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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter One Hundred and Six: The Pilgrimage
The moment Lin Feng saw Tang Jiner, memories flooded back like a gentle breeze, rising to the forefront of his mind. He remained silent, his thoughts tangled and complex.
Lin Miaomiao noticed Lin Feng's distraction and gently asked, "Lin Feng, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm fine," Lin Feng replied, snapping back to reality.
The Emperor took his seat and raised his hand slightly, saying, "Everyone, please be seated."
The crowd stood up and turned their attention to the dragon throne, admiring the Emperor's majestic presence.
The Joyful Empress sat beside the Emperor, while Tang Jiner elegantly stood at his side. Next to Tang Jiner was Mo Mo, who stood quietly with her gaze fixed on Lin Feng. Lin Feng's eyes also fell on Mo Mo, filled with questions as he awaited answers.
Throughout it all, Tang Jiner did not cast a glance at Lin Feng. Instead, she exchanged glances with Sima Shangshan in the audience from time to time. Sima Shangshan appeared as if he had drunk strong liquor, his face flushed and in high spirits.
The Emperor's gaze swept over everyone before he spoke. "Today, the talents of Yang Prefecture have gathered in Taihe Hall. I am in a good mood; let us raise our cups."
"Yes," came the reply.
The maidservants were quick to serve wine to everyone.
The Joyful Empress presented a cup of wine to the Emperor. Her delicate hand seemed almost boneless as she held the cup gracefully. She flashed a captivating smile at the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty."
The Emperor accepted the cup and looked at the Joyful Empress with satisfaction before addressing the crowd in a loud voice. "Young talents, please."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Everyone raised their cups and drank heartily.
Sima Shangshan poured himself a cup of wine, lifted it, and walked to the center of the hall. He bowed deeply to the Emperor and said, "Sima Shangshan offers greetings on behalf of the Flowing Cloud Sect's leader, wishing the Emperor longevity and prosperity."
"Good, my beloved consort, fill my cup," the Emperor said, looking at Sima Shangshan with some satisfaction. "The Sima family has served in the court for many years, contributing greatly to my Tang Empire. This time in Zhongzhou, I hope you can achieve a good ranking and bring glory to my Tang Empire."
With that, the Emperor raised his cup and drank boldly.
Encouraged, Sima Shangshan declared passionately, "I will give it my all so that the people of Da Zhou can witness the elegance of my Tang people."
After finishing his words, Sima Shangshan drained his cup and returned to his seat, casting a lingering glance at Tang Jiner as he left.
Regarding the subtle relationship with the Tang Empire's royal family, the Fire Departure Sect was no less significant than the Flowing Cloud Sect. The Fire Departure Sect held an equal status in the court compared to the Flowing Cloud Sect. However, its influence and prestige in Yang Prefecture surpassed that of the Flowing Cloud Sect.
The eldest disciple of the Fire Departure Sect, Jiang Rufeng, stood up with his cup and walked to the center of the hall. With a respectful demeanor, he said, "Jiang Rufeng offers greetings on behalf of the Fire Departure Sect, wishing the Emperor successful cultivation and eternal life."
"Good. The Fire Departure Sect has done well in guarding our borders. I also hope that Young Hero Jiang will achieve a good ranking in Zhongzhou. Furthermore, I look forward to seeing you return willing to serve in arms, protecting our Tang people from demonic threats and ensuring their peace for generations," the Emperor said as he raised his cup once more.
"I will not disappoint your expectations," Jiang Rufeng replied respectfully.
Then, a captivating woman dressed in a green skirt gracefully walked to the center of the hall. With each step, her perfect figure swayed like a delicate willow, captivating everyone's gaze.
This woman appeared to be around sixteen years old, with fair skin and exquisite features that exuded charm. A red flower was adorned on her forehead, adding to her beauty.
"The delicate Ji Meng comes at the command of the palace master to pay respects to the Emperor and thank him for sending me, a disciple of Red Flower Palace, to Zhongzhou," Ji Meng said before finishing her drink and taking to dance under the influence of alcohol.
Her entire body was incredibly soft, as if it had no bones, moving in a wonderfully graceful manner. Her dance resembled a red flower blooming amidst the Snowfield, captivating everyone’s attention.
In a daze, clouds and mist suddenly filled the grand hall. She appeared like a flower veiled in fog, ethereal and elusive, shimmering with beautiful colors, as if a fairy had descended from the heavens, yet remained so distant and unattainable.
As the brief dance came to an end, the mist dissipated. The green skirt of Ji Meng vanished, leaving her clad only in form-fitting attire. It was unclear what this garment was called; the neckline was wide open, revealing her stunning curves that were almost irresistible to behold.
As everyone was entranced by the sight, Ji Meng turned gracefully, and a green dress materialized out of thin air, enveloping her exquisite figure.
Ji Meng knelt and said, “This humble girl offers her clumsy performance to wish for the Emperor’s eternal reign, for the Joyful Empress’s beauty to last forever, and for Princess Jian'an’s cultivation to progress swiftly.”
