The atmosphere in the hall remained oppressive. Since Your Majesty Tianyuan allowed Alfalfa to speak, the Qin Empire's Envoy Group seemed to be in a passive position. Faced with the sharp questions from the formidable woman Alfalfa, even Strategist Yuxiu found it difficult to come up with suitable responses in a short time.
However, these questions suddenly took a turn when Huang Tian boldly countered, completely breaking the tension. Everyone was taken aback, seemingly not expecting that this fallen prince would dare to issue what sounded like threats while in a foreign land.
Yet this boldness did not incite public outrage! Even the silent officials understood that the words spoken by the handsome man held enough standing and authority. Regardless of the circumstances, being framed and wronged by an ally would inevitably provoke a particularly sensitive reaction.
Unless Your Majesty Tianyuan had lost his mind, he would not punish Huang Tian for such reasonable words! It is a simple principle: if I have not deceived you, then I am naturally innocent; but if you unjustly accuse me without cause, then that is your fault! Naturally, I have the right to remind you not to underestimate the power behind me.
This concerns the dignity of a nation. Even if Huang Tian was not welcomed in the Qin Empire, one could expect that his country would still stand behind him in such matters. It was precisely because he recognized this that he dared to retort so boldly!
Ye Feng was stunned as he looked at the two rulers of Sky Abyss Empire, noticing their expressions had turned quite grim. The former quickly regained composure; as a monarch, such ability to change expressions is almost instinctual. However, Alfalfa still seemed somewhat resentful.
She cast a venomous glance at Huang Tian but ultimately said nothing, returning to her seat and silently acknowledging her defeat in this verbal confrontation. Huang Tian emerged victorious! The Envoy Group would no longer face any difficulties—at least not for now within this hall!
As the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, Your Majesty Tianyuan cleared his throat several times to ease the emotions on both sides and spoke: "In that case, I do not wish to keep my friends from afar any longer. You may go to the side hall to rest and prepare for dinner. I will join you shortly; this meal is my country's way of welcoming the Qin Empire's Envoy Group for traveling such a long distance."
With that, he waved his hand, signaling everyone could leave. The eunuch shouted loudly: "His Majesty has decreed: Court is dismissed! Officials of second rank and above will accompany His Majesty for dinner shortly! The rest may leave at their discretion!"
As soon as he finished speaking, all officials replied in unison: "We obey!" Most of them then walked out along the main path of the golden hall. Those who remained were either high-ranking officials or royal family members; they did not follow the crowd but also did not directly enter the side hall, seemingly waiting for something.
Huang Tian and others watched as these individuals discreetly observed them but dared not look directly at them. Ye Feng found it amusing; it turned out that the intrigues of court were rather superficial—not particularly deep in scheming but certainly filled with deception!
Once everyone unrelated had left the hall, Huang Tian followed the eunuch toward the side hall. Ye Feng and others obediently trailed behind him. Contrary to their expectations, the arrangement of the side hall was quite different from the spaciousness of the main hall.
The tables were filled with exquisite dishes of various kinds, and the enticing aromas filled the side hall with an unusual atmosphere. Surprisingly, these dishes appeared freshly served yet had not wafted into the adjacent main hall; surely there was some trickery involved here!
Before Ye Feng and others could fully appreciate the array of dishes, the leading eunuch guided Huang Tian toward a spot very close to where they would dine. From this vantage point, it was clear that only Your Majesty Tianyuan and Princess Alfalfa would be seated at that elevated table!
After leading them in, the eunuch did not forget to warmly greet everyone. Huang Tian politely smiled as he bid farewell to him. Subsequently, those qualified to take their seats among Royal Relatives all sat down at their respective places!
The delicious food did not divert their attention; they continued to steal glances at Huang Tian and others, keeping the atmosphere largely unchanged! This feeling of being constantly watched was quite uncomfortable for Ye Feng; fortunately, Lian'er and others had already prepared themselves for such scrutiny!
"Don't mind them; we just need to take care of ourselves. Once His Majesty arrives and we finish this meal, we will rest for a night in the palace before setting off tomorrow. At that time, we can do what we need to do!"
This matter naturally referred to how to assassinate Alfalfa. Ye Feng understood this well; after nodding in agreement, he no longer cared about those gazes. After Huang Tian took his seat, four mysterious guards closely followed him while Yuxiu sat beside his master. Ye Feng and Lian'er shared a table nearby as well!
During the waiting period, Huang Tian took the initiative to speak up. He frowned slightly, a hint of worry in his expression, and said, "I wonder how Xie Tianyu's investigation is going. I instructed him to find an opportunity to infiltrate the Princess Mansion, hoping that with the princess in the palace, there might be a chance to sneak in!"
This plan had already been mentioned by Yuxiu beforehand, but hearing it from Huang Tian made Ye Feng think of another issue! That was regarding the informant from the Ethereal Clan—when would they continue to release information? He had instructed the Flying Spirit Lion to remain at Windward Inn, waiting for good news.
However, during his previous observations in the main hall, he did not notice any signs related to the informant concerning Alfalfa! This aspect was crucial for assassinating Alfalfa!
