Imperial Treasure-Chapter 1145 - 674: You Agreed? (Part 2)

Li Shimin arrived; Li Jiancheng felt a bit proud, yet somewhat reproachful, "How could the second brother be late on such an important day? It’s too disrespectful."

Li Shimin calmly accepted his elder brother’s criticism without retorting, maintaining composure and decorum, which made many observing nobility nod in secret and sigh inwardly. The firstborn certainly has an advantage, after all...

After all, he’s just the second son...

Achieving his purpose, Li Jiancheng was very satisfied and jovially pulled Li Shimin to sit down...

The birthday banquet finally began.

Music started, and the young, inexperienced new emperor watched the numerous fierce clans below and seemed a bit terrified and embarrassed, cowering...

In contrast, Princess Ruo, sitting beside him, appeared calm and composed.

Dong Shuni felt the admiring yet determined gazes of the many nobles, looking up at the new emperor. This most powerful emperor seemed not to have any highlights among the young aristocrats in the hall.

Not to mention compared to Yuwen Chengdu, Li Jiancheng, and Li Shimin...

Instead, Princess Ruo, entangled with the Li Family, revealed royal demeanor...

Alas, the Imperial Family is still in decline.

While the Dugu Family Clique has been waning these years, and Yuwen is like a wolf or tiger, and the Li Family...

Dong Shuni subconsciously looked at Wang Shichong.

She couldn’t quite understand the intention of her uncle bringing her here...

"Song Shidao, the fourth son of the Song Clan, presents a gift, bring it up~~~"

The eunuch’s thin, effeminate voice drew everyone’s attention to Song Shidao.

Song Shidao got up, holding a not too big, not too small box in one hand.

Stepping forward,

"Shidao congratulates Your Majesty on a life as eternal as the heavens, and today presents a novelty for Your Majesty’s enjoyment."

Previously, many have offered treasures from various places, using the word ’novelty’, but when revealed, they were just that.

Their statuses were high, having seen too many things.

Especially the new emperor, isn’t the Royal Family’s treasures enough?

But he knew this was the son of the Song Family Clique, so he must show some face, thus revealing a delighted expression, "Beloved Minister Song, quickly bring it up...."

Song Shidao did not hold any official rank; the new emperor couldn’t distinguish, which seemed amusing to others, but no one uttered a word.

Song Shidao did not mind, stepped forward again, and handed the box to the chief eunuch, delivering it in front of the new emperor,

Before opening it, he respectfully said: "This is a bracelet named Starry Cloud, brilliant as the stars, beautiful as flowing light, even more tender and nourishing than ancient jade..."

Song Shidao eloquently extolled the virtues of the Starry Cloud, causing skepticism among those present; even Li Xiuning thought that the usually honest Song Shidao was not so honest this time...

The new emperor smirked inwardly, thinking, as if after becoming the puppet emperor of the two factions he became a fool?

Bragging about some worthless thing, and this bracelet...

The eunuch opened the box, and the new emperor took a look.

Uh.... its appearance was indeed nice.

It looked quite exquisite.

The new emperor was just about to say something.

"Please place it where light cannot reach," Song Shidao said, and the eunuch complied.

Everyone’s eyes followed the bracelet’s movement,

Shong Xiufang sat across from Dong Shuni; most had already scrutinized the beauty of the two women, finding each had their charm like spring flowers and autumn moons, but in truth, Shong Xiufang belonged in a display cabinet as a precious art piece, pleasing yet untouchable, while Dong Shuni was an unguarded treasure, close enough for someone with some thoughts and means....

Yet now, both beauties were looking at that Starry Cloud bracelet.

From a woman’s aesthetic perspective, this bracelet was indeed captivating, moving their hearts.

And when it was placed in darkness.....

Starry, flowing, sparkling like a galaxy.

"Heaven! It’s glowing!"

"Such beautiful light... is it moving?"

The silvery glimmers of light danced within the transparent and mysterious bracelet, seemingly alive...

Shong Xiufang instinctively glanced up at the starry sky overhead.

The Starry Cloud Bracelet was aptly named.

"Wonderful, just beautiful! Beloved Minister Song, you speak true... a fine treasure!" The new emperor clapped and laughed, asking the eunuch to present the Starry Cloud Bracelet...

He reached out, played it a bit, and suddenly was shocked, in the eyes of everyone, easily twisting the Starry Cloud Bracelet into a pliable shape, as if it were rubber—the body of clay, though it was supposed to be a jade bracelet?

Song Shidao calmly explained amid the amazement and curiosity of the crowd, narrating its features, and with each one, the new emperor personally tested, and indeed it was so!

"A treasure indeed!"

"Truly novel, perhaps the only one in the world."

"How did this Song Family’s fourth son find it...?"

The entire hall was abuzz with discussion.

Li Jiancheng looked somewhat displeased; previously, his gift seemed the most eye-catching, and now all eyes were taken by Song Shidao.

Just as the many guests were marveling at the Starry Cloud Bracelet, the new emperor had a sudden impulse, blurting: "Such a stunning treasure should be given to a beauty!"

Well, with that said, everyone’s eyes scattered among the numerous female guests, especially drawing attention to Li Xiuning, Shong Xiufang, and Dong Shuni.

Rumor had it, could anyone refuse if the new emperor was smitten by a lady?

Shong Xiufang frowned; she knew Li Jiancheng had no good intentions.

But Li Yuan hadn’t approved, how could he be so bold?

Besides, the likelihood of her being chosen by the new emperor was low because she had too many supporters behind her, and the powers involved were numerous; the new emperor, if he had any sense, wouldn’t make a move on her at such a time...

Yet Li Xiuning was also impossible; an impending fallen dynasty wasn’t worth sacrificing the Li Family’s most precious daughter, so...

Shong Xiufang looked at Dong Shuni opposite; the latter’s face was somewhat pale, eyes full of unease.

Evidently, she had no good feelings towards the cowering, thin-looking new emperor.

So...(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)