Chapter 323: Heaven-Shocking Birthday Gift

’But I have to admit, the Crown Prince of Xi Yan is really handsome.’

’He was on par with Sang Zhi, but their auras were worlds apart.’

’The Crown Prince of Xi Yan was profound and cold. Even someone as experienced as her couldn’t see through him. At only thirteen, he was a formidable character.’

The Crown Prince of Xi Yan merely gave her a cold glance before looking away.

Finally, Ye Qianning’s gaze fell on Prime Minister Gao. He appeared to be in a good mood. Xiao Ximi had told her a few days ago that the Prime Minister wouldn’t listen to Gao Qi and had even retorted with some very chauvinistic remarks.

’Since he isn’t going to give up on the idea, he’s just asking for trouble for himself.’

Ye Qianning watched Prime Minister Gao. After Xiang Minghou and his group were seated, their gazes had mostly been fixed on her. Now, seeing her staring at the Prime Minister, their eyes followed suit.

Xiang Minghou didn’t know what Prime Minister Gao was planning, but the smug look on the man’s face made him want to punch someone.

Dean Chen, Qian Fanji, and the Gu family were all in on it. Seeing Prime Minister Gao looking so pleased with himself, Old Master Gu rolled his eyes so hard they nearly popped out of his head.

The Zhan family didn’t know the details, but when they saw the little girl and the other families looking at Prime Minister Gao with such hostility, they recalled the previous incident and started glaring at him too.

When a dance concluded and the officials turned their attention back from the performance, they saw that the group consisting of Dean Chen, Xiang Minghou, and the Zhan family were all glaring at Prime Minister Gao, looking as if they wanted to eat him alive.

Prime Minister Gao had never been one to shy away from trouble. He was the type of person who, if he knew you didn’t like him, would deliberately do things to annoy you even more.

He let out a soft scoff and leaned back in his seat, his mood completely unaffected.

The Beili Emperor pretended not to notice.

"Chenchen, look, that’s Dean Chen of Lou Mountain Academy," Prince Yu said, pointing toward the upper seats.

The young prince, Helian Chen, looked up, his eyes shining with admiration. But then his gaze shifted to the little girl beside the Dean, and he asked in confusion, "Royal Uncle, who is that fatty?"

"She is the disciple the Dean accepted a while ago."

"She’s that young?"

"Chenchen, you can’t judge a book by its cover," said Prince Yu. "For the Dean to accept her as his disciple, she must possess some extraordinary qualities."

Helian Chen was doubtful. ’What extraordinary qualities could such a little child possibly have?’

’Is she heavier than everyone else?’

The Great General of Xi Yan, Mo Geluo, had been secretly observing Xiang Minghou ever since he entered the great hall. He noticed that the marquis’s gaze was fixed on the little girl beside Dean Chen.

This made him recall the rumor he’d heard upon entering the Capital City: that Xiang Minghou had an illegitimate daughter.

’It would be a shame if his family line wasn’t completely cut off.’

"Stupid fatty," Sang Qi muttered with a look of disgust.

His seat was right next to Ye Qianning’s.

Ye Qianning couldn’t be bothered with him. She had already identified most of the court officials and had, of course, noted which ones had paled after Qian Fanji mentioned the booklet.

’The booklet really seemed to implicate a lot of people. Even if the Beili Emperor got his hands on it, he would have to be extremely cautious. If he had everyone on the list beheaded, there would hardly be anyone left standing in his court.’

’After all, officialdom was a world where officials protected their own and the big fish ate the small. Everyone was connected in one way or another.’

Princess Changyang hadn’t seen Ye Qianning in a long time. She’d heard that the girl had caused quite a stir, but she seemed to be in good spirits today.

Sensing the gaze, Ye Qianning turned to look, then smiled and nodded.

Nanxiang grinned and waved at Ye Qianning. If not for court etiquette, she would have already run over.

Mo Geluo stood up, clutching his wine cup. "General Xiang, my enthusiastic invitation a few days ago ended on a rather unpleasant note. So today, on the occasion of the Emperor’s birthday banquet, I would like to formally apologize to you. As for what happened all those years ago, I admit I was too heavy-handed."

"Hmph. General Mo, your own wounds from last year have only just finished healing. You’d best not make such arrogant claims," Xiang Minghou scoffed.

