Chapter 308: Chapter 308: The Little Emperor says the Old Imperial Historian is causing trouble again
Above the stage, a bird suddenly appeared, brilliant and colorful, soaring in the sky.
People with wavering willpower felt an irresistible urge to stand up.
"Such an incredible Illusion Technique! Truly, our Great Han’s little Lucky Star!"
"A disciple of the National Master, already understanding the basics of the Illusion Technique at such a young age."
Whispers spread through the banquet.
The National Master’s face was already as stiff as it could possibly be.
Meanwhile, Xiaosuisui, sitting in the Empress Dowager’s arms, widened her eyes in surprise.
Seeing her expression, the Empress Dowager thought to herself, Indeed, she’s a child who hasn’t seen much of the world; this illusion of a phoenix made from paper can make her so surprised.
Yes, Xiaosuisui was truly shocked. This large bird was almost identical to the one that occasionally appeared around the beautiful sister. However, the avian shadow surrounding the beautiful sister was exceedingly lively, whereas the large bird Li Yanyan conjured with the Illusion Technique was imbued with Death Qi and looked rather rigid!
"Suisui, do you envy her?" the Empress Dowager asked, observing Xiaosuisui’s expression. "Do you want to learn this Illusion Technique?"
Believing Xiaosuisui was envious, the Empress Dowager contemplated, Should I risk my reputation and ask the National Master to take Xiaosuisui as a disciple too?
Just as the Empress Dowager was pondering this, she heard Xiaosuisui ask, "Grandma, what kind of bird is that?"
"That’s a phoenix. It appears to be a Huang—the female kind. This is created by an Illusion Technique; it’s not a real phoenix. It only has its form, not its spirit."
Xiaosuisui nodded in immediate understanding. "Oh! So the big bird around the beautiful sister is a phoenix!"
The Empress Dowager didn’t dwell on her words, assuming the "beautiful sister" Xiaosuisui mentioned was Li Xu’s daughter, so she simply nodded in acknowledgment.
At that moment, Li Zhujun gave Li Yanyan another significant look. Li Yanyan flipped her hands, and Li Zhujun leaped, daring to stand upon the phoenix’s back.
Expressions of utter astonishment appeared on everyone’s faces.
How could this young lady from the Li Family be so audacious? She actually dared to stand on the phoenix’s back! Didn’t this blatantly reveal all her ambitions?
The Empress Dowager’s expression also turned slightly unfavorable. She was mulling things over. Her father is a Vice Minister of the Zhongshu Province, she has a sister who is Great Han’s Little Lucky Star, and that sister is also a disciple of the National Master. The National Master has always held considerable influence in court, yet the National Master’s Mansion has consistently avoided involvement in the Royal Family’s various factions! If this young lady from the Li Family enters the Palace, leveraging her connection with this Little Lucky Star...
As the Empress Dowager was deep in thought, she heard Xiaosuisui exclaim beside her, "WOW! You can play with the phoenix like that? Suisui wants one too!"
When both the Empress Dowager and the young Emperor heard Xiaosuisui’s words, they merely thought, She’s just a child who likes phoenixes and thinks they’re pretty.
The Empress Dowager’s earlier thought of having Suisui become a disciple of the National Master resurfaced.
While she was contemplating this, Li Zhujun and Li Yanyan’s performance concluded.
The Empress Dowager exclaimed, "Excellent!" and then called for a reward.
Having received no particular praise from the Empress Dowager, the Li Family members were understandably disappointed, but they still withdrew.
Among the seated guests, schemes began to brew anew in some minds.
Just as the Empress Dowager was about to ask if anyone else wished to present a talent, an old courtier stepped forward from the attendees.
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty," the old courtier began, "when this old servant watched the performance by the Li Family’s young lady and this Little Lucky Star earlier, I was deeply distressed!"
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager was slightly taken aback and looked towards the speaker. It was the Imperial Censor Lv Liangyi, his hair streaked with white.
Seeing this old Censor step forward and invoke the "Auspicious Phoenix’s Arrival," the young Emperor’s eyelids twitched involuntarily. Damn it! This old Censor is going to stir up trouble again!