Chapter 643

The atmosphere in the hall did not change; everyone still finished their polite words with smiles, then fell briefly silent, some glancing toward the upper seat, others toward Xiang Yongji.

"Prince Xiang Yongji has been in the capital for some time, but fortune has been unkind—only today have we finally met within the palace," Li Huang said, her gaze fixed on Xiang Yongji as she addressed the gathering. "The Emperor often tells me that in his youth, he fought bloodily along the northern frontier, shoulder to shoulder with Prince Yan, sharing bow and spear, riding side by side. They saved each other's lives countless times."

Li Huang's voice was gentle and soft, like a spring night's breeze: "In past dynasties, once ruler and minister parted, separated by a thousand li, they often grew suspicious of each other. Worse still, when one sits high in court and the other commands troops afar, their thoughts diverge, and misunderstandings arise most easily. I am not in court, I understand little of affairs, yet sometimes I worry about this and raise it with the Emperor—but he merely waves his hand, as if hearing trivial words."

"Such mutual trust between ruler and minister is truly a blessing for Great Tang. Among former generations, friendships that endure into the next are what elders most wish to see. Now that Prince Xiang Yongji has come to the capital, all the noble youths should grow closer—not only to cherish this bond, but to secure Great Tang's future."

Everyone chorused their agreement, raising cups to toast Xiang Yongji. He rose, adjusting his robes, returning each bow in turn. Tall and upright, his noble bearing, cultivated as a prince's heir, stood out even among the sea of yellow robes.

"Thank you, Empress Dowager. My father sent me to the capital not only for official matters, but especially to urge me to cultivate friendship with all your Royal Highnesses. These past months, I've spent much time with the Third Prince, sharing our love of hunting. I am but a humble outsider; I hope the other princes will kindly take me under your wing." He bowed to all around, drained his cup—thin, light spring wine, not strong enough to intoxicate.

Li Huang gave him a satisfied glance, then smiled again: "But all this is mere formality—you won't be able to avoid each other anyway. To prevent awkwardness between our generations, and since you are all of marriageable age, the Emperor and Prince Yan have agreed to forge a marriage alliance. I suspect many of you already know."

Li Li Yujin chuckled: "Cartloads of red silk have been hauled into the palace… unless you're blind."

The Empress Consort also laughed: "It's rare to have such excitement—everyone's been talking about it."

"Are you bothered by a few cartloads of red silk? You don't have to pull them," Li Huang scolded playfully. "Royal marriages are prepared from the time a girl is eight or nine—embroidering red robes, weaving gold thread… do you think those few bolts of silk are enough? You don't care about your sisters' affairs, yet you're quick to chatter."

Li Li Yujin lowered his head and raised his cup.

Li Huang turned back: "Our Tang children are not shy. Among royal daughters of marriageable age, only the Sixth Princess and my own daughter are present—both here at this table. A marriage must bring mutual joy. Prince Xiang Yongji, whom do you favor? Since this is a family banquet, say it now."

Xiang Yongji bowed, raising his cup humbly: "To be favored by even one of your noble daughters is Xiang Yongji's fortune in three lifetimes—I dare not choose. I leave it entirely to Your Majesty's decision."

"Prince Xiang Yongji honors propriety and respects his sovereign—what a fine young man," Li Huang laughed. "But I never asked you to 'choose.' It sounds as if you could simply pick one and take her away—first tell me whom you favor, then I'll ask my daughters what they think. We may not even find you worthy."

Laughter rippled through the table.

Xiang Yongji flushed slightly, bowed again, and spoke softly: "I dare not utter a word that might offend your noble daughters. I only hope for your grace."

Li Li Youlong's expression remained pale, her gaze distant, fixed on the untouched dishes before her, as if occasionally glancing westward. Li Can sat upright, her posture still radiating the pride of a Tang princess, yet her cheeks now bore a faint blush. After Xiang Yongji's two remarks, her chin lifted slightly.

"Then let's see who is willing to 'favor' you—ah, just mentioned, the first four dishes were all cooling in nature."

She gestured with her hand, and a line of palace maids stepped forward to remove the fifth course, replacing it with steaming bowls of stew.

