Chapter 22: The Arrival of the Aloof Father Candidate

Yun Feiyue’s face was dark with displeasure. According to Princess Ye Qi’s standards, fewer than ten people in this world could possibly meet them.

“Are you talking about a fully ripened durian?” Yun Feiyue mused. If it was a durian still in its developmental stage, she’d definitely exceed the mark.

“What do you think?” Princess Ye Qi’s eyes narrowed as she smiled lightly.

Yun Feiyue fell silent, burying her head and refusing to say another word. Ever since encountering Princess Ye Qi, Yun Hai was no longer the person she disliked most.

After holding back for quite a while, Yun Feiyue finally managed to squeeze out three words: “You win this time!”

“Likewise.” Princess Ye Qi smiled, tilting her head back to drink a cup of wine. She looked intoxicated, as if the wine had bewitched her, her beautiful red eyes drifting over to the child beside Yun Feiyue.

Immediately, Yun Feiyue pulled Little Mumu into her arms. Who knew if Ye Qi had some odd interest in children? Since entering the Longhua Hall, she’d been keeping an eye on Little Mumu.

“Little Mumu, from now on, whenever you meet someone like the lady across from us, remember—don’t say too much.”

Little Mumu looked up, puzzled. “Mother, do you think I’d waste words on a lady without a chest?”

Perfect answer! In her anxiety, Yun Feiyue almost forgot her son’s criteria for beauty: first and foremost, good milk! Obviously, Princess Ye Qi didn’t even meet half the standard.

Hearing their exchange, Princess Ye Qi nearly spat out her wine, but she’d already been shocked enough earlier—her resistance was stronger now, and she forced the drink down her throat.

She glared at Little Mumu in anger. “You little rascal, dare to challenge me one-on-one!”

Little Mumu sighed, “Sister, do you feel good about bullying a child?”

Princess Ye Qi clenched her fists, her fingers cracking. Usually, that terrifying look alone would frighten several people to death. Yet before her stood a shameless mother and son, fearless of anything, utterly ignoring her gestures.

A girlish giggle rang out nearby. Jun Shaomo turned her head to look at Princess Ye Qi, her large eyes alive with wit, her voice as sweet as the chime of silver bells. “Shaomo has heard the princess is famed for her noble demeanor and exquisite manners. Is that true?” Now she was quarreling with children!

Princess Ye Qi immediately realized her behavior was out of order—today, she’d been so provoked by Yun Feiyue and a child that she’d let her true nature slip.

She composed herself, raised her lips in an elegant smile befitting a princess. “Today, due to the enthronement of the Emperor of Chu, I am exuberant and unable to restrain myself. Just bantering with the children, that’s all.”

Jun Shaomo pouted and smiled, no longer engaging with Ye Qi. The Dragon Banquet returned to its “peaceful” atmosphere.

At this moment, Gongsun Ziyan entered through the side door.

She wore a lavish purple robe embroidered with golden phoenixes, exuding opulence. Two palace maids behind her helped carry the trailing hem. Earlier, Beichen Yi had instructed her to tidy her appearance, and she had indeed done so.

She hadn’t yet assumed the position of empress, but already donned the empress’s phoenix robe—such boldness!

And she held her head high, seemingly forgetting that above imperial power was the supreme martial path. Before martial experts, even the empress of Chu had no right to show off.

Even Beichen Yi’s entrance had never been so ostentatious, and now she had even less cause.

Under the gaze of all, she stepped to the center of the hall and bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, Gongsun Ziyan pays respects.”

Beichen Yi’s expression was unreadable; his deep black eyes resembled an abyss. He spoke calmly, “Take your seat.”

Gongsun Ziyan glanced around. The seats were nearly full. The nearest spot was the first seat, and she moved toward it, ready to sit. Yet a palace maid told her, “Miss Gongsun, this is the seat for Lord Shenyin. Your place is over there...” The maid pointed to a spot further back.

She had already noticed that seat, but it was behind Yun Feiyue. She didn’t think Beichen Yi should make her sit after Yun Feiyue! That’s why she’d headed for the first seat.

She bit her lip in frustration and walked to her assigned place.

Beichen Yi noticed her dissatisfaction and spoke softly, “Ziyan, today is the Dragon Banquet.”

Though his words weren’t explicit, Gongsun Ziyan understood his meaning. At the banquet, he wanted her to put the greater good first—not that he didn’t care for her, but the seating was arranged according to the Qingwu ranking. With this in mind, Gongsun Ziyan felt much better.

“I understand,” she said, taking her seat.

Although she sat several places behind Yun Feiyue, it wasn’t too far back. After all, her abilities hadn’t even broken into the top ten of the Qingwu list. If not for Beichen Yi’s “affection,” she wouldn’t have qualified for the Dragon Banquet at all.

By now it was noon, and nearly everyone had arrived. The first round of dishes had been cleared away, replaced with new ones. The feast continued!

Finally, as the blazing sun reached its zenith, the true star of the banquet arrived—Lord Shenyin, riding a swift white horse. Clad in robes whiter than snow, astride a horse whose hooves left no trace, his cold, sharp aura instantly eclipsed the sunlight, filling the hall with a crisp chill.

His resolute face was outlined perfectly by the sunlight, like a god bathed in divine radiance.

Yun Feiyue and Little Mumu both praised him—truly worthy of being Lord Shenyin! In their hearts, they silently resolved: he must be conquered!

He slowly raised the white brocade book in his hand.

White brocade—the book used for the investiture ceremony. Every emperor through the ages, upon receiving the investiture from the Shenyin Mo family, would have their name inscribed upon the brocade book. It was known as the “Book of the White Emperor.”

Upon seeing the Book of the White Emperor, Beichen Yi’s lips curved into a faint smile. He rose from his dragon throne, walked to Lord Shenyin, and knelt on one knee. “Emperor of Chu, Beichen Yi, accepts the investiture.”

Mo Feiyuan flicked his wrist lightly, sending the Book of the White Emperor soaring into the air. It unfurled rapidly, its blinding white light enveloping the entire Longhua Hall.

Beneath the white radiance, Beichen Yi pressed his lips together. His sickly pale face seemed even more like a blank sheet. The investiture ceremony was not something everyone could succeed in. Seizing imperial power was only the first step; to truly become a legitimate emperor, one must be recognized by the Book of the White Emperor. That is why nearly half the kingdoms on the Golden Spear Continent are ruled by regents—because their names lack legitimacy.

----- Author’s Note -----
Guess whether Beichen Yi will succeed in the investiture ceremony. Correct guesses win a prize! →_→