After all, they were brothers. Except for the matter with Yuer, he still respected his third brother greatly. Moreover, his third brother’s help to the country was invaluable. He was pleased that his brother could be well!
“The princess of Wei Ling Guo has arrived,” Liu Gongong announced.
Approaching was a graceful young maiden, her black hair softly hanging behind her ears. A red silk scarf covered her face, revealing only her large, watery eyes, gazing ahead clear and ethereal.
“Wan Yue pays respects to the King, long live, long live, long live!” Her crisp voice rang out clearly through the silk scarf. Her elegant demeanor made all the ministers lose their senses. What a pure and beautiful foreign princess!
“No need to be formal, rise. I hear you will perform a dance for me?” Ming Leng Chen, after a brief moment of amazement, returned to his calm and courteous self.
Mei Siyu couldn’t help but secretly marvel at her beauty!
“Yes,” she said, then began to dance to the gradually emerging music. The melody alternated between light and melancholic, perfectly capturing the emotional nuances. Sometimes like a small stream, sometimes like ocean waves, each note drawing the listeners in!
She leaped, her body rising into the air, the silk scarf falling like scattered petals. Then a sudden turn, her supple waist sliding down, landing steadily on the ground. From beginning to end, everyone’s eyes were captivated by her dance, unable to look away. After the performance, she slowly rose. The dance was so beautiful that everyone couldn’t help but secretly praise her. Such dance skills at such a young age were truly remarkable!
“Bravo, truly a beautiful dance. Princess Wan Yue, please be seated,” Ming Leng Chen praised.
“Wan Yue thanks the Emperor,” she said, taking light steps and being guided by her attendant to a distant empty table.
As soon as she sat down, she glimpsed the man at the neighboring table, drinking silently. His melancholic eyes were fixedly gazing into the distance, seemingly watching the beautiful woman on stage. His lost expression caused ripples in her calm heart! She shouldn’t have these feelings. Her purpose for coming was to form an alliance. She had no right to pursue her own happiness. If he were to be her husband, how wonderful that would be!
Don’t worry, I’ll be careful later and won’t cause too much chaos. You don’t need to worry about me.” She patted her chest and said confidently.
The woman on the stage was dancing and gesturing, so adorable! No wonder the emperor would dote on her so much. As long as she was by his side with her cheerful personality, she was what Wan Yue lacked. Wan Yue gazed enviously at Mei Si Yu, who was laughing heartily, then turned to the stunningly beautiful man beside her who had not spoken a word, who was still drinking continuously. This would harm his health, and she couldn’t help but worry.
“Hey, you shouldn’t drink anymore. It’s bad for your health,” Wan Yue whispered softly, hoping he would listen to her advice.
“Are you concerned about me? Princess Wan Yue?” Ming Leng Yun heard the voice beside him and turned around to see who was speaking.
“Drinking cup after cup is not good,” Wan Yue said timidly.
Since entering this room, he had never looked up at anyone, just drinking. As for how he recognized her as Princess Wan Yue, it was simple – he knew everyone here, including the envoys, and she was the only one he hadn’t seen before. She must be his wife!
Unexpectedly, his wife was so young and beautiful, even more so than Yu’er! However, no matter how beautiful a woman was, she could never replace Yu’er’s incomparable position in his heart. Although he had decided to bury his love for Yu’er deep in his heart, she should not expect to enter his heart. His heart loved only Yu’er!
The palace was now bustling with noise. Palace maids and eunuchs were busy preparing for the Xian Wang’s wedding, hanging colorful ribbons, lanterns, and the double happiness character. The entire imperial palace was filled with a luxurious and festive atmosphere!
Oh, you are the good friend of San Ge, and there’s another one called Yu, why isn’t he with you?” Ming Lenchen said kindly, though angry in his heart. In front of Yu’er, he couldn’t directly question Wen Yue’an, which would be unbecoming of a king. It was better to wait for an opportunity to warn him.
“In response to Your Majesty’s question, his name is Yan Qingyu, and he is chatting with Leng Yun,” Wen Yue’an said. He stared at the son of the man he had killed, surrounded by the woman he had loved with all his heart. How could this not drive him mad, with an impulse to stab a sword into his heart!
“Is that so, let’s go see San Ge together. He is the protagonist today!” Ming Lenchen gently patted Yu’er’s back and said softly. He clearly saw the murderous intent in Wen Yue’an’s eyes and couldn’t understand the reason for such deep hatred!
The busy day had finally ended. Although the wedding ceremony was held in the palace, the bride was sent back to the Xian Wang’s mansion, and the wedding banquet continued in the palace. Ming Lenchen left early due to matters to be handled, probably unable to watch the entire ceremony. Originally, he didn’t need to be personally involved, as it was not appropriate for a monarch to attend a wedding. However, if it involved the rise and fall of the Le Ling Kingdom, he had to be present.
At this time, the groom was enthusiastically greeting the civil and military officials in the hall, including the envoys of the alliance. A group of men were engaged in lively conversation and drinking heartily.
Mei Siyu looked at the bustling scene and couldn’t help but feel envious. Which woman wouldn’t want a grand wedding? But she had come here to become someone’s concubine, never even thinking about a wedding ceremony. How sad! She would rather not have this wealth and glory, only hoping to live the most ordinary life! Living a life of loving only her partner, not immortals! Her eyes grew moist, and accompanied by Xiao Rou, she stretched and headed towards the Yang Feng Palace. “Miss, aren’t you going to the Empress Dowager’s palace?”
“Oh, yes. I almost forgot,” Mei Siyu said softly. She truly didn’t want to go to the Empress Dowager again, but it seemed she had no choice unless she left this place someday and wouldn’t have to listen to that old-fashioned woman.
“Then let’s go again,” Mei Siyu said helplessly.
In the Feng Xian Palace!
“Yu’er pays respects to the Empress Dowager, wishing you good fortune,” Mei Siyu bowed and said softly.
“Hmm, sit,” the Empress Dowager said coldly, already irritated by this seductive woman who had caused her nephew’s death and implicated her maternal family’s power.
“Oh, who do we have here? It’s Mei Fei,” the De Fei said unkindly. Looking at her made her feel stifled. Why did the Emperor favor her so much? He would flee like seeing a fierce beast when encountering her. She had been in the palace for two years but was less favored than this young girl who had been here for less than half a year. How could this not make her indignant!
“Sister, come sit here,” Ji Yueqing said gently.
“Mm,” Mei Siyu responded.
“Today, taking advantage of the Emperor’s joyous occasion, I’ve called everyone here for two matters. First, regarding the Emperor’s recent appointment of an empress, I absolutely forbid it. Second, no one is allowed to monopolize favor. Those who violate this will be severely punished. Is everyone clear?” the Empress Dowager looked pointedly at Mei Siyu and said sternly.
“Wan’er understands…” the concubines said in unison. Only Mei Siyu was lost in thought and did not respond.
