coobybook Chapter 172 Murong Han Appears
Chapter 172 Murong Han Appears
The banquet hall was brightly lit with candles, filled with the sounds of traditional music and the aroma of wine, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
The Emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, sat regally in the main seat with a kind smile on his face. He would occasionally raise his cup to the newlyweds, his eyes filled with blessings for them and joy at the addition of a new member to the royal family.
The Empress was magnificent and elegant, with a gentle smile on her lips. She looked at the newlyweds and guests with tender eyes, and occasionally spoke softly with the Empress Dowager beside her, displaying her dignified demeanor.
The Empress Dowager's face was full of kindness, and her eyes were full of joy. She squinted slightly as she looked at the lively scene, as if recalling the past. She occasionally nodded gently, very satisfied with everything before her.
Lin Qianqian, with her innocent and carefree demeanor, gazed at the lively banquet scene with eyes full of excitement and curiosity, like a child who had discovered a new treasure. Her face flushed with excitement, she clapped her hands incessantly, and cheered repeatedly, her clear voice ringing out loudly in the bustling banquet hall.
Perhaps she was too engrossed in the moment, she shouted out without thinking, and in an instant, the demure demeanor that a well-bred young lady should have vanished without a trace.
Seeing this, Murong Yi shook his head helplessly, raised his hand to cover his forehead, seemingly quite exasperated by her actions. Then, he subtly tugged at Lin Qianqian's sleeve, leaned down slightly, and murmured in a low voice, "Be mindful of your manners."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian turned to look at Murong Yi, her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, her pink lips pouting, and she let out a soft "humph," her coquettish expression suggesting she had suffered a great injustice.
However, she did manage to restrain herself somewhat, though the bright smile on her face remained as warm as the sun.
She sat back down, her eyes fixed on the food on the table, and began to eat one piece after another, her cheeks bulging out, just like a greedy little squirrel.
Seeing her like this, Murong Yi was speechless and helpless. He could only turn his head and look at the gentle Su Wan'er with tenderness in his eyes. He asked softly, "Wan'er, are you hungry? If you are, eat something!"
Su Wan'er was initially filled with inexplicable anger, simply because of Murong Yi's unusual attention to Lin Qianqian. She gently shook her head, smiled slightly, and a secret that was hard to fathom was hidden in her smile.
But when her gaze fell upon Murong Yi, she instantly composed herself, a perfectly timed smile appearing on her lips. Her every move exuded elegance and grace, a stark contrast to the carefree Lin Qianqian.
At the banquet, the ministers stepped forward one by one, each presenting a carefully prepared congratulatory gift. "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, this is a small gift prepared by your subjects for the newlyweds. May the two of you have a long and happy marriage and be forever united in heart," the ministers said respectfully.
The Emperor looked pleased and nodded with a smile, his gentle gaze revealing his imperial magnanimity.
The Empress Dowager sat upright to the side, her expression kind, a faint smile playing on her lips, and said softly, "Thank you all for your kindness." Though her voice was gentle, it carried the authority of someone who had long held a high position.
Lin Qianqian's eyes sparkled with anticipation and pride as she gracefully moved into the hall. She carefully unfolded an embroidery piece, a meticulously crafted "Birthday Celebration at Yaochi".
Lin Qianqian unfurled her meticulously embroidered "Birthday Celebration at Yaochi," instantly captivating everyone's attention. The painting depicted a misty, ethereal Yaochi paradise, where the Queen Mother of the West exuded grace, and ethereal fairies moved gracefully among the clouds, carrying birthday gifts. The delicate needlework and exquisite colors brought the fairyland to life.
After seeing it, everyone couldn't help but whisper among themselves, discussing it animatedly. "The embroidery is truly exquisite!" "The composition is delicate, and the color matching is also extremely clever." Praises rose and fell, and everyone nodded frequently.
The Empress Dowager's originally kind face lit up with joy, her eyes full of admiration. She beckoned Lin Qianqian closer and said with a smile, "Qianqian, your thoughtfulness is truly admirable. This 'Celebrating Longevity at Yaochi' embroidery is so exquisite, it's clear that a lot of effort was put into it. I am truly delighted by your sentiment."