“The women of Red Flower Palace are indeed extraordinary. What do you think, my beloved?” The Emperor turned to look at the Joyful Empress beside him.
The Joyful Empress smiled gracefully and replied, “The dance of Red Flower Palace is truly unparalleled. It deserves appreciation.”
“Thank you, Emperor. Thank you, Joyful Empress.” Ji Meng respectfully bowed before returning to her seat.
At that moment, a delicate young woman stepped into the grand hall. Her skin was slightly dark, and her large eyes sparkled with liveliness. She wore a blue outfit adorned with white flowers and a floral apron wrapped from her chest to her knees. Large golden earrings dangled from her ears, nearly the size of wine glasses.
“Barbarian Qingshan pays respects to the Emperor. I may not speak as eloquently as they do; please do not hold it against me. However, my father misses you greatly,” Qingshan said with an uncontrollable giggle.
“Wutashan is indeed the greatest talent among the Barbarians; it is a blessing for the Barbarian King to have a daughter like you,” the Emperor replied with a smile.
“Emperor overpraises me. My father does not favor daughters; he prefers sons. I envy Princess Jian'an for having such a kind father like you,” Qingshan said candidly.
With Barbarian Qingshan taking her seat, only the Lone Moon Sect Disciple had yet to come forward to pay respects. In earlier times, it would have been customary for the eldest disciple of Solitary Moon City to step up; however, Lu Wushuang knew that her cultivation was far inferior to Lin Miaomiao's and thought it better to give this opportunity to Lin Miaomiao instead. Thus, she did not step forward but softly said to Lin Miaomiao, “Junior sister, it’s your turn.”
Lin Miaomiao shook her head and replied, “I don’t like occasions like this. Lin Feng, you’ve held an official position before; why don’t you go instead?”
"Junior Sister, Lin Shidi is still inexperienced; one must show respect when greeting the Emperor," Lu Wushuang interjected, thinking to himself that it was not Lin Feng's turn to go up.
At this moment, Lin Feng was not concerned about such matters; he remained silent, his thoughts in disarray.
"I won't be going up anyway. If Senior Brother wants to, you can go by yourself," Lin Miaomiao said with a look of disinterest.
"Alright then."
Lu Wushuang picked up his cup and stood up, walking to the center of the hall. He bowed respectfully and said, "I am Lu Wushuang, the eldest disciple of Solitary Moon City, greeting the Emperor. I wish the Emperor longevity."
The Emperor nodded slightly and asked, "How has the Sword Saint been lately?"
"In response to the Emperor, my master has been in seclusion for many years. I have not seen him," Lu Wushuang replied respectfully.
"I imagine the Sword Saint's Cultivation has improved quite a bit," the Emperor paused briefly, looking towards the direction of the Lone Moon Sect Disciple, and then continued, "I have heard that Solitary Moon City has produced an Ethereal Body, ranked second on the Ranking on the Stele. Who is it?"
"It is my junior sister; her name is Lin Miaomiao," Lu Wushuang said as he looked at Lin Miaomiao. "Junior Sister, why don't you come forward to pay your respects to the Emperor?"
Seeing she could not refuse, Lin Miaomiao had no choice but to rise and walk to the center of the hall. "I am Lin Miaomiao, a disciple of Lone Moon Sect, paying my respects to the Emperor."
The Joyful Empress, Princess Jian'an, and Mo Mo, who were beside the Emperor, turned their attention to her upon learning she was the rumored Ethereal Body. Especially Mo Mo, whose expression revealed a mix of emotions.
On that day in the Snowfield, she had seen that Lin Miaomiao was an extraordinary woman. However, she did not expect her to be an Ethereal Body, remarkable to such an extent. Such a rare physique could one day rival her senior sister, the saintess of the Yunlu Xian Sect.
The Emperor smiled with satisfaction and said, "A proud daughter has emerged from the Tang Dynasty; very good. In this upcoming competition in Zhongzhou, how well does Miss Lin plan to perform?"
Lin Miaomiao thought that even if she aimed for first place, it would only be against her master, Lin Feng, and herself. To outsiders, it would seem arrogant and invite trouble. Thus, she replied, "I only plan to prepare with all my strength; as for rankings, I haven't given it much thought."
“Only with such a mindset can one calmly respond to the situation. I have high hopes for you, and I await your good news upon your return.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Lin Miaomiao bowed again.
The Joyful Empress saw that everyone had finished their bows and said, “Your Majesty, I have carefully selected some palace maids to perform music and dance. Though it may not compare to the Red Flower Palace, it is still quite pleasing to the eye. Shall we invite them to entertain us?”
“Agreed.”
The eunuch beside the Emperor immediately announced, “Music and dance.”
The sound of bells and drums filled the air as beautiful maidens entered the hall, dancing gracefully like butterflies.
Lin Feng occasionally glanced at Tang Jiner, noticing that she had not looked at him even once. He couldn't help but wonder: has everything changed since returning to the capital? Now that she is a princess, does she no longer see him as the superior who called himself ‘Lin’ in the borderlands?
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