CHAPTER 2
As the banquet progressed, laughter and conversation flowed through the hall, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the delicate sounds of dishes being served.
The hall was filled with the prominent ministers of the Wu dynasty, each representing the power and influence of their families. Crown Prince Wu Feng, along with his four brothers—Prince Wu Jian, Wu Li, Wu Hao, and Wu Wei—stood in a semi-circle, exuding an air of authority. Each prince carried the elegance and pride of their lineage, their regal presence accentuated by their richly adorned robes.
Among the attendees, Shangguan Ning held a unique status. Though he was the nephew of the emperor, he had long relinquished his claim to the throne, allowing his cousins the opportunity to step into the spotlight. This selfless choice elevated his standing in the court but also set him apart from the other princes.
The Wu Emperor raised his cup, signaling for quiet, drawing the attention of all present.
"My nephew here is talented in guqin," the emperor announced, his voice resonating with pride. "Ning'er, present them a song."
"Yes, Uncle Emperor," Shangguan Ning replied with a respectful bow, a hint of a smile gracing his lips. The room buzzed with anticipation as he gracefully moved to the center of the hall, where the guqin—a beautifully crafted instrument—awaited him.
The guqin was a work of art, its polished wood glistening under the soft glow of the lanterns, intricate carvings adorning its surface. As he settled before it, the atmosphere shifted, a palpable hush enveloping the room. Everyone's gaze turned toward him, eager to witness his performance.
With delicate fingers poised above the strings, Ning'er took a deep breath, allowing the weight of the moment to settle within him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, channeling the peace he felt earlier while watching the cherry blossom petals dance in the wind.
As he began to play, a serene melody filled the hall, resonating with an elegance that seemed to transcend time itself. Each note flowed effortlessly, weaving a tapestry of sound that captured the hearts of the audience. The music painted vivid imagery of lush landscapes and tranquil rivers, transporting everyone to a world far beyond the confines of the banquet hall.
The demon envoys exchanged glances, each captivated by the beauty of the performance. Helan Li Qiang leaned forward slightly, his expression reflecting a mixture of admiration and intrigue. He had heard tales of Shangguan Ning's talent, but witnessing it firsthand was a different experience altogether.
As the song unfolded, the emotional depth of Ning'er's playing resonated with the attendees. Some closed their eyes, letting the music wash over them, while others watched him in rapt attention, mesmerized by his androgynous beauty and the way he effortlessly commanded the guqin.
The ministers of the Wu Dynasty were visibly impressed, their previous reservations about the demon envoys momentarily forgotten. The harmonious notes served as a bridge, connecting their hearts and easing tensions. Even the crown prince, who had initially maintained a stoic demeanor, found himself swaying slightly to the rhythm, caught in the enchanting spell of Ning'er's artistry.
As the final notes lingered in the air, a moment of silence followed—a collective breath held as they absorbed the last echoes of the melody. Then, the hall erupted into applause, cheers and exclamations of appreciation filling the space.
"Beautiful!" cried one of the ministers, clapping enthusiastically. "Such talent deserves recognition!"
"Indeed," the Wu Emperor said, his eyes shining with pride. "You have brought honor to our family, Ning'er."
Ning'er rose from his seated position, bowing gracefully to acknowledge the applause. A soft blush crept onto his cheeks, but his smile remained bright, illuminated by the warmth of their appreciation.
"Thank you, everyone," he said softly, his voice carrying the same grace as his music. "It is my honor to share my passion with you all."
As the clamor of applause faded, conversations resumed, but the air had shifted. The bonds between the demon envoys and the Wu officials felt slightly stronger, forged through a moment of shared beauty and cultural exchange.
Li Qiang watched Ning'er with newfound respect, his earlier admiration deepening into something more profound. There was a strength in his artistry that echoed the courage of their respective realms, a reminder that peace could be achieved not only through politics but also through the connection of their hearts and souls.
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The banquet hall, which had been filled with lively conversation and laughter moments earlier, grew tense as the marquis of the demon empire stood, his voice sharp and direct.
"Your Majesty, how do we proceed with the peace alliance?" he asked, his tone a clear reminder of the banquet's true purpose.
The Wu Emperor, though momentarily caught off-guard by the abrupt question, quickly composed himself. "This..." He paused, looking around the hall. "Everyone, do you have suggestions?"
The room remained silent for a moment before the prime minister of the Wu Dynasty rose to his feet. His expression was calm, calculated. "Your Majesty, may I suggest a marriage alliance?" he proposed, his voice carrying the weight of the room's attention.
A spark of curiosity lit in the emperor's eyes. "Oh? How do we do that? There is no princess in either the demon empire or the Wu dynasty," he said, intrigued by the idea but unsure of its practicality.
The prime minister gave a small, measured bow. "Your Majesty, it has come to my attention that male-to-male couples have become a common practice in certain noble families these days, particularly when political and bloodline preservation is at stake."
The emperor narrowed his eyes, already sensing where the prime minister was going. "Who do you suggest, Prime Minister?"
"This..." The prime minister hesitated for a moment, knowing full well the weight of his words. "If I may be presumptuous, I suggest the Grand Imperial Prince, Shangguan Ning."