Lin Qianqian's cheeks flushed slightly, and she chuckled shyly, scratching her head playfully. She said in a clear, crisp voice, "Your Majesty, you flatter me! I was just thinking that for such a joyous occasion as the newlyweds' marriage, such a thoughtful gesture is in order. I've been embroidering this picture for a long time, hoping it could add a touch of merriment to today's celebration, hehe~~"
The Empress Dowager's face was filled with a gratified smile, her eyes were full of approval, and she nodded frequently, her affection for Lin Qianqian growing even stronger.
Unwittingly, the Empress Dowager's gaze swept over Su Wan'er, who was looking down with her head down, silent and seemingly petty.
Upon seeing this, the Empress Dowager frowned slightly, shook her head helplessly, but remained silent.
Then, the Empress Dowager turned her gaze back to Lin Qianqian, her eyes full of affection, and said with a smile, "Good, Qianqian, you are such a thoughtful child. Please take a seat and let's enjoy the dance together."
Lin Qianqian obediently replied, "Yes!" Then she bowed and walked briskly to her seat.
As Lin Qianqian gracefully sat down, she playfully hummed, her bright eyes instantly meeting Murong Yi's.
Those eyes seemed to hold stars, overflowing with cleverness and cuteness, as if silently saying, "I'm amazing, aren't I!"
Murong Yi gazed at her, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turning up slightly, his eyes filled with doting affection, as if the surrounding hustle and bustle paled in comparison to the girl before him.
Xiao Die leaned closer to Lin Qianqian, unable to hide her excitement, and whispered her praise: "Miss, you are amazing!" Wuming, who was standing to the side, also gave a thumbs up, his face full of admiration.
But this scene stung Su Wan'er like a sharp needle. She felt as if she had suffered a great humiliation. Seeing Lin Qianqian showing off like this, her hands clenched tightly involuntarily, her knuckles turned white, and her eyes shot out fiercely at Lin Qianqian, as if she wanted to see through her.
Just then, a chill, like a silent undercurrent, quietly spread through the bustling hall. Everyone felt a cold wind brush past, and when they looked up, a tall and imposing figure appeared silently like a ghost.
Fifth Prince Murong Han strode steadily and powerfully toward the hall. Each step he took seemed to carry immense force, causing the ground to tremble slightly. The biting wind, as if carried by the aura emanating from him, howled and swirled wildly around him, causing the clothes of everyone present to flutter in the wind.
His face was cold and icy, devoid of any expression. His eyes were as deep as a still pool, yet they held a chilling, sinister quality, as if they could see right through people's hearts. Wherever his gaze fell, everyone trembled with fear, lowering their heads and daring not to meet his eyes.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged glances, their brows furrowing instantly, a hint of worry and wariness flashing in their eyes. The Empress Dowager, on the other hand, wore a deep and serious expression, her gaze fixed on Murong Han's approaching figure, her expression grave, as if she sensed an impending storm.
Lin Qianqian noticed the sudden change in atmosphere and subconsciously exchanged a glance with Murong Yi. The two understood each other and looked in the direction of the chill.
Wuming and Xiaodie also looked puzzled and followed their gaze.
Hearing the noise, Su Wan'er's heart skipped a beat, as if struck by a heavy hammer. Her eyes widened, a hint of panic and guilt flashing in them, and she hurriedly lowered her head, trying to hide her unusual behavior.
The moment Huan'er saw Murong Han's figure, her face turned deathly pale. The horrible scenes from that day flooded back into her mind like a raging tide. Fear, like a cold snake, slowly crept up her spine, making her legs weak and unsteady, causing her to stumble and nearly fall to the ground.
Fortunately, Wuming, quick-witted and agile, reached out and firmly took her arm, his face full of concern as he softly asked, "Are you alright? What happened?"
Huan'er shook her head frantically, her voice trembling slightly, "No, it's nothing." Despite saying this, her heart was pounding like a drum, filled with anxiety. She tried to appear calm, but her eyes betrayed her undisguised fear as she absentmindedly dealt with everything around her.