Chapter 78 Part 2

 

At this time, another official came out, holding a bird cage covered with brocade silk. He reported that some time ago, in the northern hills of the capital region, tens of thousands of birds gathered, flocking toward the direction of the imperial city for three days before dispersing. Among them was a single white luanmythical bird related to phoenix that did not leave, perching on a parasol tree, and the mountain people caught it. He took the opportunity today to present it to the princess, as it was a most auspicious sign.

Everyone looked over and saw that it was the Magistrate of Chang’an who spoke. The white luan he presented was indeed as he described: its body pure as snow, with a cascading phoenix-like tail. Looking at it, one could hardly doubt its resemblance to a divine creature.

Xuyu ordered people to bring the divine bird closer, and after a closer look, she recognized it as a white bird with a phoenix tail.

She had traveled with her grandfather in the past, visiting famous mountains, and naturally encountered similar birds. Although they were rare, how could they be some kind of magical bird?

The Chang’an magistrate was pleased to see an amaze look on everyone’s face. Unexpectedly, the princess, after looking at the bird for a while, opened her mouth and ordered the bird to be released.

The Chang’an magistrate was startled, and quickly knelt down to dissuade her: “Princess, please don’t do that! This is a rare divine bird. Moreover, all the birds must have known that the princess is coming back, so they gathered in the North Mountain to pay homage. This minister specially presented this divine bird to the princess as a tribute.”

The princess smiled and said, “A divine bird is indeed rare, and your thoughtfulness is appreciated. But in my opinion, this is not a good omen.”

Everyone in the banquet all turned their eyes on her and holding their breath as they awaited her next words.

“When the weather is good and the harvest is plentiful, it’s a good omen. When a country has a virtuous person, it’s a good omen. For example, today’s military demonstration, where brave soldiers faced danger without fear, standing united to protect our great dynasty, their braveness ensures that the teachings of our empire extend far and wide, that its borders remain secure, and that its people may live in peace and prosperity, free from hunger or hardship. These are the true auspicious signs!

“As for this bird, no matter how auspicious it is, even if it’s really a divine bird flying from the sky—”

She looked again.

“What’s there to celebrate?

“Let it go back to the mountains!”

The princess’ voice was not loud, but every word was clear and heard by everyone in the banquet hall tonight.

As she finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment.

The emperor leaned against the back of his seat, with a faint smile on his face, and looked quietly at the ministers in front of him.

Suddenly, someone started to praise loudly, then everyone in the hall came to their senses and praised the princess for her wisdom and intelligence.

According to the princess’s order, an attending servant took the white luan out of the palace gate and released it into the wild. The Chang’an magistrate was so ashamed that he fell to the ground and said he had learned his lesson. Fortunately, the princess also praised him for his kindness and did not embarrass him in public. His Majesty even laughed and ordered people to give him a glass of wine to calm him down. But with this previous experience, the remaining ministers who wanted to take the opportunity to flatter and offer “auspicious signs” also knew that the princess who had just returned to the court was not someone who could be fooled, so they dared not continue to come out and invite snub, and shut their mouth one by one.

Another banquet envoy followed the emperor’s order and relayed the princess’ words to the soldiers who were attending the banquet in the barracks. Soon, there seemed to be a burst of shouts of “Long Live the Princess”. Even though they were several miles away, the cheers could be heard faintly across the foothills of Cangshan under the night sky, echoing without end.

Pei Xiaoyuan slowly turned around from behind the pillar of the hall, his eyes passed over the bright lights and the scattered figures in the hall, and focused on the purple figure sitting in the center of the hall in the distance. The figure seemed to be shining with a hazy golden light all around her. He stared at her in a daze.

However, he was not the only foolish person in this hall tonight.

Just as the musicians were playing again and the singer was about to sing, suddenly, there was a bang and a wine cup fell to the ground. The noise attracted everyone’s attention and they saw that it was made by the Xifan prince.

The current prince of Xifan, named Hedu, was the eldest son of the new king who regained power in the country and became king three years ago after Xifan was defeated. He was brave and fierce, known as the Snow Eagle of the Plateau. In every battle, he always leads the troops at the front. He was not only loved by the king of Xifan, but also popular among the Xifan army. In the previous war, he brought considerable resistance to the army of the Holy Dynasty. When Xifan was finally defeated, Hedu came to Chang’an as a hostage to show the new king’s submission to the Holy Dynasty.

