Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 195: Welcoming Banquet No. 194

194. The Welcome Banquet

At the gate of Ruyang City, Feng Zhiyao stood with a smile, accompanied by several city officials and a crowd of townsfolk eager to watch the approaching procession. The Ruyang City officials, dressed in casual attire, only further accentuated Third Young Master Feng’s compelling red garments. In contrast, the visitors, all in full official robes, appeared both gravely ceremonial and somewhat eerie. Leaning against the city wall with a folding fan in hand, Feng Zhiyao casually asked, "Aren’t they feeling hot beneath all those clothes in this sweltering weather?" What was so good about holding office anyway? he mused. Even on terribly hot days, one had to be draped in layers of formal attire, without fear of falling ill from the heat. It was common knowledge that Great Chu was a nation of great decorum; even summer court robes consisted of four or five layers. Moreover, the material for court uniforms wasn’t light, breathable fabrics but heavy, ornate Yun Brocade, used to display the Imperial Family’s grandeur. A glance at the sweat-soaked guards was enough to indicate how hot it truly was.

No one answered his question, as the procession had already reached the city gate. The people of Ruyang City were quite curious. Living in such a remote corner of the Northwest, decades might pass without them seeing a true dignitary, unless some major event occurred. The highest-ranking individual they typically encountered was the city’s governor. Now, Prince Ding resided in Ruyang City. With the sudden arrival of two more Princes and several high-ranking officials, the people naturally flocked to the city gate to witness the spectacle and welcome the imperial envoys.

Escorted by hundreds of guards, the long procession halted at the city gate. The first to descend from an elaborate rosewood carriage was a somewhat portly old man in a crimson-purple python robe. Despite his graying hair, he carried an air of arrogance, stepping onto a guard’s back to alight from the carriage before striding onto the ground. A single glance at the crowd assembled at the city gate caused his expression to darken immediately. Feng Zhiyao, feigning ignorance of the man’s expression, approached with a smile and cupped his hands. "On the orders of Prince Ding, Feng San is here to welcome Your Highnesses the Princes and the esteemed officials. Feng San greets Your Highness, Prince Virtue."

"Feng San, Feng Zhiyao?" Prince Virtue stared at Feng Zhiyao with a stern face. He had indeed heard of Feng Zhiyao’s reputation. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have minded showing some respect to a member of the younger generation. But for Mo Xiuyao to send a commoner with no official rank to welcome him was a grave insult. Prince Virtue was of an age where even the Emperor had to show him some deference. How could he tolerate such disrespect? Feng Zhiyao smiled. "Indeed. Your Highness has a good memory."

Prince Virtue coldly asked, "Where is Mo Xiuyao?" Although Prince Virtue was older, he and Mo Xiuyao were of the same generation. Ordinarily, given Prince Ding’s status, Prince Virtue would address Mo Xiuyao by his title. But since Mo Xiuyao had shown him disrespect, he had no intention of reciprocating any courtesy and thus rudely used his full name. Unfazed, Feng Zhiyao responded with a broad smile, "The Princess Consort is with child. Out of concern for both the Princess Consort and the young heir, Prince Ding is unable to come in person. He begs Your Highness’s forgiveness." Prince Virtue’s face alternated between pale and livid. Feng Zhiyao’s words were polite, but the underlying message was clear: Prince Ding was too busy attending to the Princess Consort to welcome him.

"Impertinence! The Emperor has already stripped Mo Xiuyao of his title. How dare you still address him as Prince!" Prince Virtue rebuked angrily.

Feng Zhiyao stood with his eyes slightly lowered. The officials behind him, all trusted aides of Prince Ding’s Mansion, could hardly tolerate Prince Virtue’s blatant disrespect. Just as they were about to step forward and argue, Prince Yu, Mo Jingyu, alighted from a carriage behind and hurried over. He quickly pulled Prince Virtue aside, attempting to smooth things over, "Imperial Uncle, what’s wrong? We’ve finally arrived in Ruyang after such a long journey. Why stand here at the city gate getting upset? Oh... is this Third Young Master Feng?" Feng Zhiyao had been a well-known figure in the Capital City, so Mo Jingyu naturally recognized him.

