Chapter 268: Chapter 266: Maneuvering_1 Chapter 268: Chapter 266: Maneuvering_1 The Jin Kingdom would never call this residence the Envoy’s Mansion. The Jin Kingdom allowed the Fourth Prince to name his own residence, treating him as an honored guest invited by the Jin Kingdom.

“Thank you for your concern, Crown Prince!” Murong Yu smiled and nodded. “My second son, raised with indulgence since childhood… If he behaves improperly in the future, I hope the Crown Prince will be considerate of this child!”

“Your Majesty, you speak too humbly!” The Crown Prince smiled. “Your Majesty and the Fourth Prince have traveled far, you must be tired. Please rest well, and tomorrow I will personally escort you both into the palace.”

“Thank you, Crown Prince!” Murong Li bowed to the Crown Prince.

“Feng Yao, please escort the Crown Prince…” Murong Yu said with a smile.

Before leaving, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but look at the Emperor of Yan again. Indeed, he was so beautiful that one scarcely dared to look directly. It was evident how stunning Empress Ji must have been in her prime. Perhaps the only one who could rival her beauty now would be…

The image of Bai Qingyan suddenly flashed in the Crown Prince’s mind.

Honestly, if it weren’t for Bai Qingyan’s overpowering aura of a warrior, she truly could be considered a rare beauty, outshining the so-called First Beauty, the Princess of Nandu, Liu Ruofu, by far.

However, Bai Qingyan’s resolute demeanor often made people overlook her beauty because of her imposing pride.

“Please, Your Highness…”

Feng Yao’s sharp voice rang in the Crown Prince’s ear, bringing him back to his senses. He then saluted and took his leave.

As Feng Yao escorted the Crown Prince out, the Crown Prince suddenly thought of Xiao Rongyan. While walking, he smiled and asked Feng Yao, “I have a friend, Xiao Rongyan. I heard he’s acquainted with Eunuch Feng…”

Feng Yao was startled, then smiled and said, “Not very familiar. It’s just that our Ninth Prince appreciated my long service to Empress Ji and His Majesty, allowing this old servant to earn some money with Mr. Xiao.”

The Crown Prince nodded with a smile, “Rongyan told me about his encounter with your Ninth Prince. Sharing the same character in their names, yet there was no blame. Your Ninth Prince is indeed generous.”

“Our Ninth Prince said that since Mr. Xiao is a man of Wei Kingdom, his name was given by his parents, so it can’t be blamed on him. It can be considered fate between our Ninth Prince and Mr. Xiao.” Feng Yao lowered his head respectfully, showing no sign of the authority he wielded beside the Emperor of Yan.

The Crown Prince’s carriage left the Envoy’s Mansion alley and headed straight for the Imperial Palace.

Previously, Yan had requested an envoy to Jin but never mentioned it would be the legitimate son. The Crown Prince needed to inform the Emperor immediately.

Because tomorrow was the Emperor of Jin’s birthday, envoys from various countries had come to Dadu City to celebrate. Upon hearing that the Emperor of Yan had arrived, they all personally brought gifts to where the Emperor of Yan was staying.

Xiao Rongyan, who had business in Yan and a partnership with Eunuch Feng, also needed to present gifts, preparing two: one for the Emperor of Yan, and one for Eunuch Feng.

When Xiao Rongyan arrived, envoys from various countries were still presenting gifts. He waited outside the residence for more than an hour before Feng Yao leisurely came out.

Xiao Rongyan quickly stepped forward and bowed, “Xiao Rongyan greets Eunuch.”

Feng Yao, holding his composure, smiled and said Mr. Xiao was too kind. Xiao Rongyan then had Yue Shi present a small wooden box containing account books to Feng Yao, whispering, “Why is it Xiao Ali this time?”

“Young master, you know, the Fourth Prince has a mind of his own. This time, he insisted on coming in place of the Second Prince!” Feng Yao maintained his high and mighty demeanor, speaking to Xiao Rongyan with neither humility nor arrogance, “Young master, no need to worry much. The Fourth Prince is always quick-witted and wise.”

The die was cast. What else could Xiao Rongyan say?

He bit his lip and added, “I just saw the envoy from the Rong…”

“Yes, but His Majesty did not meet them.”

“Please convey to my elder brother that he can send someone to discreetly contact the Rong envoy in private. This time… Yan can use the pretext of helping Rong quell unrest to deploy troops, seizing Rong’s natural horse pastures and preparing for a future pincer attack on Jin, aiding in a battle against Daliang! Although this plan is risky, it’s a rare opportunity. If my elder brother is bold enough to take the gamble, it will bring Yan great benefits.”

Xiao Rongyan finished, smiling as he bowed deeply to Feng Yao.

Feng Yao nodded contentedly, touched the box with the account books, and returned to the residence, satisfied.

At the posthouse.

Li Zhijie, King Yan of Xiliang, heard that the Emperor of Yan had arrived in Jin with his son but would not attend the palace banquet at noon, pursing his thin lips tightly.

After the posthouse replaced his medicine and left the room, Li Zhijie dressed and instructed Lu Tianzhuo, “Prepare a generous gift and send it to the Emperor of Yan.”

“Yes!” Lu Tianzhuo responded and left.

Li Zhijie finished dressing, picked up a teacup, thought for a moment, then called someone in, “Tell the Princess to rest well in the posthouse today, save her strength for the Emperor of Jin’s birthday tomorrow. We won’t attend today’s luncheon.”

Today’s banquet did not invite the already present Emperor of Yan, presumably to celebrate the victory in the Southern Border. At this time, they would only face humiliation at Xiliang. It would be better to feign injury, let the Princess claim fatigue, and not attend.

At the Emperor of Jin’s birthday banquet tomorrow, the Princess’s dance would stun everyone.

*
Since tomorrow was the Emperor’s birthday, today’s luncheon was simple. The Emperor only invited the victorious generals from the Southern Border and their families.

The Emperor heard that King Yan of Xiliang and the Princess claimed one had not recovered from injuries and the other was unaccustomed to the climate and tired, only wishing to save their strength for the Emperor’s birthday tomorrow, thinking Xiliang was sensible.

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When the Crown Prince reported that the Emperor of Yan brought his legitimate second son, the Emperor was taken aback for a moment, then felt that Jin’s majesty intimidated all lands. Only then did the Emperor of Yan bring his legitimate son to show goodwill.

After all, Yan had now become a poor and weak nation. Even after reclaiming Nanyan, they dared not act arrogant before the Jin Kingdom!

The Emperor felt even better than in the morning and instructed the Crown Prince, “Since the Emperor of Yan sincerely brought his legitimate son to Jin, we must also maintain our dignity. During the Fourth Prince of Yan’s stay in Dadu, remember to take him to spring outings and poetry gatherings. Inform those dandies in Dadu City, led by Lu Yuanpeng, not to provoke this Fourth Prince.”

“Understood! Rest assured, Father.” The Crown Prince respectfully supported the Emperor out of the inner chamber, “On the sixth of April, the Third Prince is holding a polo match and has invited me. By then… I will bring the Fourth Prince of Yan. I will ensure the Fourth Prince becomes familiar with Dadu City and makes friends with those led by Lu Yuanpeng!”

Close to vermilion, one becomes red; close to ink, one becomes black. Making friends with the idle rich…