roccoschili Chapter 22 First Meeting
Chapter 22 First Meeting
Liu Bowen sighed and recounted the events that had occurred in the Wuying Hall that day, from the Chu King's groundbreaking proposal of "high salaries to encourage integrity," to Zhu Yuanzhang's subtle appreciation for the prince, and finally to the half-discussed marriage proposal.
"...His Majesty has been very gracious, saying that the children should meet him first. Tomorrow, His Majesty and the Empress will be hosting a family banquet at Kunning Palace, and we are invited to bring Wanyan along."
Liu Bowen said slowly,
"Madam, there is no turning back now."
Refusing would be disobeying an imperial decree, and would be playing with the future and lives of the entire Liu family.
After listening, Mr. Fu remained silent for a long time.
She naturally understood the pros and cons, but as a mother, she ultimately felt sorry for her daughter.
She said softly:
"I'm just worried that Wanyan will be wronged."
"I was scared before too."
Uncle Liu's gaze was deep, but his tone became more certain.
"But after seeing the King of Chu today, I feel somewhat at ease."
"His Highness the King of Chu possesses extraordinary talent and a rare kindness."
"The way he looked at the Crown Prince was one of heartfelt support, without the slightest hint of hypocrisy."
"Such a person is open-minded and upright. If Wanyan marries him, she will not only not suffer any grievances, but perhaps... it will truly be her blessing."
He paused, then continued:
"Moreover, with Her Majesty the Empress around, her reputation for benevolence is known throughout the land. If she has chosen this daughter-in-law, she will surely protect her."
Hearing her husband's high praise, Fu's worries eased a little.
She nodded:
"Since the master has said so, I will go and inform Wanyan so that she will not be impolite tomorrow."
"Um,"
Liu Bowen instructed,
"Don't put too much pressure on her. Just say that the Empress has not seen her for a long time and has summoned her to the palace for a chat. Tell her to treat her with a normal attitude. I trust our daughter's character and appearance."
"I see."
Madam Fu rose and walked gracefully toward her daughter's boudoir.
As night deepened, Liu Wanyan's boudoir remained brightly lit.
This twelve-year-old girl was not doing needlework under the lamp like a typical young lady from a wealthy family, but was holding a volume of "Yu Di Ji Sheng" and reading it with great interest.
She inherited her father's wisdom and read extensively from a young age, especially showing a strong interest in mountains, rivers, geography, and local customs.
Hearing her mother's footsteps, she put down her book and stood up to greet her:
"Mother, why have you come so late?"
Mrs. Fu took her daughter's hand and sat down. Looking at her beautiful and refined face, with a scholarly air about it, she was filled with mixed emotions.
She said softly:
"Wanyan, tomorrow, Her Majesty the Empress summons you to the palace and invites you to sit in Kunning Palace."
"Did Her Majesty the Empress summon me?"
Liu Wanyan was somewhat surprised, but more than that, she was curious.
"What's the matter?"
"Your Majesty has not seen you for a long time and has been thinking of you."
Mrs. Fu stroked her daughter's long hair and said, avoiding the main point,
"Your father and I will be going tomorrow. Remember, be careful with your words and actions in the palace. Be respectful and courteous to His Majesty, the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness the Prince of Chu. Answer any questions they may have, understand?"
"Is His Highness the King of Chu also here?"
A barely perceptible glint flashed in Liu Wanyan's eyes.
She had long heard of this famous King of Chu.
Whether it was offering auspicious and high-yield crops or leading troops in a surprise attack on Shangdu, each and every one of these events seemed like a legendary tale.
She had secretly read the reports about the Northern Expedition in her father's study and was filled with curiosity about the prince who had made unparalleled contributions.
He was even the object of secret crushes for many girls in the capital.
However, she has not yet seen the King of Chu in person.
"Yes, it's here too."
Madam Fu did not notice anything unusual about her daughter; she simply gave her detailed instructions on palace etiquette.
Liu Wanyan nodded obediently, but a strange sense of anticipation for tomorrow filled her heart.
She wanted to see for herself what kind of person the legendary Prince Chu was.
……
The next day at noon, the Kunning Palace was filled with warmth.
Unlike the solemnity of the front hall, this place is filled with the warm atmosphere of an ordinary family home.
A small, round table made of rosewood sat in the center of the hall, already laden with dishes. Lacking the extravagance and complexity of a royal banquet, the dishes were all refined and meticulously prepared home-style fare:
Nanjing Salted Duck, Steamed Shad, Stir-fried Dried Tofu with Water Chestnut, Premium Tofu...
Steaming hot, with a wonderful aroma.
Empress Ma personally served the last bowl of chicken soup dumplings to the table, a satisfied smile on her face.
For this special banquet, she specially canceled all her palace duties and prepared the meal herself, all to create the most intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Mu had already taken their seats.
Zhu Yuanzhang changed into a simple everyday outfit, losing the imposing aura of an emperor and gaining the amiable demeanor of an ordinary elder.
The brothers Zhu Biao and Zhu Mu sat side by side.
Shortly after, the eunuch announced:
"Liu Ji arrived with his family."
Liu Bowen, accompanied by his wife, Lady Fu, and daughter, Liu Wanyan, entered the hall and bowed in greeting.
"Your subject (your wife, your daughter) pays respects to Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Your Highness the Prince of Chu."
"No need for formalities! Get up!"
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, his gaze immediately falling on Liu Wanyan.
Empress Ma walked up to Liu Wanyan with a warm gesture, took her hand, and examined her closely.
The girl was wearing an elegant pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) today. She was without makeup, which made her skin appear even whiter and her features even more exquisite.
She was slender and graceful, and though nervous in the face of the imperial majesty, she showed no sign of timidity. Her clear eyes sparkled with intelligence and wit.
"What a beautiful young lady!"
Empress Ma liked it more and more the more she looked at it.
"Come here and sit next to me."
Just as she stood up, Liu Wanyan's gaze inadvertently met Zhu Mu's.
With just one glance, she was slightly taken aback, and her heart skipped a beat.
Before coming, she had imagined what this legendary prince would look like countless times.
She knew that the King of Chu and the Crown Prince were twins who looked very alike.
But seeing them in person today, I realized that although the two have a similar outline, their temperament and charm are completely different.
Crown Prince Zhu Biao was gentle and refined, with a dignified demeanor, a composure and benevolence born from long holding the position of heir apparent.
King Zhu Mu of Chu was even more upright. Perhaps due to his years of martial arts training and military career, he had broad shoulders and a straight posture like a pine tree. His brows showed both youthful vigor and a profound and calm demeanor.
His eyes were bright and focused, as if he could see into people's hearts.
That was not an ordinary prince raised in the deep palace, but a peerless sword hidden in its sheath, its sharpness concealed, yet its astonishing brilliance could not be hidden.
Liu Wanyan felt her cheeks burning slightly, and quickly lowered her head to sit down at the table with Empress Ma.
She was incredibly intelligent. Seeing that the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, and Prince Chu, the four core figures of the royal family, had gathered together today just to host a banquet for the three of them, she had already guessed seven or eight parts of the story.
This was by no means a simple summons from the Empress.
"Come, come, don't be shy, sit down!"
Zhu Yuanzhang greeted him happily.
"Today there are no rulers and subjects, only elders and juniors. This was made by the Empress herself, please try it, it's much tastier than those fancy dishes from the Imperial Kitchen!"
After everyone took their seats, the atmosphere quickly became lively under the deliberate guidance of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma.
They chatted about everyday things, asked about Liu Bowen's health, and inquired about Fu's daily life, as if it were just an ordinary family gathering.