Chapter 10: Court Night Banquet 2

That night, a full moon hung in the sky, surrounded by a scattering of stars. Qingyun stood outside the door, listening to the movements of Mingfeng in the shadows. As she walked, she said, "That’s enough, Mingfeng. You can come out tonight; there’s no need to stay in the shadows."

As soon as she finished speaking, Mingfeng flashed out from the darkness.

Qingyun walked to the main gate of the Prime Minister’s residence. Ignoring the looks of astonishment, jealousy, and envy from everyone, she hopped onto the carriage and signaled for Mingfeng to follow.

A flash of malice crossed Mu Qinglan’s gentle, water-like eyes! Mu Qinglan! Today! You will lose all your face! Let’s see how you manage to stand tall in the Imperial City!

Madam Shen gripped her hands tightly, and Mu Yueling sighed, "Enough, get on the carriage quickly."

Everyone boarded the carriage with a sense of unease.

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Qingyun looked at Mingfeng, who was sitting opposite her, with a hint of amusement. She spoke teasingly, "Mingfeng, what’s wrong with you?"

"I... I’m fine," Mingfeng replied with great difficulty.

"Hmm, though tonight seems like it will be quite interesting!" A wicked curve tugged at the corners of Qingyun’s lips as she looked at Mingfeng with interest.

"Yes." Mingfeng’s sword-like brows furrowed slightly at the thought of the marriage proposal.

Qingyun, on the other hand, shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "It’s just your master being betrothed, that’s all. It’s no big deal, and that old fox wouldn't dare touch me!" Besides, he didn't have the ability to touch her!

"..." As expected! He shouldn't have opened his mouth!

Qingyun slowly closed her eyes and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Mingfeng didn't seek death by initiating conversation; he simply raised his alertness to the maximum.

The carriage passed through the bustling streets and noisy crowds, slowly heading toward tonight’s destination: the Imperial Palace.

Less than half an hour later, the carriage slowly came to a stop. Mingfeng jumped down first. "Master, we have arrived."

Qingyun curled her lips, stood up, reached out to lift the curtain, and jumped off the carriage. Everyone collectively gasped, holding their breath, fearing that a single breath might startle away this person who shouldn't have appeared in the mortal world.

"Mingfeng, the banquet tonight is a facade, and the matchmaking is the real purpose, right?" Qingyun asked Mingfeng while lowering her eyes as she walked. She frowned slightly at the magnificent palace halls; she didn't care much for excessive extravagance.

"Yes."

"Then what are the envoys from the three kingdoms here for?" Qingyun raised an eyebrow. Why would special envoys from other countries be at the Beiyao Kingdom’s matchmaking banquet? To join in the fun? She wouldn't believe that even if she were beaten to death!

Mingfeng curled his lips. "It should be about the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet a month from now, and the marriage alliances between several countries." He couldn't help but admire his master’s insight; he had only said half, and his master had already guessed the rest.

"Is that so?" Qingyun thought for a moment, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. "The one from sixteen years ago regarding the Empress Dowager?"

"Yes."

Very well! Qingyun gave a cold laugh. "Heh, have Wuhen deliver my gift!" She, Qingyun, had always been one to hold a grudge. If others don't offend me, I won't offend them; if others offend me, I will return it a hundredfold! Even though it wasn't her back then, it was better to settle the score to avoid leaving any hidden dangers!

"Yes." Mingfeng silently offered a moment of mourning for that unlucky Empress Dowager. When his master didn't act, she didn't act, but once she did, it was enough to shatter the heavens and earth!

Just then, Mu Yueling’s voice came from behind them.

"Qingyun, the Imperial Palace is not like the Prime Minister’s residence. Do not run around here. If you offend someone, even your father cannot help you." Mu Yueling walked to Qingyun’s side. "If you really want to look around, let Qinglan take you to meet those noble children."

Qingyun frowned and walked around him, her voice icy and piercing. "Not necessary!" Who did he think he was? Daring to make arrangements for her? Was her attitude too good? Who gave him the courage?

A flash of irritation crossed the depths of Mu Qinglan’s eyes, then vanished without a trace, as if it had never appeared. A poisonous scheme flashed through her mind, and after saying something to Mu Yueling, she walked toward the crowded area to talk to those noble children.

Qingyun took all of this in, a look of disdain curling her lips. She then walked straight to the 'Chaofeng Hall' and found a random spot to sip tea, with Mingfeng standing behind her the entire time.

After a while, a eunuch’s shrill voice rang out.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived! The Emperor has arrived! The Empress has arrived! His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived! His Highness Prince Yun has arrived! Princess Xingdie has arrived—"

Instantly, everyone knelt—everyone, that is, except for Qingyun. In her eyes, there was no one in this world who could make her, Qingyun, kneel!

"Greetings to the Empress Dowager."

"Greetings to the Emperor."

"Greetings to the Empress."

"Greetings to the Crown Prince."

"Greetings to Prince Yun."

"Greetings to Princess Xingdie."

...