Fang Xiang sat in the banquet hall, posture straight as she wore her elegance like a coat. To her right was Guan Chengyi, clad in black, and to his right, perching on a slightly elevated table was the Huo Emperor wearing his lavish dragon robes with two concubines by his side. And across both Fang Xiang and Guan Chengyi, separated by a large s.p.a.ce for the dancers, sitting alone on a pair table, was……The crown prince in his regal purple garment. The male lead, and the future emperor of the Huo Empire: Huo Beilong, 18, royalty and holds the t.i.tle of an imperial crown prince.
Unlike Guan Chengyi, this is the first time for Fang Xiang, as well as the original body, to be invited to a banquet. It was convenient that she had a day to prepare herself by memorizing the etiquettes and the names of the royalties and officials invited, all thanks to the system.
Equipped with sufficient knowledge, Fang Xiang was confident that she will get through the night. Fang Xiang, of course, brought a couple of silver needles, that was hidden in her long sleeves, to test for poison, since she hardly knew any medicine, and also for protection, for she didn"t know who will have a grudge on her or the general for whatever reason.
Following that, Fang Xiang"s dress was of course provided by Guan Chengyi. Her monthly commoner wage can"t even provide her with a lavish dress as the empire didn"t put military as their priority, unlike the Jun Empire. Huo Empire invests more on scholars, as well as their officials. The daily provisions barely keep the soldiers full, and there is a distinct lack of nutrition.
In contrast, Jun Empire invests more on their military and less on their scholars. The Huo Empire only won this time due to Fang Xiang knowing the plot and their moves, not by their skills. Fang Xiang could see the discrepancy between both opposing soldiers during the fight as clear as day.
Jun Empire"s soldiers clearly trained more on skill, strength, and endurance, unlike the Huo Empire"s soldiers. The soldiers from Huo Empire lacked in all aspects. They even lacked in unity as compared to the Jun Empire.
Fang Xiang had wondered how Guan Chengyi won all the wars, except one, when confronted with Ping Shangye four years ago. The Huo Empire lost one of its territories then.
It was a miracle how Guan Chengyi was still able to win Ping Shangye for the previous war in the original story without Fang Xiang"s meddling, which resulted in substantial casualties. It just proved how capable Guan Chengyi actually is.
Fang Xiang remained silent as she surrept.i.tiously dipped a silver needle to her tea, making sure that her snowy-white lengthy sleeves, embellished with golden linings, s.h.i.+elded her actions. After confirming that there is no poison, she delicately sipped on the chrysanthemum tea, her red lips curved faintly in appreciation.
Fang Xiang"s eyes twinkled in delight as she savored the exquisite traditional Chinese delicacies, her hands deftly moving from one dish to another; Although the luxurious feast wasn"t featuring the famed 80 dishes that was renowned back in her futuristic era, the delectable cuisine was enough reason for Fang Xiang to keep eating.
"Do all royal dishes tastes this good?" Fang Xiang started a conversation with her system.
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"Host, it"s the imperial banquet. Of course, it"s good. The royal family had to retain their appearances as a distinguished and omnipotent family. So even if the expenditure for spices were sky high, they still have to add it in."
"It"s so different from the food in the army." Fang Xiang can"t help but compare the very different dishes served. The barracks only serve identical dishes for three meals every day — pork, vegetables, and a bowl of rice. The pork and vegetables were just boiled in water with a dash of salt. It is so tasteless that Fang Xiang can"t help but desperately catch a couple of birds and roasted it on her own, even during her injured state, which delayed the healing progress of her fatal wound.
Fang Xiang was then reprimanded harshly by her brothers and the general. She was grounded in her own tent without being able to take a step outside. Her tent was strictly guarded 24/7. Fang Xiang couldn"t help but lament at the harsh life she was facing.
"Stop being dramatic, Host."
"Just leave me to my imaginations." Fang Xiang pouted at her uncooperative system.
Fang Xiang"s conversation was halted when she heard her name being called.
"System, who"s calling me?" Fang Xiang internally freaked out at her absentminded state. What if it"s the emperor? Will her head roll down her body before she even knew it? Will she be executed for disrespecting the son of heaven? Will he hang her head somewhere inside the city as a show of power and a warning for others? Will he-
"It"s the emperor." The system calmly answered.
Oh no. Fang Xiang just jinxed it.
Fang Xiang could already see it, her bleak future…
"Forgive this subject, Your Imperial Majesty," Fang Xiang started, her captivating voice like bells chiming as a gentle spring breeze softly brush against them. Fang Xiang forced herself to calm down by multiplying numbers in her head. 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512… "This subject was too focused on savoring the delicious delicacies that Your Majesty have prepared for Your Majesty"s subjects today." Fang Xiang slightly inclined her head in apology, her eyelashes trembled as she gazed down guiltily. Her countenance was so pitiful that the emperor dare not punish her. After all, who doesn"t want to appear like a magnanimous person in front of a beauty?
Heads were directed to the elegant white figure sitting on the same pair table as the general. Half of the lady"s hair was tied up into a simple bun with both sides braided. A simple golden hairpin adorned with crystal blue flowers was secured in her hair. Her lips were red, and her cheeks were slightly pink, accentuating her lovely features even more. She wore a simple white tunic with golden linings at the sides. The bottom of her dress and sleeves were embroidered with golden flowers. The embroidery looked so authentic and enchanting that it appears as if golden flowers were blooming around her.
