PFC Chapter 240 Murong Han is here too? Huan'er is nervous and scared!
Chapter 240 Murong Han is here too? Huan'er is nervous and scared!
In the bustling palace, everyone's attention was drawn to the Third Prince, Murong Lin, who stood tall and imposing, dressed in magnificent robes, and walked with a steady gait.
Beside her stood the Third Princess, Ye Zhilan, dressed in a brocade gown, her figure graceful, her face gentle, exuding an air of dignity.
Their son, Murong He, dressed in exquisite little clothes, had bright, lively eyes that revealed the innocence and playfulness of a child. The family of three walked towards the direction where the Emperor was.
Upon seeing this, the dancers immediately stopped their graceful dance and gracefully stepped aside; the musicians also stopped playing their instruments in unison. For a moment, only the soft breathing of the crowd and the steady footsteps of the three men remained at the banquet.
When the three of them reached the center of the banquet, Murong Lin took the lead, lifted his robe, knelt down on both knees, his expression solemn, and said in a loud voice: "Your subject pays respects to the Emperor, may the Emperor live ten thousand years! I pay respects to the Empress, may she live a thousand years! Your subject pays respects to the Empress Dowager, may the Empress Dowager be blessed with ten thousand years of happiness and peace!"
Ye Zhilan also slowly knelt down, her demeanor elegant, and said softly, "Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live ten thousand years! May Your Majesty the Empress live a thousand years! May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager live ten thousand years! May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager enjoy great blessings and longevity!"
Murong He imitated his parents in a very cute way, calling out in a clear voice, "He'er greets Imperial Uncle, long live Imperial Uncle! Greetings Imperial Aunt, long live Imperial Aunt! Greetings Imperial Grandmother, wishing Imperial Grandmother... uh... oh?! Wishing Imperial Grandmother ten thousand blessings and peace!" His childish voice echoed in the hall, making everyone who heard it feel happy.
The Emperor smiled kindly and nodded slightly: "Yes, yes, get up quickly!"
Murong Lin stood up, turned to face Murong Yi and Su Wan'er. Su Wan'er was holding a sleeping baby in her arms, while Murong Lin smiled and bowed respectfully, saying, "Congratulations, Ninth Brother, on the birth of your son! May your little nephew be safe and well, have a bright future, and bring honor to your ancestors!"
Ye Zhilan also bowed slightly and echoed, "Yes, Ninth Brother and Ninth Sister-in-law, congratulations! This child is clearly very intelligent and will surely have a bright future."
Su Wan'er smiled gently, her lips curving upwards and her eyes narrowing.
Murong Yi quickly stood up, cupped her hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you, Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law!"
At this moment, Murong He, not to be outdone, stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful manner, and said in a childish voice, "I wish Uncle Jiu and Aunt Jiu's little baby will grow up quickly, play with me in the future, and become super powerful!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was amused by his adorable appearance and burst into laughter, making the banquet atmosphere even more joyful and harmonious.
The Emperor smiled warmly, his eyes full of doting and concern, and greeted the Third Prince and the others warmly: "Quickly, sit down, don't stand on ceremony."
Upon hearing this, Murong Lin and his family of three bowed in thanks and moved to the other side to take their seats. Murong Lin stood upright, exuding composure; Ye Zhilan sat down gracefully, displaying impeccable manners; Murong He, on the other hand, curiously looked around, his little face full of childlike innocence and liveliness. After settling down, he didn't forget to twist his little head to observe the lively banquet scene.
Just as everyone was chatting happily, the figures of the Fourth Prince Murong Che and the Fourth Princess Xue Xiang appeared at the palace gate.
Murong Che was tall and imposing, and his long robe with python patterns made him look even more extraordinary. However, his face was covered with frost, his expression was cold and stern, and he walked steadily toward the center of the banquet.
Xue Xiang, dressed in a magnificent brocade gown and adorned with swaying jewels, forced a smile, though it appeared somewhat strained. Her gaze occasionally stole at Murong Che, as if seeking some response, but Murong Che remained unmoved, ignoring her every move.
Upon seeing this, a fleeting look of disappointment flashed across Xue Xiang's eyes, a momentary dimness concealing her unspeakable grievances.
The two walked to the center of the banquet. Murong Che slightly lifted the corner of his robe, mechanically knelt down on both knees, expressionless, and said in a low voice, "Your subject pays respects to the Emperor, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager." His voice was devoid of any emotional fluctuation, as if it were a routine matter.
Xue Xiang then gracefully bowed, her voice soft yet tinged with caution: "Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live ten thousand years! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! May Your Majesty live a thousand years!"
As she spoke, she lowered her head slightly, her soft hair falling down and concealing the slight unease in her eyes.
The Emperor, with his usual warm smile, spoke gently: "Fourth brother and fourth sister-in-law are here. Please get up and sit down."
Upon hearing this, Murong Che stood up swiftly and decisively. He merely bowed slightly in Murong Yi's direction and coldly uttered two words: "Congratulations!"
His tone was like a cold winter wind, brief and icy. He then turned around, found an empty seat, sat down, and exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay.
Xue Xiang and Su Wan'er exchanged a glance, a look that reflected the understanding and helplessness of women in the same gaze. Then, with a solemn expression, she walked to Murong Che's side, slowly sat down, and after settling in, subconsciously moved closer to him, as if wanting to get closer, yet being blocked by an invisible distance.
