The front palace’s Clear Moon Hall.

This was where Emperor Delong held grand banquets for his ministers. Tonight’s banquet was specifically arranged for the Huerhan chieftain’s eldest prince, Huo Luo, who had come to the capital.

Not only were there rulers and ministers, but also the imperial concubines from the rear palace and the female family members of the officials.

Qin Shuying walked along the path with Ziteng. Passing through a grove of trees, she saw Liang Zhe approaching from a distance with leisurely, confident steps.

As noble ladies passed by him, they were all amazed by his appearance—nobility combined with heroic bearing, heroic bearing tinged with aloofness. Combined with his tall, upright stature like a pine tree, he was even more striking.

The noble ladies discussed him as they brushed past, becoming even more convinced of the morning’s rumors. This Young Master Liang truly was born like a war god, his temperament cool yet carrying an air that made him seem difficult for ordinary people to approach—truly rare!

Such a man…

The noble ladies looked at the young girls beside them and saw that they all gazed at Liang Zhe with barely concealed amazement, their shyness hiding astonishment and their curiosity concealing longing.

The noble ladies hurriedly led their daughters away. No matter how handsome Liang Zhe was, he was still a tyrant who killed without blinking; no matter how brave on the battlefield, he was still just a warrior without much intelligence. When his own sister had been schemed against by Luo Meixiang like that, what could he do about it?

Wasn’t he still keeping his tail between his legs?

With Noble Consort De as her backing and the Marquis of Pacifying the West’s boundless love and favor, Liang Zhe would definitely not obtain the heir apparent position.

Moreover, Old Madam Liang’s loathing for the Liang Zhe siblings could be said to be known by everyone in the capital. Old Madam Liang was in good health and could easily live another ten-plus years. With her present, Liang Zhe would have absolutely no possibility of obtaining the heir apparent position.

If not for Emperor Delong’s unpredictable attitude, the heir apparent position of the Marquis of Pacifying the West’s manor would have long since belonged to Luo Meixiang’s son.

After being separated from the Marquis of Pacifying the West in the future, what difference would there be from an ordinary military general? He might even be inferior to ordinary military generals!

A fourth-rank military officer—now that the realm was gradually becoming peaceful, there was simply no place for military prowess. He was currently a guard captain and in the future would at most become a slightly higher-level guard captain.

Among the female family members who could come to the temporary palace, whose families weren’t of high position and great power? How could they fancy a guard captain who was thoroughly despised by the Marquis and Marchioness of Pacifying the West?

Young girls might be deceived by his appearance, but these noble ladies had clear understanding in their hearts.

Liang Zhe and Qin Shuying exchanged glances from afar. Liang Zhe gazed steadily at Qin Shuying for a moment, and Qin Shuying slightly nodded.

Then the two separately entered Clear Moon Hall.

As one of the guard captains, Liang Zhe went to his assigned duty station, not far behind Emperor Delong’s seat.

Qin Shuying walked toward the female guests’ section. Due to her low status, she sat at the far end.

The two were quite distant from each other.

The Huerhan tribe’s eldest prince, Huo Luo, was a tall man. Dressed in exotic clothing and about twenty-one or twenty-two years old, he was extremely handsome and sat at Emperor Delong’s lower right.

Sitting alongside Emperor Delong was Noble Consort De. On Emperor Delong’s other side sat Consort Kang and Consort Lian.

Parallel to Emperor Delong’s left sat Princess Yongjia.

This showed that Princess Yongjia enjoyed deep imperial favor.

The banquet began. After Emperor Delong’s welcoming words, everyone raised their cups and drank heartily.

At the same time, dancers and musicians entered to perform and accompany. The music was melodious, the dancing graceful, with fine wine and delicious food amid continuous laughter and conversation.

While host and guests were all enjoying themselves, Consort Kang raised her cup to Emperor Delong and said: “Your Majesty, I have heard that Huerhan has fat cattle and sheep with abundant water and grass—it’s a wonderful place. Years ago, when Your Majesty personally led the expedition, you also went to Huerhan. When you returned, you brought back bows and arrows for each of the princes and a set of Huerhan clothing for each of the princesses. I remember that when Princess Fuping wore that outfit, she was beautiful as a celestial being. At that time, I couldn’t even move my eyes away.”

