Chapter 93: The Rebellious Daily Life of the Demon Lord Princess Chapter 93: Presenting Gifts

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

An Ning watched her youngest daughter before her eyes, who had become noticeably livelier and more cheerful since entering the Shangshufang to study. In her heart she felt a touch of helplessness, but even more joy and comfort. After some thought, An Ning ultimately could not refuse her precious daughter's request and nodded in agreement to bring her along to the banquet.

Thus, this group walked with light steps before An Wangfei, and exchanged warm and friendly greetings once more.

The few of them sat together, chatting and laughing, occasionally casting their eyes toward the foreign envoys not far away who gathered in pairs or in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing merrily.

Just then, suddenly, an unusually sharp and piercing cry rang out: "The Emperor arrives! The Empress arrives! An Wang arrives!" Accompanied by this shout, everyone's eyes turned in unison toward the entrance.

Immediately afterward, people saw the Emperor wearing a bright yellow Dragon Robe and the Empress wearing a bright yellow Phoenix Robe adorned with large red embroidery walking side by side, stepping into the hall together with graceful bearing.

Following closely behind them was An Wang dressed in black luxurious robes; his stern face combined with his steady steps made him appear even more majestic and solemn.

Seeing the Emperor, Empress, and An Wang appear, everyone present dared not be slow; they all quickly rose from their seats, then knelt in unison to perform the kneeling salute, shouting in unison: "Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Empress, long live the Empress, long live An Wang, long live An Wang!"

In an instant, the entire spacious and magnificent hall was filled with everyone's enthusiastic and respectful shouts, echoing to the clouds and lingering for a long time.

However, in sharp contrast to the court officials of this country kneeling one after another to salute, the envoys from other countries merely performed a salute according to their own countries' traditional etiquette; they stood upright, their expressions solemn yet not lacking in composure and calm.

At the same time, the Emperor walked with the gait of a dragon and the stride of a tiger, his bearing lofty and majestic, accompanied by the beauties of the harem as they walked together toward his supremely noble seat.

An Wang following closely behind also walked with steady steps toward his own seat; it was seen that his position was precisely at the Emperor's lower right. The reason for such an arrangement was, first, because of the official rank and title possessed by him as a prince;

second, it was considered that this position could both highlight An Wang's exalted status and facilitate close protection of the Emperor's safety—truly killing two birds with one stone.

After the Emperor was seated safely, he slightly raised his hand and said: "My beloved ministers, rise. Today's banquet will begin immediately; everyone, please take your seats!" As soon as the Emperor spoke, everyone present took their seats as instructed.

Immediately afterward, a group of well-trained, dignified palace maids entered in single file, orderly placing one dish after another of delicious food on each table. After all the dishes were arranged properly, a wonderful performance immediately began.

For Qianqian, who had once been fortunate enough to attend such a banquet once, at this moment she no longer felt the initial anticipation and excitement. Nevertheless, the imperial kitchen's superb culinary skills, as if crafted by heaven itself, still allowed her to feast heartily, eating with great relish.

When the wonderful performance came to a perfect conclusion, it was time for everyone to present congratulatory gifts to the Emperor. Eunuch Sun, standing to the side responsible for announcing the gifts, held the gift list and shouted loudly: "An Wang, present a pair of Zijin Liulibei!" Under everyone's gaze, An Wang walked forward steadily with a smile on his face. At the same time, a eunuch carefully held an exquisite red tray and followed closely behind.

After An Wang stood still, he gently extended his hand and lifted the bright red cloth covering the tray. In an instant, a pair of Zijin Liulibei shining with mysterious light appeared before everyone's eyes.

It was seen that this pair of Zijin Liulibei was exquisitely shaped, its material crystal clear and translucent, like the most brilliant stars in the sky. Their unique purple and gold intertwined, forming a dreamy color that intoxicated people.

An Wang respectfully bowed with clasped hands toward the Emperor and said in a low voice: "Imperial Brother, this is Master Chen Mo's masterpiece! You must know, this master's skills are superb and his fame shakes the world, but now he has retired to the mountains and forests and no longer makes any crafts. Therefore, it can be said that this pair of Zijin Liulibei is a peerless treasure! This king specially sent people to search everywhere, and finally managed to obtain them. Today, taking advantage of this auspicious day, I specially present this treasure to Imperial Brother, wishing you good health, long life, and boundless fortune!"

The Emperor heard these words, and his gaze was immediately attracted to the Zijin Liulibei on the tray. He carefully examined this pair of rare treasures, his eyes revealing undisguised affection.

After a moment, the Emperor nodded with a smile on his face and said: "Thank you, Seventh Brother; I accept your kind intention. This pair of Zijin Liulibei truly makes me reluctant to put it down!"

Immediately afterward, the various ministers presented gifts one by one according to their official ranks. The gifts they presented were of all kinds and dazzling, and not one was not a priceless treasure.

Some presented famous calligraphy and paintings, some offered rare jewels, and others presented exotic treasures from foreign lands... Every gift demonstrated the ministers' reverence and respect for the Emperor.

After all the ministers had finished presenting gifts, Eunuch Sun, who had been standing to the side, cleared his throat and loudly announced: "Next, please invite the envoy of Xishang Kingdom to present his congratulatory gift!" The words had not yet fallen when it was seen that Crown Prince Ouyang Qianxun of Xishang Kingdom, wearing a magnificent brocade robe of treasure blue, walked in with graceful bearing.

He wore a crown carved from top-grade white jade, making him appear even more noble and extraordinary in bearing. Standing beside him was the equally beautiful Princess Ouyang Qianyu of Xishang Kingdom.

The brother and sister walked side by side, like figures stepping out of a painting, drawing everyone's attention. And beside him, Ouyang Qianyu wore a bright and eye-catching orange long dress, its skirt swaying in the wind like a blooming flower.

A flawless white jade hairpin was slanted on top of her head; this hairpin cleverly held her beautiful hair in place, making her appear lively, spirited, cute, and charming. However, if one carefully observed her gaze, one would discover a hint of undisguised arrogance hidden within.

At this moment, Ouyang Qianxun gently lifted the red cloth covering the tray; it was seen that two pieces of pure white jade pendants lay quietly on it like sleeping treasures. On one of the jade pendants was carved a mighty jade dragon, its mouth slightly open as if roaring;

the other jade pendant was carefully carved with a magnificent phoenix, its tail spread as if about to soar into the sky. This dragon and phoenix were both lifelike, without the slightest flaw or impurity, as if they would leap out of the jade pendants at any moment.

Ouyang Qianxun and Ouyang Qianyu stood side by side and simultaneously bowed deeply to the Emperor of Dachang, saying in unison: "Congratulations to the Emperor of Dachang, may your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain!" The Emperor of Dachang smiled, his gaze falling on the pair of jade pendants below, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

He nodded slightly and said with praise: "You two are indeed thoughtful; such fine jade, I like it very much." After receiving the Emperor's praise, Ouyang Qianxun and Ouyang Qianyu saluted again to thank him, then turned and returned to their own seats.