"It would be best if Xie Tianyu could uncover some information, but I believe we shouldn't place too much hope on him. You must understand that with Alfalfa's personality, even if she is not in her residence, we shouldn't expect to easily break through!" Ye Feng thought for a moment and said.
Lian'er listened and couldn't help but feel worried. If Xie Tianyu were discovered or captured, the situation would be dire!
Huang Tian glanced at Ye Feng with a hint of discontent. His brows remained unchanged, but a strange smile curved at the corners of his mouth as he pondered something. At that moment, Yuxiu also spoke up: "What he said makes a lot of sense. Therefore, our actions can only take place outdoors; however, this is extremely difficult. Everyone saw Alfalfa in the main hall; she is not easy to deal with!"
Outdoor operations and waiting for an opportunity to assassinate were indeed unchanging parts of the plan. Yuxiu was right about that, but Ye Feng had already seen through this point. He furrowed his brows and continued, "These issues don't need to be considered for now. We all know that killing her is inherently difficult. What we need to do is find some weaknesses or breakthroughs from her words and actions!"
"Do you have any good ideas?" Huang Tian rarely spoke again but threw the key question to Ye Feng!
Ye Feng shook his head and said, "I don't have any. Compared to strategizing, I'm far behind Yuxiu the Strategist. However, I feel we shouldn't miss any opportunity to meet Alfalfa. Just now in the main hall, even a slight observation could make it clear what kind of person she is! Plans should be adapted based on circumstances and individuals! Only by understanding her temperament can we further undermine her!"
"Very good! You are absolutely correct!" Yuxiu praised Ye Feng after hearing his words.
Lian'er also cast an admiring glance at Ye Feng; it seemed everyone had underestimated him! Not only was he exceptional in martial prowess, but he was also quite clever!
Throughout this exchange, Huang Tian's expression toward Ye Feng remained unchanged. He smiled as if he had anticipated that this guy was extraordinary. However, no amount of planning could keep up with changes; merely having met Alfalfa once did not increase their chances of successfully assassinating her!
On the contrary, having seen her only made it clear how difficult a target Alfalfa was! Let’s not forget that while everyone was trying to find her weaknesses, she was already thinking about how to eliminate them!
Just as everyone was pondering how to deal with Alfalfa again, the earlier eunuch arrived at the side hall and shouted sharply, "Your Majesty has arrived!"
As soon as he finished speaking, all the Royal Relatives stood up to welcome him. Huang Tian also stood up with the Envoy Group. Ye Feng cautiously watched as Your Majesty Tianyuan and Princess Alfalfa approached in new attire from the direction of the main hall! He felt a renewed sense of determination; this meal would be his last opportunity for observation within the palace—he couldn't afford to miss any details!
"Long live Your Majesty!" The Royal Relatives shouted in unison upon His Majesty's arrival! Huang Tian and others echoed their sentiments!
Your Majesty Tianyuan waved gently and said, "Since it's a family banquet, there's no need for excessive formalities. All ministers may rise. Little Dengzi, instruct the Imperial Kitchen; we can officially begin!"
"I obey your command!" The eunuch known as Little Dengzi hurriedly ran to the entrance of the side hall and whispered something to several other eunuchs before returning to his position and shouting loudly again: "The banquet begins!"
As soon as the ceremony began, the sound of classical instruments played by the orchestra filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that transformed the ambiance of the side hall. However, as everyone listened to the music, it seemed to make them forget their original purpose for being there.
Whether it was the Royal Relatives or Ye Feng and others, they all began to immerse themselves in the grand celebration of the banquet!
Your Majesty Tianyuan was the first to raise his golden goblet and said with a smile, "Today is a joyous occasion with the esteemed arrival of the Qin Empire's Envoy Group. On behalf of all the people of our nation, I warmly welcome you. There is no need for formalities here in this grand hall; let us enjoy this feast together. Come, everyone, raise your glasses and drink! May our customs and those of the Qin Empire flow like this wine, lasting forever!"
"Long live Your Majesty! Long live the friendship with the Qin Empire! Cheers!" The Royal Relatives raised their cups and cheered enthusiastically!
Huang Tian and others also picked up their silver goblets and pretended to drink the fine wine! The stimulation from the alcohol made everyone forget their original purpose once again, and an unprecedentedly extravagant banquet, unimaginable to common folk, commenced!
"Drink!" "Come on!" "We won't leave until we're drunk today!" The sounds of toasting and clinking glasses echoed through the hall, blending with the music. Compared to the Royal Relatives who were lost in joy, Huang Tian and others naturally did not truly abandon their original intentions!
Ye Feng and Lian'er kept their eyes on the Alfalfa Princess throughout. Dressed in new attire, she remained beautiful, but within her alluring eyes lay a chilling glint that sent shivers down one's spine!
Your Majesty Tianyuan did not continue to pressurize the Envoy Group; instead, he clinked glasses with various ministers, seemingly shedding any royal authority. It became difficult for anyone to associate him with the imposing monarch from earlier in the grand hall!
However, this provided Huang Tian and others an opportunity to observe Alfalfa!
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