In the heart of the palace, preparations for the grand banquet were in full swing. The palace grounds were adorned with even more opulent decorations, making it a sight to behold. The royal chefs toiled tirelessly, conjuring up delectable dishes that promised to tantalize the taste buds of all in attendance. Meanwhile, vigilant royal guards maintained a watchful eye over every corner of the palace, ensuring security was paramount.
Amidst the bustling activity, Feng Li found solace in a serene pavilion within his courtyard. Here, he engaged in a playful exchange with his little fox, indulging in tickles and gentle pecks. The mischievous prince managed to coax the tired fox into submission, causing it to surrender to his playful whims and eventually drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Amidst Feng Li's relentless teasing of the little fox, Li Long, a witness to this playfulness, couldn't help but let out a sigh. He couldn't believe his eyes. The Regent, known for his stern demeanor and unwavering resolve, had transformed into a veritable child. It was as if someone had swapped the serious ruler for an impish jester. Li Long wondered if perhaps he had indulged in too much wine, causing these strange hallucinations.
As the little fox succumbed to slumber on Feng Li's lap, its soft breaths creating a gentle melody, Feng Li continued to caress its fur with a tender smile. There was a profound sense of contentment and affection etched onto his face.
In this fleeting moment, Feng Li couldn't quite comprehend why, but it felt like he had unearthed his own slice of paradise. During his time on the battlefield, he had often felt the weight of loss, a longing for something precious that had slipped through his fingers. In his dreams, he would glimpse a figure, albeit faceless, unmistakably slender and shorter than himself. This mysterious presence had remained with him, elusive yet hauntingly real.
During the war, Feng Li had attempted to quell this unsettling sensation by throwing himself into battle with reckless abandon. Yet, no matter how fiercely he fought, he couldn't shake off the persistent ache in his heart. He had engaged in countless skirmishes, claiming the lives of enemy soldiers one after the other, all in the pursuit of burying the pain that gnawed at him.
Then, just two days ago, he had encountered Xiao Bai, a tiny fox whose presence had an inexplicable soothing effect on his troubled heart. In a short span, he had grown addicted to pampering this newfound companion.
With a sigh, Feng Li rose from his seat, addressing Li Long, "Li Long, I'm retiring to my bedroom. If anyone inquires, inform them that I'm resting."
Li Long bowed respectfully, replying, "Your Highness, your wishes will be carried out as instructed."
Inside his bedroom, Feng Li gently placed the slumbering Xiao Bai on the bed. After changing into more comfortable attire, he laid down beside his cherished companion, embracing the little fox in his arms, finding solace in its presence as he drifted into slumber.
Wrapped in the soft embrace of Xiao Bai, Feng Li succumbed to a profound slumber, his worries temporarily at bay.
As the hours drifted by, evening descended like a velvet curtain, signaling the approach of the grand banquet. Feng Li, resplendent in a purple hanfu adorned with intricate golden thread embroidery, donned a jade pendant that graced his waist. The attire harmonized exquisitely with his robust shoulders and sturdy waist, and his long hair, swept up into a half-bun, added a final touch of elegance to his appearance.
Yu Xin, observing Feng Li's striking transformation into regal attire, couldn't help but wish for a similar transformation himself. It had been more than three days since he had donned proper clothing, having maintained his animal form to protect his identity. Now, exhaustion weighed heavily upon him.
Yu Xin, feeling somewhat affronted, let out a pitiful snort and averted his gaze, as if to say, "I don't need your pity."
Feng Li, interpreting Xiao Bai's reaction as fatigue, inquired gently, "Xiao Bai, would you like to stay home?"
This seemingly innocent question prompted an immediate change in Yu Xin's disposition. He sprang towards Feng Li, as though expressing his dissatisfaction with such a proposal.
Swiftly, Feng Li caught the small fox, who had attempted to strike him, and enfolded him in a warm embrace. Yu Xin continued his protest by batting at Feng Li with his tiny paws.
Feng Li couldn't help but chuckle at the little creature's spirited defiance, and he sealed the moment with a tender kiss.
Aware that he had ample time before the banquet commenced, Feng Li, with Yu Xin cradled in his arms, eventually made his way to his carriage to attend the celebratory feast, an event meticulously orchestrated to honor the triumph in war.
As they arrived at the grand gathering, Feng Li disembarked from his carriage, taking measured steps towards the banquet hall's entrance.
Upon spotting him, a royal Eunuch promptly bowed and addressed him with deference, "Your Highness, Crown Prince."
Yu Xin's initial shock had already waned over the past few days. He'd grown accustomed to others addressing his human as "Your Highness," but he couldn't deny that it had been a startling revelation at first.
In fact, Yu Xin was profoundly astonished when he initially learned that the person everyone referred to as the "Regent" was actually a crown prince. It was an unexpected turn of events. Yu Xin, who had embarked on this journey in search of his scoundrel of a father, had unwittingly stumbled upon a golden opportunity—a precious "golden thigh" that could potentially aid him in his quest to locate his father. This newfound connection was as invaluable to him as his daily sustenance.
Acknowledging the eunuch's presence with a nod, Feng Li prompted the announcement with a simple gesture. The eunuch, in response, declared with grandeur, "THE CROWN PRINCE IS ENTERING THE HALL!"
Following the eunuch's announcement, Feng Li entered the banquet hall, cradling Xiao Bai in his arms.
Within the hall, courtiers and ministers, accompanied by their families, hurried to greet him. Emotions varied among them; some were consumed by greed, while others showed deep respect. The unmarried daughters of these courtiers and ministers, who had yet to be betrothed, harbored ambitions of winning the crown prince's favor. Despite their aspirations, fear held them back from approaching him directly.
Observing this, Yu Xin couldn't help but express his indignation. He snorted irritably and turned his head to gaze up at Feng Li, who was engrossed in conversations with courtiers and ministers. In a playful yet pointed gesture, he lightly nibbled on Feng Li's arm.
As Feng Li grew increasingly bored with the honeyed words of the ministers and courtiers, he yearned for an excuse to return to his seat. Thus, when Xiao Bai playfully nibbled on his arm, he looked down at the little fox. Xiao Bai's watery, pitiful eyes carried a hint of irritation. Feng Li couldn't help but be charmed by his adorable pet, his own eyes twinkling with affection.
However, in the presence of the ministers and courtiers, Feng Li's demeanor swiftly shifted to one of indifference. He addressed the assembly coolly, "My pet is feeling a bit uneasy; I shall retire to my seat for now."
With that, Feng Li made his exit from the group, settling into his designated spot, which happened to be near the seats of the emperor and empress.
Before long, the eunuch's voice rang out once again, announcing, "THE EMPEROR AND THE EMPRESS HAVE ARRIVED!"