A murmur erupted through the hall, filling the air with whispers of shock and disbelief. Shangguan Ning, who had been sitting quietly, felt his chest tighten at the sudden mention of his name. His sharp gaze flickered, but he remained composed, choosing not to interrupt.
The emperor's face turned dark, anger flashing in his eyes. "Presumptuous!" he roared, his voice shaking the room. The intensity of his tone silenced the murmurs instantly, leaving a thick tension in the air.
The ministers of Wu quickly bowed in unison, pleading for calm. "Emperor, calm down!"
Before the situation could escalate further, Shangguan Ning rose gracefully from his seat, his demeanor serene despite the storm swirling around him. "Uncle Emperor, please calm yourself. The Prime Minister is merely offering a suggestion. Let us hear his reasoning," Ning'er said gently, bowing to the emperor.
The emperor's fury softened slightly, his eyes turning to his nephew with a protective gaze. After a moment, he nodded, signaling for the prime minister to continue. "Prime Minister, you had better have a good explanation for this," the emperor growled, though his voice had lost its edge.
The prime minister remained in his bow, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Yes, Your Majesty. The reason I suggest the Grand Imperial Prince, Shangguan Ning, is because he carries the blood of both the Shangguan and Wu families, making him a symbol of unity within the empire. His marriage to the demon empire's second prince, a figure of strength and influence, would solidify a bond between our realms that transcends mere politics."
The logic behind the prime minister's proposal began to sink in, and some of the murmurs in the room became thoughtful rather than dismissive. The idea of uniting two of the most powerful bloodlines in such a significant alliance was not without merit. Shangguan Ning, already beloved by the people for his grace and beauty, and Helan Li Qiang, feared and respected across battlefields, would make a formidable pair.
The emperor's expression shifted to one of contemplation, though his protectiveness over his nephew remained. "Ning'er, what say you?" he asked, his tone softer now.
Shangguan Ning was silent for a moment, his mind racing through the implications. He had never considered marriage, let alone one of such magnitude, but he knew the peace between their realms might depend on this decision.
Finally, he spoke, his voice steady. "I will do whatever is best for the empire and for the peace between our people, Uncle Emperor. If this is the path we must take, I shall walk it without hesitation."
The hall remained quiet, awaiting the emperor's final word.
After a long pause, the emperor sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly. "Let us discuss this matter further in private," he declared, casting a glance at both his ministers and the demon envoys. "For now, let us enjoy the banquet."
The tension in the room eased, though the weight of the proposal still lingered heavily in the air. Helan Li Qiang, who had been silently watching the exchange, looked toward Shangguan Ning, his mind turning over this unexpected turn of events. His gaze lingered on the delicate figure of the imperial prince, wondering what the future now held for them both.
As the conversation swirled around him, Shangguan Ning stood up, his demeanor calm despite the weight of the moment.
"Uncle Emperor, may I excuse myself first?" Shangguan Ning asked, his tone soft but resolute, concealing the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind.
The emperor glanced at his nephew, his expression softening. "Of course, Ning'er. You may go."
With a graceful bow, Shangguan Ning turned and left the banquet hall, the weight of the proposal still hanging over him like an unshakable shadow. As he exited, the whispers and murmurs from the court continued behind him, though he paid them no mind. His mind was already elsewhere.
Outside, the night had grown darker, the air cool and crisp with the faint scent of cherry blossoms still lingering. A carriage, simple yet elegant, awaited him. Without a word, he stepped inside, the door closing softly behind him.
As the carriage began to move, carrying him away from the palace and toward his own mansion, Ning allowed himself a moment of reflection. The rhythmic sound of the wheels turning on the stone road did little to calm his restless thoughts. The suggestion of a marriage alliance with the demon empire's second prince had caught him completely off-guard.
He had long been content with his position—removed from politics, focusing on his art and cultivation—but now, the empire required something more of him. A sacrifice, perhaps, in the name of peace.
As the carriage moved through the quiet streets, illuminated only by the pale moonlight, Ning's gaze drifted to the window, his delicate features bathed in the soft glow. The city outside seemed distant, almost unreal, as if it belonged to another world. In his heart, he wondered what his parents would think. They, too, had chosen a path away from politics. Would they support this decision?
The journey to his mansion seemed longer than usual, as if time itself had slowed. When the carriage finally arrived, Ning disembarked and entered his estate, the familiar surroundings offering little comfort. The grand halls and gardens, usually a sanctuary for his mind and soul, now felt heavy with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
He walked through the estate, his mind still clouded, wondering how long he could remain at peace before the inevitable conversation with the emperor about the proposed alliance would happen. Helan Li Qiang—the name of the second prince of the demon empire echoed in his thoughts. What kind of man was he? How would their lives intertwine, should this alliance come to pass?
For now, however, Ning pushed those thoughts aside and made his way to the garden, seeking the tranquility that only solitude could offer. The soft rustle of the trees in the night breeze and the sound of water trickling in the fountain provided a temporary escape from the weight of his newfound burden.
As he sat beneath a tree, watching the stars above, he allowed himself a single sigh, the only sign of the pressure building within. Whatever came next, he would face it with the same grace and strength he had always shown. But for tonight, he would let the silence carry his thoughts away.