After everyone in the hall had arrived, the emperor led the empress, concubines, and several princes out from the furthest part of the hall.
Everyone in the hall immediately got up, curtsied or bowed and paid their formal respects.
"Long live his majesty, the emperor."
"Long live her majesty, the empress."
...
Liu Rushuang raised her gaze.
All she saw was the emperor standing at the center of the hall with a very stern expression on his face.. He looked about forty years old, dressed in a yellow royal robe, sharp brows, majestic eyes, and a short beard.
The empress followed behind him, adorning a golden phoenix crown with rubies and a luxurious robe. She was about thirty years old, had slender brows, a pair of charming eyes, and a majestic air about her.
As for the imperial concubines, they had slender bodies, oval faces, curved eyebrows, and an arrogant air about them which suggested they weren't easy to get along with.
As for the princes, Liu Rushuang only shot a quick glance at them. The crown prince wore a yellow imperial robe with embroidered dragons. He was skinny and tall with an average face, and he loved to gamble.
The Second Prince wore a blue with a white base layer. He looked like a scholar, a person who liked to take care of plants, and his personality was soft and weak.
The Fourth Prince wore a light blue robe. He was rather dashing, loved beautiful women, and would often be in and out of various sketchy establishments.
The Sixth Prince wore purple with gold patterned embroidery. He had a pair of dark, fox-like eyes. He was sinister and sly, and enjoyed scheming against other people.
With that thought, Liu Rushuang couldn't help but shake her head and sigh. Who knows how long this nation will last!
Ouyang Xiu stood on the platform and looked down upon everyone. After he excused everyone with a deep voice, he averted his gaze to Han Moze.
"The Emperor of Nanli is indeed impressive," complimented Han Moze politely to Ouyang Xiu, with a hand cupped upon his fist.
Ouyang Xiu looked at Han Moze's divine beauty and couldn't help but be stunned.
They never imagined that the Emperor of Beiming would look so good!
When he heard Han Moze's compliment, he immediately burst out laughing. "The Emperor of Beiming really isn't the least bit like what the rumors say!"
Han Moze smiled, as he looked directly at Ouyang Xiu. "The many rumors are merely guesses made by busybodies and cannot be trusted," he said with a clear yet chilling voice.
"Yes. Now that I've seen you today, I sense your grandeur and see your extremely good looks. My eyes are truly open," said Ouyang Xiu with a clear voice, a bright smile, and a serene glint in his eyes.
"I thank the Emperor of Nanli for the compliment," replied Han Moze flatly without uttering another word.
Ouyang Xiu's shocked expression turned incredibly calm, as he commanded the empress, consorts, and princes to their seats.
"Everybody, please sit," he cried with a deep voice.
"Thank you Sire!" After everybody gave their thanks, they sat back in their seats one after the other.
Han Moze looked at Liu Rushuang again.
All he saw was Liu Rushuang with her head hung and a slight grin on her lips. She looked like she was thinking about something.
Han Moze still felt like Liu Rushuang looked familiar.
But he's never seen her face before. He turned his head and furrowed his brows, as he continued to ponder.
Qing'Er used other people's body to conceal herself.
Deep down inside, she feared this rumoured tyrant. After all, she tried to attack this tyrant in the afternoon but didn't manage to make a move on him before getting frozen.
If this tyrant recognized the Young Miss and herself, then she was afraid the situation would change.
Also the Young Miss looked full of confidence, but still worried deep down inside.
"We welcome the Emperor of Beiming to collect your bride. I lead the chancellors of Nanli in respecting you with a toast," exclaimed the emperor in a deep voice. After the eunuch poured Ouyang Xiu a full cup, he raised his wine cup.
Han Moze raised his wine cup with a hint of a smile on the corners of his mouth. Then, with a lethargic and resounding voice, he said, "Thank you Emperor of Nanli for your kindness."
After Han Moze finished his wine, he swept a look at the women in front of him.
"Now, I wonder which princess will I be marrying this time?" He asked in a flat voice.
If anyone's confused, Ouyang Xiu is the Emperor of Nanli, and Han Moze is the Emperor of Beiming. Any other questions, please feel free to tweet me at paperplanelit! xxx