Chapter 70: Jasper Flower Banquet
The annual Jasper Flower Banquet started at the same time as usual.
Since the south boundary tended to be warm year round, spring was already in full bloom by March.
The emperor of Hundred Flowers Nation was personally presiding over this year’s Jasper Flower Banquet. The aristocracy from all three nations were sitting in their assigned spots based on their status.
The only difference from past years was that there was one additional member with the Xiao family—Xiao Susu.
The youngest miss of the Xiao family had never been seen before, but everyone knew of her intellectual disability.
The Xiao family’s lineup was actually quite spectacular. Although Jasper Flower Banquet was said to be an event for singles, many married people still participated in the liveliness.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhu were included in this.
The reason being, they were worried that Xiao Susu would cause the Xiao family to lose face and they didn’t have governmental positions so they were bored at home. They were taking this chance to have some fun and find some bride candidates for their sons.
Old Madame Xiao wasn’t with the rest of the Xiao family. She had arrived early this morning at the location of the Jasper Flower Banquet—the imperial family’s hunting grounds—since she was in charge of the imperial households’ safety.
The Ninth Prince and Nangong Mo were sitting on the high stage. They weren’t here to participate, they were here to pick out beauties. They were going to use all means possible to bring the daughter who was picked as the flower champion back with them.
This was an opportunity that many commoners were waiting for.
At the same time, Baili Mo was waiting to see the Xiao family embarrass themselves.
He could barely wait, so he kept impatiently leaning forward.
“The crown prince of Serene Chaste Nation, Xu Weiran, has arrived.”
There was a huge disturbance. Although the emperor was present, a wild happy scream still arose.
Of course, the girls that were screaming didn’t include the women of Hundred Flowers Nation.
It was said that Xu Weiran was the most affectionate man on earth. His looks were handsome and graceful like strokes of a painting and he was very considerate towards all women, even common palace maids.
However, he wasn’t fickle in love. He was over twenty years old, but his main consort was the only woman in his palace.
The fact that he came to Jasper Flower Banquet naturally caused many young women’s hearts to burst with joy.
All the men from Unyielding Clouds Nation and Serene Chaste Nation were naturally here for the flower champion.
Meanwhile, the the women of Hundred Flowers Nation were here for the victorious man.
In the middle of the excited screams, Xu Weiran arrived slowly in a white garment with a gentle smile on his face. He walked forward and greeted the emperor of Hundred Flowers Nation. “Greeting, Emperor.”
“Crown Prince is being too polite. Please have a seat.” The emperor of Hundred Flowers Nation, Hua Ruxue, was nearing middle age, but she took good care of herself so there was no trace of wrinkles on her flawless elastic skin. Her aura was three parts proud, three parts stern, three parts domineering, and one part gentle.
The several dozen male consorts sitting behind her all had very different auras, but the one thing they shared was the fact that they were all beautiful and charming.
Xu Weiran sat down in his seat and surveyed the scene. The gentle smile on his face was like spring, warming people’s hearts.
It caused many bold women to cheer wildly.
“The master of the Lei Clan Stronghold, Lei Yufeng, has arrived.”
After the female official shouted that, Lei Yufeng flew in gracefully, dressed in purple, and landed steadily right in front of the emperor in a very cool manner.
It was elegant yet also grand.
He was someone that liked liveliness after all. There was no way he’d be absent from a gathering like this.
In addition, in the Lei Clan Stronghold, he was known as the Love Sage. He was always attracting butterflies and reluctant to leave the flower seas. Of course, he was only reluctant, never actually serious.
He was just enjoying this feeling.
Lei Yufeng came every year, so most of the female officials were already used to his presence. However, no one dared to offend this powerful figure and always faced him respectfully. Even the emperor, Hua Ruxue, got up to greet him.
After all, no nation could afford provoking the Lei Clan Stronghold.
It was especially true for the people of the south boundary. The situation here was unstable in the first place since the territory was divided amongst three powers, so they all had the intention of trying to get the Lei Clan Stronghold to back them up.
