Actually, Mu Ling 'er didn't have the right to represent Medicine City this time.
Last time, she'd gone missing while bringing medicine to Medical City to deal with the poison beast. Everyone was waiting for her to show up, but she never showed her face in Medical City. She even caused Medical City to search for her everywhere for the Mu Clan.
Leaving aside the Wang and Xie Clans, even the Mu Clan had plenty of complaints.
This time, the three clans of Medicine City had come to an agreement that the powerful Mu Clan would still have the right to represent Medicine City at the banquet.
Mu Yingdong and Han Yunxi's relationship had been so unpleasant that he didn't want to see them for a while. Originally, he wanted the eldest young master of the Mu Clan, Mu Lingyun, to attend the banquet, but Mu Ling 'er refused to leave the capital and insisted on attending instead. In the end, Mu Yingdong had no choice but to compromise.
It wasn't appropriate for a little girl to represent Medicine City at a national banquet, but Mu Ling 'er's talents in medicine were well known throughout Cloud Realm Continent. Her status as a genius pharmacist was still acceptable at such a grand occasion.
Mu Yingdong personally gave Mu Ling 'er his gift and told her to take good care of it. She had to say a few words of congratulations before sending it out at the banquet.
The three great clans of Medicine City had agreed on the gift together. It was a Lifesaving Pill from the Medicine Forest. Although it was called a Medicinal Pill, it wasn't refined, but grown from medicinal trees.
Each tree would produce a single Lifesaving Pill every 30 years. It could protect a person's heart and vital energy when their life was in danger and buy time for doctors to treat them.
Such a grand gift was both a show of sincerity and face for Medicine City, and a sign of good relations with the Mu Clan. Mu Yingdong was secretly colluding with Jun Yi Xie, but on the surface, he wanted to get on good terms with Emperor Tianhui.
After Han Yunxi and Long Fei Ye tricked him, he stood on Emperor Tianhui's side.
Seeing Mu Ling 'er stand up, the vexed empress dowager finally pulled herself together.
She knew that the relationship between Medicine City and Tianning wasn't bad. She also knew that Medicine City's congratulatory gift would definitely be stunning.
The foreign guests all maintained a neutral stance and sent gifts as usual. They wouldn't interfere with Tianning's internal strife. This was especially true for a power as complex as Medicine City. A single representative wouldn't be able to decide Medicine City's stance.
The Empress Dowager was very confident that Mu Ling'er would give her a big gift. She finally had some expectations.
Emperor Tianhui grew self-confident as well. He refused to believe that Long Fei Ye could even rope in foreign powers! He wanted Long Fei Ye to know that he was the true master of Tianning. Naturally, the foreign guests would only recognize him!
Previously, a few foreign guests had sent gifts, but their influence couldn't compare to Medicine City's. Now that Medicine City's people had stood up, he planned to show off to Long Fei Ye.
As a matter of fact, Mu Ling 'er hadn't even revealed her identity before Emperor Tianhui spoke up first. "Is this the Mu Clan's famous genius pharmacist, Miss Ling' er?"
Any other representative would be overwhelmed by the favor, but Mu Ling 'er remained calm. "Exactly so."
"Why didn't the Mu Clan head come with you?" Emperor Tianhui had long known that Mu Yingdong wasn't coming, so he brought it up on purpose for Long Fei Ye to hear.
Medicine City's strength was deep and solid. They weren't just any allies!
"My father isn't feeling well, so I came as his representative," Mu Ling 'er said, before hastily adding, "And as Medicine City's representative."
Chu Qingge felt uncomfortable all over at the words. She couldn't even sit comfortably in her chair, so she clenched her fists and pounded them on the table.
Still, she had to admit that she couldn't compare to this damned girl in terms of status.
Was it because big brother didn't want to offend Medicine City that he didn't show up after saving me at the inn? She'd asked him a few times, but all she got in return was rolling her eyes.
Chu Qingge looked towards Han Yunxi, trying to figure out the relationship between Mu Ling 'er and Han Yunxi. The two of them weren't friendly at all, but Han Yunxi had clearly saved Mu Ling' er that day.
Han Yunxi was looking quietly at Mu Ling 'er, her gaze flickering between light and dark. It was both heavy and complicated.
Long Fei Ye didn't pay much attention to her side.
"Send Zhen's regards to your father's wellbeing," Emperor Tianhui said seriously.
"Alright," Mu Ling 'er nodded before looking towards the empress dowager.
The empress dowager had a kind smile on her face, but her heart was already blooming with joy. She was guessing what kind of gift Medicine City would give her. It had to be some sort of medicine, but it was hard to guess what it was.
Actually, it wasn't just the empress dowager who was guessing. Everyone else present was guessing as well. Medicine City's gifts had always been extraordinary.
Under the gazes of the crowd, Mu Ling 'er walked out of her seat. When she passed by Han Yunxi, she purposely shot her a provocative glance.
Han Yunxi allowed her to do as she pleased without batting an eyelid.
Mu Ling 'er walked in front of the empress dowager and made a simple bow. "Mu Ling' er greets Tianning's Empress Dowager!"
"Rise, rise!" the empress dowager was so moved that she couldn't hide it. Her face was wreathed in a spring breeze.
Mu Ling 'er made another bow, this time with a grand bow. "Ling' er represents the Mu Clan and Medicine City to congratulate Tianning's Empress Dowager. May the sun and moon be bright, the pines and cranes be everlasting. May your happiness last forever, and your future be boundless. May your smile bloom from your mouth and your family live forever!"
Her loud voice filled the silent hall with congratulatory words. Both the empress dowager and Emperor Tianhui were very satisfied.
