Since the conflict between the young couple had been resolved, there was no reason to chase them away. It was reasonable for them to stay for a few days. They stayed in the treehouse that Fei Hong used to live in in the Green Central Garden. However, Granny Lu had told them that Xiahou Tianweng's birthday was imminent. The Celestial Emperor and Empress would be coming to the Imperial Garden. She told the young couple to stay in the Green Central Garden and not run around to avoid unnecessary trouble.
As for whether Miao Yi would abide by it, that was another matter.
The next day, a group of guards entered the Green Central Garden to investigate. The Celestial Emperor and Empress would be coming to the Imperial Garden. It was a routine inspection to see if there were any abnormalities.
The leader was a thin man named Tong Yue. He was one of the commanders of the Imperial Garden's headquarters. Miao Yi might not have much of an impression of him, but Tong Yue still had an impression of Miao Yi, because he was one of the survivors of the Half Tiger Banner in the battle of Youding Domain.
After the Black Dragon Division was disbanded, the survivors of the Half Tiger Banner were no longer the same as before. For example, Tong Yue used to be a Deputy General, but now he was a commander. In just a few years, he had been promoted two ranks.
Miao Yi and Fei Hong were found, but there was nothing wrong with them. At the very least, their appearance in the Green Central Garden was unusual.
Sunlight pierced through the dense forest, leaving behind a quiet and mottled shadow within the forest. Tong Yue, with two people following behind him, walked out from the mottled shadow that carried a mysterious charm. He quietly walked towards Miao Yi and stood in front of him.
The two exchanged glances. Miao Yi felt that this person looked familiar. He knew they had met before, but he had so many subordinates back then. It was impossible for him to remember every single one of them. However, he knew that this thin man was Tong Yue.
Tong Yue's subordinates looked at him. They all knew that he used to be Niu Youde's subordinate. He was one of the survivors of the Half Tiger Banner that Niu Youde led. It was also because of that battle that he was quickly promoted. They wondered how the Commander would feel when he saw his old superior.
When these people saw Miao Yi, they couldn't tell what kind of emotions they were feeling. This former Black Dragon Division's Head Commander had established an insurmountable reputation within the Imperial Guard Army. But now, there were rumors that he had become dispirited and had given up on himself. If that was the case, it would be a pity.
Miao Yi suddenly smiled. "Tong Yue!"
Everyone was secretly shocked. There were so many people in the Black Dragon Society back then. As for Tong Yue, he was only a Deputy General. She didn't expect Miao Yi to still remember Tong Yue's name. It was not easy.
When he saw Miao Yi again, Tong Yue's heart was filled with emotions. The scenes of the bloody battle in Yuding Domain flashed across his mind, and they were deeply engraved in his mind. Even though he was agitated, he tried his best to control his emotions. He cupped his hands and greeted, "Milord!"
Beside him, Granny Lu tilted her head to look at Miao Yi. She could roughly tell that he was one of Miao Yi's former subordinates in the Imperial Guards.
"No need to be so polite." Miao Yi raised his hand to help her up.
Granny Lu said, "The two of them came here with prior approval. There won't be any problems. "
Tong Yue glanced at Grandma Lu, then back at Miao Yi, "Tong Yue has official business to attend to, and must do so in accordance with the law. I hope Milord will forgive me, and allow Tong Yue to verify it."
Miao Yi nodded. "Naturally."
Tong Yue took out the Star Bell, but no one knew where he was contacting it. After waiting for a while to confirm that there were no mistakes, he nodded to his subordinates. Only then did the troops surrounding Miao Yi and Fei Hong disperse.
After that, Tong Yue dismissed his subordinates to continue their search, while he chatted with Miao Yi for a while. While no one was paying attention, he exchanged contacts with Miao Yi.
When his subordinates returned one after another, Tong Yue bid farewell and left with his troops.
Miao Yi squinted his eyes as he sent them off. He needed to know the general situation in the Imperial Garden, but no one in the Imperial Garden would help him. Later on, he found out that Tong Yue, an old subordinate of the Black Dragon Division, was currently on duty in the Imperial Garden. Yun Zhiqiu sent someone to contact Tong Yue and asked him to cooperate with Miao Yi.
Miao Yi was relatively more at ease with these old subordinates of his. Yun Zhiqiu had been maintaining the management of the Imperial Garden. Putting aside their relationship, he had already dragged all of them into the water and boarded Miao Yi's pirate ship. If the Imperial Guards were to find out that these people had been secretly receiving support from others for a long time … That would be no small matter.
Miao Yi had thought that these people might come in handy in the future, but he didn't expect them to come in handy so soon.
Two days later, on the day of the birthday banquet, almost all the high-ranking officials of the imperial court had arrived at their respective residences in the Imperial Garden.
As soon as there was some movement, Miao Yi immediately sent Fei Hong to keep Granny Lu occupied. Well, it couldn't really be considered as keeping her occupied. She only went to chat with Granny Lu, trimming the flowers and trees, while he strolled around the Green Central Garden. In the end, he quietly left.