"Camel's hoof stew—the longest-prepared dish today. It began preparation before sunrise," Li Huang picked up her chopsticks and explained. "We use the front hooves of a tribute camel, stewed with pheasant and bamboo fungus, topped with red flowers from the western lands—excellent for warming the body. As the poem says, 'The purple camel's hump emerges from the jade cauldron, the crystal plate holds white scales.' My fourth and fifth dishes derive from this verse."

Xiang Yongji tasted a piece: "I've never eaten such light, tender hoof stew. At home, the cooks either over-season it or leave it fishy."

"That's not the cook's fault. Animal hooves naturally retain odor and are hard to prepare well. This dish succeeds because the tribute camels are raised from youth in cleanliness, cared for solely for these four hooves."

"I see."

Li Li Yujin ate two pieces and praised them highly. Li Chen sat with his hands folded, lost in thought. Li Can delicately lifted a piece of camel's hoof with her chopsticks—this princess's manners were flawless, her bearing far more regal than Li Li Youlong's.

Li Xizhou didn't touch her chopsticks. Seeing Pei Ye glanced at her in question. She shrugged dismissively: "This is delicious. Take both pots."

"Thank you." Seeing Pei Ye found the flavor quite pleasant.

After tasting a few bites, everyone set down their chopsticks. The course had been sampled. Li Huang ate with precise, clean motions, not smudging a drop of broth, yet a maid still wiped her lips and hands before she continued: "Li Youlong, you've spent time with Prince Xiang Yongji these past days—you should know him better. In your eyes, how is he as a person? Any habits you find uncomfortable?"

Li Li Youlong bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, Prince Xiang Yongji is humble and courteous, with broad insight and noble bearing—he is truly a gentleman. I have no complaints."

Li Huang nodded, then asked: "Yet friends differ from spouses. If a match were arranged, would you be willing to become betrothed to Prince Xiang Yongji?"

"Your Majesty, I am willing."

Li Huang smiled faintly, then turned to the other side: "Canan, you are my own daughter, burdened with great responsibility, so I've kept you close these years, unwilling to let you go. But daughters marry. Now that a worthy match presents itself, I ask you: what do you think of Prince Xiang Yongji?"

"I… I leave it entirely to Your Majesty's decision."

"I hold this position and must oversee royal marriages, but since this is a family matter, and this is a family banquet, let us first discuss among ourselves," Li Huang said gently. "Once we agree, we can notify the outside world."

"I do not hide my thoughts," Li Huang said. "I feel the northern frontier is remote. Li Youlong is a rare phoenix among the imperial line, bearing true blood—I cannot bear to let her depart from the ancestral line. Therefore, I intend to betroth Canan to him. What do you all think?"

Li Li Youlong lowered her eyelids, her hand stilling on the soup spoon.

At that moment, the next line of palace maids entered, their steps and movements even softer, almost tiptoeing.

The dish was three pale red duck eggs, dyed an unknown hue, their tops neatly sliced open. The shell surfaces bore ancient seal script. Inside, they were filled with orange crab roe and tender bamboo shoots.

"I think the Sixth Princess and Xiang Yongji suit each other better."

The hall fell silent. Li Li Yujin swallowed one duck egg, stared at the remnants inside with his chopsticks, then placed it down satisfied after swallowing: "One is black, one is white. Both are usually quiet, yet these past days, when together, they've had endless conversation."

Li Huang lightly tapped the duck egg with her fingernail and smiled: "Oh? What do they talk about?"

"You're putting me on the spot—should I follow them around and eavesdrop?" Li Li Yujin said. "But the Sixth Princess loves cold places—northern lands would suit her. The Eighth Princess loves splendor—forcing her to leave the capital would be wrong."

He picked up another duck egg with his chopsticks.

"That makes sense," Li Huang murmured, lightly scraping the shell. "But I just remembered—after marriage, they needn't necessarily go far north. Prince Yan's mansion is in the capital. Living there would spare them the pain of bloodline separation."

Li Li Yujin laughed: "That depends on Xiang Yongji's willingness—marry a wife, then return north alone? That would be too miserable."