"Feng San greets Prince Yu, Lord Su, and Lord Mo," Feng Zhiyao said with a smile, cupping his hands.

Su Zhe, the eldest among them, nodded to Feng Zhiyao, his aged face pale and etched with the fatigue of the long journey. Feng Zhiyao looked at Su Zhe and sighed inwardly. He then gestured for the city gates to be opened and invited the party to enter. In his youth, while by Mo Xiuyao’s side, he had received considerable guidance from Su Zhe. The thought of Su Zuidie, still confined in the dungeon, made him sigh deeply once more.

"Your Highnesses the Princes and esteemed Lords must be weary after your long journey. Please enter the city and rest for a while. Later this evening, Prince Ding and the Princess Consort will host a welcome banquet in your honor."

Prince Virtue glanced at the surrounding officials and citizens, whose expressions were somewhat unfriendly, realizing that creating a scene here would only make him look foolish. He snorted, flicked his sleeves, and marched into the city. Mo Jingyu followed with a smile, marveling to himself at how Mo Xiuyao had managed to win the hearts of Ruyang’s officials and populace in merely half a year. Indeed, the power and influence of Prince Ding’s Mansion were truly unfathomable.

Prince Virtue was known for his fiery temper. Having been slighted by Feng Zhiyao at the city gate, it was certain he intended to take it out on Mo Xiuyao at the welcome banquet later. Upon entering the city, he ignored the inn Feng Zhiyao had arranged for their temporary stay and headed directly for the Governor’s Mansion. He failed to understand that Mo Xiuyao had never intended to send anyone to greet him in the first place. If Feng Zhiyao hadn’t brought people to the gate, Prince Virtue would have looked even more foolish arriving with such a grand procession only to be met by no one. At the Governor’s Mansion, however, he was informed that the Prince and Princess Consort had just relocated to a new residence. The Governor’s Mansion was, from now on, the residence of the Governor of Ruyang. This news further infuriated Prince Virtue, and he angrily led his retinue towards Prince Ding’s Mansion, situated in the southeastern part of Ruyang City. This expedition to the Northwest was primarily led by Prince Virtue. Since he was intent on confronting Mo Xiuyao immediately and refused to rest, the others had no choice but to accompany him.

Prince Ding’s Mansion was located on Xuanwu Street, the main thoroughfare of Ruyang City. Naturally, it was not as extensive or grand as the Prince Ding’s Mansion in the Capital of Great Chu. However, after several months of renovation, it had become quite impressive. While it lacked the opulence of the Capital of Great Chu, it possessed a Northwestern simplicity and boldness, tinged with an air of austerity. Above the main gate, the three simple characters ’Prince Ding’s Mansion’ were inscribed in a powerful, flowing script that seemed as majestic as soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes. Prince Virtue pointed a finger, trembling with rage, "Audacious! Utterly audacious! What does Mo Xiuyao think he’s doing?" Those around him remained silent. Prince Virtue was merely venting his anger and didn’t truly expect an answer. Mo Jingyu stood aside, seemingly unconcerned, as if leisurely admiring the scenery.

Shortly after, someone emerged to invite the group inside. This only deepened Prince Virtue’s displeasure. Not only had Mo Xiuyao failed to welcome him at the city gate, but he hadn’t even come to the mansion entrance to greet them. The three officials behind him also looked somewhat uneasy, not because of the slight to their own dignity, but because Prince Ding’s actions clearly indicated he had no intention of showing deference to the imperial court. This being the case... their current mission was likely to be very difficult. Mo Jingyu was already cursing Mo Jingqi inwardly. He was just an idle prince; it mattered little to him who sat on the throne. Mo Jingqi had ruined his own relationship with Prince Ding’s Mansion, yet now he, Mo Jingyu, had been dispatched all the way to the Northwest. If Mo Xiuyao genuinely harbored rebellious intentions, would any of them even make it back to the Capital City alive?