Naturally, the emperor did not treat this prince, that from a country that had long been a strong enemy, badly. As soon as he arrived, he appointed him as a general of the Wei Guard. He was also one of the 120 warriors performing during the day. Although placed at the very end of the formation and unable to see clearly, even then, he had been struck by the unparalleled nobility and beauty of the princess of the Holy Dynasty, leaving him deeply captivated. Now, under the glow of the lanterns, with the Princess near at hand, her delicate nose, cherry-like lips, and celestial beauty left him utterly entranced. Her snow-white shoulders, faintly visible under the shawl, made Hedu stare at her intently, reluctant to take his eyes off her. When she spoke earlier, her radiant eyes seemed, in his imagination, to gaze directly at him. He was immediately fascinated and drank one cup after another, losing all composure. At one point, his wine cup slipped from his hand and rolled across the floor, coming to a stop at the foot of a musician, drawing the attention of nearly everyone present.

Prince Hedu, under the influence of alcohol, rose abruptly from his seat. Striding forward, he knelt before the emperor, and declaring in a loud voice: “This minister, Hedu, aged twenty-six, remains without a wife in my homeland. Today this minister fortunate enough to see the face of the princess of the Holy Dynasty, as if seeing the goddess herself. This minister dares to propose marriage. If Your Majesty is willing to betroth the princess to this minister, from now on, our country of Xifan will be subject to the Holy Dynasty for thousands of years, our loyalty unwavering for all eternity! Should I break this vow, may I be struck down on the high plains and die a wretched death!”

Everyone in the hall was taken aback by him, and when they heard what he wanted, they were all stunned. They could only sigh in their hearts. He was indeed a foreigner who had no idea of ​​etiquette. He actually proposed marriage in public like this, not afraid of being laughed at. Some people even laughed out loud, making Hedu flushed with anger and shouted, “Your Majesty, don’t you believe my oath?”

The emperor was also caught off guard and was stunned for a moment, but soon he reacted and returned to normal, smiling and saying, “The prince is a hero and has a heart. Zhen admire you very much. However, the princess has just returned to the court, and Zhen is looking forward to having a family reunion with her. As for other matters, we can discuss them later.”

Hedu was unwilling to give up, and turned his drunken tiger eyes to the princess on her seat. He saw that her eyebrows were slightly frowned, but her expression was calm, as if what he just said had nothing to do with her. However, this ice-cold jade-like appearance made people become more and more greedy. He picked up the wine glass, returned to his seat, and began to think.

He had been in Chang’an for some time, so he naturally knew some etiquette of the people of the Holy Dynasty. He knew that his actions just now were indeed rash, and it was no wonder that he was ridiculed and the emperor did not take him seriously. After thinking it over, he decided to send someone back immediately tonight to ask his father to send an envoy to propose marriage on his behalf.

As soon as he sat down, a young man dressed in fine clothes stood up from his seat.

He was different from Hedu just now. He was tall and slender, and well-mannered.

This man was the young prince of Bohai Kingdom, named Lantai. Having no official duties in his homeland, he had settled in Chang’an for several years and become well-versed in the classics. Last year, he took the imperial examination and won the distinguished rank of tanhuathe third place. Not only that, he was also outstanding in martial arts and skilled in music. These accomplishments made him a favored prospective son-in-law among many prominent families in Chang’an. However, Lantai was known for his aloofness and high standards. He had even declared that unless he met a woman who captured his heart, he would rather remain a lifelong bachelor.

Now, stepping forward with calm composure, he accepted a pipa from a musician. Plucking a few strings to adjust the tuning, he turned toward the emperor, bowed respectfully, and said, “On this joyous occasion of the Princess’s return, and witnessing Your Majesty’s familial reunion, this minister is deeply moved. Just now, many esteemed ministers composed verses in celebration. Though unworthy, this minister has humbly composed a piece of music on the spot, titled Phoenix’s Return, as an offering to express his heartfelt congratulations. Begging Your Majesty’s permission to present it.”

The emperor was slightly surprised to hear this, but then he smiled and agreed.

The prince took his pipa and sat down to play the congratulatory song he had composed. The music was indeed beautiful and melodious, and it conveyed a hint of love. After the song was over, the lingering sound lingered in the air, and everyone around was intoxicated. The emperor was delighted and ordered a reward.

At this time, the Prime Minister of Bohai Kingdom, who had just come to Chang’an to celebrate the emperor’s longevity, stepped forward. After paying his respects, he said respectfully, “Our king holds deep admiration for the Holy Dynasty and has been greatly blessed by Your Majesty’s grace. The prince, residing in the capital, enjoys the privilege of dining from golden vessels and wearing the purple-gold sash of nobility—a mark of unparalleled honor. However, he has not yet married, which is a great pity. This matter is not only of concern to our king, but also for the countless citizens of our nation. The prince held admiration for the princess, and with boldness and humility, this minister represents our prince in seeking Your Majesty’s favor in granting the Princess’s hand in marriage. Sincerely ask Your Majesty to show favor.

“The prince’s sincerity is as clear as the sun and moon. If this request is approved by Your Majesty, it would be a fortune beyond measure for Bohai!”

