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A group of people made their way to Changfeng Restaurant across Longjin Bridge. Changfeng Restaurant was the largest establishment in Kyoto, not just a single building facing the street as depicted in television dramas, where entering the door led directly into a lobby, but rather a vast garden. Upon entering the main gate, five three-story buildings were arranged in a central layout facing southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest. Each building had its own flying bridge and railings, with light and shadow intermingling, and beaded curtains and embroidered plaques hanging above on the upper floors. The four corner buildings were reserved for guests, while the central structure was a three-story stage where various troupes or performers showcased their acts on each level. Those who frequented Changfeng Restaurant were either wealthy or noble, and the cost of dining there was exorbitant; a single meal could sustain an ordinary family of five for ten years.
The group ordered an array of dishes. For several of the ancient individuals, who were accustomed to such food, this spread seemed less enjoyable than the fast food they had eaten the previous night. However, for Hanno, this feast was simply delicious beyond compare. She decided that every time she returned to the modern world, she would buy a table full of dishes from Changfeng Restaurant to bring back for Han Dad and Mom Han to taste.
As they were eating, a sudden commotion erupted downstairs. The gossip-loving Yue Yunfei and Mo Yan, the Princess, immediately leaned over the large window to look down at the source of the noise. The excitement below was merely a typical occurrence in a restaurant; several patrons had gotten drunk and were teasing performers who had just finished their act in the central building. Another group of customers happened to see this and stepped in to help the performers out of trouble, resulting in an argument between the two parties.
"Ugh, how boring," Yue Yunfei scoffed, wanting to pull back.
"Boring? This drama is far from dull," Elder Brother Li said from behind him, watching one side of the quarrel below with a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"What do you mean?" Yue Yunfei quickly caught on that there might be more to this situation than met the eye.
Elder Brother Li replied, "You should find a few people to keep an eye on the performer in the red dress and those who came to help her. There must be a connection between them. They are using this ruckus to convey information."
Yue Yunfei's expression turned serious. "I'll arrange it right away."
Without further ado, he left with Mo Yan, the Princess.
Geng Shi'an clicked his tongue twice. "Who would have thought that coming out for drinks would lead to trouble? Wei Feng, what do you think those people belong to which faction?"
"They're likely from Northern Liang Kingdom," Elder Brother Li said while fiddling with his empty wine glass.
"Northern Liang? Their envoy is about to arrive in the capital. What are these people up to?"
Elder Brother Li replied, "I’m not sure, but it definitely relates to the envoy. Not everyone from Northern Liang wants to negotiate peace with Da Zhou. If something happens to the envoy while they're in Da Zhou's capital, it could jeopardize any chance of reconciliation between our two nations."
Geng Shi'an snorted coldly, "These bastards only care about their own interests, completely disregarding the suffering of the common people in both nations."
Elder Brother Li replied, "Therefore, we absolutely cannot let them succeed."
Two days later, Yue Yunfei came to find Elder Brother Li and revealed the truth of the investigation. Indeed, those people were from the Northern Liang Kingdom, and the Red-Clad Performer was a spy who had infiltrated the capital years ago, gathering many important secrets about the Great Zhou. Another group consisted of assassins from Northern Liang Kingdom, whose goal was to assassinate Emperor Li Xuan Zong of Great Zhou and frame the Northern Liang Kingdom's diplomatic envoy for the crime.
After experiencing internal troubles, Northern Liang Kingdom was also unstable. The current emperor was aging and wished for a peaceful life, but his sons sought to enhance their own achievements. One of them aimed for military merit and power. This Third Prince had previously participated in the wars between the two nations and held military authority. However, the First Prince and Second Prince, fearing his power, stripped him of it under the pretext of Northern Liang's defeat. Naturally, the Third Prince was unwilling to accept this; he wanted to regain his military power. But with no wars to fight, he turned his attention back to the borders of Great Zhou. As long as the two nations went to war...
"What about the assassins?" Elder Brother Li asked.
"They've all been thrown into prison, including the performers from before," Yue Yunfei chuckled. "I plan to send them a 'gift' when the envoy departs."
Elder Brother Li laughed as well, patting Yue Yunfei on the shoulder. "Well done."
Seven days later, the envoy from Northern Liang Kingdom arrived in the capital of Great Zhou. Elder Brother Li and Yue Yunfei, as heads of security for both the capital and palace, were responsible for ensuring the safety of the envoy members in the city. With preparations for a military parade underway, Elder Brother Li was extremely busy and had no time to accompany Hanno. Yue Yunfei was similarly occupied, leaving Hanno and Mo Yan, the Princess—both feeling like "wronged wives" due to their husbands' busyness—to entertain themselves together. They often included Qi Xueru in their activities, turning Geng Shi'an into a "wronged husband."