“Long time no see.” Lei Yufeng hugged the emperor as he said this casually with a charming smile.
“Stronghold Master Lei’s magnificence hasn’t decreased ah.” Hua Ruxue wasn’t annoyed and hugged him back like they were old friends.
“Many thanks for Emperor’s praise. Emperor is still as beautiful as always and stirs people’s hearts ah.” At this time, Lei Yufeng had no trace of the indifference and sternness that Su Qiqi saw.
The emperor patted Lei Yufeng and invited him to sit.
He was sitting side by side with her without there being any difference in height.
Baili Mo and Xu Weiran took this in and silently tried to figure out what relationship the Lei Clan Stronghold might have with Hundred Flowers Nation.
These past years, hardly anyone from Unyielding Clouds Nation and Serene Chaste Nation had participated in Jasper Flower Banquet, so this year, the harvest was a lot more.
“The emperor sure is skilled. She was actually able to maintain such a close relationship with the master of Lei Clan Stronghold,” remarked Nangong Mo with a frown, his gaze still fixed on Lei Yufeng.
They also wanted to rely on the Lei Clan Stronghold, but they didn’t have the chance.
It seemed that this year’s Jasper Flower Banquet was going to be much more lively.
“The heir of the Xiao family has arrived.”
Just as the place quieted down, another announcement was made.
Although the emperor didn’t like the Xiao family, they had a unique status and Old Madame Xiao’s position in court still inspired respect and fear. Although she didn’t have any descendants that could inherit her position, for the time being, there was still no one that dared to disrespect her.
That was why the Xiao family’s position was also on the front stage and was only below the emperor and the two crown princes’ positions.
However, since there were too many people from the Xiao family, Xiao Susu was completely submerged in the crowd.
Baili Mo who had been looking around impatiently ever since he heard that announcement shook his head in disappointment. He felt that the Xiao family was definitely trying to hide something by being low key.
It seemed that he had been right, the woman from that day wasn’t Xiao Susu.
Xiao Susu, who was walking slowly in the crowd, didn’t bother to lift her head.
Today, she was wearing a simple outfit of purple, so in the crowd, she didn’t even stand out as much as Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhu.
Old Madame Xiao, who was managing the troops in the hunting grounds, couldn’t help but feel nervous. She looked over in the direction of the Xiao family, her face filled with unconcealable worry.
Since Xiao Susu had just woken up a while ago, no one in the residence dared to bring up the fact that she used to be intellectually disabled. However, now she had to go on stage in front of everyone to perform. She was worried that Xiao Susu wouldn’t be able to get past this traumatic experience.
There were too many people in court that were waiting to see the Xiao family embarrass themselves.
Perhaps it was due to a telepathic link of sorts, because Xiao Susu just happened to lift her head and look over towards Old Madame Xiao at this time. Their eyes met. When Old Madame Xiao saw that Xiao Susu’s eyes were filled with confidence, she felt her heart relax.
She told herself that she had to have faith in this girl.
The female officials were working on quickly splitting the flowers for bouquets. All of the men and women that performed onstage and won would obtain a flower. The final victory was decided based on the total number of flowers in their bouquet.
This had always been the rule.
Someone had already started performing onstage.
The first round was on music.
There was an exquisite guqin placed onstage. As Xiao Susu looked up towards it, a scene flashed through her mind. That scene contained herself, Mo Wenchen, and Feng Wen…
Many feelings flashed through her heart.
That time, she had played for Mo Wenchen. For the sake of saving him, she had been willing to risk everything.
However, what she got in exchange was the Ten Thousand Feet Abyss.
This time, she was going to play for herself. It would be for the Xiao family, for Old Madame Xiao, for her rebirth…
The elegant sound of the guqin was already starting to ring out.
Xiao Susu lifted her head and met the ninth prince’s disdain-filled eyes. She responded with a smile. That smile contained the same disdain, along with provocation, confidence, and cold pride.
