Chapter Eighteen: Xiao Ze'an's Birthday Banquet

He felt like an outsider, clinging to a self-righteous devotion only to be slapped awake by the harsh reality, leaving his heart scarred and riddled with suffocating, gut-wrenching pain.

Mo Youli let out a bitter laugh and tilted his head back, draining the wine in his hand.

"I see the Princess has recovered well. I shall return to the Great Qi in two days. Having overstayed my welcome in Yanchi for more than half a month, there are matters in the imperial court that require my attention, so I shall not linger."

Mo Youli had finally decided to leave; partly because he had indeed remained in Yanchi for too long, and partly because there were affairs in his court that truly demanded his presence.

Most importantly, he realized there was no longer any reason for him to stay, was there?

"You are leaving? Remember to tell me when you depart; I will certainly come to see you off."

Luo Ningsang secretly wished Mo Youli would stay a while longer; she was truly happy when he was by her side.

However, she knew that Mo Youli was, after all, the Emperor of a nation. There were far too many state affairs awaiting him. She was capable of discerning the weight of national duties versus the indulgence of their time together.

"Very well."

He swallowed the word "well" with bitterness, his final hope being that she would come to see him off.

Luo Ningsang remembered that in two days, it would be Xiao Ze'an's birthday. In her past life, she had exhausted every effort to decorate the Juxian Pavilion herself and had even begged the Emperor, her father, for the largest night-pearl as a birthday gift, simply because she remembered Xiao Ze'an once mentioning he liked it.

She had even confessed her feelings to him publicly on his birthday, only to be cruelly rejected and framed by Shen Shuwan. This time, she would ensure Xiao Ze'an had a birthday he would never forget!

Ever since the day Shen Shuwan saw Xiao Ze'an beaten until he could not rise, and heard that the person he had offended was the Emperor of Great Qi, she had remained sequestered in the Prime Minister's residence, not daring to step out for fear of being implicated.

Xiao Ze'an’s biological mother had returned and informed the Grand Tutor that the Princess had accepted a bracelet and requested Mo Youli’s forgiveness, which finally earned the Grand Tutor a slightly better disposition.

With the birthday approaching, the Grand Tutor had even hired someone to provide special care, ensuring that at least by the day of the celebration, Xiao Ze'an would be able to walk normally.

Two days passed quickly. Early in the morning, Luo Ningsang set out for Juxian Pavilion, unable to suppress a smile as she thought about what she had planned for the day.

As Yanchi existed under the protection of Great Qi, the old Emperor had prepared a farewell banquet for the departing Emperor.

The civil and military officials took their seats after the morning court session, and the Crown Prince was also arranged to attend.

Mo Youli, dressed in a crimson silk robe with intricate embroidery, stepped into the banquet hall. The jade pendant at his waist was lustrous, yet it could not mask the imperial aura he exuded. He sat high in the seat of honor, his expression steady, his eyes scanning the crowd for a specific silhouette.

Seeing that the playful figure was nowhere to be found, he paused for a moment before a trace of doting amusement flickered across his lips. That little slacker was likely still sleeping in; especially since she had fallen ill, she would refuse to wake up until the sun was high in the sky.

On the tables, delicacies abounded: roasted suckling pig, glistening and golden with crispy skin and tender meat; steamed sea bass resting on blue-and-white porcelain plates, emitting a fragrant aroma; and trays of exquisite pastries shaped like lifelike flower petals, dusted with sugar that melted instantly, leaving a lingering sweetness.

Musicians played, the sounds of strings and woodwinds weaving through the air. The zither’s notes were as clear as mountain springs, the pipa’s rapid chords like rain on banana leaves, and the flute and xiao harmonies drifted through the carved beams.

Dancers fluttered about like butterflies, their long sleeves trailing as they spun. Their waists were as supple as willow branches, their toes tapping lightly, their swirling skirts blooming like flowers. Their eyes were filled with affection, performing a dance of lingering farewell that added a touch of tender melancholy to the occasion.

The banquet was a blur of raised glasses and polite flattery.

The Prime Minister approached Mo Youli first, offering a string of compliments before raising his glass to toast the Emperor.

Mo Youli merely nodded, not even reaching for his cup, his demeanor showing complete lack of interest. Embarrassed, the Prime Minister downed his drink and retreated.

Seeing the Prime Minister rebuffed, the Grand Tutor’s heart sank even further. Summoning his courage, he approached Mo Youli with a forced smile.

"Your Majesty, my son offended you previously due to a misunderstanding. I offer this toast as an apology. I shall drain this cup; I hope Your Majesty will not hold a grudge."

The Grand Tutor tipped his head back and finished the wine, preparing to retreat, when he heard Mo Youli’s low, mesmerizing voice.

"You are Xiao Ze'an’s father?"

Mo Youli leaned forward, his eyes scanning the Grand Tutor from head to toe.