"Zhen forgives you," The emperor cleared his throat as he continued. "Zhen was just thanking you on behalf of the country for your contribution to the war."
Fang Xiang lowered her head in grat.i.tude, then gradually looked up, her limpid eyes crinkled, and her lips slowly turned into a gentle smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."
The emperor"s admiration for the beauty was cut short as one of his concubines coquettishly spoke out, "Miss Fang is undeniably a beauty that could destroy empires."
Fang Xiang perked up at the concubine"s words. "System, is this the infamous ancient time"s hidden-meaning-behind-flowery-words scenario?"
"Indeed."
"I don"t really get the full meaning, but I at least know an insult or two." Fang Xiang mused internally.
"What are you going to respond?"
"Fufu… Just watch, my cute little system."
Fang Xiang curled the edge of her lips, and a smile appeared on her pretty and delicate face. "Thank you for the compliment, Concubine Su." Fang Xiang bashfully hid her face, already imagining the concubine"s enraged face. "You look great for your age as well. That gorgeous hairstyle and accessories sure make you look so much younger, Concubine Su."
The concubine narrowed her eyes dangerously, her fists were clenched tightly as she faced the little girl, feeling extreme hate at the hidden insults aimed at her. She forced out a laugh, which sounded hollow to the audiences" ears, "My beauty couldn"t compare to yours that can topple countries."
Fang Xiang eyes the concubine with mirth, her voice carrying a hint of ridicule. "Then I have to thank Concubine Su for your sincere compliment."
Concubine Su nearly fainted from anger. How come her reactions don"t follow the custom, isn"t she just a country b.u.mpkin? When did a lowly brute like her learn those flowery words and actually dare to retort her, a royalty?! She gritted her teeth in anger and spat out two words as calmly as she could, "Your welcome." This vixen sure has such a thick face.
Fang Xiang took in the concubine reactions with gaiety. "Come on, throw more insults at me. I"ll take in everything with glee." But why did Concubine Su started a conflict with her? Did she perhaps offend her without knowing? How odd, how odd indeed.
The system stared blankly at the spectacle. His host this time sure has such a thick face.
Concubine Su"s face flushed red with fury as she took a deep breath to calm herself before she burst with rage. This little girl is undoubtedly testing her patience! The other concubines aren"t even this hard to handle unlike the girl is sitting next to the general. This girl… she had to make sure to erase her existence before she became a threat to her. Who knows if she would seduce the emperor one day. She is just too pretty for her own good.
The concubine was clearly thinking too much. Sometimes, a great imagination can cause a person"s demise.
Not desiring to create a scene right now, the concubine just pressed herself tightly against the emperor, her face retaining a strained smile.
The emperor, not understanding why his concubine suddenly turned clingy, ignored her as he once again faced Fang Xiang with delight in his eyes. "Zhen took a liking to you and your great talent. Because of your great contribution to the empire, why not let Zhen grant you a marriage." The emperor laughed at his brilliant idea, following that, the ministers expressed words of agreement and congratulations to Fang Xiang.
Fang Xiang"s brow twitched in indignation, not understanding how the circ.u.mstances progressed into the discussion of her marriage. She could already foretell a headache coming as she clenched her fists inside her sleeves, still maintaining an elegant smile.
"Why not marry Zhen"s firstborn son as his concubine?" The emperor suggested an idea. Fang Xiang is indeed a beauty. If she weds his eldest son, then he could have beautiful grandchildren in the future. Fang Xiang"s beauty is leaps and bounds above that of the crown princess after all.
The emperor once again looked between his eldest son and Fang Xiang, nodding his head, further solidifying the ever-present idea in his head. "Indeed, they would make a very attractive pair."
Fang Xiang glanced at Huo Beilong, noting his frown. She huffed inside her mind, "I also don"t want to marry you, okay. It is the emperor"s idea, not mine. Why are you frowning at me like I"m your biggest enemy?!"
Huo Beilong already had two concubines and a legal wife, Shan Qingqing, the crown princess, who for some reason is absent today. If Fang Xiang was to get married in as his concubine, wouldn"t she just jump headfirst into another battlefield? As if she would willingly join another fight!
"You jest, Your Majesty." Fang Xiang laughed lightly, her cheeks tinted pink like every other ladies talking about their own marriage. "This subject"s status is not suitable for the crown prince. This subject is a mere commoner with no backing. This subject will surely sully the imperial family"s name if this subject is to join the imperial family as the crown prince"s concubine." Fang Xiang politely rejected the emperor"s idea.
The emperor knitted his brows, clearly displeased at the refusal. Even though he enjoys admiring beauties, doesn"t mean that he would tolerate any dissent from a mere commoner.
Fang Xiang, as if she could read his thoughts, slowly said, "This subject understands Your Majesty"s kindness. It"s just that this subject is not ready yet for marriage."
The emperor was slightly eased by Fang Xiang"s reasoning, but he still insisted, "Aren"t you seventeen this year? It is at least good for you to settle down with an engagement."
Fang Xiang knew that she couldn"t win an argument against the son of heaven, and so she nodded in acquiescent. "This subject understands."
Just how did she end up getting engaged with the male lead?