"You're heartless. He's miserable, but you don't miss your sister? You never know which side you're on," Li Huang teased with a playful glare.

Li Li Bijun sat quietly. She knew not to interrupt when elders spoke. She ate half an egg, finding it too savory, then raised her head toward her mother. The Empress took it with one hand and subtly covered her mouth with the other.

Li Li Youlong kept her head bowed, her fingers still resting on the spoon's handle, expressionless, silent.

She listened to every word spoken, her gaze lowering. Her hand resting on her lap trembled slightly. She channeled her Qi to suppress it.

Will there be another chance? she thought silently.

No.

Only this one.

Whether you agree or not, I will take Li Youlong away.

"Yes," Li Chen said seriously now. "I will miss Sister Nan."

"... You've played together since childhood. Canan must miss you too."

"So I don't want Sister Nan to marry. Let the Sixth Princess go instead."

Li Canan froze, staring at him blankly.

Li Huang frowned and rebuked gently: "You're grown now—don't speak like a child. Li Youlong is your elder sister. Don't say such things."

"Oh." Li Chen rose and bowed apologetically to Li Li Youlong.

Li Huang sighed with a faint smile: "Your greatest strength since childhood has been sincerity—but you're too serious. You never joke."

She paused, her fingernail still tapping the duck egg. "I've considered all your words. But… if I say this, Canan will surely protest—I want her to go not because I favor her, but because she saw Prince Xiang Yongji once before and took a liking to him. As a mother, I wish to see this match fulfilled."

At these words, Seeing Pei Ye paused mid-bite, raising his head to look at Li Canan—sure enough, her face had gone pale.

"I think Sister Nan doesn't like Prince Xiang Yongji," Li Chen spoke slowly and quietly. "She's never been to the north. Sister Nan just cares too much about appearances. Don't go. If you marry him, you'll regret it."

"Ah! Say that, and Eighth Sister will pinch your ears hard," Li Li Yujin laughed. "Even if it's a family banquet, there are many here!"

Li Chen said nothing. Li Canan forced a smile, her eyes fixed on empty space.

Li Huang smiled: "We're family. It's nothing."

"But if Li Youlong marries, there are many complications," she said, her smile fading slightly as she lowered her gaze in thought. "Don't forget—Li Youlong is a true-blood heir. First, true blood cannot leave the capital—that's one barrier."

She raised her eyes, more serious: "Second, going to the northern frontier differs from other places. Beyond lies the Wilderness People. Though we've had peace for years, even from within the palace, I know war could ignite at any moment. True blood is the nation's foundation. Placing it on the frontier risks the state. You are all true-blood heirs—you must think deeply on this."

Li Li Youlong gripped the spoon handle, suddenly tasting a metallic sweetness in her mouth. She unconsciously loosened her jaw.

Yes, Seeing Pei Ye thought. What will Prince Yan do?

He wants true blood. He cannot have it.

Seeing Pei Ye lifted his gaze to the upper seat. Li Zhi sat perfectly still, like air or a tree. Li Li Yujin ate his third duck egg. Li Chen clasped his hands tightly, watching Li Canan anxiously.

Was this the situation Xiang Yongji anticipated? But it still seemed insufficient to move anything. Li Huang had already spoken the words "true blood."

Then he froze, turning his head. The woman beside him spoke softly: "Send Li Youlong to the northern frontier. A true-blood heir is not a sheep chased by wolves—he must appear and make enemies dare not approach. Li Youlong has great talent and unyielding will. Station her in the north. Let her be the pillar against the Wilderness People."

Li Huang's fingers halted. A small crack appeared on the duck egg.

She withdrew her hand, adjusted her sleeve, thought for a moment, then smiled and signaled for the seventh course to be brought in.

"This is 'Cold Toad Stew.' The last two dishes were rich and fishy—let's have something light to cleanse the palate," Li Huang said gently. "Then let us proceed with Li Youlong first. The true blood she bears—I will petition the Emperor and notify the Five Clans. We will deliberate further, seek solutions. If a way is found, all will be well. If Li Youlong's case proves impossible, we need not delay the alliance—Canan will marry instead."