Qin Zhiyan signaled for Qing Xia to follow, then walked toward the Taihe Main Hall alongside Qin Zhiying.

Qing Xia followed behind Qin Zhiyan, one hand lifting her skirt, the other holding Qin Zhiyan’s hand that reached back to her from behind. Looking at Qin Zhiyan’s snow-white figure, a vast surge of steadfast emotion suddenly arose in her heart. In that instant, she was no longer afraid of anything. The magnificent golden Taihe Great Hall ahead no longer seemed so towering and imposing behind his silhouette. She firmly believed that even if faced with the Five Sacred Mountains, he could use his arms to hold up a clear sky for her, just like their tightly clasped hands – no matter what, no one could tear them apart.

Heavy dragon coil incense struck them in the face as brilliant lights illuminated the hall and silk and bamboo instruments played melodiously. The moment Qin Zhiyan and the others stepped into the great hall, attendants immediately announced their arrival in loud voices. The hall was crowded with people, fragrance wafting everywhere, with expensive carpets woven from luxurious soft golden deer hide glittering with dazzling luster. Eight towering black lacquered pillars supported the hall’s dome, with fierce golden coiled dragons perched on the columns. Below were massive whale oil lamp cauldrons that illuminated the surroundings in brilliant golden yellow light. Two rows of long tables lined both sides of the hall, laden with wine and food, featuring every kind of delicacy imaginable. Some Great Qin princes who had arrived early, dressed magnificently with handsome faces, were moving about, clustering together in animated conversation – the atmosphere was extremely lively. This was completely different from the imperial family banquet Qing Xia had imagined, with not a trace of restraint or heavy atmosphere.

The moment Qin Zhiyan and Qin Zhiying stepped into the great hall, everyone’s gazes converged on them. But after a brief moment of attention, all these gazes shifted in unison to focus on Qing Xia following behind Qin Zhiyan, especially their tightly clasped hands beneath their wide sleeves, which seemed like a burning ember that immediately stimulated everyone’s eyes.

Even though no one spoke openly about it, Qing Xia could still see various kinds of content in their expressions. The radiant woman smiled lightly and held her head high with a light laugh, showing not the slightest trace of constraint as she calmly faced the various speculative gazes.

Today’s Qin family banquet was attended by all the adult princes of the Great Qin imperial family. Excluding the Seventeenth Prince Jiang Hua who had been demoted to Xifeng earlier in the year for molesting palace maids in the rear palace, as well as the deceased Fifth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth princes, there were fourteen in total. The Crown Prince always arrived last, so currently thirteen princes were gathered together in the hall, along with the female family members each had brought – it was indeed extraordinarily lively.

The Second Prince Qin Zhiyi emerged from a cluster of people and smiled at Qin Zhiyan: “Third brother is always the latest, making us wait so long – you should be fined a cup.”

Qin Zhiyan smiled: “Second brother, showing such favoritism would surely chill your little brother’s heart. Sixth brother entered the hall at the same time as me – why don’t you fine him but only fine me?”

Qin Zhiying immediately put on a bitter face: “Third brother, you clearly know I get drunk easily, and when I’m drunk I go crazy. Every time I get scolded by Father Emperor, yet you still want to drag me down with you – what are your intentions?”

As soon as the words fell, everyone burst into hearty laughter, their words harmonious and cheerful as they patted shoulders and backs in a display of brotherly harmony. If one didn’t understand the undercurrents flowing beneath the surface, they might truly be deceived by this scene of peaceful prosperity and joyful unity.

“I wonder if this beautiful young lady is spoken for? I am Qin Zhiyu – might you honor me with your fragrant name?”

A clear voice suddenly rang out beside her ear. Qing Xia looked over in surprise to see a man in purple robes and jade crown respectfully bowing and cupping his hands toward her in salute. His eyes were narrow like silk threads, and he looked remarkably similar to the Seventeenth Prince Qin Zhifeng.

Before Qing Xia could speak, Qin Zhiying had already rushed forward, grabbing Qin Zhiyu’s arm and calling out loudly: “Miss, don’t be alarmed! This is our Qin family’s famous libertine, known alongside Seventeenth brother as the ‘Two Saints of Xianyang’ – his flower reputation is well-established. Now that Seventeenth brother is living freely in Xifeng, Thirteenth brother is probably going to dominate the scene alone.”

Qin Zhiyu frowned and protested: “Sixth brother, you can hit me or scold me, but how can you expose my background in front of this beautiful lady?”

A man in blue robes slowly stepped forward, his face handsome as jade. He said in a deep voice: “Thirteenth is just fooling around. Can’t you see she’s someone Third brother brought? Why do you still have to take such verbal advantage?” After speaking, he cupped his hands toward Qin Zhiyan: “Third brother, I went to guard the northern frontier some time ago and only returned yesterday. I haven’t had a chance to visit you yet.”

Qin Zhiyan’s eyes were gentle, and for the first time since entering the Taihe Palace, he smiled genuinely from the heart: “I was delayed at White Deer Plains this time. The northern frontier affairs troubled Eighth brother.”

“What are you saying, Third brother? We’re all children of the Qin clan. Third brother has devoted your heart and soul to the northern frontier against the Xiongnu for so many years – can’t your little brother share your burdens? I only fear I haven’t done well enough and will cause Third brother to worry about cleaning up after me.”

Qin Zhiyan reached out to pat his shoulder and nodded: “You’ve done very well.”

The great hall was in chaos, with voices clamoring everywhere and silk and bamboo music floating melodiously. On a raised platform in the center, a scantily clad woman danced with flowing water sleeves, singing beautiful songs with a waist as soft and flexible as a water snake, dancing gracefully.