When the dragon and phoenix palanquins descended from the sky, the Celestial Emperor and Empress arrived at the Li Palace. The Li Palace was officially opened to the public. The Imperial Guards blocking the entrance parted to the two sides. Xiahou Ling led the Xiahou clansmen to the entrance to welcome the guests.
Large groups of people immediately flew out from the surrounding residences. A group of high-ranking officials from the Heavenly Court had arrived with their families. Xiahou Ling welcomed the guests with a smile, and the guests entered with their congratulatory gifts.
As soon as the Li Palace began to welcome the guests, Miao Yi, who had grasped the opportunity, flew over from afar. He landed behind the crowd outside the palace and slowly walked forward.
"Niu Youde …" Someone in the crowd exclaimed in surprise when he saw Miao Yi.
Someone looked at him, and then followed his gaze to see Miao Yi slowly following behind the crowd with an expressionless face.
Soon, the entrance to the Li Palace was completely silent. Everyone stopped and looked in Miao Yi's direction.
The people from the Ying, Hao, Guang, and Kou clansmen who had already entered the palace before the crowd heard the news. They all turned around and floated into the air, looking outside the palace gates. Sure enough, they saw Niu Youde behind them.
Lady Mei and her daughter Guang Mei 'er looked at each other. Guang Mei' er's eyes flashed with surprise and delight, but at the same time, worry surfaced.
Ying Wuman, Haoze, Guang Jun 'an, and Kou Zheng were the four newly promoted Marquises. Although they didn't have the right to stand at the front of the imperial court and could only stand at the back, they represented the Four Heavenly Kings. Their every word and action represented the attitude of the Four Heavenly Kings in the imperial court.
Although the Four Heavenly Kings didn't attend the birthday celebration, it could be seen from the courteous manner in which the high-ranking officials in the imperial court allowed them to bring their families in first.
Ying Wuman, Haoze, and Guang Jun 'an looked at each other in surprise. Kou Zheng's expression was a little gloomy. He had been wondering why Miao Yi would appear in the Imperial Garden. He never expected Miao Yi to come and join in the fun.
Xia Houling stared at Miao Yi for a moment, then floated down to the ground, as though nothing had happened. He maintained his courteous and bright smile, and cupped his fists towards the people who were secretly communicating with each other through voice transmissions. "Please! Please come in! "
Only then did the people who were blocking the entrance realize that they were blocking the way. They continued to present their gifts and walked in, but they couldn't help but look back from time to time. After entering, most of them didn't go any deeper and just waited inside.
They waited until Miao Yi went up. Xiahou Ling looked him up and down, then asked with a smile, "What brings you here, Head Commander Niu?"
Miao Yi cupped his fists and said, "I just so happened to be in the Imperial Garden and coincidentally ran into the Heavenly Elder's birthday celebration. Xiahou Long Cheng and I are best friends. We are as close as brothers. Since I ran into my brother's ancestor's birthday celebration, how could I not come to offer my blessings? However, it seems that I'm not welcome here. I know my own limitations. This is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you won't mind. I'll take my leave and not disturb you. "With a flip of his hand, he took out a storage bangle and offered it up.
"Those who come are guests. How can I not welcome guests who bring gifts?" Xiahou Ling cheerfully received the item in his hand. He reached inside and said decisively, "Head Commander Niu, please come in."
Miao Yi looked inside and saw many pairs of eyes that were rejecting him. He seemed to be hesitating on whether to go in or not.
"Please!" Xiahou Ling said generously again.
Miao Yi took a deep breath and cupped his fists in return. He seemed to have no choice but to go in.
Actually, he knew that as long as he appeared at this time, the Xiahou Clan wouldn't be able to reject the guests who came to congratulate them under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Because the Xiahou Clan's resources were clear for all to see, they weren't afraid of Miao Yi.
If he was really rejected, then he would have to take another risk.
Xiahou Ling looked back and saw the attitudes of the people whispering to each other towards Miao Yi as he slowly walked in. The rejection was too obvious, as if Miao Yi was isolated in another world. Miao Yi was destined to be alone here.
He smiled faintly and turned back to welcome the guests.
The errand boy, Xiahou Hucheng, walked over and cupped his fists towards Miao Yi. "Brother Niu, this way please."
Everyone's attitude towards Miao Yi was too obvious. He was worried that Miao Yi wouldn't be able to handle it and would cause trouble here. Today was the Elder Ancestor's birthday, and Miao Yi had mentioned his elder brother, Xiahou Longcheng. That was why he came out to lead the way. He was afraid that Miao Yi wouldn't fit in with the crowd and wanted to bring him to a quiet place to rest.
"Wait a moment!" Miao Yi gestured, then turned to look at Kou Zheng in the crowd. And a group of Kou family members.
Although Kou Lingxu wasn't here, the immediate family members of the Kou family who weren't involved were all here. Kou Zheng's family, Kou Qin's family, Kou Mian's family, Kou Ying, Kou Qian, and Kou Yu had also brought their children.
