Chapter 98

Lin Wanqiu nodded slightly, also guessing this layer of meaning.

“If I’m not mistaken, that should be the case!”

“I wonder what his intentions are?”

Xiao Minghuang frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:

“From this perspective, the rumor that the First Prince was born with a useless body should not be credible.”

Lin Wanqiu pondered:

“Whether it’s true or false, it’s hard to conclude without seeing the First Prince in person.”

“For this banquet, Your Highness can attend, just be extra cautious.”

Xiao Minghuang nodded:

“I understand.”

After discussing the banquet, the three of them relaxed.

During the casual conversation, Xiao Minghuang suggested that Lin Wanqiu accompany her to the banquet, but was refused.

When Xiao Minghuang asked for the reason, Lin Wanqiu did not answer directly.

“If Prince Wu’an causes trouble at this banquet, my presence would only add to Your Highness’s troubles.”

“If Prince Wu’an wants to win over Your Highness, my presence would be even more of a hindrance. It’s better for Your Highness to go alone.”

At this moment, Ye Ruoshui, who had been sitting aside drinking tea, suddenly spoke:

“If Your Highness goes to the banquet and gets drunk again, what should we do?”

“How about I accompany Your Highness?”

Hearing this, a blush appeared on Lin Wanqiu’s fair and delicate face.

Last time in Beiyang City, after Your Highness got drunk, the two of them secretly kissed her.

Thinking back on it now, it still makes her feel very shy.

Fortunately, Her Highness didn’t discover that we kissed her while she was asleep, otherwise it would have been over!

Lin Wanqiu felt relieved in her heart.

Xiao Minghuang, however, didn’t think in that direction. She shook her head slightly and chuckled:

“Last time in Beiyang City, it was our own territory, so getting drunk was fine. This time, going to Prince Wu’an’s residence is like entering the tiger’s den. How could I possibly get drunk? Ruoshui, you’re overthinking it.”

Hearing this, Ye Ruoshui felt somewhat disappointed.

“Big Sister Lin, can’t you accompany Her Highness?”

She knew that Prince Wu’an was a very bad villain, always trying to harm Your Highness. Going alone to this banquet would likely be very dangerous.

Lin Wanqiu took a deep breath and said solemnly:

“Ruoshui, you should trust Her Highness. Moreover, at this banquet, it’s not just Your Highness alone. There will be other princes, even some court ministers and noble lords present. As long as Her Highness is cautious, there will be no danger.”

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s dim and anxious expression, Xiao Minghuang understood clearly. After the last assassination attempt, Ye Ruoshui was like a startled bird, harboring a strong fear of Prince Wu’an.

Xiao Minghuang gently patted Ye Ruoshui’s head and said softly:

“Ruoshui, don’t worry. This time when I attend the banquet, I’ll bring Eunuch Wang with me. With his protection, nothing unexpected will happen.”

However, upon mentioning Wang Jin, Ye Ruoshui not only failed to feel reassured but instead became even more displeased.

“Last time Your Highness was almost assassinated, that Wang Jin was right beside you, yet he almost let the assassin succeed. Can he really be trusted?”

Xiao Minghuang looked helpless. She noticed that this little girl, Ye Ruoshui, seemed to fixate on strange details.

Ever since the assassination attempt, Wang Jin seemed to have earned her resentment, and she still hadn’t let it go.

Lin Wanqiu quickly stepped in to mediate:

“Eunuch Wang is a master at the eighth level of the Divine Sea Realm. In terms of cultivation, he’s even higher than Prince Wu’an. Last time, he was just momentarily careless. After learning his lesson, he won’t make such a mistake again.”

“Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”

Xiao Minghuang also comforted her in a gentle voice.

Under their soothing words, Ye Ruoshui’s anxious heart finally settled. She showed a faint smile and said:

“Then Your Highness must be careful!”

“Don’t worry!”

With that, Xiao Minghuang didn’t dare to linger any longer, fearing that Ye Ruoshui might get stuck on the issue again, and quickly left.

In the room, only Lin Wanqiu and Ye Ruoshui remained.

The two sat facing each other, and for a moment, the atmosphere fell silent.

Suddenly, Lin Wanqiu’s voice slowly broke the silence.

“Ruoshui, you should know that Her Highness’s future is destined to be that of a monarch. Her stage isn’t limited to just the land of Great Xia. It might extend across the thirty-six nations, or perhaps the entire Southern Realm will bow beneath her feet.”

“Her Highness’s heart is too soft, especially toward you. She knows these things in her heart, but she can’t bring herself to say them to you.”

“But if she doesn’t say them, in the long run, it might end up harming you. So, I’ll be the one to play the villain.”

As she spoke, Ye Ruoshui’s expression immediately darkened, her head drooping like a frostbitten eggplant.

“Am… am I being too willful?”

