Na Zhan, observing the mix of emotions on the faces of the kneeling beauties, was quite pleased. A man of refined taste, he loved nothing more than things of ultimate perfection, and people were no exception. Only those at the pinnacle of beauty and grace could hope to share his bed.
Next was Lady Zheng Fang of Guhe, who presented herself calmly and performed adequately. The other envoys, while clearly nervous, managed to bow and offer their gifts, all breathing sighs of relief as they stepped aside, having survived the ordeal. But then, the atmosphere in the hall shifted as two figures, led by Zhu Jun, entered.
The room seemed to explode with energy. No one moved, no one blinked—stunned by the sight before them. Even the four concubines beside the king looked shocked, as if they had encountered fierce competition.
Entering the hall were You Jia of Zhen Qu and Huang Bei Shuang of Ernaqi, specially introduced by Zhu Jun. One was cold and stunning, the other warm and graceful; one radiated an unrivaled elegance, while the other exuded an exquisite beauty.
Zhu Jun was clearly proud of the effect he had achieved. This was the spectacle he had wanted—two women whose beauty demanded attention. The tension in the air was palpable.
He had a premonition that one of these two would ascend to greatness, becoming the center of all attention and rising to unimaginable heights.
And this was only the beginning—the beginning of it all!
The officials on both sides stood in stunned silence as the two breathtakingly beautiful women entered the hall. Without realizing it, they swallowed hard. It felt as if the sun and moon had aligned, and no matter which one you looked at, both were dazzling, bewitching. They had never seen such beauty before, and now, it came in pairs. Some of the more simple-minded military officers even looked enviously at the king.
“Nubi [your servant], You Jia of Zhen Qu, greets His Majesty and wishes for eternal spring and autumn, with tribute from all four directions!”
You Jia spoke first, her posture graceful, her gaze enchanting. Her composure and presence instantly erased the impression left by the other beauties and princesses. Everyone was captivated, convinced that this woman would surely command the palace’s favor and receive endless adoration.
“I have brought with me Zhen Qu's national treasure, the Eternal Glowing Glass Lamp, along with three chests of jewels and fine wine. I wonder if Your Majesty will accept them?” She remained utterly calm, unfazed by the hostile glares from the king’s concubines. Her eyes radiated pride and confidence, daring anyone to challenge her.
“You call yourself a servant?” Na Zhan asked with a smile. She was indeed an intriguing woman.
“Yes, Nubi is here to serve Your Majesty. My status and rank are whatever Your Majesty bestows upon me,” You Jia replied, boldly meeting his gaze. She hadn’t expected the king to be so strikingly handsome and intense. His aura was a mix of untouchable authority and playful charm. A man who had likely enjoyed countless women and revelled in indulgence. Despite her slight hesitation, You Jia held her ground and did not look away.
“Hmm! You may step back.” Na Zhan’s thoughts were unreadable. Although a brief flicker of fascination had crossed his face, his interest in You Jia seemed to wane quickly.
He turned his attention to the final woman kneeling before him, her beauty radiant.
“You must be Huang Bei Shuang?” Na Zhan spoke her name before she could introduce herself, causing a stir among the assembled. Who was this woman that the king already knew her name?
Huang Bei Shuang was startled but did not show it. She observed Na Zhan for a moment, then smiled warmly, her eyes bright and gentle as she bowed gracefully. At that moment, her maids began to sing and dance. Each maid, with rosy cheeks and expressive eyes, added to the alluring, enchanting atmosphere in the hall. In the midst of this, Huang Bei Shuang gently lifted a square bundle adorned with a small embroidered pouch.
Her calm, magnetic voice echoed through the hall: “Nubi, Huang Bei Shuang of Ernaqi, greets Your Majesty and offers blessings to the Yunpei Empire, that it may be revered for all eternity and stand strong through the ages!” She showed no nervousness, her composure equal to that of You Jia.
“What kind of tribute is this? So small?” One of the concubines couldn’t resist voicing her dissatisfaction.
Huang Bei Shuang smiled and bowed slightly toward her. The gesture, though subtle, immediately quieted the impatient beauty. She watched Huang Bei Shuang for a moment before signaling a maid to retrieve the tribute.
It wasn’t entirely the concubine’s fault. After all, Huang Bei Shuang’s jewels had been stolen by bandits, and reaching this point had been a struggle.
Na Zhan watched Huang Bei Shuang for a long moment before shifting his gaze to the concubine. She handed over the embroidered pouch from the bundle. Na Zhan took it, squeezed it, and asked, “Soil?”
By this time, the maids had finished their dance and returned to kneel behind Huang Bei Shuang, their expressions serene and composed. Huang Bei Shuang nodded slightly, saying, “This is the soil of Ernaqi, offered to symbolize my people’s eternal loyalty and submission.”
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