Chapter 496

He lifted his chin to indicate the direction of Cao Cixiu and asked Pei Qi: "Second Prince, do you know that gentleman?"

Pei Qi followed the direction the witch doctor pointed, saw Cao Cixiu, shook his head: "I haven't seen him before. What's up?"

"It's nothing, just curious which young master has such an extraordinary bearing."

"Probably a folk marvel invited by Father Emperor for the banquet?" Pei Qi didn't pay much mind.

Today's main character is the Yingxu Kingdom emperor who gives Father Emperor a headache; everyone else doesn't need special attention.

The witch doctor nodded, then laughed and had Pei Qi lead the way.

The emperor summoned the witch doctor not for anything else, just to have him divine the stars in advance and check today's fortune, merely making some preparations beforehand; of course, he also needed him to perform on the spot.

The emperor never fully trusted the witch doctor; he simply couldn't compare to Yang Jianyu, but he was the most formidable person the emperor could find in the Great Zhou nowadays.

Unless Yingxu Kingdom could find someone even more formidable.

"The Yingxu Kingdom emperor has always been cunning; this sudden visit might harbor ill intentions, beloved minister, you must help ease my worries." The emperor placed his hand on the witch doctor's shoulder.

This is both trust and pressure.

The witch doctor said respectfully: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will handle everything."

Yingxu Kingdom basically has no formidable sorcerers; even the Ninth Prince doesn't count, as long as no one appears out of thin air, he believes he can cope.

Moreover, he is not alone.

Master!

The witch doctor emerged from the emperor's tent, and right in front of him was Gu Yutian's big smile.

My little ancestor, don't shout so loudly, or your parents will find out and it won't be good.

They already know I'm following you to learn things!" Gu Yutian said dismissively.

That's different; only the Qilin Prince understands your master?" The witch doctor didn't know how many times he had corrected Gu Yutian.

Gu Yutian waved his hand: "That's my master!"

It's just a matter of title.

Never mind those trifles; Master, you're usually not picky, why are you being so obstinate about this?" Gu Yutian completely didn't understand.

Witch doctor: "Of course, if a girl carries a gloomy, yin aura, it's not good for marriage."

How can you be like those pedantic people, Master?" Gu Yutian pouted unhappily.

I'm considering the little devil from your standpoint.

If you like me, you should like all of me; what's this yin or not yin, it's a sense of mystery!" Gu Yutian said, "I just want to have that same sense of mystery as you, Master."

The witch doctor felt pleased hearing that: "You little girl, truly, it's not in vain that I dote on you."

Gu Yutian hehe laughed.

Stay sharp when the banquet starts later." The witch doctor reminded Gu Yutian.

Gu Yutian nodded firmly: "Master, rest assured, I will definitely cooperate well with you, no matter what Yingxu Kingdom or Ying Shi Kingdom; if they cause trouble, I'll make them look bad!"

The witch doctor was very pleased; this little disciple of his is quite talented, to have gained such a clever and quick-witted disciple, he felt gratified.

Master, master, the Yingxu Kingdom people seem to have arrived; is that man in eunuch robes following beside the one in dragon robes the Ninth Prince?

Gu Yutian, who had never seen the Ninth Prince, asked the witch doctor.

It's him.

He looks no different from over a decade ago; according to Pei Di's account, this person has been like that since Pei Di was very young, as if he doesn't age.

Although the people around him, like the princess and her consort, don't show their age either, there's still a big difference between them and the Ninth Prince, who basically hasn't changed.

Gu Yutian: "He doesn't look like a good person at first glance."

The Crown Prince used to say that too." The witch doctor said.

Before?" Gu Yutian asked curiously.

Before, but later whenever the Ninth Prince was mentioned, the Crown Prince never said that again.

I hope he doesn't cause trouble.

She hadn't forgotten Fei Yi's letter, which claimed her mother's Red Phoenix Star movement was real; she thought it wasn't really the Red Phoenix Star movement, but someone trying to play tricks!

The banquet was about to start, and everyone took their seats one after another.

Mu Yuanzhi's family sat in the very front, even ahead of several princes; the old Pei clan sat far in the back, the Yingxu Kingdom envoys, their emperor naturally took the premier seats, and the Ninth Prince sat beside him.

These two were just as they had been over a decade ago: a ruler and minister in appearance only, united in looks but each harboring separate thoughts.

After exchanging pleasantries and a toast, the banquet began, with music and dance; everyone immersed in the festivities, laughter and chatter ongoing.

The Yingxu Kingdom emperor made hardly any moves, yet every gesture drew many eyes.

He seemed to enjoy this feeling, his smile never fading.

During the feast, he left his seat, and everyone's gaze fell on him again.

Cao Cixiu also left his seat, following a hint from Pei Si's gaze.

Since Cao Cixiu was following, the others weren't in a hurry.

Not long after, the Ninth Prince also left his seat, and upon seeing that, Pei Di rose as well.

Mu Yuanzhi furrowed her brows.

Why is Xiao Di still unable to stay calm?

Don't worry, nothing will happen; we're all in Shanglin Park, what could go wrong?" Gu Rongjin patted the back of Mu Yuanzhi's hand.

Mu Yuanzhi nodded.

The Ninth Prince isn't a bad person, though he's not exactly good either.

But he probably wouldn't be unfavorable to Xiao Di.

Pei Di stepped out behind him, but didn't see the Ninth Prince; he stood there deflated, brows furrowed tightly.

After all these years, has his martial skill made no progress at all?!

Young Mistress is looking for me?

Pei Di suddenly turned around.

Yao Gonggong…

"Long time no see, you've turned back into Yao Gonggong again?" Ninth Thousand Years laughed, "This form of address really brings back memories; no one has called me that in a long time."

"What position has Yao Gonggong been appointed to now?" Pei Di asked.

"I am the Ninth Thousand Years; I've really been ennobled to the point where there's nothing left to ennoble." Ninth Thousand Years said.

"You made yourself Ninth Thousand Years, right? Meaning your emperor hasn't promoted your position."

Even if you truly have nothing left to ennoble, piling on more titles is still possible—this clearly shows you're being guarded against.

"Why don't you just come to our Great Zhou, Yao Gonggong? Our palace can appoint you as Deputy Chief Eunuch."

"Hahahaha! Young Mistress, you're still... adorable."

……

If an ordinary person spoke to me like that, they'd surely be executed.

I wouldn't speak to an ordinary person like that either.

Ninth Thousand Years laughed again, "Young Mistress has grown up a lot; I am truly gratified."

You talk as if you were my father.

I'm old enough to be Young Mistress's great-grandfather.

Pei Di didn't refute, but instead seriously pondered Ninth Thousand Years's words.

Just joking, Young Mistress wouldn't take it seriously, would you?

…… Pei Di remained silent for a moment, then got straight to the point: "What do you intend to do by coming this time?"