Chapter Seventy-Seven: It Has Arrived

Soon, the day of the state banquet arrived. The night was softly tinted, just as dusk had fallen, and the sky held a veil of uncertainty. Blood Snow was idly passing her time in her palace, content to avoid the grand occasion. Though as queen she was expected to attend, she had always loathed such elaborate matters, and having a legitimate reason to shirk her duties was a welcome reprieve.

Unbeknownst to her, the surroundings of Anxue Palace were guarded by highly skilled shadow guards. Their presence was concealed, silently stationed around the palace, protecting her without a sound. Any suspicious figure approaching would be dealt with immediately.

The state banquet was arranged with utmost elegance and splendor. In the main hall, a cool-toned black carpet stretched across the floor, adorned with patterns of willow branches, symbolizing the alliance between the two nations.

When it came to the ruler of Wu, the palace women were all curious, having heard tales of his strange and domineering nature. He was the first sovereign of Wu to dare alter the royal surname, a reputedly cruel monarch. Before his ascension, the princes of Wu met with misfortune one after another—maimed or dead—and those who survived perished after his coronation.

Rumor had it he murdered his father and brothers to seize the throne, stopping at nothing to claim his crown. Most notably, it was said he possessed an almost supernatural beauty, so striking that even women paled before him. His appearance was a frequent subject of gossip throughout the realm; a feminine visage upon a masculine form, inheriting the throne—was he a fiend reborn or a true dragon?

As the banquet began, everyone sat upright, awaiting the arrival of the king and the Wu sovereign. At last, two figures entered through the palace doors, each radiating a distinct brilliance, their presences equally imposing and unwilling to yield. The tension in the hall tightened; none dared to look directly at them.

Ji Wuqing entered first, clad in a black dragon robe, golden dragons coiling across the fabric. The contrast between black and gold was striking, commanding attention. Around his waist was a jade belt, from which hung an imposing jade pendant that further accentuated his tall and dignified stature. He carried a folding fan, exuding grace, his face adorned with a gentle smile. His eyes seemed pure and harmless, yet few dared meet his gaze.

"Wu sovereign, please," he said, gesturing with the fan to the man beside him, authoritative yet courteous.

"What an impressive display," the Wu sovereign replied. His voice, powerful and unfathomable, matched his reputation.

He wore a deep crimson brocade robe, its fiery hue almost intoxicating, red tinged with black like blossoms laced with poison. The robe bore the shadow of the black spider lily, blooming vividly upon the red fabric.

Everyone in the hall rose, bowing respectfully to the two, "Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Wu sovereign!"

The pair ascended to the high seats at the head of the hall, one in black, one in red, both tall and upright—rarely seen men of such beauty and bearing.

One was like bamboo—elegant beyond compare, handsome and peerless. The other was like a demon—seductive and exquisite, his features extraordinary.

Ji Wuqing took the highest seat, and Zuo Quliye sat just below him. Afterwards, the consorts and ministers took their places, marking the true start of the banquet.

Today, Jade Consort sat at the highest seat among the consorts—not the queen's rightful place, but just below it. Since the queen was absent, Jade Consort became the center of attention.

Her attire was exceptionally splendid, as befitted her status: a royal blue palace gown, embroidered with peonies. The peonies blossomed on her skirt, and even in blue, their grace and nobility were undeniable, enhancing her commanding presence.

Her hairstyle was a dignified cloud bun, adorned with a golden lotus hairpin. Though simple, it brought vibrancy to her delicate features. Her lips, painted a vivid red, further highlighted her allure.

"Oh? It seems the famed queen is absent," Zuo Quliye glanced at the consorts, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, the consorts lifted their heads, eager to catch a glimpse of the flamboyant Wu sovereign. They saw a face of extraordinary beauty—far from feminine softness, it held a male allure, enchanting and refined. His features were excessively delicate, lips red as blossoming peonies, eyes long and fox-like—a man as striking as a flower spirit.

No, even flowers would fade beside him. Such beauty in a man left the palace ladies feeling embarrassed.