The Bohai royal family had always admired the splendid etiquette of the Holy Dynasty. Over time, their affinity had grown into a lasting allegiance. Even in appearance, the people of Bohai bore a striking resemblance to the citizens of the Holy Dynasty. The Prince Lantai, standing before them now, could easily be mistaken for one of Chang’an’s noble young gentlemen, indistinguishable in refinement and elegance.

Moreover, the Bohai Kingdom had long been a vassal state for the Holy Dynasty to control the surrounding ethnic minorities, so the emperor had always treated the Bohai royal family well and spared no effort to win them over.

To be honest, many people in the palace felt that if the emperor wanted to marry the princess to a prince consort one day, the Prince Lantai in front of them would be an excellent candidate.

The emperor was silent for a moment, and no one knew what he was thinking. Then, he smiled and said, “Zhen understands the sincerity of the prince and the prime minister. But as Zhen said just now, the princess has just returned to the court, and Zhen has no intention of discussing marriage. Please step down first.”

Lantai and the prime minister naturally knew that the emperor would not marry off the princess who had just returned to the court so easily. They just saw someone take the initiative and followed suit to express their feelings so as to leave a deep impression on the emperor first. In this way, when the emperor wanted to choose a son-in-law in the future, he would naturally think of them.

The two men saluted and then withdrew.

Chengping was half drunk at this time, leaning against the table, turning his head, looking at the figure behind the corner pillar of the hall. Hesitating for a moment, he then winking at the envoy beside him. The envoy understood and hurriedly followed suit, begging the emperor the princess’ hand in marriage.

The prince of Wolf Court had wanted to marry the princess of the Holy Dynasty since a long time ago, and this matter was almost known to everyone. Therefore, when the Wolf Court envoy came out to fight for the princess’s marriage, no one was surprised.

The emperor listened and naturally declined the proposal. Then he looked around the hall and said, “Zhen didn’t expect that on the first day of the princess’ return, so many men would come to propose. Zhen would like to ask again, among you present, is there anyone else who wants to marry the princess?”

As the emperor finished speaking, all the ministers looked around, and saw a handsome man in a silver robe striding in the hall. With a resounding thud, he fell to his knees before the emperor. He kowtowed solemnly, and then said loudly: “Yes! This minister has long harbored deep admiration for the princess! Tonight, this minister will send people back, asking my father to dispatch envoys to formally express my desire to wed the Princess!”

Everyone looked closely and saw that it was Yuwen Zhi, the shizi of County Prince Xiping.

For a moment, the ministers in the hall were whispering to each other.

Amid the endless buzzing, the emperor smiled and said, “Zhen understand your feelings for the princess. But let us set aside this matter for now. Tonight is not a wedding banquet.”

The emperor had made the final decision, and naturally no one dared to mention the matter again. After the banquet, the crown prince led all the officials to send off the emperor and the princess back to Qingrong Palace to rest. Afterwards, everyone discussed the matter in groups of three or four, and slowly dispersed.

After Han Kerang watched the emperor and the princess disappear behind the palace gate, he turned around but didn’t see his subordinate. He hurriedly looked for him everywhere and finally found him near a night sentry post outside the palace. He seemed to be checking the password for tonight with the night guard. Han Kerang suppressed his temper and waited until he was done, then called him over to a deserted corner.

“Is there something wrong, General?” Pei Xiaoyuan asked with a normal expression.

Han Kerang looked at him for a moment, sighed, and shook his head: “What’s wrong with you? Why are you still calm? I see you’re not in anxious at all.”

After he finished speaking, he saw that his subordinates remained silent, and it was himself that became anxious that he almost jumped up and down.

“You saw it all tonight, didn’t you? My goodness! It’s only the first day, and there are so many young men from all side vying to marry the princess and become the son-in-law of His Majesty!”

He still said nothing.

Han Kerang was so anxious that he wanted to punch him, but he tried his best to suppress his impulse and said, “You won’t be needed as an honor guard for the hunt tomorrow!”

Pei Xiaoyuan looked up at him.

Han Kerang glanced around, leaned forward, and said in a low voice: “Everyone in the court knows that you and the princess had a close relationship before, and she even lived in your house! Tomorrow, you must go and present yourself as well! Perform well for His Majesty!

“Prince Ashina is the Zuowu Guard, Shizi Yuwen is the Longwu Guard, Hedu is the Wei Guard, and that Prince Bohai is the Xiao Guard, a tanhua, a pretty boy, and he can play music, which is even more amazing!

“I don’t blame you for keeping it a secret from me for so long. There’s just one thing. If, in the end, the princess is snatched away by a man from another guard, you’ll bring shame to the emperor’s personal guard, the Jinwu Guard. And I will hold you accountable!”

Han Kerang left after saying this.

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