Feeling a gaze from across the room, Lan Lan looked up to see the Crown Prince staring at her with passionate eyes. She nodded slightly in greeting.
Next to him sat a stunningly beautiful woman, looking at her with sharp eyes, a hint of jealousy flashing at the unrestrained affection in the Crown Prince’s gaze.
Lan Lan was curiously observing those across from her when she suddenly felt her hand tighten. Turning her head, she saw her companion looking at her reproachfully, as if complaining about her ignoring his presence.
Long Junhao leaned in close, whispering to introduce those present. Directly opposite was the handsome Crown Prince Long Junjie, smiling, and beside him was the Crown Princess Lin Long, daughter of the current prime minister, who appeared pleasant on the surface.
Below the Crown Prince sat the Third Prince Long Junming. Lan Lan looked up to see a boyish face, a handsome young man. Their eyes met, and he playfully winked. Lan Lan glared back but couldn’t help but smile, finding him amusing.
Next was the Third Princess Long Yi, only 15 years old and unmarried, with a sweet appearance and a charming manner. Her large eyes were constantly studying Lan Lan. Lan Lan smiled and nodded at her.
Beside Long Junhao was the First Princess Long Lian, married to the eldest son of the Shu Mansion, Sun Yong, the current martial arts champion, who had studied martial arts for fifteen years under a Taoist master at White Cloud Temple.
He won the martial arts championship in the Dragon Heaven Empire two years ago. The Emperor, impressed by his character and background and noting Princess Long Lian’s love for him, arranged their marriage. They had been married for over a year and were deeply in love, though they had no children yet.
The Second Princess Long Yun was absent, as her husband, General Kang Xi, was defending the borders of the Dragon Heaven Empire, with the princess accompanying him.
As this was a family gathering, no outsiders were present. However, the curious gazes made Lan Lan slightly nervous.
Just after Long Junhao finished introducing everyone, a guard announced: “The Emperor has arrived!”