Wei Lin, his expression impassive, led the group into the mansion. His youthful face hardly seemed like that of a Chief Steward capable of managing an entire mansion. And in truth, he wasn’t. He had only been caught for this temporary role of Steward-in-Chief because he hadn’t been as quick to evade it as Zhuo Jing and Lin Han. Glancing sideways at Feng Zhiyao, who strolled leisurely beside him, Wei Lin silently concurred with this sentiment. The title ’Chief Steward’ sounded so dignified and venerable, entirely unsuited for vibrant young men like them. Every time someone addressed him as ’Chief Steward Wei,’ Wei Lin felt a dull ache in his stomach.

In the main hall, Mo Xiuyao was seated, conversing with Ye Li. Seeing Wei Lin lead the group in, he offered a casual smile. "Prince Virtue, Prince Yu, Lord Su, Lord Mo, please be seated." Mo Xiuyao’s silver hair was casually tied up, and his eyes held a smile. His expression was noticeably warmer than the elegant aloofness he typically displayed in the Capital City, yet this warmth did not make him seem any more approachable. On the contrary, it made him even more intimidating. Mo Xiuyao had always been discreet about his affairs. Thus, despite Mo Jingqi having planted numerous spies in Ruyang, no one in the Capital City was aware that Mo Xiuyao’s hair had turned white overnight. Seeing it now so suddenly was quite a shock.

Prince Virtue shot him a sidelong glance and snorted coldly. "It seems that being away from the Capital City for a while has made you forget even basic etiquette. The Emperor was indeed correct in saying you are arrogant and have no regard for others!"

Mo Xiuyao regarded Prince Virtue, who was practically bristling with rage, with an amused look. Etiquette? he mused. Does he expect me to bow to him? In Prince Virtue’s view, Mo Xiuyao was now merely a commoner, stripped of his title by the Emperor; by rights, he should be kowtowing. Unfortunately for Prince Virtue, from the moment he stepped into Ruyang City, he was destined for continuous frustration.

"Disregard for others? I seem to recall His Majesty’s decree accusing me of treason and rebellion, wasn’t it? Hmm, Feng San?" Mo Xiuyao said lightly, a smile in his voice, but his eyes held a chilling glint.

Feng Zhiyao, fanning himself, chuckled. "Replying to the Prince, His Majesty’s imperial edict did indeed state as much."

"Audacious Mo Xiuyao! You..." Prince Virtue began to roar, incensed by their dismissive retorts.

CRACK. A sharp sound strangely cut through Prince Virtue’s furious roar. All eyes turned to Mo Xiuyao; the white jade teacup in his hand had shattered instantly. A few shards dropped to the floor with a clear tinkle. Mo Xiuyao slowly opened his hand, and fine white powder sifted from his palm, drifting to the ground before him. Prince Virtue’s throat seemed to constrict, his mouth opening and closing, yet for a long moment, no words came out. He only heard Mo Xiuyao say with a chuckle, "Prince Virtue, a little quieter, please. If you frighten my beloved consort and our child... it would truly put me in an awkward position." Meeting Mo Xiuyao’s icy gaze, Prince Virtue couldn’t help but shudder. For some reason, the image of the seven thousand soldiers Mo Xiuyao had slaughtered flashed through his mind. Stunned for a long moment, Prince Virtue dared not say more, his fairly well-maintained face alternating between ashen and crimson.

Mo Jingyu glanced at everyone in the hall and offered a placating smile. "Our Imperial Uncle has traveled a long way and is understandably a bit short-tempered. I hope Prince Ding will forgive him."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Ah, so that’s it. Well, in this heat, tempers are bound to flare. The Northwest, after all, cannot compare to the splendors of the Capital City. Later, I will have my men prepare some cooling dishes for Prince Virtue."