__________
Credits: Translated by Chiyomira
Chapter 70: Jasper Flower Banquet
The annual Jasper Flower Banquet started at the same time as usual.
Since the south boundary tended to be warm year round, spring was already in full bloom by March.
The emperor of Hundred Flowers Nation was personally presiding over this year’s Jasper Flower Banquet. The aristocracy from all three nations were sitting in their assigned spots based on their status.
The only difference from past years was that there was one additional member with the Xiao family—Xiao Susu.
The youngest miss of the Xiao family had never been seen before, but everyone knew of her intellectual disability.
The Xiao family’s lineup was actually quite spectacular. Although Jasper Flower Banquet was said to be an event for singles, many married people still participated in the liveliness.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhu were included in this.
The reason being, they were worried that Xiao Susu would cause the Xiao family to lose face and they didn’t have governmental positions so they were bored at home. They were taking this chance to have some fun and find some bride candidates for their sons.
Old Madame Xiao wasn’t with the rest of the Xiao family. She had arrived early this morning at the location of the Jasper Flower Banquet—the imperial family’s hunting grounds—since she was in charge of the imperial households’ safety.
The Ninth Prince and Nangong Mo were sitting on the high stage. They weren’t here to participate, they were here to pick out beauties. They were going to use all means possible to bring the daughter who was picked as the flower champion back with them.
This was an opportunity that many commoners were waiting for.
At the same time, Baili Mo was waiting to see the Xiao family embarrass themselves.
He could barely wait, so he kept impatiently leaning forward.
“The crown prince of Serene Chaste Nation, Xu Weiran, has arrived.”
There was a huge disturbance. Although the emperor was present, a wild happy scream still arose.
Of course, the girls that were screaming didn’t include the women of Hundred Flowers Nation.
It was said that Xu Weiran was the most affectionate man on earth. His looks were handsome and graceful like strokes of a painting and he was very considerate towards all women, even common palace maids.
However, he wasn’t fickle in love. He was over twenty years old, but his main consort was the only woman in his palace.
The fact that he came to Jasper Flower Banquet naturally caused many young women’s hearts to burst with joy.
All the men from Unyielding Clouds Nation and Serene Chaste Nation were naturally here for the flower champion.
Meanwhile, the the women of Hundred Flowers Nation were here for the victorious man.
In the middle of the excited screams, Xu Weiran arrived slowly in a white garment with a gentle smile on his face. He walked forward and greeted the emperor of Hundred Flowers Nation. “Greeting, Emperor.”
“Crown Prince is being too polite. Please have a seat.” The emperor of Hundred Flowers Nation, Hua Ruxue, was nearing middle age, but she took good care of herself so there was no trace of wrinkles on her flawless elastic skin. Her aura was three parts proud, three parts stern, three parts domineering, and one part gentle.
The several dozen male consorts sitting behind her all had very different auras, but the one thing they shared was the fact that they were all beautiful and charming.
Xu Weiran sat down in his seat and surveyed the scene. The gentle smile on his face was like spring, warming people’s hearts.
It caused many bold women to cheer wildly.
“The master of the Lei Clan Stronghold, Lei Yufeng, has arrived.”
After the female official shouted that, Lei Yufeng flew in gracefully, dressed in purple, and landed steadily right in front of the emperor in a very cool manner.
It was elegant yet also grand.
He was someone that liked liveliness after all. There was no way he’d be absent from a gathering like this.
In addition, in the Lei Clan Stronghold, he was known as the Love Sage. He was always attracting butterflies and reluctant to leave the flower seas. Of course, he was only reluctant, never actually serious.
He was just enjoying this feeling.
Lei Yufeng came every year, so most of the female officials were already used to his presence. However, no one dared to offend this powerful figure and always faced him respectfully. Even the emperor, Hua Ruxue, got up to greet him.
After all, no nation could afford provoking the Lei Clan Stronghold.
It was especially true for the people of the south boundary. The situation here was unstable in the first place since the territory was divided amongst three powers, so they all had the intention of trying to get the Lei Clan Stronghold to back them up.
