Chapter 21
As the two were engaged in lively conversation, a voice suddenly interrupted from behind them.
“Your Highness, Young Master Murong, the banquet has commenced. The Emperor invites both of you to the hall,” said Eunuch Yu, the Emperor’s chief eunuch, with a smile. In his mind, he thought, it seems the Prime Minister’s family is about to rise in power. The prince not only favors Miss Murong but also appears to greatly appreciate Young Master Murong.
It was said that Young Master Murong was soon to enter officialdom, and it seemed he would advance rapidly.
Being interrupted at such a rare, pleasant moment meant to foster their relationship made Shangguan Ye quite displeased, though he didn’t show it outwardly. He merely responded with a nod and then turned to Murong Qiufeng, “Let’s go in.”
Murong Qiufeng had been engrossed in Shangguan Ye’s insights on music, enjoying the tales of different tunes encountered during his military campaigns. Being interrupted now left him somewhat disappointed. He nodded and added, “I wonder if there will be another opportunity to seek your guidance, Your Highness.” When it came to music, his thoughts were particularly straightforward.
Shangguan Ye’s eyes brightened, and he nodded with a smile. “Of course.”
To Murong Qiufeng, this gentle and modest expression seemed normal. However, to Eunuch Yu, it was as shocking as his subordinates’ initial reactions when they first saw it. Eunuch Yu knew that even when meeting the Emperor, Shangguan Ye maintained a cold demeanor. Any smile he showed was often sarcastic or perfunctory. Seeing such a genuine and gentle smile on this usually cold man was both unexpected and unsettling.
Eunuch Yu’s heart skipped a beat. Observing the prince’s tone, expression, and the softness in his eyes, he quickly deduced an outrageous guess due to his fifty years of experience in the palace. However, before this thought could settle, Shangguan Ye’s icy, murderous gaze snapped him back to reality. Realizing he had been openly speculating, he quickly lowered his head and stepped back, cursing himself for being so foolish as to reveal his thoughts.
Despite the fear, the prince’s slight hint of murderous intent made Eunuch Yu’s guess even more concrete, causing him to break into a cold sweat. When he raised his head again, the prince and Murong Qiufeng had already left.
Wiping the sweat from his brow with a trembling hand, Eunuch Yu felt lingering fear. Though he had his suspicions, he knew better than to speak of them. Everything from tonight, he decided, must be relegated to a dream in his mind.
When Murong Qiufeng entered the grand hall with Shangguan Ye, he was startled to see that the previously bustling hall had fallen silent. All the officials and their families were seated in an orderly fashion. At the center, dressed in resplendent yellow, were the Emperor, the Empress, and the Noble Consort.
Their entrance drew everyone’s gaze. Murong Qiufeng, unused to such attention, furrowed his brow in discomfort. The three figures at the head of the hall were equally surprised and impressed by Murong Qiufeng’s appearance.
They had all seen Murong Qiuyun, whose temperament might have been lacking, but her beauty was unrivaled in Yan Kingdom. The Emperor had once entertained thoughts about Murong Qiuyun but had to abandon them due to the Empress and the Murong family.
Murong Qiufeng’s features were almost identical to Murong Qiuyun’s, but his more defined, masculine contours did not detract from his beauty. His serene, pristine aura only accentuated his striking appearance.
In a society not open about such matters but where some noble households kept young male companions, Murong Qiufeng’s appearance was bound to stir interest. The Emperor himself had several young men in secret. It was impossible for the Emperor not to have any improper thoughts upon seeing Murong Qiufeng.
Shangguan Ye’s eyes narrowed slightly, and a surge of killing intent rose within him. Coldly scanning the room, he wished he could gouge out all the staring eyes. His determination to keep Murong Qiufeng close only grew stronger. In this treacherous place, Murong Qiufeng’s naïveté made him as vulnerable as a lamb among wolves, especially with the Emperor present.
Shangguan Ye’s icy gaze met the Emperor’s, conveying a clear warning. The onlookers, intimidated by Shangguan Ye’s coldness, quickly averted their gazes.
Unaware of the silent confrontation, Murong Qiufeng quickly looked for his father. Spotting him, he was about to head over but was stopped by Shangguan Ye. “Qiufeng, sit with me,” the prince said.
Murong Qiufeng didn’t notice anything unusual in Shangguan Ye’s words, but those around did. Shangguan Ye’s declaration made it clear that Murong Qiufeng was under his protection.
The happiest among the attendees were the Prime Minister and the Empress, whose smiles nearly split their faces.
Murong Qiufeng, slightly troubled, glanced at his father, who nodded subtly, signaling him to comply. Sighing inwardly, Murong Qiufeng had hoped to befriend Shangguan Ye without becoming a pawn in political games. Yet, he had no choice but to follow along and sit beside the prince.
Once they were seated, the Emperor, despite his inner gloom, put on a false smile and praised Shangguan Ye before officially starting the banquet. With the festivities in full swing, Murong Qiufeng finally felt a small sense of relief. He found such occasions tiring and remembered Shangguan Ye’s words about attending more of these banquets in the future, which gave him a headache.
As he pondered, a crisp clink sounded, followed by a deep, pleasant laugh nearby. Turning instinctively, he saw Shangguan Ye holding a wine cup, looking at him with amusement. The clink had come from their cups touching.
“What are you thinking about? Did you fancy one of the dancers? If you did, just say so. I’m sure the Emperor wouldn’t mind. Let’s have a drink first,” Shangguan Ye said with a chuckle.
Murong Qiufeng, feeling slightly exasperated, responded, “Sorry, Your Highness, but I don’t drink.”
