Zhao Jiaqi seemed to see through his little thoughts and directly interrupted his fantasy, "Stop daydreaming. If it could be grown anywhere, then this snow lotus wouldn't be a precious medicinal herb."
The ginseng she had planted years ago was only now ready for harvest. If ginseng was this difficult, let alone snow lotus.
Hearing his wife's words, Fan Zehao touched his nose and listlessly turned his gaze to the ministers of Liang.
He brought a purple flower, which looked familiar, but not the same color as the ones Fan Zehao knew.
Soon, the envoy from Liang smiled and introduced, "This is the purple rose, newly cultivated in our country, specially presented to His Majesty Emperor Yun for his appreciation."
Zhao Jiaqi looked at the flower. Seeing this color of rose again after more than a decade made her a little excited.
The man beside her, seeing how much his wife liked the flower, had eyes so fiery they could almost burn him. He whispered, "If you like this flower, I'll get it for you after the banquet!"
Zhao Jiaqi's mouth twitched at his words, "Just forget it. I was just a little moved to see this flower again. I have no other thoughts besides that."
Although the 'cold beauty' was good, it wasn't difficult to cultivate this rose.
It was somewhat shameless to directly ask the emperor for something he liked.
"Roses can be propagated by cuttings; it doesn't take much effort."
What is propagation by cuttings?
Father and daughter exchanged glances, their minds filled with questions.
Soon, the vassal states presented their most novel flowers one after another, each more beautiful than the last, some even emitting fragrances that could be smelled from afar.
Even those who usually disliked such things couldn't help but look at them more.
Soon, it was the Crown Prince of Dingbei Liao's turn, Helian Jinli, to present his flower. When he appeared in the great hall and introduced himself, Yumeng gasped.
Pointing angrily at the person in front, she tugged at her father's sleeve and said, "Dad, is that Helian Jinli? The one who impersonated Yanluo and kidnapped me?"
"Mhm, don't get worked up. Maintain some decorum, or people will think you like him!" Fan Zehao whispered in agreement.
Regardless, Yumeng spat, her face full of disgust, "Like him? I wish I could beat him up right now!"
Fan Zehao didn't remind her to be more ladylike, as it was enough to know that his daughter disliked Helian Jinli.
If Yumeng had discovered his disguise as Yanluo back then, with her personality, they might have ended up fighting in the palace today.
Yumeng's excited demeanor was interpreted by everyone as her being infatuated with the Crown Prince of Dingbei Liao. Helian Jinli, however, clearly knew that at this very moment, Yumeng wished she could flay him.
As he stepped down, he turned and met Yumeng's gaze, smiling at her, revealing a row of white teeth.
This action almost made Yumeng choke. Pointing at him, she stammered, "Dad, look... did you see that? He's provoking me, a blatant provocation! I'll beat him to death in a bit. Dad, don't stop me."
Fan Zehao looked at his daughter with a doting smile and nodded without a word, offering advice, "Don't do it in the palace, or it will be too difficult for the emperor. If you want to fight, wait until you leave the palace!"
Just as Yumeng nodded, Fan Zehao added, "However, from what I know, Helian Jinli's martial arts are extremely high. You might not be his match!"
This statement almost made Yumeng give up. But who was she? The harder it was, the more she wanted to challenge it. What if she succeeded?
However, Dad was right. She couldn't resort to brute force; she had to play dirty. Anyway, she was a woman, and weren't they said to be difficult to raise, like petty people?
While she was secretly plotting, Zhao Jiaqi had already twisted Fan Zehao's waist and glared at him fiercely with her eyes.
Why did he have to give their daughter such a bad idea? Seeing the sparkle in her daughter's eyes, she knew the child must be thinking of some mischief.
Finally, it was the Prime Minister of Yun, Leng Yunlong's turn. He presented a clump of red flowers without leaves, planted in large quantities in the imperial garden.
The red was vibrant, festive, and dazzling.
Huangfu Xi's eyes crinkled, revealing crow's feet, and he couldn't stop smiling. He proudly showed off his new flower to the envoys from the vassal states.
"This flower was obtained by chance. I've checked ancient texts and historical records, and there's no mention of its origin. Today, I invite the talented scholars and ladies present to give this flower a pleasant name!"
Seeing that everyone marveled at the beauty of the flower but no one spoke up actively, Huangfu Xi realized this wouldn't do. He immediately added, "Whoever comes up with a good name, which is approved by everyone, will be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold and a luminous pearl!"
Upon hearing of such generous rewards, everyone became enthusiastic. Not only the young talents present wanted to try, but even those who considered themselves talented women were spurred into action.
Píngtíng, sitting diagonally opposite Zhao Jiaqi, waved her little hand excitedly at her, indicating that she also wanted to participate. Zhao Jiaqi returned a fist to her, signifying encouragement.
The names presented by those who went first were "Hong Yanyan" (Crimson Flutter), "Hong Lei" (Crimson Thunder), "Hong Si Hua" (Crimson Silk Flower), etc. All of them contained the word "red." Zhao Jiaqi shook her head.
The flower was red, but there was no need to emphasize its color so much.
She grumbled silently on the ground, and the Emperor's expression at the head of the table was not good either. He clearly disliked these vulgar names.
At this moment, Píngtíng felt it was time. She stood up and said loudly, "This is the Shore Flower, a flower that blooms in the underworld."
The name "Shore Flower" and the term "underworld" caused the great hall to fall silent. Everyone turned their gaze to the princess.
They were all curious why the flower was called the Shore Flower and how she knew it bloomed in the underworld. Had she been there?
Facing these two questions, Huangfu Xi asked, "How do you know?"
Píngtíng was eloquent. She stated directly, "That day, after seeing this rare and precious flower in the palace, Píngtíng went back to sleep and had a dream. In the dream, a person named Meng Po told me."
Yao Yao and Jiao Jiao covered their mouths, wanting to laugh but not daring to, holding it in uncomfortably.
When did Big Sister become Meng Po?
If she remembered correctly, this was a story Big Sister told them while boating. She hadn't expected the princess to impersonate her. However, the appearance of the Shore Flower that Big Sister described was indeed similar to the one presented today.
The mention of Meng Po successfully deceived everyone again, and she began to use her glib tongue to tell the story.
For a time, everyone in the great hall listened quietly, except for their breathing. After listening, they found that the story perfectly matched the flower.
The Prime Minister clapped his thighs, very excited, "Yes, yes, what the princess said is not false at all. This bloom appears without leaves, and leaves appear without bloom."
Everyone looked. She had told the story of the flower and leaves, and it was well-reasoned. Thus, after unanimous approval, the name given by the princess was excellent.
Huangfu Xi waved his hand happily, "Shore Flower! Good, very good, reward!"
Seeing this, the Crown Prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom immediately congratulated Huangfu Xi, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on obtaining the Shore Flower. I wish Yun Kingdom increasing prosperity and splendor!"
Someone flattered him, and the Prime Minister followed suit, immediately kneeling and kowtowing, "I wish His Majesty everlasting reign."
Instantly, the low tables were once again covered with kneeling figures, shouting "Everlasting reign."