She sat quietly with her hands folded on her knees and her eyes slightly lowered, only occasionally raising her eyes to look at the lively banquet, her gaze revealing a hint of loneliness.
Before long, the musicians once again played a cheerful melody, the melodious sounds of strings and bamboo instruments lingering throughout the entire palace hall. Dancers dressed in gorgeous costumes filed in, their lotus-like steps light and graceful, their flowing sleeves revealing their elegant charm.
The flickering candlelight inside the hall illuminated their exquisite faces and graceful dance moves, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene.
At the banquet, people either raised their glasses in toasts, laughing and chatting; or whispered among themselves, sharing their amusing stories. Children ran and played among the guests, their innocent laughter adding to the lively atmosphere.
The entire palace was immersed in joy and peace, overflowing with celebration and prosperity, as if all the good things in the world had gathered here, making people intoxicated by this extraordinary scene and forget all their troubles and worries.
Just as the palace was filled with singing and dancing, a sharp and piercing sound suddenly rang out, instantly shattering the joyful and harmonious atmosphere.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw the Fifth Prince, Murong Han, striding in with an air of arrogance. He wore a magnificent yet somewhat ostentatious brocade robe, the hem of which swayed wildly with his steps. A smile graced his face, but that smile was inexplicably chilling, exuding an indescribable eeriness.
As he walked, he burst into laughter: "How could I, the king, not come on such a lively day! Hahaha!" His laughter echoed in the hall, sounding particularly abrupt.
The moment the Empress Dowager saw Murong Han, her originally kind expression instantly turned serious, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes.
She frowned slightly, feeling indignant, but years of experience in the palace allowed her to quickly regain her composure. She sat calmly, but the slightly clenched handkerchief betrayed the turmoil in her heart.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged a quick glance, a thoughtful look flashing in their eyes.
When Murong Yi saw Murong Han, his brows furrowed into a deep frown, his eyes filled with worry and wariness. He subconsciously placed his hand on the jade pendant at his waist, the token of his love with Su Wan'er. He could draw strength from it to cope with the unknown situation that was about to come.
Lin Qianqian was puzzled and quietly watched this "uninvited guest".
Su Wan'er also noticed something was wrong, and her expression became tense. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her skirt, and her eyes were full of unease.
Inadvertently, she glanced at Huan'er beside her and found that Huan'er was even more nervous and scared than herself, her body trembling slightly.
Su Wan'er hurriedly signaled to Huan'er with her eyes to calm down. Huan'er bit her lower lip, her face pale, and could only desperately suppress her inner fear. She lowered her head and tried to appear calm, but her slightly trembling shoulders still betrayed her unease.
Murong Han strolled leisurely to the center of the hall, a faint smile playing on his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes and carried a hint of wickedness. He clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowed slightly, and drew out his words: "Your subject... greets Your Majesty, greets... Your Majesty's sister-in-law... Your son... greets... Your Majesty's mother." The deliberate tone sounded particularly awkward.
The Emperor looked at Murong Han, his face maintaining its usual dignified expression, but his eyes held a hint of scrutiny. He spoke gently yet tentatively, "Rise, rise! Fourth Brother doesn't usually attend these kinds of banquets, what brings you here today…?"
Upon hearing this, Murong Han's lips curled into a wicked smile. He gave a soft hum and said in a somewhat cynical tone, "Brother, what are you saying? Today is Ninth Brother's big day. It's so lively. If I don't come, wouldn't it seem like we're strangers?"
As he spoke, he flicked his sleeves lightly, his nonchalant demeanor causing many people present to secretly frown.
The Empress Dowager sat on the high seat, her expression cold and stern, her gaze piercing as she stared directly at Murong Han. She spoke coldly, "I only hope there's no ulterior motive..."
A flicker of displeasure crossed Murong Han's face, but he quickly regained his playful grin and feigned surprise, saying, "Hmph, Mother, what are you saying? Your subject is utterly loyal to the royal family; how could I possibly have such wicked thoughts? I'm definitely not that kind of person..."
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow slightly and uttered a single word with profound meaning: "Oh?" This simple word seemed to carry a heavy weight of doubt, instantly freezing the atmosphere in the hall. Everyone could feel the tension and gunpowder in the air.
Seeing the situation becoming somewhat tense, and worried that the banquet atmosphere would be completely ruined, the Emperor quickly tried to smooth things over, saying with a smile, "Alright, alright, today is a joyous occasion, don't take it to heart. Fifth Brother, please sit down and enjoy this wonderful dance together." As he spoke, he even raised his hand in a gesture of invitation.
Murong Han bowed slightly to thank the Emperor, then swaggered over and found a seat. Coincidentally, he sat down not far from where Huan'er was standing.
Huan'er lowered her head, her body trembling slightly, afraid of attracting Murong Han's attention. Murong Han, however, was lost in his own thoughts and completely oblivious to the nervous Huan'er beside him.
Huan'er stood there, her body trembling slightly, her head bowed so low it almost touched her chest. Her eyes were slightly red, and she didn't dare to glance in Murong Han's direction out of the corner of her eye, for fear that she might accidentally make eye contact with him.