Ten days later, the envoys from Dayue arrived at the capital of Daqi.
Song Yu personally greeted them at the city gates.
"Prince Min of Dayue, Rong Lingchen, greets Prince Qin."
Rong Lingchen bore a striking resemblance to his father, Rong Sheng, which instantly irritated Song Yu at first glance.
If he remembered correctly, Rong Sheng had once sought to arrange a marriage between this very Prince Min and Ahuan (Song Shihuan).
Marry my foot!
Song Yu reached out and clapped Rong Lingchen on the shoulder—a gesture so forceful it nearly sent the prince tumbling to the ground.
"Prince Min must be exhausted from the journey. Please rest in the capital first. Tomorrow, His Majesty will host a banquet in your honor." Song Yu's tone was indifferent, giving no hint of the strength behind his pat. Yet everyone could sense his displeasure.
"The Emperor of Daqi is most considerate."
Unfazed, Rong Lingchen took a step back to evade Song Yu's "claws" and instead turned his gaze to Song Shihuan standing beside him. "This must be Princess Fu'an?"
"It's our first meeting. I hope the princess will look favorably upon me."
Instantly, the atmosphere grew tense.
Even the usually carefree Shen Qingping flashed a fierce glare.
The onlookers held their breaths, silently counting the seconds until Song Yu's temper erupted.
One.
Two.
Before they even reached three, Song Yu's voice cut through the air:
"What are you staring at? Keep looking, and I'll gouge your eyes out."
When it came to Song Shihuan, Song Yu had zero patience.
"Your Highness, you misunderstand—" Rong Lingchen attempted to explain.
"Rong Lingchen, don’t test my limits."
With that, Song Yu grabbed Song Shihuan's hand and stormed off, leaving Rong Lingchen and his entourage standing awkwardly in place.
"This…" Despite his mental preparations, Rong Lingchen's expression darkened at the blatant disrespect.
This Prince Qin was every bit the unruly brute his father had warned him about!
Just wait until Emperor Yuanyou falls under the secret technique at tomorrow’s banquet. Let’s see how long this arrogant prince lasts!
"Prince Min, please don’t take offense. My elder brother has always been this temperamental. I am Prince Qi of Daqi." Prince Qi stepped forward with graceful diplomacy. "Allow me to escort you into the city."
"Many thanks, Your Highness."
Rong Lingchen composed himself and led his retinue through the gates. Among the veiled maids trailing behind him, Pi'er hid unnoticed.
No one suspected a thing.
......
"Your Highness, that Rong Lingchen has shifty eyes. He doesn’t seem trustworthy."
Shen Qingping shared Song Yu’s disdain. "Best to send them packing right after tomorrow’s banquet."
"My thoughts exactly."
Song Yu slammed his fist on the table. "Daring to speak to Ahuan, asking for her favor—what a joke. He’s nothing but trash."
When Emperor Yuanyou in Zichen Hall heard of Song Yu’s reaction, he merely chuckled. "In the past, he’d have thrown punches. Walking away with Ahuan is already giving Dayue face."
Wu Qi sighed inwardly. Prince Qi had been scrambling to appear composed, hoping to highlight Song Yu’s lack of decorum.
Yet the Emperor still believed Prince Qin had shown restraint.
Some things were just fated.
"Is everything prepared for tomorrow’s banquet?"
This was Dayue’s first visit since their new emperor’s ascension. Proper etiquette was essential.
"Your Majesty, all is ready."
Emperor Yuanyou nodded and returned to reviewing memorials.
The following evening, the banquet commenced.
Most civil and military officials of Daqi, ranked third-grade or higher, attended, seated opposite the Dayue envoys.
"You resemble Rong Sheng. I’ve met him before."
As dancers twirled in the hall and wine flowed freely, Emperor Yuanyou addressed Rong Lingchen.
"After returning from Daqi, my father spoke highly of your kingdom." Rong Lingchen’s words made Song Yu roll his eyes.
What a performance!
"Friendship between Daqi and Dayue benefits both nations’ people." Emperor Yuanyou played along, though internally, he marked Rong Lingchen as cunning.
Rong Sheng had been killed after a failed coup. There was no way his son harbored no resentment toward Daqi.
Rong Lingchen’s smile widened at the Emperor’s words.
"Your Majesty, Daqi’s dances are mesmerizing, but Dayue’s are also unique. I’ve brought maids skilled in our traditional dances. May they perform for everyone?"
As Rong Lingchen spoke, Wu Qi glanced at Gu Zheng, who gave an imperceptible nod.
The maids had been thoroughly inspected upon entry—no calluses from martial training, no hidden objects.
Wu Qi stepped forward to pour wine for the Emperor, signaling approval.
"Granted," Emperor Yuanyou declared.
......
Strange music filled the hall as the Dayue maids began their dance.
Song Yu drained his cup and glanced at the performers, shuddering.
Why did Dayue’s dances feel so eerie? Did their new emperor enjoy this style?
Other Daqi officials similarly averted their eyes, focusing on their drinks. Only Emperor Yuanyou, bound by diplomacy, forced himself to watch.
Suddenly, the tempo quickened. Rong Lingchen gripped his cup, barely containing his excitement. Success was imminent—
The maids’ veils fluttered to the ground, revealing Pi'er at the center.
Her face bore an uncanny resemblance to the late Empress.
Emperor Yuanyou froze, his cup tilting unnoticed as wine spilled over his hand.
Those who remembered the Empress were either old or absent from the banquet. To most, Pi'er merely resembled Princess Fu'an—enough to explain the Emperor’s stunned reaction.
As time ticked by, Rong Lingchen counted down the final moments, his anticipation mounting.
But just before the crucial second—
Clang!
Song Shihuan’s cup shattered on the floor.
The sound snapped Emperor Yuanyou out of his trance.
Rong Lingchen’s face paled. Had the spell worked or not?
The music stopped. The maids retrieved their veils, preparing to withdraw.
Then a clear voice rang out:
"Wait."
Song Shihuan stood, pointing at Pi'er. "Prince Min, bringing a maid who resembles me—is this your idea of an insult?"
Rong Lingchen hadn’t anticipated her challenge.
"Father, detain this maid. I, Song Shihuan, refuse to endure such humiliation!"
Beneath her sleeves, her fists clenched.
Something felt wrong—which was why she’d knocked over the cup.
