Chapter 107: Sophisticated and Elegant—A Cut Above the Rest (Special Release)

Turning to look at Liu Rufeng, Baili Hai’s expression immediately brightened: “At last, someone has lived up to my expectations. General Liu, royal brother, what kind of reward do you desire?”

Liu Rufeng smiled and replied, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s graciousness, but I dare not claim this merit. I am ashamed that I did not fully accomplish the Emperor’s task in the end. As for the credit, I believe Prince Xian deserves the reward more than I do.”

But Baili Xian refused, saying, “Elder brother, General Liu’s valor is evident to all. Your brother does not dare to steal his glory.”

Seeing both men modestly declining, Baili Hai chuckled, “Both of you have rendered great service and shall be rewarded accordingly: one thousand bolts of silk, ten thousand taels of silver, and a swift steed.”

The Emperor’s generosity was extraordinary. Aside from envy, the onlookers could do nothing but sigh, for such rewards were not granted to just anyone.

At this moment, Empress Dowager Chu Meier called over Dugu Tianqing. “Fourth Prince, it seems we have won your wager at last. Now, what about that gift you promised?”

Dugu Tianqing responded with an easy smile, “Since I have given my word, I will certainly keep it. As for the gift, I shall present it now.”

He stepped forward, drew a dagger from within his robe, and deftly scored the surface of the box. The golden chest yielded as if it were mere parchment, opening with just a few strokes—proof enough that this dagger was no ordinary weapon.

When the box was opened, a blinding golden light burst forth, dazzling all present. Inside stood a resplendent golden statue that immediately drew every gaze in the hall. If ever a gift epitomized elegance and grandeur, it was this one.

The statue was adorned in a robe of pure jade, crystal-embroidered shoes on its feet, and decorations of pearls and agate. Atop its head rested a rare red crystal hairpin. Most astonishing of all, the statue was a likeness of Empress Dowager Chu Meier herself.

Bathed in sunlight streaming through the windows, the magnificent statue sparkled so brilliantly that few could keep their eyes open.

Liu Ling’er’s whole body thrummed with excitement. Heavens, how wealthy was this Southern Manchu Kingdom? To present such an extravagant gift for a birthday—selling it could easily buy an entire city!

“Empress Dowager, on behalf of my father and all the people of Southern Manchu, I wish you every happiness, health, and long life,” Dugu Tianqing said, honoring Chu Meier with due respect. Perhaps it was his admiration for Liu Rufeng and Baili Xian, or perhaps he truly came bearing sincere wishes.

The Empress Dowager was delighted. “Thank you, Crown Prince. The generosity of the King of Southern Manchu brings me much joy. In gratitude, I grant you the right to choose a maiden from the imperial city to be named a princess and wed you as a symbol of goodwill between Eastern Chu and Southern Manchu. She will bring with her one hundred beauties, one hundred carriages of jewels and silk, and one hundred swift steeds.”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager!” Dugu Tianqing bowed deeply and took his seat. Liu Rufeng returned to his place, where Tan Cai’er hurried to support him, leaving Liu Ling’er with nowhere to put her hands. Yet she was not annoyed; instead, she teased, “Oh my, so affectionate already?”

Tan Cai’er’s face turned scarlet, flushing all the way to her ears. She stamped her foot in embarrassment, and even after sitting down, she kept her head lowered.

At that moment, a eunuch announced in a loud voice, “The Crown Prince and Princess of Zhongtong have arrived!” Liu Ling’er immediately recalled what Su Yunyun had told her: that this Princess He Yaner was fond of romantic affairs with women. She couldn’t help but twitch at the thought.

Soon, Crown Prince He Jun Tian of Zhongtong entered the grand hall with his sister. As they passed through the doorway, He Jun Tian handed a list of gifts to the eunuch, who began reading it aloud.

Though the gifts from Zhongtong were not as astonishing as those from Southern Manchu, the list went on and on as He Jun Tian approached the Empress Dowager. Though each item was not as valuable as the golden statue, their sheer quantity was impressive.

He Jun Tian and He Yaner bowed before the Empress Dowager. “The Crown Prince of Zhongtong and his sister come to wish Your Majesty a happy birthday, with fortune as boundless as the East Sea and longevity equal to the Southern Mountains. Sharing in this auspicious moment, I announce before all nations that on the eighteenth day of next month, I shall ascend the throne. I hereby present an early invitation to the Emperor of Eastern Chu.”

What a sensational announcement! The accession of a new crown prince was no small matter. Normally, a prince would remain in his own palace to prepare for his coronation, not travel abroad as He Jun Tian was doing.

Diplomacy between nations being of utmost importance, Baili Hai sat up straight. “Such a significant event—why did you not inform us sooner, Crown Prince He? I shall send envoys to prepare immediately. Ministers, who among you is willing to attend Crown Prince He’s enthronement ceremony in Zhongtong?”

Though this seemed a great honor, everyone knew that the transition of imperial power was often the most chaotic time in a kingdom. Should a coup or rebellion break out, an envoy might never return home.

At that moment, the Prime Minister returned, supporting his aching waist. Baili Hai turned to him, “Prime Minister Li, Crown Prince He of Zhongtong will ascend the throne on the eighteenth of next month. Do you have any suitable candidates to send as envoy?”

Li Danqing paused, then glanced at Baili Xian. “Your Majesty, in my opinion, Prince Xian is the best choice for this mission.”

What the—! Liu Ling’er nearly leapt up. Why did the ministers always try to trip up Liu Rufeng or make things difficult for Prince Xian? Baili Xian never involved himself in court affairs—why must such a task fall to him?

Indeed, the Prime Minister knew well the Emperor’s wishes, but Baili Hai’s expression remained unchanged as he asked, “Oh? And why does the Prime Minister believe Prince Xian is suitable?”