The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 1155 - 626: Zhao Douan: Long Time No See, Prince Jing
In the quaintly decorated room, Zhao Douan felt a ray of sunlight from outside scorch his eyes.
He rolled over and sat on the bed, lowered his head, and rubbed his slightly protruding abdomen, muttering to himself, "Today, it’s up to you."
As if hearing his voice, the Dragon Essence hidden within the Qi Sea turned over, almost poking a tentacle through his belly.
"...Damn." Zhao Douan curled his lips, cursing as he adjusted his loose robe, preventing outsiders from noticing the anomaly in his Dantian.
During this period, through the continuous communication with the "Dragon Taming Technique," Zhao Douan could clearly feel that the Dragon Essence was always on the verge of awakening.
As long as he gave it a strong stimulus, this "Half-step God" embodying the lifelong cultivation of the Grand Ancestor Emperor would reappear in the mortal world.
"Creak—"
He pushed open the door and stepped outside, where the warm sunlight illuminated the entire house.
Almost simultaneously, a door opened in the adjacent room, and Zhao Douan turned his head to meet the gaze of the Empress who had just walked out.
"You’re back?"
"Yes."
Xu Zhenguan had returned to the Capital last night, made an appearance, and even took time to hold an early morning court session.
Her slender, fair hand stroked the hilt of the sword at her waist, revealing a smile beneath the fox mask: "It’s time to settle this."
At this moment.
The sovereign and his minister looked toward the drooping flower gate, just as Song Jinxi entered again, casting a somewhat dubious, hesitant glance at the "Female Tributor."
After Zhao Douan gestured that it was fine.
Song Jinxi said, "Latest news, Prince Jing’s fleet landed on the island last night."
...
Today’s banquet is set for noon.
In the morning, Zhao Douan traveled by carriage, accompanied by the Empress, Yu Xiu, Gongshu Tianyuan, Jin Jian, and Ji Yue, with an escort team from the Divine Mechanism Camp, heading grandly toward Dongxuan Lake at the base of Yutou Mountain.
The wealthy businessman Guo Zhun had gone early in the morning to prepare the banquet venue.
Along the way, Zhao Douan could see through the carriage curtain that every household had a cloth doll hanging on the eaves.
"This is Winter Lady, for the Spring God Festival, a day for the people to welcome the Spring God. It is said that the last chill of winter turns into the Winter Lady, lingering in the mortal world, so the people along the Marine Road beat the Winter Lady with fresh willow branches on this day to drive away the winter chill," Xu Zhenguan casually explained.
Zhao Douan asked in surprise, "You even know the local customs here?"
The Empress smiled; she was not an emperor ignorant of such things, only thinking that this festival seemed like a good omen.
The procession continued, and the sovereign and his minister even saw a parade, with people carrying statues of the "Spring God."
But this year’s Spring God Festival seemed a bit deserted; even the most oblivious people had heard in recent days that the fleet of Prince Chen was anchored offshore Daluo Island.
And the Divine Mechanism Camp had several cannon-bearing warships docked at the pier.
Already last night, the Divine Mechanism Camp’s fleet had set sail to arrive early at Dongxuan Lake, driving away unrelated people and sealing off the entire waters.
And when Zhao Douan’s convoy finally arrived at Dongxuan Lake, they saw that the pavilions and towers extending from the lakeside were newly decorated with colorful silks, displaying a grand festive atmosphere.
There were many carriages parked by the lakeside, with servants either waiting or moving through the banquet grounds.
And along with them were those dressed in silk and satin, locals of Daluo Island with significant status, and even more, the aristocrats from families along the Marine Road who had arrived by boat days ago, gathered here, sitting scattered at the banquet tables.
"These people are daring, even getting involved in such a lively affair? Aren’t they afraid of being caught in the crossfire?" Gongshu Tianyuan said boldly.
Zhao Douan emerged from the carriage and, hearing this, laughed, "From their perspective, since I’ve come to see Prince Chen and he’s attending the banquet, it implies a negotiation. It’s likely nothing will happen, or even if it does, it won’t affect them."
He paused, then pursed his lips into a thin line, saying coldly, "But, what’s truly important is that they don’t dare not to come."
"Commander Zhao has arrived!"
At this moment, a servant from the Royal Mansion by the lake announced loudly.
In an instant, everyone in the vast banquet hall looked over, then stood up, cupped hands, and assumed a welcoming posture.
What a spectacular scene is this?
Almost all of the great figures along the Marine Road were gathered here, trembling with fear because of a single name.
Zhao Douan stepped forward, with the Empress and others at his side.
Wherever their procession went, the guests on either side maintained solemn expressions, respectfully addressing, "Grand Governor."
Finally.
Zhao Douan reached the center of the banquet, an enormous open-air pavilion.
Inside the ornate jade-fenced structure stood Prince Chen and his wife, rising to greet him.
Princess Chen did not have her cat today; instead, she wore a demure and solemn gown, meticulously dressed.
Beside her was Prince Chen, elegant and gentle in his Python Robe.
"Commander Zhao, I’ve long admired your name, and today I finally get to meet you. Truly an impressive figure," Prince Chen said with a smile, politely complimenting.
Zhao Douan also smiled, his gaze shifting to the Princess Consort who did not "overstep her host," saying with a smile, "Princess Consort Chen, we meet again. You are even more radiant today than before."
With these words, the household retainers from Prince Chen’s Mansion turned pale.
The Princess Consort also hesitated, turning to look at her husband, who wore a rigid smile on his face.
Unaware of the atmosphere, Zhao Douan then looked at Prince Chen and said coolly, "I heard from the Princess Consort that Prince Chen was gravely ill and unable to meet guests, yet you seem to be in good health."