"My wounds may have healed, but you, General Xiang, have been left with a permanent disability. With no one to inherit the vast General’s Residence, I truly find it a pity. Come, let me toast you. This is my apology." Mo Geluo raised his cup toward Xiang Minghou.

"My apologies, but this general has given up alcohol," Xiang Minghou said without moving.

"Given up alcohol? HAHAHA! A magnificent general, giving up alcohol! General Xiang, you used to be so imposing, but now you’re as pale and powdered as an actor. If one didn’t know better, they’d think you’ve... lost your manhood and become a eun—"

CRACK!

CLATTER...

Before Mo Geluo could finish his sentence, the cup in his hand suddenly shattered.

Shards rained down on his table. Not only did wine splash all over his face, but a fragment also flew up and struck his lip, drawing a trickle of fresh, red blood.

Mo Geluo was utterly stunned, cutting a ridiculous figure. He froze for several seconds before snapping out of it, his eyes immediately darting toward Xiang Minghou.

Xiang Minghou sat perfectly still, showing no trace of having used his Inner Strength.

’Who was it?’

His gaze swept across the crowd, but he couldn’t detect any fluctuations in aura.

Music from the drums and orchestra still filled the hall, but the guests themselves had fallen strangely silent. They had all witnessed the bizarre scene.

As officials of Beili, they had been naturally displeased to see one of their own generals mocked so viciously. Now, many of them felt a sense of vindication, even if they didn’t know who had struck the blow.

The general from Xi Yan, though an envoy, had been far too outrageous with his words. He deserved it!

The Beili Emperor was also surprised. He hadn’t seen anyone in the hall make a move, and Xiang Minghou had been perfectly still. The personal guards and Hidden Guards of the various noble houses were forbidden from entering the palace. ’Besides the Royal Hidden Guards, who else could have done that?’

’Could it really have been one of the Royal Hidden Guards?’

"General Mo, you must be drunk. You can’t even control your own Inner Strength," Xiang Minghou said mockingly, picking up his teacup. "Tea is much better, after all."

Mo Geluo’s expression was grim. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand and clenched his fists. ’Who in the world is hiding in this Beili palace?’ He hadn’t detected the slightest trace of Inner Strength being used.

"What a disgraceful embarrassment," the Crown Prince of Xi Yan said, his voice frigid.

A flicker of panic crossed Mo Geluo’s grim face. "Your Highness, please forgive me."

"There is no need to ask for my forgiveness."

Mo Geluo hastily left his seat and bowed to the Beili Emperor. "I was reckless and have offended Your Majesty. I beg for your forgiveness."

"Hahaha, it is of no concern. General Mo, what powerful Inner Strength you have," the Beili Emperor said, though how could he not have understood what truly happened?

’Don’t be fooled by the Xi Yan Crown Prince’s youth. He’s a ruthless one.’

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Mo Geluo rose and returned to his seat.

The Crown Prince of Xi Yan raised his eyes and looked in Ye Qianning’s direction.

At that moment, Ye Qianning was nibbling on a pastry, her head bobbing slightly. Her bright, darting eyes roamed around the hall until they landed on the Crown Prince of Xi Yan, and their gazes met once again.

The depths of the Crown Prince’s eyes were cool and clear. This time, Ye Qianning broke into a wide grin, a half-eaten pastry still clutched in her small hand.

For a brief moment, the Crown Prince of Xi Yan’s brow furrowed in confusion.

Ye Qianning was the first to look away. Her gaze shifted to Xiang Minghou, and the smile on her small face grew even wider.

’She was actually a little surprised. The Crown Prince of Xi Yan had noticed her. He’s no simple character. She didn’t possess Inner Strength, which was why no one could detect it when she made a move.’

’She hadn’t expected him to be the first to look her way afterward. Was it a coincidence, or had he actually sensed something?’

The Crown Prince of Xi Yan averted his gaze and looked to the Beili Emperor. "For the Bei Emperor’s birthday banquet, Xi Yan has specially prepared a Luminous Pearl from the East Sea, to wish the Bei Emperor boundless fortune and longevity."

As soon as he said this, an uproar erupted in the palace hall.

Xi Yan had actually gifted a Luminous Pearl from the East Sea! What an incredibly generous gesture!