Chapter 309: Chapter 307: Let Them See Enough
Shen Yunxi’s fake pregnancy was not a huge scandal, but it wasn’t insignificant either.
If someone with ulterior motives chose to exploit it, it could completely be used against Lu Ying.
Yet Lu Ying remained unconcerned, as though everything in the Capital was well within his calculations: "Aside from the people loyal to the Imperial Grandmother, I fear Noble Consort Zhang’s faction is also secretly watching us. Withdraw some of the guards from the Eastern Palace. If they want to watch, let them see everything clearly."
...
The next morning, the diplomatic envoy of Great Yan officially entered the Capital.
The Emperor hosted a banquet in the palace, inviting all civil and military officials along with their families, rendering the palace bustling with excitement.
Shen Yunxi sat beside Lu Ying. Today, she had dressed meticulously, wearing a light-yellow embroidered palace gown with a vertical collar and wide sleeves adorned with phoenixes and peonies. Her head was crowned with an ornate Phoenix Bead Crown, from whose sides hung long golden tassels, and a gemstone-studded golden lock hung on her chest. Despite possessing only six or seven parts beauty, the imperial-drenched opulence pushed her to a striking eight out of ten.
She discreetly scrutinized Yan Zheming across from her and sneered disdainfully: "Your Highness, is that the Crown Prince of Great Yan? He looks... utterly vulgar!"
Yan Zheming had typical Yan features.
Deep-set eyes with bluish pupils, a hooked nose, and curly long hair contrasted starkly with the Central Plains Han people. He wore form-fitting narrow-sleeved attire and had a golden-crafted soft snake coiled around his neck, its sapphire eyes reflecting a cold, sharp glint that exuded an inexplicable air of danger.
As if he had overheard Shen Yunxi’s words, he cast her a shadowy glance.
Shen Yunxi shrank back in fear, instinctively leaning closer to Lu Ying.
"These dances are dull." Yan Zheming suddenly placed his wine cup on the low table. "I’ve long heard that the Central Plains is a land of etiquette and culture, excelling in poetry, painting, music, and chess. Your artisans are also highly skilled at crafting objects, with treasures such as the Jiaowei Zither, Luwu Zither, and Hanyu Flute widely renowned. Your Majesty, am I privileged enough to behold these three treasures?"
Lu Ying took a sip of his wine.
The Jiaowei Zither, Luwu Zither, and Hanyu Flute had previously been cherished by a Grandmaster during the previous dynasty. However, after the fall of the dynasty amidst war and the northern nations’ provocations, these treasures had long been lost to the flames of conflict.
A century ago, a courtesan in a brothel claimed to possess the Luwu Zither, which the Wen Family of Luoyang purchased for a considerable fortune only to discover it was a counterfeit.
Over time, there were countless other claims to possessing these treasures, yet without exception, all proved to be imitations.
Noble Consort Zhang was fond of music. Twenty years ago, the Emperor had ordered a nationwide search for these three instruments to please her. Various counties and prefectures submitted numerous items in tribute, with the Music Workshop reportedly identifying the genuine ones. These musical relics were now stored in Noble Consort Zhang’s palace, having only been viewed by a select few highly esteemed Imperial Decree Ladies. Others had never had the opportunity to glimpse them.
Lu Yu stroked Noble Consort Zhang’s hand and laughed: "Since the Crown Prince of Yan seeks to admire them, dearest consort, please bring them out for him to see."
Soon, the palace maids brought out the three musical instruments.
Yan Zheming rose to inspect them, let out an odd laugh, then suddenly smashed the Hanyu Flute onto the ground.
Noble Consort Zhang’s expression darkened: "Crown Prince of Yan, what is the meaning of this?"
"Who would have thought that the so-called Land of Etiquette would deceive me with counterfeits!" Yan Zheming sneered in disdain. "The Imperial Family of Great Zhou keeps a collection of forgeries in its palace, what a ridiculous display!"
Lu Yu’s face grew visibly unpleasant: "These treasures were personally sought under my decree; how could they be fake?!"
Yan Zheming’s grin widened, his sinister gaze tinged with provocation: "I know they’re fake because I hold the real ones. Bring them here."
Servants of Great Yan presented the three instruments with elegant movements.