To Miao Yi, it was fine if he didn't see them. But now that he saw them, it wouldn't be right if he didn't go over and greet them. After all, he still had to maintain his' reputation '.
However, when they saw Miao Yi walking towards them, everyone in the Kou family seemed a little uncomfortable. Even Kou Wenlan, who was on good terms with Miao Yi, seemed to be avoiding his gaze. There was no helping it. The family had already told them not to interact with Niu Youde in the future.
In the blink of an eye, the brothers and sisters who used to be very friendly with Miao Yi and Yun Zhiqiu had become estranged.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother …" Miao Yi cupped his fists and greeted them.
"Yes, I'm here." Kou Zheng nodded his head expressionlessly, putting on a show of politeness.
However, Kou Qin asked in a deep voice, "Niu Youde. What are you doing here?"
Kou Zheng quickly reached out and grabbed his forearm, signaling him not to say anything else. The host had already let them in without any objections. If they made a fuss now, the Kou family would become a laughingstock.
Kou Qin seemed to realize this as well after being reminded. He scoffed and said no more.
Miao Yi swept his gaze across the Kou family and noticed that most of the juniors were avoiding his gaze. Sui Chuchu, on the other hand, seemed to be looking at him with resentment. He immediately understood. The Kou family had found a way to prove that he hadn't gone to the Dark Spring. However, Kou Zheng knew that he was the cause of the hunt at the Dark Spring. Judging from Sui Chuchu's expression, she seemed to know as well. The pain of losing her son had probably made Miao Yi resent him.
A thought flashed through Miao Yi's mind. He wondered how Sui Chuchu would react if he offered up her head right now.
Miao Yi cupped his fists towards the Kou family again. He had done his job, and turned to leave.
Xiahou Hucheng, who had reached out to welcome Miao Yi, sighed inwardly.
Beside Mei Niang, Guang Mei 'er couldn't help but whisper to her mother, "The Kou family has gone too far!"
Mei Niang rolled her eyes. "What do you know?"
In the back garden of the Li Palace, Master Qing and the potbellied Xiahou Chengyu accompanied Xiahou Tuo. The three of them strolled side by side. Master Qing and his wife had given Xiahou Tuo plenty of face today. Xiahou Tuo was also dressed in a festive red robe.
"Be careful, be careful." Every time they came to a bend in the corridor, Xiahou Tuo would make a fuss from time to time. He would reach out to hold Xiahou Chengyu's arm like a baby.
Although Xiahou Chengyu said he wasn't that delicate, the expression on his face showed that he was enjoying it very much. This was the Patriarch of the Xiahou family!
The three of them chatted as they walked. Shangguan Qing, who was following them at a moderate distance, put away the Star Bell in his hand. He quickly stepped forward and took the time to transmit a message to Master Qing.
After listening, Master Qing chuckled. His gaze turned to Xiahou Tuo. "Albatross, guess who has come to congratulate you on your birthday?"
Xiahou Tuo shook his head with an old and muddle-headed expression. "This old subject really can't guess. Could it be that the four Heavenly Kings have come?"
Master Qing said, "Those four cowards wouldn't dare to come. It's the Phantom City's Head Mayor, Niu Youde. He's a rare guest." He was a little suspicious. Could it be that Niu Youde had no other choice but to suck up to the Xiahou family and rely on them?
"Oh!" Xiahou Tuo suddenly understood. He nodded like an old man past his prime. "The young are thoughtful. Thoughtful."
"What is he doing here?" Xiahou Chengyu frowned. She knew that Niu Youde had come to the Imperial Garden, but she didn't think that he would come to the birthday banquet to join in the fun. What were the guards of the Li Palace doing? Why did they let anyone in?
Xiahou Ta said slowly, "Those who come are guests, those who come are guests." His words seemed to have the power to comfort Xiahou Chengyu.
The three of them strolled around the back garden until Shangguan Qing reminded them that the auspicious hour was approaching. Only then did they head towards the main hall of the Li Palace.
The birthday banquet this time was different from usual. The Heavenly Empress and the Green Emperor sat side by side, not receiving guests in the rear palace. Today, there was no distinction between inside and outside. Other than the Heavenly Consort Zhan Ruyi who had hurried back to offer her well wishes and the concubines of the rear palace, which were inconvenient for meeting outsiders, everyone else was seated according to their families.
The Four Heavenly Kings could no longer be seen in the first seats below. Mei Niang and her daughter, Guang Mei 'er, occupied the first seats. The rest of the marshals, Lord Taibai Jinxing, Master Hou, and the like, as long as their wives were present, entered the hall and sat aside. For example? Is everything right? Eh? Rose? Yong Qiao Na Ji
And Xiahou Ta's table was placed on the top of the steps, next to the Green Emperor and the ministers of the hall.
Outside the hall, the Xiahou family was having a headache about how to arrange Miao Yi's seat. It was unlikely that any family would be willing to accept him, and it didn't seem right to have him sit alone at the side. It wasn't how the dignified Xiahou family treated their guests.
PS: I'm still groggy. It took me a long time to get through the first watch. Please forgive me.
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