Chapter 100: Audience with the King

After finishing a round of chess, Xie Jinxuan and Gu Xiaoyao followed Yu Wenrong to meet the King of the Jianwu Dynasty, Xie Lingtian.

Inside the grand hall, the dragon throne shimmered with golden light. Seated in its center was a man—none other than Xie Lingtian, ruler of the Jianwu Dynasty.

He wore a magnificent yellow robe embroidered with a nine-clawed golden dragon soaring across his chest, radiating supreme authority. His features were striking and resolute, his brows hinting at unshakable dominance. His eyes were deep and razor-sharp, as if they could pierce through any obstacle and see directly into a person’s heart.

Xie Lingtian stood tall and upright, his aura exceptional.

His jet-black hair was neatly tied atop his head, lending even more to his commanding presence.

Handsome lines defined his face, the contours elegant, exuding an irresistible charm.

His hands tightly gripped the armrests of the dragon throne, fingers long and strong—a silent promise that he could unleash remarkable power at any moment.

An invisible force radiated from him, making people instinctively revere his presence.

Xie Lingtian was truly an exceptional monarch.

With martial prowess, he unified the Sword Qi Continent under a single dynasty, then ruled with wisdom and strategy, ushering in an age of peace and prosperity for the Jianwu Dynasty.

……………………

A voice echoed from outside the hall as three figures slowly stepped inside.

“Yu Wenrong, greeting Your Majesty!”

“Your son, Xie Jinxuan, greets Father!”

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled officials, Xie Jinxuan and Yu Wenrong knelt down to pay respect to Xie Lingtian.

Gu Xiaoyao clasped his hands respectfully. “Gu Xiaoyao, greets Your Majesty!”

“Jinxuan, General Yu Wen, please rise.” Xie Lingtian swiftly got up and strode to their side.

“Thank you, Father.” Xie Jinxuan sprang to his feet, brushing the dust from his clothes.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Yu Wenrong glanced up and rose as well.

Xie Lingtian sized up Gu Xiaoyao from head to toe. “Jinxuan, who is this by your side?”

“Father, this is Gu Xiaoyao, my closest friend.” He paused, then added, “If it weren’t for his help, I might not have made it back so smoothly.”

“Hahaha, so that’s how it is.” Xie Lingtian turned and waved a grand hand. “The new year is nearly upon us, and now that my son has returned safely, I’ve decided to hold a grand feast today! Officials and commoners alike shall celebrate together—even prisoners and those sentenced to death can join in this day of joy!”

Behind him the officials bowed together and shouted as one, “Long live Your Majesty! With such virtue and magnanimity as our ruler, it’s a true blessing for our dynasty!”

“If anyone has something to report, step forward. Otherwise, court is adjourned!” Xie Lingtian waved his hand, prompting the eunuch at his side to realize and shake his horsetail whisk.

“With Your Majesty’s leave, we take our leave.” The officials rose, paid their respects, and withdrew from the hall.

…………………..

Throughout the Jianwu Dynasty, a grand celebration was underway.

That day, everyone—whether prisoner or ordinary citizen—was swept up in joy. People dressed in their finest, waving colorful flags and cheering as far as the eye could see.

At the center stage, Emperor Xie Lingtian and Empress Li Xue stood in ornate ceremonial attire, waving and smiling to their subjects.

All around the stage, countless blossoms formed breathtaking displays of color and intricate patterns—symbols of Jianwu’s flourishing age.

Below the stage, soldiers marched past with long spears, their formation tight and powerful, a showcase of the dynasty’s military might.

Then, a troupe of dancers appeared, clad in dazzling costumes. Instruments in hand, they launched into a brilliant performance.

Their graceful, lively moves, paired with joyous music, had the crowd swaying to the rhythm before they even noticed.

On one side of the square stood an enormous bonfire.

By nightfall, flames blazed high, bathing the plaza in warm light.

