As Feng Xiwu's words fell, everyone subconsciously looked towards the entrance of Chonghua Palace.
Their gazes froze.
There, Feng Xiwu's personal guard, Li Jin, was pushing the Radiant Marquis, Lu Zhenting, into the palace. Although two other guards followed, in that moment, no one else registered. All eyes were fixed on Lu Zhenting in the four-wheeled carriage.
Feng Qingheng was so astonished he almost stood up, and the two people standing beside him also showed surprise.
"What's going on? Wasn't the Radiant Marquis reported dead in battle?"
"Exactly, I heard he died in Xijiang. What's happening now?"
…
As the murmurs filled the air, Lu Qingwan's lips curved upwards.
She had never imagined that Feng Xiwu's announcement of Emperor Jingyou declaring Lu Zhenting alive would be so grand.
After today, Feng Xiwu, under the guise of presenting Emperor Jingyou with a birthday gift, would bring Lu Zhenting back into the public eye.
From this day forward, at least openly, no one would dare to trouble him.
Amidst the rising tide of whispers, Lu Zhenting, seated in the four-wheeled carriage, bowed as much as his condition allowed. "Your subject greets Your Majesty, and wishes the Fifth Prince eternal life!"
"Lord Lu, you are excused!"
Emperor Jingyou raised a hand in a gesture of assistance. "You are injured. Why are you not recuperating properly in your residence? If you were to develop any lingering ailments, it would be a loss for me, a loss for Da Qian!"
"I am indebted to Your Majesty's care. My health is fine, and I am still able to offer my congratulations to Your Majesty, so that you may rest assured."
Lu Zhenting coughed weakly, clutching his chest as if in discomfort.
Seeing this, Feng Xiwu declared loudly, "Imperial Brother, the safe return of the Radiant Marquis is the first birthday gift from this subject to you. Now that you have seen him, permit the Radiant Marquis to retire and rest. This subject shall now present your second birthday gift."
"You impudent boy, still trying to negotiate with me? You are worried about your father-in-law, aren't you?" Emperor Jingyou chided Feng Xiwu playfully, then smiled. "Servants, quickly escort the Radiant Marquis to his rest. Chief Physician Chen, attend to him. Ensure the Imperial Hospital provides whatever medicinal herbs he requires as soon as possible. If his recovery is delayed, I will hold you accountable!"
The elderly imperial physician, with white hair and beard, quickly acknowledged the order.
Li Qing then pushed Lu Zhenting out of Chonghua Palace. The atmosphere within the palace, however, had reached a fever pitch with Lu Zhenting's appearance.
"They said the Radiant Marquis died in battle, how is he still alive?"
"Indeed, the Regent King even presented him as a gift to His Majesty. Is he supporting Lu Qingwan? Is he?"
…
"I wonder what wonderful gift Uncle Regent has prepared for Father Emperor. It truly makes one curious!"
While everyone's attention was drawn to Lu Zhenting, this exclamation stood out as particularly abrupt.
Lu Qingwan followed the sound and saw a young man with a clear and handsome appearance. His bone structure was delicate, and his features were slightly effeminate. He wore the same princely court attire as Feng Qingheng, and he looked somewhat familiar. Besides him, another man was also wearing the same princely court attire. His appearance bore a strong resemblance to Emperor Jingyou, tall and dashing, with sharp features. He appeared a bit older than Feng Qingheng.
From their seating arrangement, Lu Qingwan deduced that these two were likely the princes Feng Xiwu had mentioned before: the eldest son, Prince Ning Feng Yuheng, and the eighth son, Prince Jing Feng Jingheng.
Feng Xiwu's magnetic voice reached her ears, "Imperial Brother is the Son of Heaven, what good things has he not seen? To avoid disappointing Imperial Brother, this subject has taken a different path. Bring it forth, let His Majesty see the gift from the four hundred thousand Xuanjia Army."
The two guards who had stood silently after entering the hall with Lu Zhenting unfurled the scroll in their hands. It was an extremely intricate map.
Emperor Jingyou, applying his knowledge, picked up the glasses Lu Qingwan had given him and placed them on his nose. "This is a map of the thirteen states of Xijiang. What are those places circled?"
"Reporting to Imperial Brother, three years ago, when this subject was stationed in Xijiang, I accidentally discovered a large iron ore deposit. However, the situation was complex at the time, so I dared not report it to Your Majesty immediately. Instead, I had people conduct private explorations. It wasn't until two months ago, when the men finished surveying all the territories within the thirteen states of Xijiang, that three iron ore deposits were found. This subject had intended to report it to Your Majesty at the time, but considering Your Majesty's approaching birthday, I delayed until now to present this congratulatory gift."
For any ordinary person, discovering mineral deposits and not reporting them promptly could lead to accusations of corruption, or even more serious charges of harboring ill intentions and plotting treason. Yet, for Feng Xiwu, Emperor Jingyou excitedly slapped his thigh, "Good, good! My worthy Imperial Brother! I like this birthday gift, I like it immensely!"
The competition between nations hinges on military strength, and three iron ore deposits were enough to arm how many armies! Emperor Jingyou was truly overjoyed!
The envoys from Xiliang and Beiwei on the side looked so displeased they could have cried ink, yet they had to force smiles and offer their congratulations.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your acquisition of precious ore. Your Majesty indeed possesses boundless fortune!" Nie Mingyang said, his teeth grinding audibly.
Xie Shichuan also offered her congratulations, her attitude much more placid. "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on acquiring precious ore. Joyous occasions continue on your birthday. With a ruler like Your Majesty, it is a blessing for the people of Da Qian. They say you are a wise ruler of a prosperous age, and they were not mistaken!"
Emperor Jingyou was in high spirits but not so easily swayed by flattery. "Princess Feifeng's journey to Da Qian is also Da Qian's honor. The talented young men of Da Qian are all here. I wonder if Princess Feifeng has found anyone to her liking? If so, I will bestow a marriage today, to fulfill the sincerity of the King of Xiliang. What does Princess Feifeng think?"
The boisterous hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to Xie Shichuan. Indeed, the Emperor's birthday was secondary; the most important matters were the negotiations between the two countries. The selection of Princess Feifeng's marriage partner was the symbol for the commencement of negotiations.
Under the weight of so many gazes, Xie Shichuan remained unfazed. She rose and cupped her fists, "Replying to Your Majesty, Feifeng is new to this land and does not know your country's young talents well. May I temporarily postpone the marriage alliance, and after Feifeng has a better understanding of Da Qian's people and affairs, then make further plans?"
This request was, after all, reasonable. Emperor Jingyou mused for a moment before agreeing, "Very well. A blind marriage would be unfair to both you and your future husband. Then Princess Feifeng shall remain in Shangjing for the time being, and we can select a marriage partner slowly. Bring forth the music and dance! I intend to drink to my heart's content with all my ministers today!"
With this statement, he silenced Nie Mingyang, who had been looking for an opportunity to cause trouble, and no one else dared to interject.
A banquet, combining the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Emperor's birthday, thus entered a phase of feasting and merriment, all in harmonious fashion.