Mo Jingyu’s smile stiffened slightly, but he knew he had to say what needed to be said. He had seen enough to realize that if his ill-tempered Imperial Uncle truly angered Mo Xiuyao, none of them might leave the Northwest alive. "The Northwest is a harsh land, cold in winter and hot in summer, and quite remote," he began. "Prince Ding, you have been on campaign for a long time. Now that the Northwest is pacified, why not lead your troops back to the imperial court sooner? It would also spare the Princess Consort and the young heir from suffering further in this place."

"Lead my troops back to court?" Mo Xiuyao repeated, as if he had heard something utterly amusing, raising an eyebrow at Mo Jingyu. It had been a while. This idle prince, Mo Jingyu, seemed to have improved his ability to tell barefaced lies considerably. Mo Jingqi had already issued an edict stripping him of his title and military command, and the accusations of treason and rebellion were known throughout the land. And now Mo Jingyu was telling him he should lead his troops back to court? Had Mo Jingyu lost his mind, or did he think Mo Xiuyao had lost his?

Mo Jingyu’s mind was perfectly fine; it was the person above him whose mind was addled! Struggling to maintain the smile on his face, Mo Jingyu cursed Mo Jingqi countless times in his heart. Never mind that Mo Xiuyao could no longer tolerate Mo Jingqi, or that Mo Jingqi’s own younger brother had rebelled against him; if things continued this way, even he, Mo Jingyu, would want to rebel! He glanced at Su Zhe, seated opposite, hoping Mo Xiuyao might show some deference to this elderly minister. After all, Su Zhe could be considered half a mentor to Mo Xiuyao, and Mo Xiuyao had always treated him with respect.

Su Zhe looked at Mo Xiuyao’s head of white hair and sighed heavily in his heart. They, the elders, had practically watched Mo Xiuyao transform from that spirited, dazzlingly brilliant youth into the man he was today. Mo Xiuyao had once been his most outstanding student, and also the future grandson-in-law upon whom he had pinned great hopes. Yet, over the past decade, he had watched helplessly as Mo Xiuyao struggled step by step along his arduous path. Su Zhe didn’t know whether Mo Xiuyao was at fault in the current situation; the Su family had been too far removed from the core of court politics for too long. But one thing Su Zhe knew with certainty: Mo Xiuyao absolutely could not return to the Capital City now! So, when he sensed Mo Jingyu’s gaze upon him, Su Zhe merely lowered his eyes and calmly sipped his tea, as if oblivious.

Since Su Zhe refused to speak, Mo Jian, whose words carried little weight, naturally couldn’t interject. Mo Jingyu was inwardly vexed but could do nothing.

The atmosphere in the hall grew heavy. Ye Li’s calm gaze swept over everyone present. She then said softly, "You have all traveled a long way and must be tired. Why not go and rest and freshen up first? We can discuss matters further tonight."

Mo Jingyu, finding himself in a difficult position, was immensely relieved by this offer. He quickly smiled and said, "The Princess Consort is right. It was presumptuous of me."

Since Ye Li had spoken, Mo Xiuyao naturally had no objections. He looked at Ye Li with concern and asked, "Are you tired? Let me take you back to rest." Without paying any further attention to the guests still seated in the hall, he helped Ye Li to her feet. With a nod to Feng Zhiyao and Wei Lin, he said, "See to our guests," then led Ye Li away.

Only after Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had disappeared from the doorway did Prince Virtue finally manage to catch his breath. Pointing towards the door, he gasped, "He... what kind of attitude is that?"

Mo Jingyu gave a wry smile and tried to placate him. "The Princess Consort is pregnant for the first time and has just returned after a harrowing ordeal. It’s natural for Prince Ding to be anxious. Imperial Uncle, why must you be so angry?"

Prince Virtue snorted, then took a large gulp of tea from the cup beside him, barely managing to suppress his fury.

Feng Zhiyao, standing to one side, raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Your Highnesses, originally, our Prince was residing in the Governor’s Mansion. As space there is limited, we had arranged for you to stay at an inn. However, it so happens that the Prince and Princess Consort have just moved into this new mansion. So please, Your Highnesses and you two Lords, do rest here in the mansion."