“Long time no see.” Lei Yufeng hugged the emperor as he said this casually with a charming smile.
“Stronghold Master Lei’s magnificence hasn’t decreased ah.” Hua Ruxue wasn’t annoyed and hugged him back like they were old friends.
“Many thanks for Emperor’s praise. Emperor is still as beautiful as always and stirs people’s hearts ah.” At this time, Lei Yufeng had no trace of the indifference and sternness that Su Qiqi saw.
The emperor patted Lei Yufeng and invited him to sit.
He was sitting side by side with her without there being any difference in height.
Baili Mo and Xu Weiran took this in and silently tried to figure out what relationship the Lei Clan Stronghold might have with Hundred Flowers Nation.
These past years, hardly anyone from Unyielding Clouds Nation and Serene Chaste Nation had participated in Jasper Flower Banquet, so this year, the harvest was a lot more.
“The emperor sure is skilled. She was actually able to maintain such a close relationship with the master of Lei Clan Stronghold,” remarked Nangong Mo with a frown, his gaze still fixed on Lei Yufeng.
They also wanted to rely on the Lei Clan Stronghold, but they didn’t have the chance.
It seemed that this year’s Jasper Flower Banquet was going to be much more lively.
“The heir of the Xiao family has arrived.”
Just as the place quieted down, another announcement was made.
Although the emperor didn’t like the Xiao family, they had a unique status and Old Madame Xiao’s position in court still inspired respect and fear. Although she didn’t have any descendants that could inherit her position, for the time being, there was still no one that dared to disrespect her.
That was why the Xiao family’s position was also on the front stage and was only below the emperor and the two crown princes’ positions.
However, since there were too many people from the Xiao family, Xiao Susu was completely submerged in the crowd.
Baili Mo who had been looking around impatiently ever since he heard that announcement shook his head in disappointment. He felt that the Xiao family was definitely trying to hide something by being low key.
It seemed that he had been right, the woman from that day wasn’t Xiao Susu.
Xiao Susu, who was walking slowly in the crowd, didn’t bother to lift her head.
Today, she was wearing a simple outfit of purple, so in the crowd, she didn’t even stand out as much as Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhu.
Old Madame Xiao, who was managing the troops in the hunting grounds, couldn’t help but feel nervous. She looked over in the direction of the Xiao family, her face filled with unconcealable worry.
Since Xiao Susu had just woken up a while ago, no one in the residence dared to bring up the fact that she used to be intellectually disabled. However, now she had to go on stage in front of everyone to perform. She was worried that Xiao Susu wouldn’t be able to get past this traumatic experience.
There were too many people in court that were waiting to see the Xiao family embarrass themselves.
Perhaps it was due to a telepathic link of sorts, because Xiao Susu just happened to lift her head and look over towards Old Madame Xiao at this time. Their eyes met. When Old Madame Xiao saw that Xiao Susu’s eyes were filled with confidence, she felt her heart relax.
She told herself that she had to have faith in this girl.
The female officials were working on quickly splitting the flowers for bouquets. All of the men and women that performed onstage and won would obtain a flower. The final victory was decided based on the total number of flowers in their bouquet.
This had always been the rule.
Someone had already started performing onstage.
The first round was on music.
There was an exquisite guqin placed onstage. As Xiao Susu looked up towards it, a scene flashed through her mind. That scene contained herself, Mo Wenchen, and Feng Wen…
Many feelings flashed through her heart.
That time, she had played for Mo Wenchen. For the sake of saving him, she had been willing to risk everything.
However, what she got in exchange was the Ten Thousand Feet Abyss.
This time, she was going to play for herself. It would be for the Xiao family, for Old Madame Xiao, for her rebirth…
The elegant sound of the guqin was already starting to ring out.
Xiao Susu lifted her head and met the ninth prince’s disdain-filled eyes. She responded with a smile. That smile contained the same disdain, along with provocation, confidence, and cold pride.
__________
Credits: Translated by Chiyomira