People gathered around, laughing and chatting as they shared food and soaked up the unforgettable night.

Children darted and played by the fire, happiness shining in every smile.

In one corner, a poet was reciting his newest work.

His voice rang with passion, making everyone feel the deep cultural heritage of the Jianwu Dynasty.

His verses praised the dynasty’s courage and glory, filling all who listened with hope for the future.

The festivities lasted a full day and night. Immersed in the joyful atmosphere, people forgot their worries and troubles.

This was not just a grand feast for the dynasty, but a celebration for all its people—a memory to be cherished forever.

…………

Amid all the merriment, Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan clinked cups and drank heartily. Watching everything unfold, they couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Brother, you’re back.” A sweet, melodic voice sounded behind them.

Turning, they saw a stunning young woman—her beauty was astonishing, her face radiant like a blossoming flower, skin as fair as pearl, flawless and smooth.

Tall and slender with graceful lines, every movement was pure elegance and charm. Her regal presence made heads turn wherever she went. This was Princess Xie Wanyi of the Jianwu Dynasty.

Xie Wanyi glided forward like a gentle breeze, throwing her arms around Xie Jinxuan. “Brother, what brings you here?”

Xie Jinxuan affectionately ruffled her hair, eyes warm with doting fondness. Xie Wanyi pouted, grumbling, “Brother, you haven’t played with me in ages.”

Suddenly, she noticed Gu Xiaoyao nearby. When their eyes met, she froze—she’d never seen such a handsome man before. He was even more attractive than her brother! Her cheeks flushed pink, and she quickly looked away, coughing softly.

Xie Jinxuan shot Gu Xiaoyao a look, making a fist before his mouth and letting out a quiet cough. Gu Xiaoyao immediately understood. He stepped forward and greeted her respectfully, “Greetings, Princess. I’m Gu Xiaoyao, a close friend of your brother’s.”

Xie Wanyi lowered her head, a shy smile on her lips. “So that’s it… My name is Xie Wanyi, and I’m the one and only princess of the Jianwu Dynasty.”

“Are you new here, sir?” Xie Wanyi asked from behind her brother, sneaking glances at Gu Xiaoyao.

Gu Xiaoyao nodded, a bit awkward. “Princess, I’ve just arrived in these lands—everything here is so new to me.”

He shot Xie Jinxuan a meaningful look.

“Sister, I’m going to take Xiaoyao out for a stroll. I’ll come find you again later.” Taking advantage of her brief distraction, Xie Jinxuan quickly grabbed Gu Xiaoyao and slipped away.

Xie Wanyi stood frozen, watching them leave. It wasn’t until a breeze brushed her shoulder that she snapped out of it.

She stamped her foot and huffed, “Stupid brother! Always runs off and never takes me! I’m so mad, I’m telling Mother!”

Pouting and wronged, Xie Wanyi hurried away in search of Xie Lingtian and Li Xue.

…………………

Meanwhile, Xie Lingtian and Li Xue stood atop the highest platform, gazing out over the celebration with radiant smiles, pausing now and then to listen to ministers’ advice.

Suddenly, a voice reached them, bringing their laughter to a halt.

“Father, Mother, Brother bullied me!” Xie Wanyi cried, charging into Li Xue’s arms.

Li Xue blinked in surprise, then soothed her with a gentle smile. “Wanyi, you’re a princess of this nation. You really must stop being so rambunctious.”

“Your Majesty, Your Highness, we’ll take our leave now.” A nearby minister coughed, quickly pretending he saw nothing, before bowing and making a hasty exit.

“But Mother, you have to do something about Brother! If not, I’ll start making a scene,” Xie Wanyi protested, rolling about in Li Xue’s arms.

Li Xue rubbed her forehead, resigned. “Wanyi, alright, alright—when your brother gets back I’ll lecture him, I promise. Happy now?”

“Mother, I knew you were the best!” Xie Wanyi laughed with delight and threw her arms around Li Xue in a tight hug.