Seeing Ye Ruoshui’s self-reproachful expression, Lin Wanqiu’s expression softened slightly, and she said gently:

“You’re still young. It’s normal to be willful. But since we are Her Highness’s people, we can’t act solely on our own impulses. We need to consider Her Highness more.”

“Her Highness and we are one. When Her Highness benefits, so do we. When Her Highness suffers, we gain nothing. So, do you understand what I mean?”

“Ruoshui, it’s time for you to grow up…”

Hearing this, Ye Ruoshui’s face showed a thoughtful expression.

After a moment, she raised her head, her eyes filled with determination:

“Big Sister Lin, I understand!”

“Good. I’m glad you understand.”

Hearing Ye Ruoshui’s words, Lin Wanqiu felt a sense of relief, and a faint smile of contentment appeared on her face.

Although Ye Ruoshui was willful, her nature wasn’t bad.

In such a situation, as long as she could come to understand certain things, it would be enough. This way, no matter what happened in the future, she could face it calmly and wouldn’t act willfully anymore.

Only such a Ye Ruoshui could truly become a strong person, rather than a child who always needed to be taken care of and would falter at critical moments.

With that, the conversation was about done.

Lin Wanqiu smiled and said:

“I’ve spoken quite a bit today, so I won’t disturb your rest any longer. See you later!”

Ye Ruoshui stood up.

“I’ll see Big Sister Lin off!”

…

In the blink of an eye, the day passed.

By evening, a large number of carriages and horses had gathered in front of the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion, numbering in the dozens if not hundreds. The crowd was bustling, and the noise was deafening.

One after another, luxurious and ornate carriages slowly approached, stopping by the roadside. The coachmen stepped down, opened the carriage curtains, and unloaded various items from the carriages, placing them on the ground before driving the carriages away.

The items unloaded were all kinds of precious treasures—gold, silver, jewels, fine wines, exquisite silks, and beautiful garments—all gifts from the guests to the Prince of Wu’an.

Amid the continuous clamor, the sound of metal clashing against metal rang out.

A large contingent of armored guards, marching in perfect formation, escorted a grand and solemn carriage toward the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion.

In front of and behind the carriage, graceful and beautiful young women carried flower baskets, their figures faintly visible as they stood on either side.

At the head of the procession, an elderly man with a wrinkled face and graying hair rode on horseback. His presence was as deep and unfathomable as a vast ocean, exuding an aura of immense power.

The moment this grand procession appeared, it captured the attention of everyone present, who stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

“Three thousand armored guards clearing the way, escorted by a Divine Sea Realm expert—who is this person? Such a grand display!” exclaimed a local official in shock.

The crowd buzzed with speculation.

This group of people was undoubtedly of extraordinary origin.

At the same time.

The gates of the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion swung open, and a burly figure strode out with purpose.

This figure wore a green python robe, his tall and imposing frame exuding authority. His piercing tiger-like eyes were full of vigor, inspiring awe and reverence in all who saw him. This was none other than the Prince of Wu’an.

“Greetings to the Prince of Wu’an!”

In front of him stood a group of guards and servants from the Prince of Wu’an’s mansion.

The Prince of Wu’an merely waved his hand, paying no attention to the servants.

As he stepped out of the gates, many guests also greeted him.

“Your Highness, it’s been many years since we last met. How have you been lately?”

This was a Divine Sea Realm expert who governed a city and had been close friends with the Prince of Wu’an for many years. He clasped his hands and smiled.

“My old friend, forgive me. Today, a distinguished guest has arrived, so let’s save the small talk for another time!”

The Prince of Wu’an merely clasped his hands in return, not slowing his pace in the slightest as he bypassed the Divine Sea Realm city governor and headed straight for the carriage procession.

Seeing this scene.

Everyone present was utterly shocked.

“That’s a seasoned Divine Sea Realm expert who governs a city, with a status no less than that of a royal court official. Yet the Prince of Wu’an treats him with such disregard. Who could be inside that carriage?”

“Even the princes wouldn’t warrant the Prince of Wu’an lowering himself to such an extent. Could it be that His Majesty himself has arrived?”

The crowd speculated wildly, but no one could come up with an answer.

Around this time.

“Everyone, I have a thought. Could it be that the person inside the carriage is the recently renowned Princess Ziwei?”

At these words, the noisy atmosphere suddenly stilled.

Most of the people present were not locals of the capital but had traveled from various regions to attend the banquet, so they were not well-informed about the current situation in the capital.

Hearing the name “Princess Ziwei,” some looked puzzled and asked, “May I ask, who is Princess Ziwei among the royal heirs?”

Someone laughed and said, “You must be quite uninformed. Princess Ziwei is naturally the only daughter of His Majesty, the Ninth Princess Xiao Minghuang.”

And it was around this time.

Prince Wu’an approached the carriage.

Under the gaze of the crowd, his towering figure suddenly knelt down.