Prince Virtue shot him a disdainful look. Of course, he couldn’t possibly stay at an inn. He was the Emperor’s uncle and an imperial envoy; if he were relegated to an inn, wouldn’t he become a laughingstock upon his return to the Capital City?

Wei Lin glanced at the group with a wooden expression, then turned to issue instructions for arranging their accommodations.

「 」「 」

Night fell, and the entirety of Ruyang City was ablaze with lights. In stark contrast to the sparse reception earlier in the day, the welcome banquet was exceptionally grand. The banquet was held atop the eastern gate tower of Ruyang City. From the tower, one could look down Xuanwu Street; it was thronged with people, and both sides of the street were festooned with colorful lanterns, creating a scene of extraordinary liveliness. On the gate tower itself, wine flowed freely amidst music and dance. All civil and military officials from Ruyang City and its vicinity, along with prominent local scholars and esteemed families, attended the evening’s banquet. Although Prince Ding had resided in Ruyang City for half a year, very few of the city’s inhabitants had actually seen him. As for Princess Consort Ding, it could be said that she had never made a public appearance at all. Therefore, when Prince Ding, robed in white with silver dragon trim, his snow-white hair giving him an extraordinary presence, walked onto the gate tower leading a pregnant woman in a cyan gown, whose beautiful face was serene and her bearing graceful and dignified, everyone present was momentarily stunned. The sight of the two figures, one in white, the other in cyan, standing shoulder to shoulder, was one of such perfect, natural harmony, it was as if they were destined to be together.

Mo Xiuyao carefully escorted Ye Li onto the raised platform, gently helping her to her seat. Many of the military officers seated below had not seen Mo Xiuyao for a long time. Those who had previously served under Ye Li were particularly moved. Together, they rose and called out in unison, "Your subordinates greet Your Highnesses, the Prince and Princess Consort!"

Inspired by them, the civil officials on the other side also rose and bowed in salute. "Your subordinates greet Your Highnesses, the Prince and Princess Consort! Congratulations to Your Highnesses on the anticipated arrival of the young heir!"

Although Mo Xiuyao wasn’t particularly fond of the little thing still stubbornly residing in Ah-Li’s belly, he was in excellent spirits at that moment. He waved his hand. "Dispense with the formalities."

Simultaneously, the sounds from the gate tower reached the commoners enjoying themselves below. Those who had been strolling and merrymaking turned towards the gate tower and knelt. Someone initiated a cheer, "We wish Your Highnesses, the Prince and Princess Consort, a thousand years of health and peace! Congratulations to the Princess Consort on her safe return!" As one person started, the rest of the commoners joined in, their voices echoing so powerfully they seemed to resonate throughout Ruyang City.

Mo Xiuyao raised his wine cup and stood. Looking down at the commoners below, he raised his voice, "You may rise. Tonight, officials and citizens celebrate together. Everyone, feel free. This Prince offers a toast to you all!" His voice, imbued with internal energy, carried far and wide. The commoners below rose and cheered enthusiastically, the atmosphere growing even more fervent than before.

On the gate tower, everyone rose, wine cups in hand, and said, "Our thanks to Your Highnesses, the Prince and Princess Consort."

After they had drunk, Mo Xiuyao sat down. "Everyone, please be at ease. No need for restraint."

The music and dancing resumed, and a harmonious and joyful atmosphere once again filled the gate tower. Only Prince Virtue and Prince Yu, seated in the guests of honor section, wore extremely grim expressions. They truly hadn’t expected that, despite the imperial court’s strenuous efforts to destroy Prince Ding’s reputation, Mo Xiuyao could, in merely half a year, still command such profound respect and allegiance from the officials and commoners of Ruyang City. This wasn’t so much a welcome banquet for them, they thought, as it was Mo Xiuyao delivering a resounding slap across the face to them and the imperial court.