Chapter 142: Banquet at the Crown Prince Residence

Zhao Hao, having received his sister's promise, happily set out, and Zhao Yan also returned to her own residence.

Neither of them noticed that their actions had already been watched by someone.

Soon, a servant delivered a letter; when Zhao Yan saw the envelope she instantly knew who sent it, and an ambiguous smile rose on her face. Opening it, she read a single line: "Tonight at 7:45 PM, Chunfeng Inn, don't be late."

A rosy flush appeared on Zhao Yan's face; she bit her lower lip and softly said, "Brother Xuan, you're so wicked!"

After speaking, she rose to bathe and change clothes, applying an exquisite makeup…

A figure, as if entering an empty realm, arrived at Ting Yu Xuan and delivered a piece of information to Han Xing, who then relayed it to Ye Qingran.

"Oh? Didn't expect Dongfang Xuan and Zhao Yan to have slept together, and even become addicted to it?" Ye Qingran raised an eyebrow, finding it rather surprising.

She had only arranged for someone to gather evidence of Zhao Hao's wanton killing of people, yet unexpectedly uncovered Zhao Yan's secret.

"You all think, if Ye Sisi learned of this, would it be truly spectacular?"

A plan suddenly formed in Ye Qingran's mind.

Han Xing and Leng Yue exchanged a smile.

Considering Ye Sisi's adoration of Dongfang Xuan, if she discovered Zhao Yan's covert liaison with him, she would likely, in a fury, kill Zhao Yan to vent her anger, wouldn't she?

……

National Master's Residence

"Your Majesty, Empress Gu Huanghou issued an Imperial edict arranging Miss Ye to be married to Ministerial Attendant of the Ministry of Rites Zhou Hai."

Fu San reported the information he had gathered, speaking while watching Your Majesty's facial expression.

However, to his disappointment, he saw no change in Your Majesty's expression.

After waiting a long time without any reaction from Your Majesty, Fu San even wondered whether he hadn't heard.

"Your Majesty, why do you have no reaction at all?"

The National Master glanced at him and, dismissively, said, "Do you think Empress Gu Huanghou's Imperial edict would be effective for Ye Qingran?"

The National Master knew full well that this woman was not as simple as she appeared. Aside from other matters, the fact that she single‑handedly slew two members of the Xuan Sect in Jiu Fu Lin that night said a lot.

Nevertheless, he had no intention of investigating further. After all, he liked this woman and felt he ought to give her at least some respect.

"But, Your Majesty, however capable Miss Ye may be, she is merely the Prime Minister's daughter of Donglin Country; even with General Dingyuan as a shield, in the end…"

Fu Hanxiu lifted the corner of his mouth, smiled confidently, his whole demeanor radiant and unparalleled, a peerless elegance.

"Rest assured, I will never let my woman suffer any grievance!"

Fu San opened his mouth, thinking Your Majesty was so overbearing. Yet, does Miss Ye know that he calls her that behind her back?

"Then what do you intend to do?"

The National Master gave a mysterious smile, without directly answering Fu San's question.

"Empress Gu Huanghou's Imperial edict arrived just in time. This is undoubtedly a Hongmen banquet. When the moment comes, I will appear at the banquet, play the hero who rescues the beauty; do you think that woman Ye Qingran would be moved by me?"

Fu San was dumbfounded.

"Your Majesty, you are so scheming!"

Then Fu Hanxiu's glance instantly suppressed his exaggerated expression.

"Hehe, Your Majesty, I think it's possible! When the time comes, Miss Ye will see you appear, like a deity descending, and will surely be deeply moved; perhaps she might even offer herself in marriage!"

Offer herself in marriage?

The National Master considered this stirring phrase; although he was eager, he was certain that the cold‑hearted woman could never do such a thing!

……

The Empress held a banquet at the Crown Prince Residence, especially grand, inviting only the prominent and well‑connected figures of the noble families of Xiliang City.

With the splendid lanterns just lit, the already majestic Crown Prince Residence became even more lavish.

Within the vast Banquet Hall, tables laden with fine wine and delicacies looked mouth‑watering.

The continuous sounds of strings and wind instruments filled the air, while graceful beauties danced lightly in the ballroom.

At the beginning of the You hour, guests arriving for the banquet began to appear one after another; at the exact hour of You, silhouettes drifted in the garden outside the Banquet Hall, and most of the attendees had arrived.

Today's invited guests were mostly young people of noble standing from Xiliang City; only the Ye family and Zhou Hai's family were present in full. The purpose of this banquet seemed already quite evident.

Everyone was clever and understood without words.

As the main figure of tonight's banquet, Ye Qingran's arrival drew great attention. So much so that when she appeared at the Crown Prince Residence, it caused a stir.

Tonight, Ye Qingran still wore a simple outfit: a plain white dress, unadorned, except for two ribbons hanging at her waist that swayed gently with each step.

Her black hair was tied into a simple bun, secured with a single jade hairpin.

Her stunning beauty, unpainted, with a bare face turned upward, was still breathtakingly gorgeous.

She entered the crowd with two maidservants; amidst the banquet awash with silk garments and jeweled splendor, she seemed like a clear stream, standing apart, creating her own world.

……

Many have seen Ye Qingran in person, but there are also many here who have yet to lay eyes on the Ye Residence miss, famed as the "First Beauty of Xiliang City".

For a moment, they were dazed.

Ye Huanhuan, seeing this, felt a surge of jealousy. However, she bit her silver teeth, forced the jealousy down, stepped forward a few paces and gently said, "Sister, you have arrived. Empress has said that today's banquet is specially held for you and Lord Zhou. Sister, truly congratulations!"

Ye Huanhuan stood before Ye Qingran, a gentle smile on her face; after speaking, her eyes reddened, on the verge of tears, presenting to onlookers a picture of deep sisterly affection.

Everyone understood the purpose of tonight's banquet, yet when they thought of Ye Qingran's intended husband being Zhou Hai, many wore knowing smiles.

"Ye Qingran, your fiancé is Lord Zhou! It is said that Lord Zhou is exceptionally heroic, powerful, dotes on his wife as if her life were his own; in the future…"

A voice, half‑smile, half‑sneer, rang out; the crowd couldn't help but stifle laughter, and many burst out with a "pfft" laugh.

"Who is this person? Speaking nonsense with eyes open?"

Who among those present doesn't know the character of Ministerial Attendant of the Ministry of Rites Zhou Hai? His appearance and figure need no description—short and ugly; his talent is average, even poor; in his thirties he's still a mysterious master; as for doting on his wife as if her life were his, that's sheer nonsense. Over the years Zhou Hai has remarried many times; his primary wives have died one after another, while the concubines in the rear courtyard are each more beautiful than a flower.

How could such a man merit the praise of "exceptionally heroic, highly powerful, and cherishes his wife as his life"?

The onlookers turned toward the voice and saw that the speaker was Mu Qingrou, the eldest Miss of the Mu family, steward of Wuji Hall in Donglin Country, and they instantly understood.

Mu Qingrou and Ye Qingran have had a grudge for a long time; it's not just a matter of a day or two, and the whole Xiliang city knows.

Mu Qingrou wore a veil, and her eyes were filled with a malicious smile.

"Also, at least someone is arranging a marriage for me; like Mu Miss, every time she goes out she still has to wear a veil to hide her ugliness, I'm afraid she wouldn't be able to get married even if she wanted to."

Ye Qingran said lightly.

As soon as she said that, everyone's attention turned to Mu Qingrou.