The celebration banquet commenced with the entire imperial palace adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations. Those present were all distinguished figures, holding positions of high authority.
Even the various vassal kings were summoned to the palace, making the court exceptionally lively and causing quite a stir.
The Dragon Emperor sat at the head of the table, slowly sipping his wine, his demeanor somewhat hazy with intoxication. The ministers beside him were also in high spirits. The triumphant return of numerous generals signified the eternal prosperity of the White Dragon Dynasty, ensuring it would not be conquered by the Nine Heavens Dynasty, and they would not be displaced. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Tonight is a celebration banquet. The decisive victory against the enemy army owes much to the Li family!"
The Dragon Emperor raised his wine cup, casting his gaze towards the head of the Li family. "I toast you, Li family. You have contributed greatly to my White Dragon Dynasty, and the White Dragon Dynasty remembers it all."
"Thank you, Dragon Emperor!"
Without any hesitation, the head of the Li family lifted his wine cup and drained it in one gulp. He 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 event, the Li family's status would likely surpass theirs, which naturally posed a threat to them.
"Your Majesty, the reason we were able to repel the Nine Heavens Dynasty this time is thanks to the valor of the驸马 (Fù mǎ - Imperial Son-in-Law)."
With a serious expression, the head of the Li family stated, "If it weren't for the 驸马's intervention, 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 mentioned it, I would have rewarded the 驸马!"
The head of the Li family slightly cupped his fists and said no more, then retreated to the side.
The Dragon Emperor turned his gaze to Lu Fan. "驸马, you accompanied the Li family on this campaign and have 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.
"Indeed!" The Dragon Emperor nodded. "Seeing how happy you are, perhaps you wish for me to bestow the princess upon you, so that you may marry soon?"
"That's right, that's right. Seeing how eager the 驸马 appears, he must have this intention," the head of the Li family chuckled. "When we were in Jiulong City, I saw the 驸马 and the princess showing great affection. They are truly a match made in heaven. I implore Your Majesty to grant the marriage soon!"
Lu Fan's brow immediately furrowed. He had originally intended to ask the Dragon Emperor for the Spirit Gathering Bottle, but with the head of the Li family speaking this way, he found it difficult to voice his true request. After all, this was the imperial palace, and offending the Dragon Emperor would be more detrimental than beneficial.
"I implore the Dragon Emperor to grant the marriage!"
With no other choice, Lu Fan finally spoke. Despite his reluctance, he dared not disobey, as his true objective was the Spirit Gathering Bottle. If his intentions were revealed, obtaining the bottle would not be so easy.
"Since you became the 驸马 through a selection process, no one dares to challenge your position."
The Dragon Emperor stated, "The 驸马 and the princess will be married seven days from now. What do you say?"
"Thank you, Dragon Emperor!" Lu Fan slightly cupped his fists.
Those nearby immediately cheered. Lu Fan had brought many subordinates with him to Jiulong City, and they were naturally happy for him.
Princess Linglong stood not far away, her face filled with joy. She was quite pleased with Lu Fan and they were indeed fond of each other. Marrying Lu Fan would be her heart's desire.
On the VIP platform, Bai Hu and the Eighth Prince sat side by side, coldly observing the scene, seemingly unwilling for Lu Fan to be enfeoffed as the 驸马, and even less willing for him to marry Princess Linglong.
"Father, seven days from now he will be married. If we act against him then, it might displease the Dragon Emperor,"
Bai Hu spoke. "But I can be certain that Bai Xi died by his hand. If he lives, how can I face Bai Xi's spirit!"
"Rest assured, within these seven days, as long as he meets an untimely end, this matter will be resolved."
The Eighth Prince's expression was indifferent. He had not come to the imperial city solely to attend the celebration banquet.
It was only a short while ago that he learned Lu Fan was the one who killed Bai Xi. How could he let it go? He was determined to make Lu Fan pay the price.
After the celebration banquet concluded, Princess Linglong pulled Lu Fan along. "We will be married in seven days. I want to have a suit tailored for you."
"There's no need for that, is there?" Lu Fan smiled. "Actually, today I wanted something, but alas..."
"What do you want?"
Princess Linglong looked surprised. "I told you before, you can tell me anything you want."
"Never mind, it's not important," Lu Fan waved his hand and then turned to leave.
Seeing Lu Fan's departing figure, Princess Linglong looked astonished and even a little confused. She didn't understand Lu Fan's earlier words, nor did she know what he truly desired.
Back at his residence, Lu Fan felt a sense of helplessness. He had been in the imperial city for so long, yet he still hadn't obtained the Spirit Gathering Bottle, which left him feeling unresigned.
"My lord, you will 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 manor."
"I understand what you're saying, but my heart already belongs to someone else."
Lu Fan shook his head, his expression becoming solemn. "It's a pity that the treasure hall is guarded by experts. Otherwise, I would have succeeded long ago."
"If that's the 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 worry."
"That won't do!" Lu Fan shook his head. "Steward Li's strength is unfathomable. If you go to be bait, it will surely cause endless repercussions, and even I won't be able to save you."
"My life already belongs to you, and I am willing to sacrifice myself for you," Duan Tianya stated directly.
"There's no need. We haven't reached that point yet!" Lu Fan shook his head. "Let's observe the situation. If there's an opportunity, we'll find another way."
Duan Tianya nodded slightly and said no more.
Meanwhile, in a separate courtyard of the imperial palace, the Eighth Prince stood motionlessly, his expression cold, a faint killing intent emanating from him.
"Father, are you truly planning to act?"
Bai Hu walked over. "Once you make a choice, you cannot regret it. I believe you understand that this matter is not trivial. 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?"
"If that's the case, why does Father intend to act within the imperial city?" Bai Hu reminded him again. Although he wanted Lu Fan dead, he clearly understood that acting now would be unwise.