The Grand Tutor’s face turned from white to green, his legs trembling slightly.

Under Mo Youli’s gaze, he stammered, "Yes, Your Majesty. I am Xiao Ze'an’s father. However, he is only my son by a concubine, and I... I..."

The Grand Tutor wanted to distance himself from that rebellious son, but with all the officials watching, and hoping Xiao Ze'an might one day gain power and revitalize the Tutor’s residence, he could not bring himself to finish the thought.

"The Grand Tutor’s toast lacks sincerity. One cup is not enough."

Mo Youli pointed a finger toward a dozen jars of wine stacked in the farthest corner of the hall.

"Yes, yes, as Your Majesty says."

The Grand Tutor walked toward the wine indicated, opened a jar, and began to drink.

Luo Shaochen, meanwhile, moved toward Mo Youli like a tortoise.

Holding a cup of wine, his face twisted into a miserable expression. If not for his father, the Emperor, forcing him to offer a toast, he would have been perfectly content eating, drinking, and watching the beautiful dancers.

"Your Majesty... I... I... offer you a cup."

Luo Shaochen stammered, at a complete loss for words.

He knew he should be delivering a practiced speech like the other ministers, speaking with ease. Even if the Emperor ignored him, it would at least demonstrate his social grace to the others.

Luo Shaochen was frustrated; his treacherous mouth had failed him at the most critical moment. He could not remember a single word his father had taught him; his mind was a blank slate.

Some of the officials below began to snicker; it was not a new development that the Crown Prince was a good-for-nothing.

Seeing their mockery, Luo Shaochen became even more flustered. With a flushed face, he looked back at his father, unsure whether to stay rooted to the spot or flee back to his seat.

Suddenly, Mo Youli stood up. His long, slender fingers gripped a glass cup, and he walked slowly down from the seat of honor.

*Clink.* The crisp sound of their glasses colliding made Luo Shaochen stare at his cup in astonishment.

Mo Youli’s demeanor caused the whispering ministers to fall silent, each wondering how this useless Crown Prince had managed to catch the eye of the god-like Emperor of Qi.

Mo Youli drank his wine with grace and returned to his seat. His face was now filled with a smile, a stark contrast to his earlier coldness.

Luo Shaochen quickly downed his wine, his flustered heart calming down, his favor toward Mo Youli hitting an all-time high.

Every word Luo Ningsang had ever spoken, every action she had ever taken, Mo Youli kept in his heart.

He remembered how she once snuck him in to listen to the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and how she had pulled him along to rescue the Prince when he was being scolded. He knew that although the Prince was foolish, his kindness toward the Princess was genuine.

Though the siblings often bickered, it was clear that their bond was deep.

In Yanchi, the two were jokingly referred to as the "Crouching Dragon and Phoenix Chick," leaving one to wonder how the Emperor of Yanchi could possibly have been blessed with such a pair of treasures.

In the depths of Luo Shaochen's heart, he had already decided that this man would be his brother-in-law. He would drag his sister to Mo Youli himself if he had to; how could someone like Xiao Ze'an ever compare to such status and poise?

"Could the Crown Prince do me a favor?"

Mo Youli crooked a finger, and Luo Shaochen trotted over eagerly.

"I wonder if the Princess has woken up yet? If she has, could you please bring her here?"

Mo Youli could not leave the banquet himself, so he used Luo Shaochen as a runner to give himself an excuse. He could see that the Prince was just as eager to leave the banquet as he was.

Luo Shaochen nodded repeatedly and bolted out of the banquet hall. He did not want to stay for another second; escaping for a breath of fresh air was a true blessing.

By noon, the Emperor, bowing with great deference, personally held a wine decanter and approached Mo Youli with trembling hands to fill his cup.

"Your Majesty, may your journey home be smooth, and may your blessings be boundless. Please accept this humble gift from our nation; I hope it may bring a smile to your face as a token of our admiration."

With a wave of his hand, attendants filed in, carrying chests of treasures.

Mo Youli rose, his robes fluttering, and the hall fell silent.

"On this visit, I have seen the sincerity of your nation. I hope you will continue to act with propriety and share in the peace."

Mo Youli waved his hand again.

"These will do. I have already received the most precious treasure of your land."

As he spoke, Mo Youli gently stroked the jade pendant at his waist—a gift from Luo Ningsang. Despite the twists and turns, it had been prepared for him.

For Mo Youli, who possessed the world’s greatest treasures, the quality of this jade was at best, merely decent. He could have chosen any piece of stone far superior to this one, yet only this pendant was worthy of hanging at his waist.

At the city gates, the sun was faint, and the cold wind bit. The officials of Yanchi, dressed in their court robes, stood in neat rows along the road, their silk garments fluttering in the breeze.

The Great Qi procession remained at the gate, and Mo Youli sat within his carriage, his expression dark.

"Master, how much longer must we wait?"

Mo Yi leaped from his horse and knelt before the carriage to inquire.

