“Why should Na Xiu fear her?” After leaving the Embassy, Ye Pei and the others finally couldn’t help but ask.
“The conflicts between women are usually about vying for favor and beauty. As long as it doesn’t hinder us, we should try to avoid conflict. Besides, we have no foundation here yet. Being rash and competitive might bring fatal trouble,” Huang Beixhuang rubbed her face. “It hurts! Given the chance, I’ll return those ten slaps!”
Hearing her words, Ye Pei chuckled, “We feel so at ease following Na Xiu!”
The others nodded in agreement, echoing their sentiments.
“Na Xiu, the Ambassador has arranged rooms for everyone. Should we go rest now?” Zai Ping asked.
Huang Beixhuang winked playfully and replied, “Let’s not stay at the Embassy. Why don’t we spend these three days exploring the famous Ningdu of Yunpei?”
Everyone paused, looking at her with a mix of belief and doubt.
But Huang Beixhuang wasn’t joking. While other marriage delegations were busy bribing and currying favor with Ningdu officials, she took eleven people on a tour, learning about seven or eight-tenths of Yunpei’s folk culture and living habits. They were carefree, filled with laughter and song.
Perhaps, in their lives, these were the happiest and most relaxed three days!
Especially remembering that traceless dream.
Faintly following the wind, gazing at the endless high dunes, unable to dispel the vast mundane world.
How I wish to be with you until tears fill my eyes!
Those three days, still so carefree…
Those three days, are still with you!
That night, in the majestic palace, everywhere was resplendent with gold and jade, glowing brilliantly. The high walls were largely carved with wind-riding Pegasus and soaring eagles, lifelike, with a huge gem firmly embedded in the center, exquisitely transparent and bewitchingly beautiful, as if illuminating everything in the world.
Such splendor was inevitably awe-inspiring.
“Well, have you found the men sent to investigate Mang Liu?” The speaker was reclining on an exquisite, large bed, half-hidden by hanging gauze curtains. However, their voice carried an indescribable danger.
“We found them, but… they’re all incoherent… unable to report anything!” The respondent looked very robust, with a solemn brow. He seemed to be either a general or a commander.
The person he was kneeling to must be of considerable importance!
The person came down from the bed, their tone unexpectedly calm.
“Wu Jihai, the matter of Mang Liu must be investigated discreetly, without publicity! These people peddle military and political secrets of various countries, infiltrating everywhere, yet their whereabouts remain a mystery. One careless move could cause significant trouble for Yunpei!”
“Yes!” Wu Jihai bowed in response.
“Alright, you may go now!”
Wu Jihai rose and retreated to the door. Just as he was about to leave, he ran into someone entering.
“Oh! General Wu, you’re still with Your Majesty! Hurry home to your two wives! They haven’t seen you for days and are lonely. They’ve been coming to my Embassy every day to chat and build relationships with those marriage candidates! Today’s the last day. Once the ladies enter the palace tomorrow, your two wives will be lonely again!”
It turned out to be Zhu Jun, the marriage ambassador for this event. He puckered his old face mischievously.
“Hmph! Mind your own business!”
It seemed Wu Jihai greatly disliked Zhu Jun. He waved his sleeve, paying no further attention, and strode out.
“Long live Your Majesty!” Zhu Jun knelt before the person.
“Rise.”
At this point, it was clear that this person was the master of Yunpei’s Guanghan Palace – King Na Zhan!
Zhu Jun respectfully stood up, presenting a thick scroll with both hands.
Na Zhan took it, casually flipping through the pages as if nothing particularly attracted his attention.
“Speak,” he waved his hand.
“There were 130 tribes, large and small, who sent marriage proposals by letter. Your Majesty personally accepted 32, and as of today, 21 have arrived. Those missing are mainly weak slave tribes, likely fallen victim to bandits or refugee groups. The audience register records the names, ages, appearances, and backgrounds of these 21 marriage envoys, as well as their daily life records while staying at the Embassy. The earliest arrived a month ago, the latest just checked in today. The appendix also lists the tribute gifts they’ve brought for Your Majesty, ranked from top to bottom by your servant,” Zhu Jun answered succinctly.
“Hmm. What’s your impression?” Na Zhan asked leisurely, taking a piece of pastry to eat.
“Your Majesty,” Zhu Jun seemed to have been eagerly awaiting this question, answering almost impatiently, “All the ladies this time are very beautiful. Your servant’s eyes have been dazzled these past few days…”
“Enough, just pick a few to talk about!” Na Zhan said, a bit impatiently.
“Yes!” Zhu Jun quickly composed himself and spoke formally: “First, there are three representatives from noble political powers: Princess Ma Suiyuqiang, Lady Gu Haizhengfang, and Madam Mi Zanhanyu, all of whom can be called peerless beauties, each with their charm.”
“Tiandu still didn’t join the fun?” Na Zhan’s voice was a bit cold, not paying much attention to Zhu Jun’s flattery.
“Uh! Yes, Tiandu didn’t send anyone this time either…” Knowing Na Zhan was displeased, Zhu Jun looked at him nervously.
However, Na Zhan didn’t pursue the matter further.
“Continue,” he said.