Chapter 238

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Hearing the Emperor's words, the Empress's face bloomed with a faint smile, and she nodded lightly in agreement: "I think so as well. Everyone who has come this time has traveled from afar; if we are too formal in our attire, I fear it will make them feel restrained and uncomfortable." As she spoke, she raised her head to look at the Emperor, her eyes full of tenderness and understanding.

The Emperor nodded approvingly and said emotionally: "Indeed, the Empress understands my heart best!" Just then, a light footstep sounded at the door; it turned out to be the little eunuch sent to deliver the message returning.

He quickly walked into the hall, bowed and saluted, then reported: "Reporting to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress, this servant has delivered the news to the Eighth Princess's place; they will arrive immediately."

Hearing this news, the Emperor and Empress exchanged a glance, then immediately sat up straight, adopting a solemn and imposing posture.

Meanwhile, when the little eunuch went to notify them, the few waiting guests were already so hungry their stomachs were growling. Seeing this, Shangguan Xingyu smiled and said to everyone: "Since that is the case, let us move to Yangxin Hall."

Hearing this, An Wangfei immediately stood up, her movements elegant and generous. She smiled at the others, gesturing that they could set out.

At this moment, the lively and cute Qianqian, like a cheerful little bird, hopped and skipped to Shangguan Xingyu's side, affectionately linked arms with her, and said coquettishly: "Let's go, let's go, I can't wait to see the Emperor and Empress!"

Shangguan Xingyu was amused by Qianqian's innocence, gently touched her hair, and then took her along toward Yangxin Hall.

An Wang and Yan Si followed behind unhurriedly, the two conversing in low voices and occasionally letting out light laughter. The group set off toward Yangxin Hall in a grand procession, with laughter and conversation along the way.

The group wore splendid attire and set off toward Yangxin Hall in a grand procession. Their steps were light, their expressions solemn, as if they bore an important mission.

Just as this group reached the entrance of Yangxin Hall, the sharp-eyed, quick-tongued eunuch at the door raised his voice and shouted loudly: "The Eighth Princess, the Sixth Prince, An Wang, An Wangfei, arrive!"

This voice exploded like thunderclap within the palace hall, instantly attracting everyone's attention. Shangguan Peilin and the Empress, who were conversing in the hall, upon hearing it hurriedly straightened their backs, sat up straight, and wore solemn and dignified expressions.

At this time, the two beauties Shangguan Xingyu and Qianqian, like two lively butterflies, took the lead in walking into the hall with elegant steps. Shangguan Xingyu slightly bent her knees, parted her vermilion lips, and said: "I pay my respects to Father Huangdi and Mother Fei."

Qianqian beside her, seeing this, imitated Shangguan Xingyu's movements and words somewhat awkwardly: "I pay my respects to the Emperor and Empress." Her charming and cute appearance made people unable to help but laugh.

Next, An Wang and An Wangfei slowly entered the hall. The two bowed respectfully and said in unison: "I pay my respects to Dongying Huangdi and Empress." An Wang stood tall and imposing; An Wangfei was gentle and quiet, with graceful manners.

The last to enter were Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyan; they likewise bowed respectfully, then stood quietly waiting for instructions.

At this time, Shangguan Peilin hurriedly stood up, smiling and waving his hand: "Do not be restrained; today is a family banquet, everyone please relax." Having said this, he gestured for everyone to take their seats.

Shangguan Peilin and the Empress sat steadily on the main seats first, and the others took their seats in turn. After everyone was seated, An Wang first broke the silence, cupping his hands in thanks: "Thank you for Dongying Huangdi's generous hospitality; we are all deeply honored."

Shangguan Peilin laughed heartily and responded: "Where, where; you have traveled a long way and truly worked hard. Come, try our Dongying specialty dishes and see if they suit your taste?"

As he spoke, he raised his hand to signal the palace maids to begin serving dishes. After An Wang picked up a bite with chopsticks, put it in his mouth, and chewed carefully, he said with satisfaction: "Mm, this flavor is excellent, truly wonderful!" Qianqian beside him curiously stared at the dazzling array of dishes on the table, secretly comparing them with the dishes from Dachang.

Although they differed little, after all it was palace food; whether in plating or cooking technique, it seemed more exquisite and delicious.

Qianqian was not one to be affected; seeing everyone had started eating, she also unceremoniously opened her mouth wide and began eating wolfishly with "ow ow ow ow" sounds. Though not as elegant as an ordinary young lady, it exuded a sense of frankness and cuteness.

The Empress cast her gaze toward Qianqian eating happily, her eyes full of affection, and smiled as she asked: "An Wangfei, is this young lady Yan Si's younger sister?" An Wangfei nodded slightly and replied: "Replying to Your Majesty the Empress, that is correct. She is my fifth daughter, named Qianqian."

Qianqian, who was eating with her head down, suddenly heard herself become the focus of everyone's discussion; she hurriedly stopped her hand, quickly swallowed the food in her mouth, and obediently replied: "Thank you for Empress Auntie's generous hospitality; the food in this Imperial Gongdian is much more fragrant than what we make at home!" After speaking, she did not forget to lick her lips, looking as if she was still wanting more.

The Empress was amused by Qianqian's innocent words and laughed heartily, liking this little girl more and more; she could not help but speak to invite her to stay: "Since Qianqian likes the food in the palace so much, why not stay in the palace for a few more days? To keep this palace company, to keep Yu'er company."

Hearing this, Qianqian's eyes lit up; she nodded excitedly like pounding garlic and said cheerfully: "Empress Auntie, you are truly kind! Then I will not stand on ceremony; I will stay here for a while, and when Eldest Sister Xingyu gets married, we will return home together."

Hearing this, the Empress's smile became even more brilliant, and she repeatedly agreed: "Haha, that is wonderful! With you accompanying Yu'er, she surely will not feel bored during this period." For a time, the palace hall was filled with laughter and conversation, the atmosphere extremely harmonious.

Just then, An Wang, who had been waiting for the right moment, seized an opportunity and hurriedly said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this King came this time specifically for the marriage of my son and the Eighth Princess. Now, the betrothal gifts have been sent to the Eighth Princess's palace and placed properly."

After lunch, the detailed gift list will be presented to Your Majesty for review. If Your Majesty feels the betrothal gifts are insufficient, we will naturally do our best to add to them."

Hearing An Wang's sincere words, Shangguan Peilin smiled slightly and responded: "An Wang, do not rush; the matter of the betrothal gifts can be discussed later. After the meal, we can look at them."

As for the quantity of the betrothal gifts, that is not the key; as long as Yu'er herself is willing, and that Yan Si is truly an outstanding and extraordinary child, I and the Empress both like him very much. Therefore, the subsequent marriage procedures can proceed step by step; on my side, I will certainly fully support and cooperate."