Chapter 271 - 163: A Lifetime of Devotion (Part 2)

"Oh! So it’s Mr. Wei from the Wei Family."

The Champion Marquis’ wife was taken aback by the sudden flattery, then covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, "You sure know how to speak."

The fine lines at the corners of her eyes smoothed out, obviously quite pleased.

"Mother, don’t listen to his nonsense, he’s the most glib-tongued one."

Princess Changle playfully glared at Han Lei, her tone as if she were long familiar with him.

"The Commandery Princess has wronged me." Han Lei smiled, "I’m only speaking the truth. Aunt’s demeanor and appearance are such that calling you a young maiden is not an exaggeration. Look at this skin—more delicate by three parts than the finest mutton fat jade."

The Champion Marquis’ wife was amused by this barrage of flattery and laughed, reassessing this plump young man.

Seeing his plump physique, although not very handsome, he carried himself with propriety, so she nodded slightly.

"I didn’t expect the Wei Prime Minister to have such a delightful nephew."

"Ah! How rude of me." Seeing the good atmosphere, Han Lei pretended to be troubled and patted his body all over, finally taking out a delicate enamel box from his sleeve.

"I didn’t expect to meet Aunt here today and didn’t bring anything valuable. By chance, I came into the capital with several boxes of rose skin cream, made from fresh rose dew, mixed with pearl powder and honey. I think it suits a beauty like Aunt, so I’ll let you try it. Please accept it with a smile."

Han Lei respectfully handed over the box with both hands, and the Champion Marquis’ wife received it, opened it, and caught a waft of fresh floral fragrance.

"Hmm! The scent is quite unique."

"If Aunt likes it, I’ll bring more to the mansion another day."

Han Lei seized the opportunity and smiled, "This cream, a thin layer applied after cleansing the face at night, guarantees tender and fresh skin the next day. My mother loves this."

The Champion Marquis’ wife, seeing his earnest speech and such diligence, grew increasingly fond of this plump young man.

She gently caressed the rose cream in her hand, her eye caught Princess Changle with a sideways glance, and suddenly said:

"Mr. Wei, in three days it will be Changle’s birthday, and the Marquis’ Residence will hold a family banquet. If you are free, why not come with your uncle?"

Han Lei was overjoyed at the words, thinking to himself: I was just waiting for this invitation.

Outwardly, Han Lei quickly bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Aunt, for your kindness. I will certainly arrive on time to congratulate. I wonder what the Commandery Princess likes, so I may prepare a gift."

Just as Princess Changle was about to speak, the Champion Marquis’ wife smiled and said first, "The mansion lacks nothing; just your presence is enough, no need to spend."

"Hehe! How can that be! When the time comes, I must prepare a grand gift for the Commandery Princess no matter what."

Han Lei scratched his head in a seemingly silly manner. Then, knowing when to stop, he said.

"Well... I should go greet the guests first. Aunt, Commandery Princess, take your time to look around, and we will chat leisurely in three days."

"Yes! Go on!"

The Champion Marquis’ wife nodded with a smile. Han Lei gave a bow and then pretended to be busy. Seizing the moment when the mother and daughter were not paying attention, he quietly left the Brocade Workshop.

The Brocade Workshop opened smoothly, and good news also arrived at the Da Jing Imperial Palace.

In the Imperial Palace.

In the Jinluan Hall, the air was filled with ambergris, the civil and military officials were lined up silently on both sides.

The Turkic envoy group of over ten people walked in slowly on the red carpet. The elderly leader, with white hair and beard, had a posture as straight as a pine tree, and bright, sharp eyes like an eagle.

"Envoy He Shu of Turkic, leading the delegation, pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor of Da Jing."

The old leader placed his right hand over his chest, giving a standard Turkic salute, his voice resonating in the grand hall.

Emperor Jing sat in the Dragon Chair, the bright yellow Dragon Robe making him look even more youthful.

He lifted his hand slightly, "Chief He Shu, having come from afar, no need for excessive ceremonies."

Princess Yujia followed behind the old leader, wearing a lake-blue Turkic long dress, the silver accessories in her hair jingling with her steps.

She lowered her eyelids but couldn’t resist discreetly surveying this splendid palace with her peripheral vision.

The lustrous columns engraved with dragons and phoenixes, the gem-inlaid screen, and the high Dragon Chair all signified Da Jing’s wealth and authority.

"Your Majesty, I have come this time under the command of the Turkic Khan, wishing to renew friendship with Da Jing and form an everlasting alliance."

He Shu got straight to the point, watching Emperor Jing’s reaction out of the corner of his eye.

Emperor Jing lightly tapped the armrest of the Dragon Chair with his fingertips, his gaze inadvertently passing over the old leader to fall on Princess Yujia.

Though the young lady kept her head low and eyes demure, her exotic features in her expressionless demeanor were unmistakable, distinctly different from the women of Da Jing’s palace.

"Oh? The Turks have frequently harassed our borders in recent years, and now you suddenly seek peace. How am I to trust you?" Emperor Jing withdrew his gaze, his tone probing.