chapter 44

Everyone in the prime minister’s residence obeyed and indulged Fengguang in all her whims and wishes. Even her father, Xia Chao acted like this. So when Fengguang decided to tell him that she was curious about the national banquet, Xia Chao took the initiative and offered to take her to the palace. And because Fengguang was going to the banquet, Wang Ci would accompany her there as well.

The national banquet was not anything like the usual palace banquets. The banquet hall currently glittered in gold and filled with luxurious pieces of furniture and decorations. The flowers used were famous peonies. The wine served was rich and deep in flavor because it had been aged for a hundred years. Even the plain, drinkable water had been transported from the faraway snowy mountains. The guards on duty were not to let any information leak out while the maids and the eunuchs were all handpicked from the very best. Not a single flaw was allowed to happen in this national banquet.

Fengguang modestly sat next to Wang Ci and acted obedient. There were other young ladies at the banquet but she was the only one to attract the attention of all the young lords. These young lords were then warned by their fathers that this was the Ghost King’s fiancee and they immediately retracted their gazes. They dared not to imagine anything else.

Not long after, a eunuch gave out an announcement. Subsequently, Xiao Fen and a Guangliu envoy entered the hall. The envoy was undeniably handsome with exquisite facial features similar to that of a sculpture’s. His angular face was beyond beautiful with his peach blossom-like eyes that were filled with passion and gentleness. And yet, there was also an indifference mixed in his gaze. This misguided others into believing he was easy to get along with but would soon realize that this wasn’t the case. This appearance was on par with the Ghost King’s and caused many palace maids to sneak a few glances towards him.

His appearance was flawless and extraordinary. He couldn’t possibly be a simple envoy. When everyone saw the additional seat that had been added, it was clear what his position was.

Soon after, Xiao Fen and the man both sat in their seats together. Xiao Fen smiled as he said aloud, “Today, the emperor of Guangliu has arrived in our Da Wei to discuss terms of peace. This is a fortune that belongs to both our countries. My beloved subjects, greet the emperor of Guangliu!”

Everyone arose. “We greet the emperor of Guangliu!”

He smiled and it was as though his presence brought brilliance to his surroundings. “Today, I am a guest. Everyone needs not to be so polite.”

Originally, everyone had thought that there would only be a simple envoy sent over. No one could have guessed that the emperor of Guangliu would personally come. Dugu Ji, was a being who was like a god amongst the youths. He was a young emperor who had methods for both war and politics. He didn’t lose to any man. Xiao Ruo and Dugu Ji were role models for the men of both countries to aspire to be and their influence was not to be underestimated.

Fengguang snuck a glance at Xia Qimeng who was beside Xiao Ruo. Even though she was wearing her mask, it didn’t mask the disbelief that was emanating from her. To describe it as disbelief was not entirely accurate though. After all, she was known as the woman who didn’t react even if a mountain collapsed in front her.

Once everyone sat back down, Fengguang instantly felt a passionate gaze directed towards herself. She unconsciously turned towards the source which was in the direction of Dugu Ji. Only a look made her lose focus and she accidentally knocked over her cup. Luckily, Wang Ci who was seated next to her reacted quickly and wiped the water on the table with a handkerchief. Otherwise, she would have needed to change into another set of clothes.

Wang Ci quietly asked, “What is it, Fengguang?”

“Noth- nothing…” She hurriedly lowered her head and appeared to be calm but in reality, her fingers were tightly grasping the ribbons of her clothes.

This was a habit that she would only do when she felt helpless.

Dugu Ji was able to observe all this very clearly, causing the corners of his lips to curve upwards. When half his face had still been disfigured, his smile was still capable of capturing a person’s heart. But now that his face was flawless, his smile could even ruin a person and make them forget their own identity.

Meanwhile Xia Qimeng didn’t understand. Didn’t his face get disfigured because he saved her? Why was there not even a visible scar left?

Xiao Ruo tightly held her hand under the table and she looked at him amidst her confusion. He lightly said, “I’ve said this before but deception is his forte.”