Chapter 17

Chapter 17: The Phoenix Seal Reward

Lu Chang, noticing Leng Jiu’s gaze, knew it was inappropriate for the Empress Dowager to stare at a subject, but he didn't dare advise or reprimand her. "That man in white is Chancellor Gong Yuwei. He was a disciple of the previous emperor's teacher. A year ago, he was summoned from seclusion to manage a flood and epidemic, earning the people's praise for his significant contributions. Later, he eradicated several notorious bandit dens in the west, gaining immense popular support. The emperor had long intended to appoint him exceptionally, which was finally decreed this year. Although he was promoted three ranks at once, his achievements and learning genuinely impress, so everyone respects him despite initial doubts. He only recently took office in the palace; Your Highness probably hasn't met him before."

"I didn't expect him to be so capable!" It was rare for someone so young to hold such a high position as Chancellor, let alone enjoy such esteem. Clearly, he had real talent. However, Leng Jiu was more concerned about whether he would recognize her. She hadn't disguised herself that day, and although there was a difference after makeup, her appearance hadn’t changed. If he looked closely, he should be able to recognize her. But did he see her face clearly that day?

"Your Highness! They are coming this way."

Leng Jiu glanced over and turned to walk another way, "I don’t want to see them. Let's go."

"Yes!"

Avoiding the group of court officials, Leng Jiu encountered a group of elegantly dressed young ladies. They were passing by in front of her, laughing and chatting cheerfully. However, a woman in pink stood out in the center, clearly the leader. Her extraordinary beauty was matched by her humble and polite demeanor. Despite her light-hearted conversation with her companions, her actions displayed the manners of a well-bred lady, clearly not an ordinary woman of the boudoir.

Plucking a peony and tearing it apart, Leng Jiu asked indifferently, "Do young ladies also participate in the hunt?"

"Of course! In addition to ministers, the hunt includes young noblemen and ladies. Everyone is allowed to participate." He paused, then added, "The lady in the center is Hua Yuxuan, the eldest daughter of the Duke of De Qin. Does Your Highness remember her?"

"I don't recall. Is there something special about her?"

"She's the predetermined Empress. She's also participating in the selection, but it's just a formality. The decree of her appointment as Empress was left by the previous emperor. After the selection, her coronation ceremony will be held." Lu Chang cautiously observed Leng Jiu’s reaction, relieved to see no significant change, and finished his explanation.

"Empress?" Leng Jiu removed the last petal from the flower in her hand and smiled enigmatically. "She indeed has the demeanor of an empress."

Since everyone gathered at the imperial lodge, a grand feast was inevitable, celebrating the first hunt since Emperor Long Yi's ascension. The realm was peaceful, so such festivities were quite normal.

Leng Jiu arrived late due to a nap, and found the banquet already lively with guests enjoying their drinks. She politely declined the formalities and took her seat, only to find today's banquet particularly interesting.

The banquet had three tiers. The top tier was for high-ranking officials, including various princes and dukes. Emperor Long Yi brought only Consort Li, who sat beside him, with Leng Jiu on the other side. The second tier housed lower-ranking officials, with civil and military officers on separate sides. The third tier was for young nobles and ladies, lively with conversation and glances exchanged between the young men and women.

The Feng Yu Dynasty had three dukes and princes, and two kings. Only one princess, who had married a border official and rarely visited the palace, was among them. Other less favored princesses couldn't attend such banquets without the emperor's permission.

The three princes were De, Xiao, and Xuan. De Prince wasn't of royal blood but had a deep bond with the late emperor. The two kings, Jing King Long Chao and Rong King, were the emperor's favorites. Other princes either died or were disposed of before Long Yi's ascension.

Although Leng Jiu didn't hold Emperor Long Yi in high esteem, she didn't underestimate him. Being an emperor for three years without turmoil wasn't easy, and his reign was supported by the De Prince and two dukes.

Leng Jiu's thoughts turned to the late Empress, who originated from De Prince's house, making her and Hu Yu Xuan closely related.

Her gaze swept over Gong Yi Wei and settled on Long Yi Lie. His casual demeanor, even in formal attire, was striking. Lounging with a eunuch as a pillow, he attracted the attention of many young ladies.

"Your Majesty!"

Hu Yu Xuan, in bright pink, stood in the center and bowed gracefully to the emperor. "My sisters and I have prepared a musical piece to entertain Your Majesty. May we have your permission to perform?"

Emperor Long Yi nodded and granted permission.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Empress Hu Yu Xuan gestured for several of her acquaintances to join her on stage. The instruments were set up, with Empress Hu Yu Xuan playing the guqin, a lady in green holding a flute, another in yellow wielding a small drum, and two others in light purple dresses dancing behind them.

As the guqin played, the flute and drum melded into the melody. The dancers in purple fluttered like butterflies, their movements graceful. All five women were beautiful and clearly practiced, making the performance a feast for the eyes. Even Leng Jiu admired their skill, acknowledging she couldn't match their performance.

"Bravo!" Emperor Long Yi was the first to applaud, his handsome face bright with genuine appreciation.

"I've long heard of Miss Hu's exquisite guqin skills, surpassing even the best musicians in the palace. Today, I see it's truly remarkable. I bet even the Prince of the Snow Country would concede," Consort Li commented with a smile.

Empress Hu Yu Xuan, unruffled by praise or criticism, humbly responded, "Your flattery is too generous, Consort Li. I dare not accept such high praise."