Chapter 292: Royal Luncheon
The Noble Consort arrived thirty minutes after they were seated at the reception hall. However, she did not arrive alone. None of the siblings expected to be greeted by royalty so soon, and jumped to their feet to greet the Empress, who smiled at the young royal guests warmly.
"There is no need for formality. I’ve heard a lot from Noble Consort Liu. Any family of hers is a respected guest of ours. It must have been a tiring journey to get here. Although it is slightly early, how about lunch in private? His Majesty is still attending the morning court session. He would join us later."
Although the Empress was adorned in fine silk and gold jewellery, Noble Consort Liu, who stood behind her, made her look like an ordinary person. If she did not introduce herself as the Empress, Yihao might have mistaken her for a friendly older aunt. The difference between mortals and those who cultivate was truly vast.
Mingshen was the first to speak and thank the Empress for her generosity. Anji followed him, and Yihao, the least eloquent of the siblings, thanked her in a loud voice. The sheer volume startled the frail-looking Empress, but it seemed to amuse her after getting over the initial shock. Noble Consort Liu’s smile cracked a little at the lack of indoor voice, but thankfully, nobody was offended.
Following the Empress and her large entourage, the three siblings walked behind Noble Consort Liu like ducklings waddling after their mother. None of them knew any court etiquette. Although they were considered young princes and princesses of the murim world, Imperial manners were very different. With Noble Consort Liu as their sponsor and only familiar face here, the three of them stuck close and tried their best to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
Unfortunately for them, the Empress took a great interest and asked many questions as they walked. Mingshen, the oldest and smartest of the three, handled most of the questions as a well-read scholar would. His knowledge and eloquence impressed the Empress a lot. Yet, when the Empress asked about Yihao and Anji, not even their older brother could answer on their behalf.
"Answering the Empress, I’m just a useless rich man’s son who likes to scuffle in fights and cause trouble on the streets. I’m not good at speaking and writing because studying makes me sleepy. But if anyone picks a fight with me, they will most likely lose!"
Anji froze in panic as her third brother recited the script of his back story as given with supreme confidence. His answer sounded very fake, and she wondered if the Empress would detect and expose his lie. However, instead of making a poor impression, the Empress seemed most amused and almost snorted with strong laughter. She had to cover her mouth with a handkerchief to appear dainty, and faint crow wrinkles appeared at the corners of her eyes when she laughed. It was probably the first real laugh she had experienced in a while.
"Pardon me," the Empress apologised, with Noble Consort Liu supporting her elbow. "I’ve shown you all a disgraceful side."
Disagreeing quickly, Noble Consort Liu secretly gave the kids behind her a thumbs up.
"It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Empress laugh so heartily," Liu Guiya reassured. "It eases me to know my guests’ rudeness did not offend you."
Indeed, a character like Yihao was not often found in the Imperial Palace when everyone hid their true intentions behind sugary words. The man was like a straight wooden beam, blunt, plain and unbending. His honesty was surprisingly refreshing despite his flaws. He did not hide them and told it like it was. Although Noble Consort Liu told the Emperor and Empress they were children from the murim world, she believed someone like Yihao was also a rare character even there.
The most intriguing of all three children had to be the youngest. Anji might look like a peach flower and was a relatively quiet child. However, there was a strange aura that made her seem most unworldly compared to her siblings. If Mingshen was the smart and dangerous expert, Yihao the strong and honest martial artist, then Anji must be the most mysterious arts practitioner. Even as an ordinary person, the Empress felt that the youngest child might be the most talented of all three. Her potential seemed unmatched.
To test the girl, the Empress probed a few questions, and Anji answered with the wisdom of someone who had lived several lifetimes. None of the questions was difficult. In fact, the answers Anji gave sounded ordinary. The backstory was flawless, and she was polite. However, the insights she linked back in her brief visit to the imperial palace were what made the Empress wary.
"Replying to the Empress, the Imperial Palace is very well constructed. The security is well-trained, and the layout is well-thought-out. The servants are adequately skilled at adapting to needs, and the scenery is breathtaking."
If this answer came from Mingshen, the disguised scholar, the Empress would not be as surprised. However, when it came from a girl as young as Anji, she could not help but wonder just how much the young child knew.
"What a splendid answer," she mused, holding herself back from asking more questions. Those could wait for when her husband joined them for luncheon. "What is the one thing that caught your eye during your visit?"
There was no other meaning in her question, just pure curiosity.
Anji pondered over this. Truthfully, nothing here truly impressed her. However, there was one thing she wanted to know.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty. May I be a little bold and presumptuous in my answer?"
Here, even Noble Consort Liu was curious. What was Anji going to say?
"I will permit it," the Empress nodded.
Anji’s eyes darted to her older brother, who gave a brief, unnoticeable nod before she continued. Even after covering the eastern ground, Anji had yet to find it. It would be better to ask the source directly in a way to bait Song Min into making his new move if the spies were near.
"I have yet to see anything that catches my eye," Anji replied, stunning the servants behind at her bold answer. However, Anji was far from done. "I read legends that there was a dragon and four sleeping mythical beasts in the Imperial Palace, but I have yet to see any. My apologies, Your Majesty."
For a while, nobody knew how the Empress would react. The Empress paused after hearing the response for a while. On the surface, it seemed like a child’s innocent response and curiosity. If it were any other ordinary child, she would find it adorable and play along. However, Anji was no ordinary person. There had to be a reason why she was interested in the legends of the palace that even adults knew were fabricated.
Smiling, the Empress hummed thoughtfully.
"Indeed, it would be disappointing. We cannot let a guest leave disappointed, as it would reflect poorly on our imperial hospitality, won’t it, Noble Consort Liu?"
Unprepared for the question to be directed her way, Liu Guiya fumbled momentarily before she readily agreed, unsure what the Empress had in mind.
"Child, how about asking the Emperor where the four mythical beasts and dragon are sleeping at lunch later?" the Empress looked at Anji. "I’m only the owner of the Phoenix Palace, so I cannot show you where the dragon and guardian beasts are. Only the master of this Imperial Palace can help you with that."
Oh? Mingshen hid his amusement at how skilfully the Empress diverted responsibility to others. Witnessing the petty politics in real time had to be a first-class entertainment. Anji acted disappointed but quickly agreed. Truthfully, his sister’s acting was not bad. Judging by the servants’ reactions behind him, their cover story and personalities were well-crafted. He hoped the rest of their mission would progress just as smoothly.
