Feeling the air around him become heavy, Wu Zhang He turned to glance at the young man sitting beside him.
"Something wrong, Jun Qiao?"
"Not really... I just found someone a tad too annoying." he drawled out lazily yet his eyes remained cold.
Following his gaze, he traced it back to realize just who Wu Jun Qiao was looking at.
"Ning Country Princess?" Wu Zhang He exclaimed under his breath with a surprised yet questioning tone.
"I just don't like how she stares at people..."
Looking back again, Wu Zhang He managed to catch Ning Yan Mei subtly shooting a glare towards a certain direction and when he checked who were there, understanding dawned on him.
"Ahh... So that's why..." Wu Zhang He slowly murmured with an amused smile.
Ignoring his teasing, Wu Jun Qiao nonchalantly shifted his gaze and turned to observe the old servant that was discreetly standing just a few feet behind the visiting princess's table.
Soon, his attention was drawn away when the emperor stood up and attracted everyone's attention.
"Welcome everyone! This One is very glad that all of you have come to celebrate this welcoming banquet that my beloved empress has worked hard on to organize. Such a happy event as tonight, there are a lot of things to celebrate. First is to welcome back my son; Meng Yao who has just returned from his studies, then there is also our guest from Spirit Valor Country; Princess Ning Yan Mei!"
With that, applause sounded out and both Jin Meng Yao and Ning Yan Mei had calm and assured smiles on their faces as they both nodded in thanks.
As the applause subsided, Jin Fa Chung continued on.
With a knowing smile, Jin Fa Chung opened his mouth and said, "Yes yes... Among these two matters, This One is sure that you've noticed that there are new faces amongst us today..."
Turning to Fan Hui Zhong, Jin Fa Chung nodded to him and motioned for him to rise as he said, "King Lei, if you will..."
Standing up, Fan Hui Zhong cleared his throat and let his sharp gaze travel across the hall.
"Yes, Your Highness." Fan Hui Zhong acknowledged as he got to his feet.
"This King would like to take this opportunity to make some announcements."
After a brief pause, he continued on.
"As everyone can see, my father, Old General Fan Song Xue has now fully recovered and will continue on to be one of the pillars and guardians of our beloved country as will I for I have decided to formally assume my duties and responsibilities as the Lei Wangye."
At his words, applause resounded while a happy and satisfied smile showed on the emperor; Jin Fa Chung's face as he gave a regal nod.
"This King would also like to take this opportunity to officially introduce my son and daughter to everyone." As Fan Hui Zhong said this, he shot a look to either one of his sides and motioned for Fan Zhu Xia and Fan Shi Hong to stand up.
"To my right, is my biological son; Fan Shi Hong who went missing for more than a decade ago and to my left, my beloved daughter; Fan Zhu Xia who has saved me and my son countless times before... This King is introducing both of them here and now since I would also like to let everyone know their positions."
"For my son; Shi Hong, I officially announce you to be my Prince Heir. The one who will inherit my position and status in the future."
Listening to the announcement, everyone clapped their hands and even though they weren't entirely sure how Fan Hui Zhong's son survived all those years ago, there wasn't anyone who was doubtful of his identity.
"And as for my daughter... Your Majesty?" Fan Hui Zhong said as he turned and met the eyes of the emperor.
With a nod, Jin Fa Chung opened his mouth to speak.
"Fan Zhu Xia, come and stand before This One and receive my decree."
Startled, Fan Zhu Xia shot a look at Fan Hui Zhong who only gave her a reassuring smile and motioned for her to go forward.
Despite being taken by surprise, none of this reflected on the surface and instead, Fan Zhu Xia looked calm and collected, albeit the still somewhat indolent air about her as she gracefully made her way to stand before the emperor before going down to her knees and kneeling respectfully.
"This Emperor has heard of the young lady; Fan Zhu Xia's great deeds and virtues. As a talented and smart young woman that has the compassion and love for the common people with a strong sense of justice and rightousness, This Emperor hereby grants you the status of a royal princess and will be written down as a direct descendant of this country's one and only non-blood related king; Lei Wangye and will be given the title and known as Princess Leifeng... Fan Zhu Xia, stand and accept the decree!"
Shocked at the imperial decree's content, it took Fan Zhu Xia a second to respond before she slowly stood up and walked up to the emperor.
The audience was still stunned at the news yet this couldn't stop them from watching the slender, lithe figure fluidly walk with a languid pace up the steps to stop before the emperor before bowing down elegantly.
The moment the scroll containing the imperial decree was passed to her, Fan Zhu Xia straightened out from her bow and her gaze landed on the charismatic yet imposing figure of the emperor; Jin Fa Chung.
As their gazes met, contrary to the imposing and solemn air that surrounded the emperor, Jin Fa Chung's eyes had a warmth in it that made him seem more approachable which actually calmed Fan Zhu Xia's racing heartbeat that she didn't even notice before that very moment.
It calmed her nervous heart enough for her to smile a bit under her veil before she opened her mouth to speak.
"Fan Zhu Xia accepts the decree and thanks His Majesty for the blessing. May His Majesty's life be long and filled with blessing as the country prospers!"
Her voice softly echoed throughout the great hall and there was a moment of silence before the emperor burst out into laughter with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Good, good. You may go back."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After giving another low, respectful bow, Fan Zhu Xia straightened her back and went straight back to their table and sat down back in her seat.
Despite knowing that she wasn't required to do anything else anymore, Fan Zhu Xia still felt a bit restless deep down inside. Reaching her hand under the table, she lightly grabbed onto her father's robe and gave a slight tug.
Feeling it, Fan Hui Zhong turned to look at his daughter and leaned a bit towards her and murmured, "Something the matter?"
"I'm not sure Father... I just feel a little uneasy, as if something is about to happen."
And just as she said this, the loud sound of glass shattering echoed out that was soon followed by screaming.