Hanno and Qi Xueru arrived at the parade grounds. The venue was still at Enclosure; the platform set up for viewing military exercises had not been dismantled, and additional wooden platforms had been erected on both sides. This time, many people came to watch the parade—not only Emperor Li Xuan Zong and court officials but also their families were allowed to attend. Of course, these families were subject to rank restrictions; only those with official ranks of fourth grade or above could enter Enclosure. Qi Xueru, being merely a physician's wife, did not qualify for entry without Mo Yan's assistance. Geng Shi'an also managed to gain access through Elder Brother Li's connections.
The three stood in an excellent position near the central platform with a broad view. After waiting for about a tea's worth of time, they suddenly heard drums and music; there was a stir around them as everyone knelt down shouting "Long live!" Hanno knew that Emperor Li Xuan Zong had arrived; she had no habit of kneeling before others. Using a trick she learned in Pure Yuan Dynasty 6 to create an illusion that she was kneeling while actually standing aside, she observed this Ming Army that Elder Brother Li spoke of.
Li Xuan Zong appeared to be around thirty years old but looked five or six years older due to the burdens of being emperor. He was relatively handsome with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes; his thin lips suggested he was somewhat cold-hearted. Sensing something amiss, Li Xuan Zong squinted slightly and glanced toward Hanno.
Hanno felt a chill in her heart and quickly withdrew her bold gaze, surprised by Li Xuan Zong's keen perception.
"Rise," he said calmly without revealing any suspicion as he suppressed his curiosity.
The scene unfolded much like a modern military parade, with the leader's speech replaced by that of the emperor. Guan De Zhu knelt before Li Xuan Zong, holding a loudspeaker high above his head, directing one end toward Li Xuan Zong's mouth. The loudspeaker had been crafted by the artisans of the Ministry of Works under Elder Brother Li's "reminder." Although it couldn't compare to modern electric speakers and microphones, it was still quite effective; at least two-thirds of those in the Enclosure could hear the emperor's address. The remaining third might not have caught every word, but they could vaguely make out a few phrases. However, the sight of Li Xuan Zong and Guan De Zhu struck Hanno as utterly amusing.
Once the emperor finished speaking, a rapid drumbeat filled the air, energizing everyone present—the military review was about to begin.
As the drumbeat reached its peak intensity, it suddenly stopped, replaced by a synchronized sound of marching feet that echoed in everyone's ears. The footsteps were loud; there was no way they could belong to just one person, as an individual could not produce such a resounding noise. Yet if many were marching, how could they be so perfectly in sync? It sounded as if there was only one voice. Could there possibly be giants in this world?
In the next moment, their questions were answered. A perfectly aligned formation entered their line of sight. The troops marched in such unison that whether viewed horizontally or vertically, they appeared as a single straight line. This discipline alone left everyone in awe. Moreover, the soldiers wore identical uniforms and marched with coordinated steps and spirited demeanor, creating an impressive visual impact.
The emperor was equally astonished. He had known from Elder Brother Li's descriptions that the military review would be extraordinary, but witnessing it firsthand revealed just how breathtaking and awe-inspiring it truly was! The first formation was led by Yue Yunfei, commander of the Imperial Guard. After witnessing the first rehearsal, he had pushed the original leader into the ranks and taken command himself. Now he strode confidently at the front of the formation, drawing admiring glances from many young women.
As the formation approached the podium, Yue Yunfei shouted, "March in step!"
With that command, all soldiers' steps changed instantly.
Marching in step was the most suitable gait for a review; it was beautiful and orderly, showcasing both strength and grace in a soldier's form. The shockwave of this display doubled in effect; everyone was so captivated that they nearly forgot their own identities and even that the emperor stood nearby. Excitement bubbled over as applause erupted—thanks to Hanno's enthusiastic contribution—others instinctively joined in. Applauding became their way of expressing exhilaration, elevating this action to new heights in ancient times.
As the formation reached the center of the podium, Yue Yunfei called out "Salute!" and all soldiers turned to salute the right side of the podium while chanting their slogan: "Defend Great Zhou, loyal to His Majesty!"
Li Xuan Zong trembled with excitement, feeling his blood surge with pride. Such a formidable army belonged to him; with such forces at his command, who could challenge him without facing defeat?
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced toward the envoys from Northern Liang Kingdom whom he had invited. Their faces were pale, reflecting fear and loss of confidence—a clear sign that one of his goals for this military review had been achieved. He then turned his gaze to some royal family members who harbored ulterior motives; their expressions mirrored those of Northern Liang's envoys. Unable to contain himself, he laughed! His second objective had also been met!
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