Chapter 255: Duoduo, You’re Sitting on My Robe
After the Heaven-Worship and Blessing Ceremony, the envoys of the three nations and the civil and military officials headed straight to the palace for the banquet. The Imperial Preceptor and the disciples of Moran Hall were also in attendance, seated in places of honor.
The old monarch had originally planned, as per tradition, to seat the Imperial Preceptor alone. The Imperial Preceptor himself seemed to think the same, because when he lifted his robe to sit down, he clearly hadn’t considered that anyone would be sitting beside him—the white robe nearly covered the entire cushioned seat.
However, just as the Imperial Preceptor settled into the foremost seat on the right, the white-clad beauty who had been inseparable from him plopped down beside him without hesitation.
The emperor and the civil and military officials: …
Gong Moran: …
Gong Moran paused, then slowly turned his head to look at Nan Xun.
Nan Xun met his gaze innocently and asked with a bright smile, “My lord, what’s wrong? Ever since you stepped down from the palanquin, you’ve had this disciple follow you closely. I’ve been very obedient—never leaving your side. I’m so happy right now. This is my first time attending such a grand banquet!”
Gong Moran pressed his thin lips together slightly and said calmly, “Nothing.” After a brief pause, his gaze dropped downward and he reminded her, “Duoduo, you’re sitting on my robe.”
Nan Xun let out a small “ah,” lifted her bottom quickly, tugged the robe out from under herself, and neatly gathered it back toward Gong Moran.
Gong Moran shifted slightly to the side, making space for her on half of the cushioned seat.
Those seated farther away couldn’t hear what the two were saying, but Qi Hengqing, who was not far off, heard everything clearly.
His gaze flickered as he stared at the woman in white for a long moment, doubt rising in his heart.
Was this woman truly Miss Rose? Why did she feel so unfamiliar this time?
But it couldn’t be wrong. madam Zhang had shown him Rose’s portrait. Even if the painter’s skill was lacking and only captured three parts of her likeness, those captivating eyes and that warbling voice were unmistakably Rose’s.
On the high seat, the old monarch of Southern Yun cleared his throat lightly, and the gazes fixed on the Imperial Preceptor and Nan Xun quickly withdrew.
Today’s Heaven-Worship Ceremony had clearly served its purpose of intimidating the three nations. Seeing the envoys’ increasingly respectful expressions, the old monarch felt immensely pleased.
“Envoys, you have all witnessed our Imperial Preceptor perform the Heaven-Worship today. What do you think?” the old monarch asked with a smile, stroking his beard.
The envoy from Western Lin replied with reverence, “This humble servant is awed. I never imagined the Imperial Preceptor possessed such heaven-defying arts. Today has truly broadened my horizons.”
The envoy from Beiwu, still shaken, glanced at Gong Moran before hastily lowering his eyes. “The Imperial Preceptor is truly like a celestial being. I have learned much today.”
Qi Hengqing smiled faintly and echoed, “The Imperial Preceptor is indeed extraordinary. As long as Southern Yun has the Imperial Preceptor, the nation will prosper.”
The words sounded harmless, but the old monarch was displeased.
Did this imply that without the Imperial Preceptor, Southern Yun could no longer prosper?
“Enough. Everyone has worked hard today, and the Imperial Preceptor has expended great effort performing the ritual. Let the banquet begin,” the old monarch said, clapping his hands. Beautiful maidservants immediately presented exquisite dishes.
Music of silk and bamboo instruments filled the hall. Dancers in splendid palace dresses performed the long-sleeve dance, sleeves flowing like water, skirts blooming like flowers, slender waists swaying with captivating grace.
Nan Xun ate as she watched, occasionally commenting to Gong Moran. “My lord, that beauty is fair-skinned and graceful. She must have practiced this dance hundreds of times, with at least ten years of training. And that supporting dancer—honestly, she dances better than the lead, just not as pretty. Hmph, I bet those two have plenty of secret rivalry going on.”
Gong Moran sipped his tea. He had no interest in such things, but seeing his little disciple so engaged, he followed her gaze briefly. After a while, finding it dull, he lowered his head again to drink.
“My lord, why aren’t you watching? Their dance is really beautiful,” Nan Xun tugged lightly at his sleeve. Focused on the dancers, she didn’t notice he was drinking tea. The tug made his hand tremble, spilling tea from the cup.
Helpless, he patted her small hand, signaling her to stop. “Duoduo, just watch on your own. I have no interest in this.”
Nan Xun let out an “oh” and looked at him. “But the banquet will last a long time. If you don’t watch the performances, won’t you be bored just sitting here?”
Gong Moran looked at her curious little face, a faint smile crossing his lips. “I won’t be bored. With civil and military officials and envoys from three nations all present, I enjoy observing expressions. At certain moments, I can tell exactly what they’re thinking.”
Nan Xun’s eyes lit up. “My lord, you’re that amazing?”
She immediately pointed at the beautiful dancer and asked with a grin, “Then tell me—what is she thinking right now?”
Gong Moran glanced over and said calmly, “She is anticipating and feeling proud. With today’s performance, some noble is bound to take notice. If she is taken into a household, she can rise in status and never suffer again. For a fleeting moment, she even dreams bigger—perhaps being favored by the emperor and entering the palace as a consort.”
Nan Xun chuckled and shook her head. “That doesn’t count. I could guess that too. Try another one.”
She scanned the princes’ seats. “My lord, I see the youngest Fifth Prince looks troubled. What do you think he’s thinking?”
Gong Moran replied, “The Fifth Prince has no mind for music or dance. When the emperor was gravely ill, he and the Second Prince fought openly and covertly. The emperor’s recovery disrupted all his plans. He’s now thinking about his next move.”
Nan Xun froze, then protested playfully. “My lord, that’s not mind-reading. Most people know those things—what you said after that is just your own deduction.”
Gong Moran looked at her, a trace of indulgent affection in his eyes. “Then in Duoduo’s opinion, how should I prove that I truly can read minds?”
Nan Xun’s lips curved upward. After scanning the hall, her gaze landed on Qi Hengqing. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she asked, “Let’s talk about the envoy from Eastern Lin. I’ve heard he’s not only the envoy this time but also Eastern Lin’s Seventh Prince. He looks like he’s watching the dance, but his gaze is deep—his mind clearly isn’t on the performance. My lord, what do you think he’s thinking right now?”
Gong Moran didn’t even look at Qi Hengqing. His gaze lowered to the teacup in his hand. He took a slow sip before speaking unhurriedly.
“This man appears gentle but harbors killing intent. He is extremely ambitious. From the Heaven-Worship Ceremony until now, he has looked at you no fewer than seven times—each glance different: amazement, surprise, suspicion, scrutiny, contemplation, and finally certainty. And now, there is calculation in his eyes. He is most likely… an old acquaintance of yours.”
Nan Xun nearly sprayed out the tea she had just taken into her mouth.
