Imperial Kitchen Exquisite dishes were served one after another in the side hall, where the bustling attendants moved about in a flurry. At a glance, the tables and chairs were crowded with influential figures who would determine the future of the Sky Abyss Empire. Such a grand occasion was indeed rare!
Naturally, the dishes prepared to entertain these dignitaries were of utmost importance. High-quality ingredients sourced from various regions were transformed into exquisite delicacies by renowned imperial chefs. Delicacies such as bird's nest, bear paws, abalone, and shark fin were presented with a new flair!
The dishes were not only visually appealing but also fragrant and flavorful. Unique wild vegetables were also served at the table, and the ministers enjoyed their meals heartily. The monarch seemed quite pleased as well, frequently raising his cup. The dignified Empress occasionally reminded His Majesty to drink less, but this did not dampen his spirits!
Meanwhile, Alfalfa merely sipped lightly on her drink throughout the event, showing no interest in the delicious food. Instead, she kept a close eye on the Envoy Group from the Qin Empire, including Huang Tian, who was also observing her.
Their gazes almost collided in mid-air, both sides aware of each other's scrutiny. Although Huang Tian wore a constant smile and appeared harmless, the cunning Alfalfa knew better than to assume that her beauty was the sole reason for his attention. Consequently, she grew wary of Ye Feng and others' stares.
"This is bad; she has noticed something. Everyone, stop looking at her for now! Let's finish this meal quickly so we can excuse ourselves!" Yuxiu sensed something was off and immediately communicated through Vital Energy.
In truth, it wasn't necessary for him to say anything; Ye Feng and the others had already picked up on it. However, this rare opportunity was not one they wanted to miss. Even if they were noticed, they still stole glances at Alfalfa whenever possible.
After all, even if discovered, it was unlikely that she could disrupt the gathering in front of so many ministers. After all, even as the Alfalfa Princess, she couldn't act out without reason!
Taking advantage of this moment, Huang Tian proactively raised his cup and engaged in a silent toast with Alfalfa. It seemed he was trying to alleviate her suspicions in this unique manner.
Alfalfa paused for a moment but ultimately said nothing. She quietly picked up her golden goblet and took a few more sips. Huang Tian, smiling, downed his drink in one go, appearing completely unfazed! They looked more like an enamored couple than anything else, drawing extra attention.
Throughout this banquet, Ye Feng went unnoticed. Perhaps it was because he looked so ordinary due to Lian'er's disguise or because his hidden aura was too mundane; hardly anyone focused on him. Even Yuxiu had someone watching him while this young man remained overlooked!
However, this suited him just fine. Seizing this opportunity, he memorized most of the faces present in the side hall—these were crucial figures within the empire, and remembering them could only be beneficial!
As the music played lightly in the background and the banquet gradually reached its conclusion amidst the comings and goings of eunuchs and palace maids serving dishes, most of the fine wine had spilled onto the Ground. From initial decorum to later drunken antics, many guests had succumbed to intoxication and collapsed onto their tables!
Surprisingly, Your Majesty Tianyuan, who hardly set down his cup for even a moment, displayed remarkable drinking capacity. His bright eyes sparkled with vigor; he showed no signs of faltering but rather grew more spirited with each drink. Riding on his tipsiness, he even composed a few impromptu poems that earned applause from everyone present!
In Ye Feng's eyes, the scene was quite unexpected. It was hard to imagine that a banquet with the monarch and ministers could be so harmonious. This gave him the illusion that it was not a gathering filled with intrigue, but rather a friendly reunion among like-minded individuals.
However, no matter how enjoyable the banquet was, it had to come to an end. As the saying goes, there is no banquet that does not disperse. The service from the Imperial Kitchen finally reached its conclusion, and the orchestra stopped playing. A large group of Royal Relatives had already fallen asleep at the table!
Your Majesty Tianyuan stood up with a flushed face and said with a smile, "It seems that my pillars of support rarely drink, which won't do. Well then, let me raise a glass to our envoy on behalf of these unworthy fellows!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Huang Tian and others stood up in response, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. How can we accept such hospitality without raising our glasses first? Your Majesty, please feel free!"
With that, everyone heartily downed the wine in their silver goblets! Your Majesty Tianyuan laughed heartily and drank his share as well, taking a deep breath and boldly declaring, "Today, I am truly happy. If it weren't for your important duties, I would have liked to keep you here for a few more days. But alas, the meal is over, the music has ended, and it is time for you all to rest well!"
"We understand Your Majesty's good intentions. In the future, if there is an opportunity, we will certainly drink with Your Majesty!" Huang Tian replied politely.
Yuxiu and others followed suit with bows. Your Majesty Tianyuan waved his hand and said contentedly, "With your words, I am also reassured. Someone, take good care of the Envoy Group, and prepare them rooms of the highest standard!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Little Dengzi interjected, "Your Majesty need not worry; the rooms prepared for the Qin Empire Envoy Group are always of the highest specifications and have been arranged properly. Your Majesty should also take care of yourself; let me assist you in resting for a while!"