The female family members brought by each prince stood in the back, gathering in groups of three to five, whispering among themselves – presumably all wives and concubines from various households. Since Qing Xia had neither official status nor title, standing among the crowd made her quite out of place. Fortunately, Qin Zhiyan kept her by his side throughout, otherwise she wouldn’t recognize any of those women and would immediately be coldly ignored.

Just then, loud ceremonial bells suddenly rang out with heavy, prolonged tones. Following a eunuch’s high-pitched announcement, the Qin King slowly entered the hall accompanied by Empress Chunyu and Crown Prince Qin Zhixian.

Everyone knelt on the ground in unison, calling out loudly to the Qin King: “We pay respects to Father King!”

Over a dozen handsome and extraordinary sons calling out together created an impressive scene. A slightly hoarse but cheerful voice slowly responded from above – the Qin King was clearly in an excellent mood as he smiled: “All of you rise. Today is just a family banquet – there’s no need for so much ceremony. Musicians, play music. Everyone return to your seats.”

Qing Xia lowered her head and followed Qin Zhiyan to the first seat on the left, kneeling down. She raised her head slightly to scan around and saw that the Second Prince Qin Zhiyi was seated directly across from them at the first seat on the right. Beside him sat a woman in bright red clothing with heavy makeup. The Second Prince wore elegant black robes that made him appear handsome and distinguished, outstanding among others, though this made the woman beside him seem rather vulgar in comparison.

Qing Xia had to admit that all the Qin princes shared excellent hereditary traits. Among the dozen or so princes she could see, judging by appearance alone, not one was unattractive – they all shared similar features around the eyes and brows, suggesting the Qin King himself must be quite handsome. Thinking this, Qing Xia slightly raised her eyebrows and looked upward, but as soon as she lifted her head, she discovered Crown Prince Qin Zhixian was staring at her unblinkingly. Startled, she turned her face away.

“It’s been a long time since the Taihe Hall has been this lively. Except for that rascal Seventeen, everyone has arrived – very good, very good.” The Qin King’s rich voice slowly resonated. Qing Xia raised her head along with everyone else and saw the Qin King in bright yellow imperial robes with an imposing countenance, phoenix-like long eyes with concentrated brilliance within. Though nearly sixty years old, he appeared to be only in his forties. However, his complexion was somewhat grayish-white, and even with light makeup and the concealment of lamplight, it couldn’t hide the underlying aura of decay and death. Having worked on the front lines as an agent for many years and dealt with numerous drug lords, Qing Xia immediately recognized this as a precursor to drug overdose. Remembering the opium pipe she had seen in Concubine Yao’s Water Jade Palace that day, she instantly understood and silently made note of it.

“Father Emperor, next month is your sixtieth birthday. Naturally, all your sons must return to celebrate your longevity.” The Second Prince spoke with a light smile, his expression calm and respectful, presenting the image of a filial son.

A man in brown robes sitting beside him added: “Indeed, seeing Father Emperor in good health and walking with vigorous steps puts all us sons at ease.”

Everyone quickly chimed in with flattery. Qing Xia looked toward that man and saw he had very deep facial features with slightly blue eyes. Combined with his seating position, this must be the Fourth Prince Qin Zhiye, born to a Western Region dancing girl. This prince was also currently a person in power, serving as vice-general of the southern seventy-two naval routes under General Lu Huayang, the Flying Lian female general who was known alongside Qin Zhiyan as the “Twin Walls of the Empire.”

His mother was a Hu dancing girl from the Western Regions presented to the Qin King, who gave birth after being favored by the wine-intoxicated king. She later died in the strange upheavals of the rear palace. Due to his mother’s humble status and the Qin King having so many sons, Qin Zhiye lived extremely harsh early years – even palace eunuchs dared to scold and berate him at will. Before age five, he nearly starved to death several times in the vast imperial palace. Later, when Western Region Hu tribal leaders came to pay respects to the Qin King, they took him to live in the Western Regions for eight years, only returning him to Qin at age thirteen.

The returned Qin Zhiye possessed exceptional martial skills and great resilience. Despite his status as a Great Qin prince, he started as a common soldier and step by step became vice-general of Qin’s navy through military achievements so impressive that even the Qin King viewed him with new respect. Observing him now, this person indeed lived up to his reputation – his speech was measured yet very pleasant to hear. He hadn’t approached to pay respects earlier, suggesting his relationships with the various princes weren’t harmonious. Qing Xia’s mind operated like a receiver, constantly scanning everyone’s words and actions, then quickly analyzing and organizing them to commit to memory.

“Sixth son, you just returned. This year there was great drought in the north – how are the grain and supplies preparations in Tianfu? I believe it won’t be long before we need to provide disaster relief and distribute grain.”

Qin Zhiying put away his previous carefree attitude and said carefully: “Father Emperor, rest assured. Your son has arranged everything properly and can distribute grain to the northern frontier people at any time.”

The Qin King smiled: “With you coordinating, I can be at ease. If there are any inconveniences, go find your Third brother. We must ensure the northern lands remain stable. If the north is stable, then Great Qin is stable – you all must remember this.”

Everyone voiced their agreement. The Second Prince Qin Zhiyi suddenly laughed heartily: “Father Emperor needn’t worry. With Third brother guarding the northern frontier, any Xiongnu barbarians will flee at the sight of his banner. A few days ago when Third brother returned to the capital, Father Emperor didn’t see it – flags raised, drums beating, an unprecedented spectacle with common people all grateful to Third brother. We occupy perfect timing and geographical advantages, and now the people’s hearts belong to us. Third brother enjoys extremely high popular support, so naturally he can keep the northern frontier as solid as golden soup. As long as Third brother is there, Father Emperor can rest easy and enjoy ruling the realm.”