"Good, good, good! This child's mouth is so sweet! "the empress dowager couldn't stop grinning as she looked towards Emperor Tianhui. Emperor Tianhui grinned and nodded in agreement.
"Esteemed Empress Dowager praises me too much," Mu Ling 'er said modestly.
"See, you're still being modest," the empress dowager said with a smile. "Hurry and rise."
Mu Ling 'er immediately rose, then … then turned to walk towards her seat and sit down. And then … there was no' then '!
There was no congratulatory gift!
What did Medicine City mean by this?
Just like that, the empress dowager's smile froze. Her eyes stared straight ahead, her expression terrifying.
Without warning, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone exchanged glances as the atmosphere turned strange.
Medicine City was actually interfering in Tianning's internal affairs at a time like this to support His Highness Duke of Qin!
Heavens, what's wrong with Medicine City? Could it be that the three great clans and His Highness Duke of Qin had gotten together?
Very soon, all sorts of suspicions arose. The empress dowager's breathing grew heavier as she clenched her fists. Her rage was on the verge of exploding.
Abominable!
Too abominable!
This damned girl wasn't planning to give a gift? Why did she walk out then? Why did she say so many congratulatory words? What was she doing?!
The empress dowager was so angry that her face had turned white. Her entire body was trembling, while Emperor Tianhui's face had long turned into a palette of colors.
Medicine City's public support for Long Fei Ye was beyond his expectations! What was Mu Yingdong planning? What were the Wang and Xie Clans planning?
Despite the doubtful looks from the crowd, Mu Ling 'er leisurely sipped her tea as if nothing had happened.
Han Yunxi's tightly pursed lips slowly rose into a smile. She nudged Long Fei Ye lightly with her elbow and said, "I said this girl was very cute, didn't I?"
Long Fei Ye didn't reply, but gave Mu Ling 'er a rare look.
Actually, even without Mu Ling 'er, he would've let Emperor Tianhui know that he had foreign powers in his hands today. Since Mu Ling' er had accidentally chosen to represent Medicine City, he didn't need to explain himself.
As Mu Ling 'er drank her tea, she glanced at Han Yunxi out of the corner of her eye. When she saw Han Yunxi smiling at her, she immediately withdrew her gaze and ignored her with a haughty expression.
Han Yunxi gave a lazy yawn and drank her tea without looking at her again.
Perhaps only Han Yunxi and Mu Ling 'er understood the subtle relationship between them. In any case, everyone present was discussing Medicine City's stance. Emperor Tianhui was finally reevaluating Long Fei Ye's capabilities. He had to consider how Mu Ling' er's actions would make the other foreign guests look at him.
How could such a good banquet go on?
No matter what, it had to continue for the sake of Tianning's imperial family's face.
The empress dowager was so angry that she wanted to smash her things and leave, but she was still the empress dowager. She suppressed her anger and sat upright in her seat.
Emperor Tianhui was extremely uneasy. He had to calm down and reevaluate the power behind Long Fei Ye. It seemed like he'd have to put aside the difficulties he'd prepared for Long Fei Ye. If he forced this retainer brother of his into a corner, he'd really start a rebellion!
Under his rule, Tianning looked peaceful and prosperous, but there were internal and external troubles. If Long Fei Ye really made a move, it wouldn't do him any good.
Although he knew that Long Fei Ye had won this game, Emperor Tianhui was still unwilling to accept it. But after weighing the pros and cons, he could only endure for now!
"Your Majesty, I heard that the dancers performed a Peach Blossom Dance for the Empress Dowager. Why don't you have them come up to liven things up?" Noble Consort Yun seized the chance to speak up.
The empress had gone mad. As the mother of the second imperial son, Noble Consort Xiao was likely to suffer because of Prime Minister Xiao's stance. Naturally, she had to seize the chance. She had to pave the way for her seventh imperial son.
Emperor Tianhui nodded. "Mm."
A group of dancers as beautiful as flowers walked out from the left and right sides of the hall. Their faces were like peach blossoms, and their pink robes fluttered in the wind. They immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.
Although everyone was still suspicious of what had just happened, the atmosphere was less tense on the surface.
The empress dowager silently exhaled, a sinister look flashing past her eyes. Even if I can't make things difficult for the Duke of Qin, I should at least embarrass Han Yunxi today. Otherwise, I won't be able to swallow this anger!
As they enjoyed the dance and dance, the other foreign guests began to offer their congratulations. None of them acted like Mu Ling 'er did again.
Duanmu Baiye represented Western Zhou to present the empress dowager with a generous gift, which was within everyone's expectations.
Although Chu Qingge wanted to support the Duke of Qin, she knew that she couldn't convince Duanmu Baiye. She couldn't help but look towards Mu Ling 'er with envy.
If I could represent all of Western Zhou, or even the Chu Clan, I'd definitely stand on Long Fei Ye's side.
Some backgrounds meant that one couldn't do as they pleased. Others allowed you to do as you pleased!
After the foreign guests finished offering their congratulations, everything returned to normal.
Everyone enjoyed the Peach Blossom Dance with peace of mind. Needless to say, this Peach Blossom Dance was truly beautiful.
The empress dowager seemed to be enjoying the show, but she was secretly wondering how she should deal with Han Yunxi.
Han Yunxi had no idea of the empress dowager's thoughts. She was currently savoring the delicacies on the table while enjoying the dance and dance. She'd been busy all this time, so it was rare for her to have a chance to enjoy herself like this!
Unexpectedly, Chu Qingge spoke up with a smile. "Qin Wangfei …"
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