Her words successfully attracted Huo Luo’s attention.

Noble Consort De glanced at Consort Kang and said: “Sister Consort Kang, you’ve always been a clever person who likes to stand out. Why are you being so modest tonight? Who in this world doesn’t know that Princess Fu’an resembles you, with those big eyes—as clever as can be, as beautiful as can be.”

Consort Kang smiled and said: “No matter how beautiful Fu’an is, she cannot compare to Fuping’s noble status. How could she match Fuping?”

Noble Consort De’s tone carried a hint of coldness: “So you do know that Fu’an’s status is ultimately a step below Fuping’s.”

After an afternoon of inquiries, they now knew that Huo Luo would remain in the capital as an official, and Emperor Delong would grant him a marriage. Outside rumors were flying everywhere, all saying he would be granted marriage to a princess.

Princess Fuping was Noble Consort De’s daughter, with a more noble status than Princess Fu’an. How could she possibly be given to Prince Huo Luo as a wife?

Although in this dynasty, after a princess married, her status was far inferior to when she was unmarried, in Noble Consort De’s eyes, her own daughter would naturally always be incomparably noble to others.

Huo Luo knew that the Great Zhou Dynasty had two princesses of marriageable age—one nearly fourteen, the other just past thirteen. According to Huerhan tribal customs, they were both of good age for marriage.

Now, hearing their conversation, Huo Luo smiled toward Emperor Delong: “Your Majesty, why do we not see the two princesses today?”

Emperor Delong looked meaningfully at Noble Consort De and Consort Kang, then said slowly: “They are still young and haven’t learned proper etiquette yet, so they’re confined to the rear palace to study proper conduct.”

Noble Consort De pondered: Could it be that His Majesty has no intention of using the princesses for marriage alliances?

Consort Kang’s eyes rolled, wondering what she was thinking.

Huo Luo said: “Though this humble minister is in Huerhan, thousands of miles away, I too have heard that both princesses possess both talent and beauty. I regret not having the fortune to meet them today.”

Noble Consort De and Consort Kang’s hearts rose again, both looking at Emperor Delong together.

Emperor Delong smiled without speaking.

Noble Consort De and Consort Kang anxiously waited for Emperor Delong to speak.

After a long while, Emperor Delong finally said vaguely: “Huo Luo, there are so many noble daughters in the capital. Could it be that among all the women at this full banquet, not one catches your eye?”

Huo Luo smiled and shook his head: “Your Majesty, this humble minister is dull, and the noble daughters are precious. This humble minister dares not look too much. However, this humble minister has heard that Second Miss Liang from the Conquering the West General’s manor possesses both talent and beauty, stunning as a celestial being. Might this humble minister have the honor of meeting her?”

Noble Consort De and Consort Kang simultaneously looked straight at Huo Luo.

Emperor Delong naturally wouldn’t have noticed a minor young lady like Liang Qiong before. Only now that Huo Luo mentioned it did he realize that Liang Qiong had not appeared beside Luo Meixiang.

Noble Consort De quickly said: “Your Majesty, Second Miss Liang is unwell today and therefore did not attend the banquet.”

Huo Luo smiled meaningfully: “How unfortunately coincidental.”

Noble Consort De recounted the afternoon’s events. Huo Luo continued smiling: “This is truly coincidental indeed. Your Majesty, Huerhan has abundant water, grass, and flowers, so there are also many bees. My tribe has specialized medicine for treating bee venom. This humble minister wishes to present it to Your Majesty to treat Second Miss Liang.”

Noble Consort De’s expression was uncertain.

Consort Kang smiled at Emperor Delong: “Your Majesty, this is truly a wonderful thing! Prince Huo Luo, this is indeed extremely coincidental!”

Emperor Delong slightly turned his head, slowly drinking his wine while watching the song and dance performance in the center, his expression inscrutable.

Noble Consort De smiled charmingly: “Your Majesty, since Prince Huo Luo has an effective remedy, why not give it to me now? I’ll have someone deliver it so that child can suffer less.”