Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 125

No sooner had Lady Ya gone than Lord Zheng arrived. He told Yun Shang, "Your Highness, the envoys of the State of Yelang and the State of Xia have already entered the Imperial City. His Majesty said there would be a banquet in Jinluan Hall from five to seven tomorrow afternoon. Your Highness, please be on time.

Yun Shang said yes with a smile and wondered, 'A banquet! The banquets in the Palace are extremely interesting, and something happens at almost every banquet. What interesting things will happen tomorrow?'

The next afternoon, after Yun Shang had woken from a nap, Qin Yi and Qian Yin dressed her. She did not leave Qingxin Palace until she was properly dressed in a purple court dress. The maids even adorned her with ample jewelry.

At Jinluan Hall, as Lady Jin was absent, Yun Shang took the second seat, beside Hua Jing. On the table opposite her sat Qingsu. He was frowning and seemed lost in thought.

Yun Shang's gaze flickered over Qingsu before falling on the middle-aged man next to him. He was relatively handsome, but what was most striking about him was his suave temperament, which was in stark contrast to Qingsu's rugged harshness. Yun Shang thought he was the seventh Prince of the State of Xia. As a child, the seventh Prince was hailed as a child prodigy of the State of Xia when he was very young, but due to a severe illness, his health deteriorated, so he was not appointed as the Crown Prince by the late Emperor of the State of Xia. It took more than ten days to travel from the State of Xia to the Imperial City of the State of Ning. Owing to his ill health, and because it was his first trip as an envoy abroad, it took them forty days.

"I haven't seen you in a long time, Yun Shang. You grow more and more beautiful." Yun Shang raised his eyebrows as Hua Jing spoke. Then Yun Shang turned to her with a smile and replied, "You have been having a great time these days, too, sister. You look a little plump."

Hua Jing's mouth twitched slightly, and her eyes dropped as she answered, "Really?"

"Here comes His Majesty..." A eunuch's voice came from outside. Yun Shang rose and fell to her knees. "Long live Your Majesty."

"Hahaha, all rise." At the hearty voice of Emperor Ning, the kneeling people thanked him and got up.

"I am honored to have the State of Xia and the State of Yelang visit our state today, so I am hosting this banquet with the hope that the envoys will have a good time." Emperor Ning looked at the people from the State of Yelang and the State of Xia before laughing exuberantly.

Qingsu and the seventh Prince of the State of Xia immediately raised their cups to thank Emperor Ning, "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty."

Emperor Ning stood with a smile and said, "First, may our three states peacefully coexist and be prosperous."

At the toast, everyone present drained their cups.

Emperor Ning raised his cup again, "Second, may the people live and work in peace and contentment." "Third, may we not return without getting drunk tonight!"

The others quickly drank two more cups to match the toasts.

After that, Emperor Ning turned to the Empress. The Empress smiled and clapped her hands. Instantly the music began, and a group of dancers entered the Hall and danced nimbly. The music was the southern song, Gathering Lotus Seeds. The posture of dancing was very gentle and beautiful.

While enjoying the dancing, Yun Shang felt as thought someone was staring at her. Upon turning, she saw Qingsu raise his cup toward her. Without a pause, her eyes flickered over his face and fell back on the dancers. Qingsu paused, and then a vague smile played on his lips.

At the end of the song, everyone hurriedly praised, but Qingsu suddenly said to Emperor Ning, "Your Majesty must have seen many tender dances over the years. The dance of our state is quite different from that of the State of Ning. Today, our best dancer is here. How about asking her to dance for us?"