Chapter 75 - Devilish Dance
The imperial chamber bore a lingering scent of gunpowder, signifying Yin Xu's satisfaction with the emperor's rewards. However, he brushed off Huo Zhengquan's attempts at reconciliation, stoking intense ire among the Huo Family brethren.
“It's late; time for the banquet. Jie'er, bring Huo Tian to the palace when you can. I've taken quite a liking to the child.”
Teng Yu acquiesced outwardly but harbored reservations: You may fancy me, but I may not reciprocate.
Exiting the imperial chamber, Teng Yu and Yin Xu lagged behind, deliberately creating distance from the Huo Family entourage.
“Upon your return, fortify your experiences. The emperor and Huo Zhengquan possess keen intellects; they won't be easily deceived.”
Yin Xu halted, pondering his words. “How did you discern?”
“Do you realize you're not Huo Tian?” Teng Yu murmured into his ear.
Yin Xu turned to him, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features. Their eyes met, resembling lovers sharing a knowing glance.
Witnessing this, Huo Yiloong swiftly flung a silver ingot at Yin Xu with full force.
Alerted by the sound, Teng Yu drew Yin Xu close, poised to intercept the incoming silver. But Yin Xu restrained him. “Stand down.”
Pushing Teng Yu aside, Yin Xu deftly caught the silver, casting a disdainful smile at Huo Yiloong. Silently, he mouthed, “Thank you.”
Despite seething with rage, Huo Yiloong refrained from causing a scene.
Had Teng Yu retaliated instinctively, it would have exposed his long-concealed secret.
Yin Xu pocketed the silver, gleefully advising, “Tease him a bit more next time if you have the chance.”
“Why waste money? Next time, demand a jade pendant. That's worth something,” Teng Yu suggested.
Yin Xu blinked, querying, “The one with the engraved name?”
“You've seen it?” Teng Yu realized, “You must have one too; it's a symbol of status for each generation of the Huo Family.”
“Can it be sold?”
“Certainly, but only a brave few would dare.”
Yin Xu eyed his hand, which had just accepted the silver, and asked ominously, “Do you understand the consequences of touching this young master's head?”
Teng Yu tapped his head again, tauntingly. “What are they?”
“Those who dared before are all dead!”
Glancing at his hand, then at Yin Xu's youthful, handsome visage, Teng Yu chuckled, “How about I give you a free shot?” He presented his head forward.
With a heavy slap, Yin Xu dismissed him, disregarding further interaction.
Ignoring the designated seats, he entered the grand hall with three cheers and prostrations, joining Teng Yu in the seat nearest to the emperor.
The single-person tables adorned with soft leather cushions were conspicuous, especially with Yin Xu and Teng Yu squeezed together, drawing all eyes.
“Someone, make room for Duke Wayne next to the Third Prince, haha… Seems like the young one's first time in the palace, isn't it?” The emperor intervened good-naturedly.
Yin Xu obediently replied with a smile, confirming Teng Yu's expectations of the emperor's attempt to win him over.
Unsure if the emperor was aware of the rumors between her and Teng Yu, she marveled at his gracious treatment despite the gossip.
The assembly pondered who “Duke of Wynn” might be and how a mere viscount could sit in the esteemed position.
Yet, as word spread, Yin Xu's identity was unveiled.
Yin Xu guided them to Teng Yu's table, where they caught the gaze of Huo Zhengquan seated opposite, glaring.
Raising his wine glass, he signaled, then downed it in one gulp.
Huo Zhengquan's keen hearing caught wind of palace rumors regarding Yin Xu and Teng Yu, his anger barely contained.
How could a scion of the Huo Family endure such humiliation? Huo Tian had gone too far, and so had the Third Prince!
“Marshal Huo seems quite vexed. You must tread carefully; if you provoke him, I can't guarantee your safety.” Teng Yu warned, recognizing Huo Zhengquan's formidable reputation.
“No worries, as long as he doesn't intend to kill me, I'm fine.”
“Aren't you concerned he might invoke family law? They say Huo Family's punishment is dreadfully severe, with nine lives forfeited for one offense.”
“Who said I belong to the Huo Family?” Disdaining kneeling, Yin Xu adopted a cross-legged position, ceasing competition with Huo Zhengquan.
On the dais, Emperor Dechang delivered his New Year's address, while three remained unmoved.
Huo Zhengquan's stature commanded respect, dissuading any trivial confrontations. Yin Xu, favored by the emperor, remained immune to such power plays.
The palace banquet's fare paled compared to that of the Third Prince's Mansion. Fortunately, Teng Yu had the foresight to dine at home before attending.
Amidst the bustling hall, Yin Xu subtly gestured with both hands.
Formless Demonic Qi emanated from him, permeating the air and seeking out objects to infuse with its energy.
Suddenly, a fervor seized half the officials in the main hall. Civil servants, previously immersed in poetic recitals, now surged with heightened emotions, their voices amplifying thricefold. Meanwhile, spectators of the dancing beauties felt an inexplicable heat, their gazes turning lascivious.
Past palace banquets often left officials with sour expressions post-inebriation. Yet, as long as no errors arose, the emperor typically overlooked their antics.
Following the dance's conclusion, the captivating performers sauntered towards the seats, bearing wine jugs for the attendees.
The mingling scents intoxicated even the most disciplined, prompting some officials to lose restraint and attempt untoward advances.
Suddenly, cries pierced the air, quelling the erstwhile din.
All eyes turned, beholding a startling scene. Dignified adults, usually composed, now restrained the dancers as if seized by a sudden madness.
In a brothel, such behavior might warrant cheers. But in the emperor's presence, amidst noblewomen, the consequences loomed dire.
“Aiyo, Lord Li, this is unacceptable! Release her.”
“Impossible, Master Xu! This is the Chengde Hall, not your private domain.”
“Master Yuan, what ails you? You've hardly imbibed tonight, yet you act as if intoxicated.”
Officials, regaining composure, hastened to intervene. Yet, the possessed men remained heedless, seeking only an outlet for their frenzy.
Confusion gripped onlookers; while drunkenness was common at palace banquets, never had they witnessed such collective insanity.
Teng Yu, aghast, prepared to address Yin Xu, only to find him in the same posture as an hour prior, head bowed.
Were it not for his closed eyes, Teng Yu might have presumed him asleep.
Yet, Teng Yu's perturbed expression deepened as a flicked peanut rebounded inexplicably, landing between them.
“How audacious!” Teng Yu sighed, then leaned in close to Yin Xu, mimicking conversation for onlookers.
Contemplating the anomalies, Teng Yu fixated on Yin Xu's chin, sensing a connection between the bizarre behavior and him.
Though ignorant of Yin Xu's sinister practices, Teng Yu surmised similarities to events at Loong'an Temple.
This perhaps explained Yin Xu's presence in the stone chamber—a draw compelling him there.
Recalling Yin Xu's retrieval from the crystal coffin, Teng Yu puzzled over its significance, given the Queen Mother's condition.
If contained within her, how did Yin Xu extract it?
Teng Yu mulled over leveraging this object for insights into Yin Xu's mysteries, whose magnitude weighed heavily on him.
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