Shen Yunxi gasped: "They look exactly the same as the ones in Noble Consort Zhang’s palace!"
Lu Ying looked over.
Though they appeared identical to the ones stored in Noble Consort Zhang’s palace, their intricate details and texture were far more refined and authentic, exuding a palpable historical weight. A single glance made it obvious they were the genuine artifacts.
Yan Zheming burst into laughter, his tone dripping with mockery: "It’s said that these three instruments were meticulously crafted by your country’s artisans, yet they’ve since ended up in the hands of another nation. Emperor of Great Zhou, if you can’t even protect your cherished relics, how could you possibly safeguard your territories? To show sincerity in this negotiation, you might as well return the eight cities Shen Xingye seized from us five years ago, and we’ll guard them for you!"
The hall fell silent, as though even the faintest sound could be heard.
The gathered civil and military officials exchanged confused and wary glances, not expecting Yan Zheming to use the musical relics to escalate the discussion to matters of territories and cities.
Everyone knew the negotiations were being led by Lu Zhengliu, and so many turned their eyes toward him.
Seated just below Lu Ying, Lu Zhengliu was an eighteen or nineteen-year-old from the Imperial Family. With his crimson robe, sharp brows, and bright eyes, coupled with a small vermillion mole no larger than a sesame seed between his brows, he exuded an air of refined nobility.
Though he was at an age of youthful vigor, he displayed a remarkably restrained temperament. His expression remained unflinching as he flashed a gentle smile: "Today’s banquet is for the appreciation of beauty and the arts, not for discussing matters of state affairs. Crown Prince of Yan, please be seated, and let us continue to enjoy the wine."
The attempt to deflect the issue was evident.
Yan Zheming chuckled meaningfully, casting another look at Lu Ying before lowering himself back to his seat.
After downing a couple of cups of wine, Yan Zheming spoke again: "If we are to talk about appreciating beauty and the arts, beauties are naturally essential. Emperor of Great Zhou, I bring with me to the Capital an unparalleled beauty of Great Yan, who is willing to perform a dance in honor of your nation."
He clapped his hands.
The attendants of Yan quickly escorted a woman gracefully into the hall.
All eyes turned toward her.
The woman had a tall figure and snow-white skin, adorned in a delicate ice-blue gauzy dress. She wore two sets of golden bangles around her arms, her light brown curly hair cascading down her back, and a slim golden woven headband across her forehead. Presumably of mixed heritage, her features blended the structure of Yan natives with the complexion of Central Plains natives, giving her a visage akin to clear autumn waters—coldly elegant and dignified.
She performed a Yan-style bow to the gathered assembly: "Yan maiden Gan Tangwei, pays her respects to the Emperor of Zhou, Noble Consort, Crown Prince, and Crown Princess Consort!"
Shen Yunxi frowned slightly, instinctively comparing her to Shen Yinning.
The beauty before her was indeed lovely, yet she seemed to lack the intense, striking allure of Shen Yinning.
Unable to help herself, Shen Yunxi stole a glance at Lu Ying.
What about His Highness?
Would he be captivated by her?
Seeing that Lu Ying merely spared one indifferent glance before looking away, Shen Yunxi finally managed a relieved smile.
She had known all along—her prince was not the sort of man to be swayed by mere beauty.
Noble Consort Zhang smiled and praised: "She truly is a beauty."
"It’s said the Central Plains is vast and bountiful, blessed with remarkable craftsmanship, but also graced with beauties of all kinds," Yan Zheming commented with amused intrigue. "I wonder, does your nation possess a beauty capable of rivaling Gan Tangwei? Losing your artifacts and territories is lamentable enough, but surely the appreciation of beauty is a skill worth highlighting? Though Gan Tangwei is a Yan maiden, she has studied your country’s music, chess, painting, and dance for years, mastering even your own dance styles. Could any lady from your nation dare challenge her to competition?"
Provocative words laden with arrogance.
Several elder ministers in the palace looked upon him with disdain, yet out of respect for the Emperor’s intent to maintain cordial negotiations, none dared to voice an opposing argument.
Lu Yu’s expression grew scornful.
Though he sought peace, he was, after all, an Emperor.
Yan Zheming was just a Crown Prince – an impudent fledgling unlikely to gain the throne who openly displayed such insolence before him!