tall and slender. He reclined in the half-open chariot, his hair bound with a golden coronet. His eyes, slightly narrowed, betrayed a hint of displeasure.
This was merely a simple betrothal ceremony, which could have easily been handled by eunuchs. Yet, his imperial brother had assigned him to personally oversee it, which was utterly infuriating. Prince Nan'an closed his eyes in annoyance, unwilling to listen to the escalating clamor from the surroundings.
Following the royal chariot was the betrothal gift procession, and finally, the escorting soldiers.
The onlookers were dazzled, their eyes overwhelmed, and as the sound of the drums and music faded into the distance, discussions erupted.
"I can't believe the Emperor offered such a sky-high betrothal gift. Did that idiotic girl really get off so easily?" someone questioned. Immediately, another voice retorted, "Do you think the Emperor is foolish enough to marry an idiotic girl into the palace?"
The speaker spoke mysteriously, drawing many to surround him, clamoring for him to continue. "What's going on?"
"Hurry up and tell us! Don't keep us in suspense."
"The third daughter of the Mu family has actually been pretending to be an idiot all along. The real her is not only beautiful but also incredibly sharp-witted. It's said she's a woman of both talent and beauty, which is why the Emperor proposed."
"That can't be true! Although everyone says Miss Mu the Third has become more beautiful and intelligent, I haven't seen it myself."
The speaker walked away as he spoke, and the crowd slowly dispersed. Whether the third daughter of the Mu family was beautiful or ugly, intelligent or an idiot, these were not their concerns. This was the Emperor's family affair.
On the street, the black screens were removed, and the crowd began to disperse.
In the Mingfeng Tower, sunlight slanted into a private room on the second floor. It was quiet and silent. Despite the surrounding clamor, there was no one else present, not even a whisper of sound.
Today, all the private rooms in this establishment had been booked by a high-ranking official. The staircase leading to the second floor was guarded by dedicated personnel. Apart from the waiters, no one dared to ascend.
Inside the private room, two men sat by the window, lazily gazing outside. The wind lightly lifted their black hair, revealing faces of breathtaking beauty. Even as men, they were captivating, impossible to look away from.
One was a strikingly handsome man dressed in a purple brocade robe with gold trim, his waist cinched by a golden sash embroidered with a coiled dragon. Sunlight cast a soft glow on his face. Beneath his sharp, arched eyebrows were eyes as dark and deep as a tranquil pool. He leaned languidly against a soft couch, his aura like a bloodthirsty sword, its sharpness concealed yet palpable.
"Your Majesty, sending Prince Nan'an to deliver the betrothal gifts, I fear he is not entirely willing."
The speaker, with a smile playing on his lips, exuded a charismatic and bewitching aura. The captivating glow in his eyes was so enchanting that one glance would draw you in.
He was Chu Qianyi, the son of the Right Prime Minister. The imposing and formidable man opposite him was Emperor Xian, Murong Liuzun.
Emperor Xian adjusted his sleeve, releasing a subtle fragrance. His slender, jade-like fingers gently caressed the green jade flute in his hand, and a devilishly charming smile curved his lips. His proud black eyes held an unfathomable depth, as dark as the abyss.
"Only if he goes can it show my sincerity, can't it?" His voice was profound and unfathomable, making it impossible to guess his intentions.
Chu Qianyi nodded. This was true. In the entire Crescent Kingdom, who could compare to Prince Nan'an in terms of noble status?
But was it necessary for the Emperor to show such great sincerity? Even when his sister, Yu Yan, entered the palace, she was merely fetched by a royal carriage. He remembered the Chu family presenting a substantial dowry.
Yet now? The Mu family not only failed to offer a large dowry, but the royal family was also bestowing an exorbitant betrothal gift. The disparity in treatment was truly significant.
Chu Qianyi felt a sourness in his heart, a discomfort. Emperor Xian, his gaze shifting, spoke playfully.
"Qianyi, are you unhappy? Why not come into the palace to assist me? Perhaps I will favor Yu Yan then."
Chu Qianyi frowned. He did not believe this man's words.
Since ancient times, emperors had always been fickle and ruthless. Furthermore, there was a generational gap between the Emperor and the Chu family, a chasm that no one could ever bridge.
The current Empress Dowager was from the Chu family, and the Chu family held half of the military power. This was a grave taboo. Unfortunately, he had told his father about this, but his father paid him no mind.
He feared this would eventually lead to disaster. Unlike that old scoundrel Mu Hen, who had early on surrendered his half of the military power, thus distancing himself from trouble.
"Your Majesty, I have no desire to be an official. What good is it? Being restricted all day long. It's better to be free and unrestrained like this."
Chu Qianyi immediately shook his head in rejection. If being an official could truly help Yu Yan, he wouldn't mind. Unfortunately, he knew this was impossible. The Emperor had no intention of him entering the palace; it was merely...
Emperor Xian narrowed his long, phoenix-like eyes, their depths shimmering with light, and burst into unrestrained laughter. "Very well, since Qianyi does not wish to be an official, then by all means enjoy yourself. Come to the palace when you have time to play chess with me. It's hard for me to find an opponent like you."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Chu Qianyi respectfully accepted the order, lowering his head, his eyes filled with understanding.
The door to the private room creaked open, and Ah Jiu entered, speaking respectfully, "Your Majesty, it is time to return to the palace."
"Mm, let's return," his tall, graceful figure stood up, his purple robe sweeping in a dazzling arc. His magnetic voice rang out.
Chu Qianyi immediately rose respectfully, preparing to escort the Emperor downstairs. Outside the private room door, Hua Lige, clad in red and possessing a chivalrous spirit, extended a hand to block Chu Qianyi's path. "Young Master Chu, please do not trouble yourself."
"Yes," Chu Qianyi nodded, watching the tall, graceful figure depart.
Once the second floor was empty, with no one in sight, he slowly raised his head. In his enchanting eyes, a flickering, ethereal light danced. He turned back into the private room, poured himself a cup of fragrant tea, and began to savor it.