He knelt on one knee, clasped his fists, and respectfully said:

“Your servant, Prince Wu’an Xu Jingwei, welcomes Princess Ziwei to the banquet!”

As his words fell, the atmosphere in the entire venue froze!

Everyone present couldn’t help but gasp in shock.

Prince Wu’an had actually knelt before Princess Ziwei in the carriage!

This news was truly astonishing!

“Has Prince Wu’an already sided with Princess Ziwei?”

“With the Second Prince currently having the upper hand, why would he turn his back on him and pledge loyalty to Princess Ziwei?”

“Prince Wu’an has long been in the officialdom, experienced in the ways of the world. Why would he do something so unwise? Could there be some hidden reason behind this?”

Just as everyone’s attention was drawn to this scene, on a balcony of the prince’s residence, the Second Prince gently fanned himself with a folding fan, his eyes filled with malice. He sneered and muttered to himself:

“To make someone perish, first make them mad. I wonder if you can withstand this move of mine, the strategy of ‘killing with praise’…”

…

Xiao Minghuang witnessed everything that happened outside.

Although they had speculated before arriving that Prince Wu’an might try to win her over, they never imagined that the esteemed Prince Wu’an, a powerhouse at the seventh level of the Divine Sea Realm, would kneel before her carriage in public.

This was undoubtedly a declaration of loyalty.

It almost disrupted all her prepared expectations.

However, Xiao Minghuang remained calm and composed.

The curtain was drawn aside by a maid, revealing the scene outside.

Prince Wu’an knelt on one knee before the carriage, his imposing head bowed, symbolizing the offering of his loyalty.

She slowly rose and stepped out of the carriage, serene and composed, exuding an air of grace and elegance. She spoke softly:

“Today, I am here only for the banquet, to discuss personal matters, not official ones. Prince Wu’an, such a grand gesture is too much for a junior like me!”

“Etiquette must not be neglected. Your servant thanks the Princess!”

Prince Wu’an stood up, a humble smile on his face, and said.

From Prince Wu’an’s expression, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t discern anything, completely baffled by what this man was up to.

Today’s banquet is destined to be anything but peaceful…

Xiao Minghuang murmured in her heart.

Next, Xiao Minghuang followed Prince Wu’an to the banquet.

As it was still early, not many guests had arrived. In the main hall, only a dozen or so tables were set.

But in the courtyard, there were a full hundred tables.

Clearly, the princes, princesses, and other important figures with both status and strength were to dine in the hall.

Those with lesser strength or lower status had to make do in the open air.

However, even those dining in the courtyard were all in high spirits, as if they had received some great honor.

It was well known that in the entire Great Xia, aside from the Emperor, Prince Wu’an held the most power.

Nearly half of the court officials were from Prince Wu’an’s faction.

Yet, such a figure of immense strength, power, and status had humbly knelt before Princess Ziwei.

One could imagine how shocking the earlier scene was to everyone present.

After Xiao Minghuang took her seat, the Prince of Wu’an excused himself, citing urgent matters, and hurriedly left.

Not long after, another prince arrived.

Xiao Minghuang looked up and saw a handsome young man entering the hall.

“Fifth Prince, it’s been many years. You look even more dashing than before!”

As soon as the young man stepped into the Prince of Wu’an’s residence, a group of ministers surrounded him.

Xiao Minghuang watched the bustling crowd from a distance, her eyes flickering with thought.

The Emperor had eight sons and one daughter. Aside from the Seventh Prince and Eighth Prince, whom she had eliminated, six remained.

She had already met the Second Prince.

As for the Fifth Prince before her, she had only seen him a few times in her childhood. They had no particular friendship, but there was no conflict either.

Her mind stirred, and she summoned the system panel.

【Name: Xiao Yuan】

【Realm: Peak Qi Refining】

【Fate: Unyielding (Purple), Spear Prodigy (Blue)】

【Throughout history, those who achieved great things never had smooth sailing. Success comes after countless battles and defeats, and then overcoming them!

Spear Prodigy: Mastery of spear techniques is achieved with half the effort.】

After seeing the Fifth Prince’s fate, Xiao Minghuang’s expression paused.

“This Fifth Prince seems quite extraordinary…”

Around the same time, the Fifth Prince finished exchanging pleasantries with his old acquaintances and entered the main hall. His eyes immediately fell on Xiao Minghuang, who was dressed in a bright yellow gown, exuding elegance and grace.

He was momentarily stunned but quickly composed himself. He walked forward slowly and cupped his hands in greeting.

“It’s been many years, Ninth Sister. You’ve grown even more beautiful!”

Xiao Minghuang smiled faintly and replied softly, “Fifth Brother, you too look more heroic and majestic than ever!”

Hearing her praise, the Fifth Prince’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I just heard them say that Ninth Sister is now Princess Ziwei. It seems the position of Crown Prince will most likely fall to you!”

After exchanging compliments, they each took their seats.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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