Having indeed consumed quite a bit of alcohol, Your Majesty Tianyuan felt relieved upon hearing this. He nodded and waved goodbye to his officials before being escorted out of the side hall by the eunuchs. The Empress followed closely behind, while those ministers who had not yet succumbed to sleep rose to see them off!
With the departure of His Majesty, the banquet instantly became quiet. The previous liveliness faded away; however, Huang Tian and others felt a sense of relief. In reality, being in close proximity to a ruler is akin to being near a tiger; even dining with the monarch requires constant vigilance and is not an easy task.
Yet even though His Majesty had left, matters were not over because Alfalfa Princess, their primary target, remained in the side hall. She seemed particularly interested in the Qin Empire's Envoy Group, her gaze never leaving Huang Tian and others throughout.
As more than half of those in the side hall dispersed, only those who had not sobered up remained—essentially leaving only her and members of the Envoy Group awake.
The atmosphere grew even tenser. Ye Feng narrowed his eyes and communicated through Vital Energy, "What should we do now?"
"Let's wait and see!" replied Yuxiu.
Lian'er also became somewhat reserved; as a woman herself, she seemed able to see through the ill intentions hidden in Alfalfa's eyes.
However, Huang Tian appeared indifferent to Alfalfa's scrutiny, showing no signs of discomfort. Instead, he stood up and calmly smiled at Alfalfa, saying, "If Your Highness has no further instructions, then we shall take our leave."
What a clever way to take the initiative! Even Ye Feng did not expect this guy to request to leave so proactively. However, it seemed there was no better way to exit than this.
Unfortunately, Alfalfa Princess did not grant everyone's wishes. She rarely lifted her wine cup again and smiled charmingly, saying, "Why is the seer in such a hurry? I still want to share a few more drinks with you. Do you dislike me so much? Or did I make things difficult for you earlier?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Feng and the others sighed inwardly. It seemed that this enchantress truly did not intend to let them go so easily!
However, since it was her territory, they could not say much. With the emperor gone, she was now the most powerful woman present. Even Huang Tian would have to think twice before opposing her.
"Since Your Highness has such good intentions, I will naturally accompany you until the end. However, my attendants are indeed quite exhausted; may I ask if Your Highness could allow them to rest first? If it's drinking we're talking about, I believe one person is enough!"
As soon as he said this, Ye Feng and the others were taken aback. What was this? Did he really want to face Alfalfa alone? Even though the likelihood of her killing Huang Tian in public was minimal, this risk seemed rather high!
"Young Master! You absolutely cannot do that!" Yuxiu was the first to panic and immediately transmitted her thoughts.
Lian'er also expressed her opposition!
"Seer, this is too dangerous. Either let us stay with you or we all leave together!"
Ye Feng fell silent; Huang Tian's actions were unimaginable, and it was impossible to guess what he was thinking! Before anyone could devise a countermeasure, Alfalfa quickly responded.
"That sounds wonderful. Then let your attendants rest first; I will stay behind and enjoy a few drinks with you! Come here, escort the Envoy Group's attendants and the drunken ministers out!"
With that statement, she gave no one a chance to refute. A large group of guards rushed in and began carrying out the drunken ministers. Several special guards approached Ye Feng and the others, their eyes sharp and ready for confrontation; the atmosphere was tense and ready to explode!
Yuxiu felt anxious, but under the watchful gaze of the guards, ultimately did not dare to act recklessly. Just as Alfalfa Princess was about to succeed, Huang Tian transmitted a message through Vital Energy: "I'm fine, you all go ahead. She won't do anything to me!"
"But!" Yuxiu still felt uneasy and replied, "At least let Four Warriors stay!"
Lian'er chimed in, "Yes! Prophet, this woman is too treacherous. No one knows how she will deal with you!"
Ye Feng remained silent, observing Huang Tian's resolute profile. It seemed he had guessed that Huang Tian had already made such a decision but just hadn't shared it with everyone.
"Don't worry, I won't be in any danger. Many want me dead, yet here I am, alive and well. Today, I will walk out safely because those who can truly kill me probably haven't even been born yet!"
It was hard to tell if this was confidence or arrogance. Under the command-like tone of Vital Energy, Yuxiu found herself speechless. Lian'er seemed to understand her master's intention and stopped insisting. The four mysterious guards remained silent throughout, almost like they were mute!
Under the guidance of the palace guards, Yuxiu and the others left the side hall. As they departed, they looked back at Huang Tian, who raised his glass alone, smiling at the back of the woman in the hall. A shadow of unease fell over everyone's hearts.
Would this be the last time they saw Huang Tian? Would Alfalfa Princess truly let him go after sending everyone away? Such a rare opportunity was bold and reckless; for a madman, it was entirely possible that he might do something insane!
Huang Tian! What are you really plotting? Why! Why can't anyone see through you!
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