Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Leng Yue (2)

Leng Jiu's effortless grace stunned the hall, yet she seemed unaware, smiling lightly: "I was fatigued and rested a while, only to oversleep. I didn't mean to keep the Emperor and the officials waiting."

The attendees quickly regained their composure: "The Empress Dowager is too modest!"

Emperor Long Yi’s eyes, dark and suppressed with desire and anger, swept over Leng Jiu: "Let the feast begin!"

Beautiful maids brought in an array of exquisite dishes in succession. The covers were lifted, releasing enticing aromas. Music and dance began, with dancers gracefully twirling in light veils, a beautiful sight indeed.

"Your Majesty!" A newly appointed noble lady stood and bowed slightly to Long Yi: "I've practiced a new piece and would like to play it for Your Majesty and the esteemed guests for their enjoyment."

The Emperor usually didn’t prevent the consorts from showcasing their talents. He gestured with a wave of his hand: "Granted!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

As the dancers retreated, a qin (zither) was placed. The lady walked gracefully to it, sitting dignifiedly before plucking the strings skillfully. The music was enchanting. Leng Jiu, holding her wine cup, watched her distantly, her thoughts drifting unexpectedly to a humble yet elegant man whose captivating qin music she hadn’t heard in a long time. Remembering it now brought a sense of longing.

The piece ended to applause. Leng Jiu snapped back to reality as Emperor Long Yi loudly praised: "Excellent! Reward her!"

A pair of exquisite golden hairpins was given as a reward, eliciting envy from the crowd. The noble ladies and consorts of the harem each tried to outdo one another, vying for the Emperor's favor.

The consorts vied for favor, their beauty on full display, while the courtiers below also engaged in subtle power struggles. These women were not just the Emperor's consorts but also their daughters. A daughter in favor meant pride and a chance for the ministers to compete and assert their factions.

Sitting on the dais, Leng Jiu watched the scene with pleasure. Previously, even with her status, she had to socialize extensively during such banquets. But now, as the Empress Dowager, she only needed to observe others struggling for attention, secure and unaffected by the chaos below.

Midway through the banquet, a guard entered: "Report! The Left Guard General requests an audience!"

Prince De and a few others exchanged glances, puzzled: "Isn't General Leng supposed to be at the frontier?"

Emperor Long Yi, also perplexed, nevertheless gestured: "Let him in!"

"Announcing the Left Guard General!"

The consorts and dancers preparing to perform had to step aside, leaving the center space open. Curiosity filled the hall as everyone turned to the entrance, many having never seen the young, battle-hardened general.

Soon, steady footsteps accompanied by the clanking of armor echoed through the hall. As the figure turned at the entrance, everyone caught sight of the general, leaving the unmarried ladies utterly captivated at first glance. He was a strikingly handsome man in the prime of youth, with chiseled features, a strong jawline, sharp brows, and piercing eyes, his thin lips set in a stern line. Standing over six feet tall, he wore silver winged armor, which only accentuated his imposing stature. Unlike Hua Jinzhi's noble air, he exuded an aura of cold, sharp precision, like a drawn sword – cold and sharp. His eyes were deep and wise, radiating a sense of solemn intelligence and depth, captivating at just a glance.

If Long Yue Li's demonic charm deterred women and Hua Jinzhi's noble air attracted longing, then Leng Yue's stunning looks were what filled every maiden's dreams. His remarkable beauty, broad shoulders, and tall frame, combined with an unapproachable demeanor, paradoxically provided a sense of overwhelming security, making one feel that dying in his arms would be worthwhile.

Even Leng Jiu was astonished upon seeing Leng Yue. She held no strong feelings towards the concept of a 'brother.' Though Leng Yue was technically her brother now, they weren't close. The letters had piqued her curiosity, but not enough to concern her. Yet, she hadn't expected him to be such a man. She had seen such a man before – the world's top-ranked mercenary, born of darkness and bloodshed, embodying cold dominance and unrivaled might. She thought such a man was one of a kind, yet she saw his likeness in Leng Yue.

Glancing at the smitten ladies with flushed faces and hands clutching their hearts, Leng Jiu silently laughed. Her brother was indeed a magnet for admirers. Well, considering his exceptional looks and pleasing demeanor, she might consider acknowledging him as her brother – no harm in that, right?

Leng Yue approached the center of the hall, kneeling on one knee: "General Leng Yue, at your service, Your Majesty!" His voice, like his demeanor, was icy, each word resonating firmly. Despite lacking overt respect, his tone left no room for reproach.

"Rise, General Leng," Emperor Long Yi said, his eyes narrowing slightly: "I recall you were assigned to quell the rebellion in the southwest. What brings you back?"

High-ranking officials weren't permitted to return to the capital without summons, especially on an active mission. If Leng Yue couldn't justify his return, Emperor Long Yi might not be lenient.

Leng Yue produced a memorial from his robe, calmly stating, "I have annihilated the barbarians in the west, repelling the enemy a hundred miles away. I have slain five thousand enemies and captured over eight thousand. Twenty thousand hawk soldiers now guard the frontier, ensuring no barbarians cross even a single step."

Eunuch Qu took the memorial and presented it to Emperor Long Yi. After reading, the Emperor beamed: "Excellent! General Leng, your contributions are invaluable! Someone, bring a seat for him!"

Hearing of the frontier's peace, the worried ministers sighed in relief, quickly offering congratulatory words, pleasing Emperor Long Yi and dispelling the earlier gloom.

Leng Yue was seated at the foremost position among the generals. Though younger than the others present, his placement invited no objections. Some generals wanted to exchange pleasantries, but Leng Yue's cold, unapproachable aura made them hesitant to speak.

Flattery filled the air as Emperor Long Yi interacted with the courtiers, presenting a harmonious scene of monarch and ministers. However, Leng Jiu, holding her cup, couldn't help but find it all deeply ironic. Leng Yue's contributions to stabilizing the border were significant, yet Long Yi glossed over his presence and potential rewards, offering merely a seat as a token gesture. The Leng family's military achievements were unparalleled, warranting titles like duke or prime minister, yet Long Yi was reluctant to empower the Lengs further. The other princes, like Prince De and Prince Xiao, wouldn't want a hero of such caliber as their equal either. Thus, only verbal praise and some financial rewards were given. In contrast, any minor fault of the Leng family would be magnified – such is the nature of imperial favor.

As the emperor, Long Yi's capabilities and unscrupulous tactics were something Leng Jiu was acutely aware of, and she never underestimated him.

Feeling a piercing gaze, Leng Jiu turned and was momentarily stunned. It was Leng Yue. His looking at her wasn't unusual, but was she mistaken in seeing tenderness and suppressed longing in his usually cold, profound eyes?