The officials of Yanchi had come to see them off, but the Emperor had ordered the procession to stop at the city gate, and they had been waiting for half an hour.

The weather was bitter, and while the officials dared not complain, and the old Emperor of Yanchi stood by waiting, they could not keep everyone standing there indefinitely.

"Wait a little longer..."

Luo Ningsang had said she would come to see him off. She had promised...!

Meanwhile, at Juxian Pavilion, the venue was vibrant with color to celebrate Xiao Ze'an’s birthday. Under the carved beams, red silk danced, and lanterns swayed, creating a dreamlike scene.

Maids moved back and forth with delicacies, the rich aroma filling the courtyard. Elegant music drifted through the air as guests—friends invited by Xiao Ze'an—entered the lively venue with invitations in hand, laughing and chatting.

Xiao Ze'an was dressed in a moon-white silk robe, his dark hair tied with a mutton-fat jade crown. He stood tall and handsome, a faint smile playing on his lips; one would never guess that just days ago, he had been beaten to the point of immobility.

Shen Shuwan entered the hall with a graceful gait, wearing a water-blue gown embroidered with delicate silver lotuses. Her hair was loosely pinned with pearl ornaments, her eyebrows arched like distant mountains, and her eyes filled with autumn water. She clung to Xiao Ze'an immediately.

"Brother Ze'an, how are you recovering? I have wanted to visit you these past few days, but I have been ill after falling into the water, and I feared passing my sickness to you, so I stayed away. I only recovered yesterday. Seeing you looking as handsome as ever today, I can finally set my heart at ease."

Shen Shuwan, seeing that the situation had cleared and Mo Youli had not punished the Tutor’s residence, knew Xiao Ze'an remained in favor. She had dressed up to appear today, and with her honeyed words, Xiao Ze'an’s lingering resentment vanished.

"I am fine now. You must take better care of yourself, Shuwan."

Xiao Ze'an looked at her with greedy eyes; he had not seen her in days, and she seemed even more radiant than before.

Luo Ningsang, who had just entered the banquet hall, immediately drew Xiao Ze'an’s gaze.

Luo Ningsang was dressed in a striking red gown that made it impossible to look away. The skirt was fully embroidered with peonies in gold thread, blooming with opulence. As she walked, the flowers seemed to sway and release a faint, hidden fragrance.

Her dark hair was loosely pinned with a gold ornament, the red gemstone pendants swaying and catching the light. It matched the red gemstone earrings she wore, making her skin appear as fair as frost and snow. Her lips were naturally red, and her eyes held a hidden, noble air. She was a vision of elegance.

She scanned the room, her gaze passing over Xiao Ze'an with only a faint, indifferent smile. She found a seat and waited for the show to begin.

Shen Shuwan watched Luo Ningsang, her heart burning with jealousy. Why did Luo Ningsang look so beautiful today? Not only was her dress far more luxurious, but her entire aura had become unattainable.

She had spent much effort on her own appearance today, never expecting to be overshadowed by this wretch, Luo Ningsang. It seemed Luo Ningsang truly intended to confess to Xiao Ze'an today.

*Hmph!* With her, Shen Shuwan, present, Luo Ningsang’s efforts would be in vain! She would make sure Luo Ningsang humiliated herself today!

Shen Shuwan signaled to her maid, who understood and slipped out of the crowd.

Moments later, Yu Xiaoxiao rushed into the hall, crying out, "Oh no! My jade bracelet is gone! That was a family heirloom left to me by my grandfather. It was just here; someone must have stolen it in the chaos!"

Everyone’s attention was drawn to the scene. Shen Shuwan feigned concern, saying, "Xiaoxiao, have you searched carefully? I know how much that bracelet means to you. How terrible that it should be lost at Brother Ze'an’s birthday banquet."

"Sister Shuwan, I have searched everywhere, but it is gone. I wonder if someone took it."

Yu Xiaoxiao’s gaze swept intentionally toward Luo Ningsang. "Luo Ningsang, I saw you walking in this area just now. Did you see anything?"

At these words, several other noblewomen chimed in, their eyes filled with suspicion and malice.

"I saw Luo Ningsang bump into Miss Yu when she arrived. Miss Yu almost fell."

"I think she did it on purpose to steal the bracelet."

Luo Ningsang raised her eyes, her expression calm and unyielding. "Miss Yu, I have not seen any bracelet. Furthermore, with so many guests here, why would you suspect me without cause?"

Seeing her composure, Yu Xiaoxiao thought she was merely putting on an act and raised her voice, "Hmph! You have always been at odds with me. Who knows if you wanted to steal my bracelet to trade for silver? You are just a maid; we all know what kind of clothes you usually wear. Today, you are dressed in fine silks and satins, wearing expensive jewelry. Isn't that proof you have sticky fingers?"

*SLAP!*

A resounding slap landed on Yu Xiaoxiao’s face.