Chapter 167: Grandpa, wait a moment

Sima Dongchen was neither flustered nor hurried, taking an object from his sleeve.

It was not the ornate gift box everyone imagined, but a dull, bronze-colored object.

About the size of an adult man's fist, its shape extremely peculiar, its surface covered with countless fine, intricate, irregular depressions and protrusions.

It seemed as if countless fragments had been forcibly kneaded together, forming a complex structure that dazzled the eye.

Sima Dongchen said solemnly: "This object is called 'Chaos'."

"It was obtained from extraterrestrial meteoric iron at the founding of our Da Xia."

"For hundreds of years, countless skilled artisans, learned scholars, and even high-level cultivators have tried to uncover its secrets, yet none could alter it in the slightest."

He glanced over the assembled crowd, his gaze finally settling on Xiao Jieyun: "I have heard that your Fierce State is vast and rich in resources, brimming with talented people and outstanding heroes."

"If your state can produce someone who, without damaging this object, can cause it to change and reveal its hidden secret, our Da Xia will not only present this treasure to you but also add three border cities as thanks!"

"Hiss—"

As these words were spoken, a sudden intake of breath echoed throughout the hall.

Three cities! What is Da Xia planning?

But everyone also heard the hidden meaning in his words.

Da Xia is using the pretext of presenting a treasure to actually provoke!

If no one in the Fierce State can solve it, then at this grand palace banquet attended by several states, they will surely lose face.

The envoy of West Lu State, Jifeng, swirled the wine in his cup, a playful smile curling his lips, obviously pleased with the turn of events.

Xiao Jieyun's smile faded a bit as he looked at Sima Dongchen: "Your state certainly has grand ambitions."

Sima Dongchen bowed slightly, respectful yet unyielding: "Everyone knows the Fierce State has countless wise men; our Da Xia is merely seeking instruction sincerely."

The atmosphere in the hall instantly tightened.

Civil and military officials glanced at each other, seeing solemnity and difficulty in each other's eyes.

How could they possibly solve it in a moment, when Da Xia's nationwide effort over hundreds of years has failed to crack it?

Xiao Jieyun gave a slight nod: "Since Chancellor Sima has such an interest, I shall certainly fulfill it."

"Since it is your state's supreme treasure, why not let the envoys present today examine it first to broaden their horizons, then let our officials have a look?"

Sima Dongchen was certain in his heart that no human could solve it, so he smiled slightly: "This subordinate obeys the order. Your Majesty is wise; such a supreme treasure ought indeed to be shared with the world's talents."

Eunuch Cheng walked down the steps, placing Chaos on a tray and sending it to the table of West Lu.

Jifeng snatched it up, his eyes contemptuous: "What supreme treasure? Just a heavy, cold lump of dead weight!"

He turned it over and over, secretly channeling his inner strength, yet Chaos remained utterly unmoved.

He gave a dry laugh, tossing Chaos back onto the tray: "Indeed miraculous, admirable, admirable."

Having said that, he glanced at Xiao Jieyun.

"West Lu has no way; I'll look at your Fierce State's attempt—after all, Da Xia's provocation isn't aimed at me."

Eunuch Cheng held the tray, delivering it in turn to the tables of the other delegations.

After making the rounds, everyone silently shook their heads, utterly unable.

Eunuch Cheng handed the tray to the officials of the Fierce State.

An elderly official took out a crystal lens, studied it for a while, then shook his head and sighed: "It is a seamless whole, heavenly crafted; I, old as I am, can do nothing."

Another young official, his fingers speedily probing the grooves, sweat beading on his forehead, his face paling, finally gave up in defeat.

The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly oppressive.

On the faces of the Fierce State's officials, anxiety and embarrassment were clearly evident.

Sima Dongchen and Gongsun Hong exchanged a glance, the corners of their mouths slightly lifting.

Finally, Eunuch Cheng arrived at the table of the imperial clan.

Xiao Yuanhang frowned, took it up, examined it for a moment, then found himself helpless.

Cheng Ru'an whispered to her daughter: "Tuan Tuan, take a look at this thing—can you solve it?"

