All eyes were on Hua Yulan who had to calm her nervousness before continuing with her story. She described how the Virtuous Order of Chunzhen was a highly selective order with stringent requirements for accepting disciples. The Sacred Daughters, as they were called, came from all walks of life but they all had unique compatibility with secret arts that cultivated virginal powers. She didn't not elaborate what those were but they sounded mystical and amazing. It made totally sense that these women would always win the virgin priestess position in the last two years.
The Virtuous Order, unlike completely celibate sects like the Glacier Palace, allowed their members to get married and even expected most ordinary members to do so eventually. Sacred Daughters only remained pure until they met and fell in love with someone. Then, they would leave the order, marry and devote the rest of their lives to that person.
All men desired Sacred Daughters because they were unwavering in their love and loyalty. They would never betray the one they have chosen. This benefitted the order as well, which survived throughout the years because of the reputation of producing great wives and the subsequent financial support from many happy husbands.
"Honored nobles of Moonlight City, the reason I am here today is because Second Prince Tian has been committing unforgivable sins against our order." Hua Yulan said solemnly, "He has been kidnapping Sacred Daughters from the Virtuous Order to supply this Revelry with virgins. I come from the neighboring province of Great Basin. The branch of the order in that province has suffered his terror for the last two years. He has taken hundreds of us and we are all but finished."
The audience glanced at each other, not really knowing what to think. There were some that looked sympathetic while others couldn't care less. Everyone knew of the open secret of kidnapping women from afar to satisfy the kingdom's appetite for fresh young women. Could a single woman change their minds? Would a powerful kingdom let such a trashy cult influence their way of life?
"So what? You just admitted that my virgins come from your sect. That proves you are also my slave." Mingyue Tian said, "Everyone, you've heard already! Am I wrong or is my younger brother wrong for stealing what is mine?"
"Are you an idiot?" Mingyue Jian interrupted him, "Shut up if you have nothing intelligent to say! Yulan, do you belong to Prince Tian? Did I steal you from him?"
Her eyes shined with determination. "No, my lord… I, Hua Yulan, came to this city willingly to search for my fellow sisters and Prince Jian is the one who agreed to help me. In exchange, I have chosen him; my body, mind, and spirit belong to him forever. How can my lord steal something that is already his?"
Lin Qingcheng was the only other person to witness that night and she knew that Hua Yulan's words were half true and half false. However, the second prince wasn't there and he had no way to prove anything. She didn't speak up either since she found this second prince even more detestable than Mingyue Jian.
The audience's opinion seemed mixed as well. Those that supported the second prince couldn't do anything unreasonable while those that supported the third prince all hurriedly cast their votes for Hua Yulan. All in all, there seemed to be more supporters of the third prince than the second prince…
"Jian… you… Are you openly declaring war on me? Are you not afraid of big brother or royal father?" Mingyue Tian said angrily.
"No, don't be dramatic. I am simply offering a helping hand in exchange for greater long-term benefits for our kingdom." Mingyue Jian said, "The Virtuous Order is spread out far and wide and each branch does not have a lot of members. Your actions are too clumsy and it's already caused the order in Great Basin Province to be on the verge of collapse. While we don't know much about the order, haven't you wondered where they came from and why they have such special powers? The order has been around longer than our kingdom, how has it been able to survive for so long?"
Mingyue Jian paused dramatically and stared at Mingyue Tian, "Useless brother, I will tell you. If I don't stop your actions, you will bring ruin upon our kingdom! The order is an ordinary mortal sect but its roots are not simple at all. If they are pushed to extinction, they can appeal for assistance from their forebearers… forebearers who hold immortal power!"
The room immediately erupted in an uproar. The most important rule among the royals and nobles of the kingdom was that they must not offend an immortal. This was why Lin Qingcheng never faced any direct opposition for her actions. The noble clan heads and royal relatives immediately became furious at the second prince. How dare he endanger the kingdom to satisfy his own greed?
"But… impossible… it's a lie! How can you know for sure? What if that bitch is lying?" The second prince yelled.
"Hmph, didn't Hua Yulan already say she has devoted herself to me. Under the laws of the order, she is sworn to eternal loyalty and everything she says to me is the truth!"
Mingyue Jian then turned to the rest of the crowd, "But my fellow Revelry attendees, you do not have to worry. Hua Yulan and I have already made a deal that will satisfy both parties. The order will volunteer one Sacred Daughter every month for the Revelry and in return we will no longer kidnap their members and ensure that they can survive and thrive."
There was a moment of silence before discu
ssions started once more. The second prince visibly deflated and had no more fight in him. It looked almost certain that he would lose his priestess position to his brother… What would happen to his supporters if he could supply them with women and money?
"Quiet!" A new voice boomed throughout the ballroom.
The crowd silently parted and a tall bearded man emerged. He looked quite similar to Mingyue Jian and Mingyue Tian. The two brothers immediately gave a bow.
"Elder Brother."
"Brother Qian."
Mingyue Qian, the oldest, stared at the two of them and sighed, "Brothers, tonight is supposed to be a night of joy and celebration. Look what you two have caused… Let's stop for now and discuss the matter in a few days."
"Yes!" They both said.
"Good," Mingyue Qian chuckled and patted their shoulders, "Everyone, I apologize for the distraction. Let us resume the Revelry!"