"Alina, from now on, you belong to His Majesty. Serve him wholeheartedly, understand?"
"Yes, Princess Consort."
Zong Zhengxi watched as the matter was settled between the two of them, utterly confused.
He nodded at Lu Yuan.
Lu Yuan sighed longingly. This child, why can’t he ever make decisions for himself?
He stood up, the corners of his mouth curved, and said, "Your Majesty, since the Loulan Queen insists, why not accept the beauty?"
Ayimulan respectfully said, "Then please grant Alina a title, Your Majesty."
Her deference carried no flattery, instead exuding a sense of balanced humility that wasn’t overwhelming. Orıginal content can be found at NoveI[F]ire.net
A truly skilled master doesn’t overpower with presence but influences decisions invisibly.
Ayimulan achieved this.
Sure enough, Zong Zhengxi said hesitantly, "I already have an Empress and an Imperial Concubine. Her rank must not surpass theirs."
At this moment, a Ministry of Rites official daringly suggested, "Your Majesty, since Miss Alina is from Loulan, why not confer the title of Lan Fei?"
The courtiers were all mesmerized by Alina, and surprisingly, none offered any objections.
Imperial Censor Wang stood and said, "I find this inappropriate..."
"Alina, why not quickly express your gratitude?"
Ayimulan’s voice resonated almost simultaneously with Imperial Censor Wang’s, overpowering his voice.
Zong Zhengxi hesitated for a moment, looking at Yao Qingluan, "What does the Empress think?"
Yao Qingluan replied gracefully, "Alina is beautiful, like an orchid in a secluded valley. The title ’Lan Fei’ is apt."
Zong Zhengxi pressed his lips, "Then bestow the title of Lan Fei."
The alluring Loulan dancer knelt gracefully and said devoutly, "Alina thanks Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"
Great Zhou also arranged performances to enliven the occasion.
The grand hall was filled with melodious music, the dances were enchanting, captivating all.
Palace maids served new dishes.
Tan’er buried her head in her food.
Meng Lang commented, "You have no table manners, how can you still be considered a lady?"
Tan’er, cheeks puffed and a grain of rice at the corner of her mouth, looked just like an adorable little hamster.
She glared at Meng Lang upon hearing his comment, "Mind your business!"
"I couldn’t care less. You’re not my sister."
Meng Lang said lazily, picking up a newly offered fruit from the platter, taking a big bite, and tearing up from the sourness!
Meng Qianqian sipped chicken soup and remarked, "In the first round, they sent in a Loulan beauty. Loulan truly came prepared."
Lu Yuan smirked knowingly, "The concern is they came prepared, but might not leave as expected."
He spoke just in time for a pause in the dance, and the hall fell silent, everyone heard his casual words.
The Loulan envoy turned towards him in unison.
Lu Yuan remained entirely calm, drinking his wine with elegance and composure.
Loulan’s mighty Divine General, Du Nu, slammed the table, stood up, glaring at Lu Yuan, "You say who may not leave? Are you looking for death?"
Ayimulan said calmly, "Du Nu, this is the court’s First Rank Grand Commander. Do not be disrespectful."
Du Nu contemptuously pounded his chest, "Is a First Rank Grand Commander something impressive? Let’s have a match if you have the ability!"
Ayimulan’s voice gained a hint of sternness.
Ignoring the princess consort’s advice, Du Nu provocatively eyed Lu Yuan, "Grand Commander, do you dare to have a match with me?"
Meng Lang teased, "Hey, big guy, do you know how formidable my brother-in-law is? Competing against him, even if you have innate divine strength, I guarantee you won’t last more than three moves!"
The courtiers began to murmur.
In past rumors, the Grand Commander was thought to be incompetent, but after the border battle with Prime Minister Xun, Lu Yuan’s act as an underestimated player couldn’t be hidden.
Yet to say he’ll face a Loulan warrior... it seems there’s not much chance of winning.
The new Minister of War is surnamed Feng.
Having learned from Minister Huo’s blood-tipped lesson, he remained unwaveringly loyal to Zong Zhengxi and Lu Yuan.
He promptly pointed at Meng Lang, "Hey, which side are you actually on?"
Placing such high expectations on Lu Yuan—if he fails within three moves, wouldn’t the Loulans laugh their heads off?
Meng Lang chuckled, "Look where I’m sitting."
Du Nu taunted, "Three moves? Kid, don’t be so cocky! What if I give him ten moves? If he can last ten moves against me, I’ll admit he’s better than me!"
Meng Lang, eager for excitement, turned to Lu Yuan, "Brother-in-law, why not teach this oblivious guy a lesson, he’s said ten moves, enough for you to beat him."
Lu Yuan raised a hand, slowly patting Meng Lang’s shoulder.
Meng Lang raised an eyebrow and smiled.
In the next moment, his shoulder tensed, as if a sandbag, he was hurled fiercely.
He crashed heavily into Du Nu, the speed made it hard to react, and before he knew it, his forehead clanged loudly.
He knocked Du Nu off balance.
Du Nu, caught off guard, almost stumbled.
He frowned deeply, questioning Lu Yuan, "Is this your first move?"
Lu Yuan smirked coldly, "You are not qualified to spar with me. Here’s your sandbag. Win against him, and I’ll give you a chance to showcase your skills before me."
The dignified First Rank Grand Commander would teach every arrogant person what true arrogance means.
The Loulan envoys were dumbfounded.
Meng Lang was also stunned.
He finally managed to trick his brother-in-law, only to unwittingly get himself involved.
Your brother-in-law remains your brother-in-law!
Du Nu looked coldly at Meng Lang, "This weakling can’t withstand a single punch from me! Yield early so you don’t end up miserably and have Your Majesty blame me for not holding back!"
Zong Zhengxi opened his mouth.
Before he could think of how to respond, Lu Yuan preempted, "No worries, if he’s beaten to death, it’s on me."
Meng Lang’s body trembled, "...!!"
Tan’er, with fists under her chin, eyes glimmering, "Fight! Fight!"
Du Nu glared at Lu Yuan, he had innate divine strength, not innate intelligence; pushing him against Lu Yuan’s tactics would leave him forgetting who he was.
He took steps toward the fallen Meng Lang, "Just win against you, right?"
Meng Lang was dumbstruck, "I never said that..."
Du Nu decisively responded.
Meng Lang, "Hey! I never agreed!"
Du Nu raised his fist, like a hammer, fiercely aimed at Meng Lang’s head.
Meng Lang’s expression shifted, he quickly rolled to the side, supporting himself on one knee.
Du Nu’s fist pounded the ground, creating a crack in the hard floor.
Meng Lang’s mouth corners twitched.
No way, did he really mess it up this time...