"It appears the Wu sovereign is not pleased with my arrangements," Ji Wuqing smiled indifferently, his handsome face not at all outshone by Zuo Quliye.

"I dare not say so. I am merely curious why Your Majesty's queen is absent—am I unworthy of her presence?" He had anticipated that Ji Wuqing would not let Xiaoxue appear, or perhaps Xiaoxue herself did not wish to attend.

Was it fear, guilt, or disdain?

"The queen has been overworked lately and is recuperating. I hope the Wu sovereign will not hold it against us," Jade Consort interjected, as the acting mistress of the harem, to explain.

"I see, my arrival was ill-timed," he murmured, regret tinging his voice.

Ji Wuqing remained silent, raising his cup, his gaze toward Zuo Quliye carrying a hint of challenge. She was his queen, his wife; no matter how well Zuo Quliye schemed, he could do nothing.

"This Wu sovereign is truly beautiful—even more so than the flowers," Jinqie whispered to Qin Yu.

"Indeed, the rumors were true," Qin Yu replied, stealing another glance at Zuo Quliye, wonder flashing in her eyes.

The people of Xiliang nearby overheard their whispers, frowning, a peculiar emotion passing through their eyes.

The banquet continued at a measured pace, while Anxue Palace remained peaceful.

Blood Snow had finished her supper, teaching Xiaoxi a few characters and reading several good passages. The study was brightly lit, and Little Fox stretched lazily on the carpet, its fluffy tail waving, a picture of contentment after a meal, listening to Xiaoxi's reading with an amusing expression.

It turned its deep red eyes, walked to Blood Snow's feet, and rubbed against her with its furry body, seemingly seeking affection.

"What's the matter, Little Fox? Sleepy?" Blood Snow noticed, "If you want to sleep, go find Yuzhi; she'll carry you to the sleeping chamber." She gently tapped it with her foot in response.

Little Fox nimbly leapt onto the couch, curled up beside her, unmoving.

Blood Snow was in high spirits, reaching to stroke its neck, gently pinching the fur there. Little Fox looked utterly content, then closed its sly fox eyes.

Man and fox, their companionship harmonious and warm.

Xiaoxi lay over his chair, diligently writing, too engrossed to vie for Blood Snow's affection with Little Fox.

The night lingered, and something was quietly unfolding. Little Fox, enjoying Blood Snow's kneading, suddenly opened its eyes, raised its head, and stood facing the direction outside, as if it had heard or sensed something.

"It seems tonight will not be peaceful," Blood Snow remarked, sensing the oddness outside—not dangerous, but an uninvited guest.

High atop the palace walls, dense towering trees concealed a corner, where a shadow seemed to hide, indistinct.

A hissing sound slithered through the grass, cold-blooded and chilling. The silent night was disturbed, raising goosebumps and making one's skin crawl.

"What was that?" a young eunuch asked, scanning the surroundings.

"Stop imagining things; I heard nothing," another replied dismissively.

"No, it's the sound of snakes!" the first insisted.

"Shh, keep your voice down; don't disturb Her Majesty," the other whispered, tugging his sleeve. "Her Majesty is usually kind, but don't press your luck."

No sooner had he spoken than the swish of blades rang out. Several armored figures in black appeared, their swords swiftly dispatching the snakes, blood splattering faintly on the ground.

The two eunuchs froze in shock, nearly fainting at the display of blade and shadow.

Amid the trees, the hidden figure smiled faintly, bringing a falcon-shaped instrument to her lips and playing it silently. Though soundless, it controlled the snakes' movements.

The snakes only increased in number, surging rapidly toward the study of Anxue Palace.

Yet, the shadow guards moved even faster, eliminating the serpents in moments.

Blood Snow heard the commotion in the courtyard. Though not loud, she could discern the hissing of snakes—a chilling, cold-blooded sound.

Thus, the intruder could only be Gongshen Linger, a woman skilled in poisons and able to command snakes. Clearly, she meant to lure Blood Snow out, but with Ji Wuqing's guards, her efforts were in vain.

Blood Snow stroked Little Fox reassuringly, gently smoothing its back. "It's alright, don't worry."

The story continues...