Chapter 411

Chapter 411: Xu Ming, You’re Indeed Swift

“…”

Hearing Little Blue say this, naturally Xu Ming had nothing more to say.

This really wasn’t Xu Ming’s business in the first place.

The reason Xu Ming was meddling was because currently the North Sea and Wu Kingdom were considered allies. As a high official of Wu Kingdom, it was normal for him to help maintain good relations between the two nations.

Of course, the most fundamental reason was that he hoped by helping the North Sea Dragon Palace, the Dragon Empress would owe him a favor.

Ultimately, he wanted the Dragon Empress to help him obtain the Linglong Pearl. And when she eventually realizes he isn’t her old lover, he hopes she’ll consider his past assistance and not be overly angry.

He hopes that when the time comes, she’ll calm down and realize that he is actually innocent, and everything that happened before was all her own doing.

Of course, Xu Ming knew his thoughts were beautiful but indeed difficult to achieve. First, he was merely a cultivator at the Dragon Gate Realm, not even having formed a Golden Core yet. In the Dragon Palace, he was definitely not someone to be taken seriously.

If something happens, he might just be cannon fodder, only able to offer minor help. Asking for something that could reverse the situation would be almost impossible.

Even if he did manage to help significantly, once the Dragon Empress discovers he isn’t her lover, she will surely lose her mind.

In short, Xu Ming felt his situation wasn’t good.

“That Miss Little Blue should keep an eye on things.” Xu Ming politely said, “As envoys of Wu Kingdom, His Majesty told us before we set out that if we can help, we should try our best. Naturally, we don’t want anything to affect your country.”

“Thank you for your concern, sir.” Little Blue nodded, “But this is the North Sea Dragon Palace. No one dares to cause trouble here! I’ll escort you back. If we stay too long, His Majesty might worry about your safety.”

“Trouble for you.”

“Not at all, sir.”

Little Blue led Xu Ming back to the banquet of the Four Seas Ceremony.

Just as Little Blue and Xu Ming left, a black-gold fish swimming peacefully at the bottom of the lake suddenly started trembling violently!

The black-gold fish kept bumping into rocks, scales flying everywhere, looking extremely painful.

Blood continuously gushed from its mouth. Its belly burst open, chunks of flesh floating around.

Finally, a seemingly harmless sharp-toothed goldfish emerged from the black-gold fish’s belly and swam away into the depths of the lake.

Sitting back at the banquet, Ao Jin had already returned.

Xu Ming exchanged a glance with Ao Jin, both their eyes unusually calm.

“Xu Ming, you’re indeed swift.” After sitting back down, Ao Yiner happily said.

“…” Xu Ming’s eyebrows twitched.

Does this princess not know that what a man fears most is being told he’s fast?

Never mind.

This princess is simply naive, no need to argue with her.

Soon, the sky gradually darkened.

Most people present were cultivators, so there was no need to leave their seats to relieve themselves.

Moreover, there were representatives from various sects and dynasties around, along with various performances to watch, so no one felt bored.

Instead, everyone talked freely, enjoying themselves immensely.

When men talk politics, even suggestive dances have to take a back seat.

If they could discuss state affairs while dancing, that would be ideal. As the sky grew darker, servant girls carrying night pearls approached, placing them on each person’s table.

Around the banquet, the night pearls on the pillars lit up, illuminating the entire square.

Although the light from the night pearls wasn’t as bright as daylight, it created a dreamlike atmosphere, adding a sense of ethereal beauty.

At this point, it was time for the gift-giving process.

Various dynasties and sects would present gifts to the Dragon Empress.

The order of gift-giving had been announced beforehand; which sect was ranked where, everyone knew clearly.

Each dynasty and sect’s historian would carry the gifts forward, saying some congratulatory words.

For many, this was the closest they would get to the Dragon Empress.

Many officials eagerly anticipated the opportunity to closely observe this eternal Dragon Empress, even just exchanging a few words with her. When they returned home, it would be something to boast about to their colleagues.

When it was Donghai’s turn, Ao Jin brought his younger sister to present the gift.

Normally, only the main official would go, but since the four seas had a closer relationship than others and they were dragon nobility, it wasn’t a problem for them to go together.

“Donghai Ao Jin.”

“Donghai Ao Yiner.”

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Ao Jin and Ao Yiner bowed respectfully.

Ao Jin respectfully said, “Donghai has prepared a humble gift for Your Majesty. We hope you won’t disdain it.”

Ao Yiner carried the gift forward, her almond-shaped eyes blinking as she looked at her great-aunt.

The more she looked, the more Ao Yiner thought her great-aunt was incredibly beautiful. How could there be someone so beautiful in this world? Moreover, her great-aunt was currently ranked second. She found it hard to imagine how the female monk from Leiming Temple could rank first. Just how beautiful could she be?

A servant girl stepped forward and took the gift.

The Dragon Empress looked at the two of them, “I didn’t expect it to be just you young ones presenting the gift. Is your father the emperor in good health?”

Ao Jin clasped his hands, “Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern, Father is in good health and sent a message through us. If Your Majesty has time, please visit.”

The Dragon Empress nodded, “If I have time, I will visit. Please convey my regards to your father.”

Whether or not she would actually visit, everyone understood.

Regardless, some polite words still needed to be exchanged.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Ao Jin bowed, “Then we shall take our leave.”

Ao Jin was about to descend the steps when he noticed his little sister still standing there dumbly.

Ao Jin patted his sister’s arm, and Ao Yiner quickly bowed, “Yiner takes her leave.”

“That boy from Donghai has indeed raised some fine children.” Watching their backs, the Dragon Empress said to the nearby servant.

Servant Qinghua agreed, “This crown prince from Donghai does seem much more composed than his peers and lacks the arrogance of other princes.”

The Dragon Empress shook her head, “I wasn’t referring to him.”

Her gaze focused on Ao Yiner’s figure, “That boy is truly lucky to have such a daughter.”