Tuan Tuan grunted an assent, taking it from her father's hands.

"Wow! It's so heavy!"

She placed Chaos on the table before her, turning it over and over, examining it repeatedly.

Xiao Jieyun's hand gripping his wine cup suddenly tightened.

Cheng Ru'an looked at her daughter: "It's fine; if you can't, just put it back."

Tuan Tuan's nose twitched, she lunged forward and sniffed hard.

Gongsun Hong curled his lip: "So the Fierce State's Immortal Envoy is not only clever, but this nose can rival a spirit hound's."

A burst of laughter rang through the hall.

Cheng Ru'an put her arm around her daughter's small shoulders.

Xiao Yuanhang's tiger eyes widened: "The little lady is helping Your Highness, yet you speak offensively—are Da Xia people really so ungrateful?"

Gongsun Hong smiled: "Prince Ning, you are mistaken; only if one can solve it does one truly help me. Now that the Immortal Envoy is at a loss, how can I be accused of repaying kindness with enmity?"

Xiao Yuanhang narrowed his eyes: "Have you forgotten the old border war, Your Highness? This prince's sword is still sharp."

Gongsun Hong's smile froze; that year's bloody border battle was precisely led by this Prince Ning, who planted the Fierce State's battle flag upon Da Xia's territory.

Tuan Tuan tugged at her mother's sleeve and whispered something in her ear.

Cheng Ru'an showed doubt but did not press further, rising: "Your Majesty, please grant this subject permission to return home to change; I will go and come back quickly."

Xiao Jieyun nodded: "Princess Consort Ning needs no excessive ceremony; go."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Cheng Ru'an turned and left.

Tuan Tuan placed Chaos back on the tray; Eunuch Cheng felt anxious and asked softly: "Little Princess, do you also have no way?"

Tuan Tuan whispered: "Grandpa, wait a moment."

Eunuch Cheng, helpless, could only carry the tray and proceed to the next table.

Watching Eunuch Cheng walk around the main hall, he returned to Xiao Jieyun's side.

Gongsun Hong lifted his wine cup, leisurely said: "His Majesty, it seems your nation also lacks talent capable of breaking this Chaos."

"Alas, since destiny is thus, I shall not press the matter."

"If your nation never has anyone who can break it, Da Xia can also hand over this treasure."

"In exchange for the Imperial Jade Seal that was inadvertently lost in your nation, His Majesty, what is your opinion?"

"The Imperial Jade Seal?!"

The hall instantly erupted in a murmur.

The assembled foreign envoys glanced at each other; how could Da Xia's jade seal have been lost in Liè Country?

No wonder Da Xia uses Chaos to trouble Liè Country; it turns out they are after the jade seal that symbolizes a nation's legitimacy!

Jifeng slapped his thigh hard, letting out a pretentious loud exclamation:

"Ah—!"

The shout instantly drew everyone's attention.

Jifeng, with a look of sudden enlightenment, his eyes flashing unabashed glee, said to Gongsun Hong: "Your Highness, why have we never heard before that Da Xia's jade seal was lost outside?"

"So, does that mean your nation's Emperor has never even possessed the jade seal?"

Gongsun Hong's complexion turned unpleasant.

Jifeng raised his head and gulped a large mouthful of wine: "No! It must have existed before; otherwise how could one ascend the throne as Emperor?"

"Then how did this jade seal end up in Liè Country? Could it be that, during the border war of those years, it was summoned back by Prince Ning?"

Upon hearing this, the other envoys covered their mouths and chuckled lightly, and Xiao Jieyun also showed a smile.

Gongsun Hong and Si Ma Dongchen's expressions instantly darkened.

Jiang Cheng stepped forward a pace, his face ashen.

Jifeng was unfazed, as if he had just said something inconsequential, and continued to gulp wine, devour large pieces of meat, utterly at ease.

Xiao Yuanhang stared coldly at Gongsun Hong, a faint aura of killing intent subtly emanating around him.

The hall doors echoed a high report from an inner attendant: "Princess Consort Ning has arrived—"