Volume One, Chapter 16: The Peculiar Betrothal Banquet!

Lin Wangzhi nodded, then signaled the matchmaker to begin.

Next came the six traditional rites.

The betrothal gifts were presented, the wedding date was set, and Lin Wangzhi informed Xiao Aoyu of the astrological compatibility based on their birth charts.

Needless to say, the outcome was exceedingly auspicious.

Following this, a series of elaborate ceremonies commenced, and distinguished guests began to arrive.

Initially, only minor officials appeared, arriving in a steady stream. As more people gathered, high-ranking court ministers started to show up one after another.

The Right Fufeng, the Grand Tutor, and even the Captain of the Guards made their presence known.

Xiao Boqing wore a beaming smile. “Ah, today marks my daughter’s betrothal celebration. I am deeply honored by everyone’s attendance!”

The Right Fufeng, dressed in his official court robe, handed his gift to a servant with a hearty laugh.

“Lord Xiao, your family truly is remarkable!”

Xiao Boqing laughed heartily in return. “Not at all, not at all. It is your presence that brings honor to the Xiao household!”

Though inwardly disdainful, the Right Fufeng refrained from comment out of respect for Prince Liang.

The Grand Tutor, a loyal minister who had no patience for such pretense, handed his gift to a servant with a cold snort and withdrew silently to a corner.

“This…” Xiao Boqing was puzzled.

What was going on?

Why did it feel like the Grand Tutor was upset?

Surely, he hadn’t offended the Grand Tutor?

Unable to understand, Xiao Boqing dismissed it as his overthinking.

Other ministers arrived one after another, exchanging polite words.

“Ha ha ha, not at all, not at all. It is my honor to have you all here!” Xiao Boqing kept the conversation flowing.

At that moment, Lin Che entered without announcement.

Clad in linen, he immediately drew the attention of nearly everyone present.

The Grand Tutor and Right Fufeng’s pupils contracted sharply, and they instinctively kneeled.

Lin Che extended a hand, signaling them to rise.

Sweat beading on their brows, the two men respectfully stood aside.

Xiao Chen spoke mockingly, “You arrived just in time. My sister is having her ceremony with His Highness. Lucky you!”

Lin Che looked over and saw Xiao Aoyu, under the guidance of the matchmaker, engaged in the ritual.

The two faced each other, their eyes full of tender affection, as if born for one another.

It was Lin Che’s first time seeing Xiao Aoyu adorned with makeup, which added a subtle feminine allure to her otherwise spirited and heroic visage.

But Lin Che only glanced briefly before looking away.

Xiao Chen thought he must be heartbroken, growing even more smug.

Soon, Lin Wangzhi and Xiao Aoyu completed the ceremony and, noticing Lin Che’s presence, deliberately took his hand and approached.

At the sight of Prince Liang, many ministers tensed, eager to offer their congratulations, yet dared not approach with Lin Che present.

“Brother Mengwen, isn’t Yu’er particularly beautiful today?” Lin Wangzhi provoked.

Xiao Aoyu strutted proudly, noting Lin Che was without the woman from before, feeling a touch of schadenfreude.

She had suspected that woman was merely an ordinary friend of Lin Che’s; now she was certain.

Hmph—the other woman had been a deliberate ploy to suppress her, hoping to make her regret.

Yet regret was a word foreign to Xiao Aoyu’s life.

“She is indeed quite beautiful,” Lin Che replied politely.

Hearing this, Xiao Aoyu’s pride swelled, convinced she was right—Lin Che still cared for her.

“Lin Che, as you see, Wangzhi brought many guards today. You’d best not cause trouble. Consider this my final warning,” Xiao Aoyu cautioned.

Lin Che remained silent.

“Enough talking to him. Go greet the guests!” Lin Wangzhi ignored Lin Che altogether. With so many ministers present—some not aligned with Yang Huaiman’s faction—he was eager to cultivate alliances.

With more supporters, he could ascend the throne more swiftly.

Xiao Aoyu also moved to receive the arriving dignitaries, eager to show Lin Che the vast gulf between them.

“Minister Zhao has arrived…”

“Commander Qi is here…”

Famous ministers from across the land appeared one by one, making Xiao Boqing beam with delight as he busily greeted guests at the door.

Xiao Aoyu busied herself with the crowd, feeling as if she had returned to the days of General Linglong.

Today would surely make the Xiao family renowned throughout the realm!

Yet soon, they sensed something amiss.

After presenting their gifts, the ministers merely stood aside, refraining from initiating conversation.

Even those once friendly offered only a cursory greeting, their expressions awkward.

The smiles on the family’s faces stiffened, confusion mounting.

“Gentlemen, what is the meaning of this?” Xiao Boqing asked awkwardly.

The ministers hesitated, fearing to offend either Prince Liang or the emperor, trapped in a dilemma.

Xiao Aoyu’s brows furrowed.

Her betrothal celebration was being so blatantly disregarded—it made her deeply uncomfortable, as if they were doing her a favor by attending.

Xiao Boqing’s expression fell.

He suspected the Xiao family had been dismissed from favor, hence the disdainful attitudes.

Otherwise, why such hostility?

Did they not even respect Prince Liang?

Xiao Aoyu clenched her fists.

She vowed that one day, these ministers would be far beyond her reach.

And that day would come soon.

Lin Wangzhi noticed the ministers’ odd behavior, suspecting that because he had not yet ascended the throne, they were seizing the opportunity to strike.

Angrily, he said, “Gentlemen, today is a joyous occasion for Lin Wangzhi. I hope you will show some respect!”

Prince Liang’s face carried far more weight than the Xiao family’s.

Yet, to his surprise, the ministers remained silent.

Several ministers aligned with Yang Huaiman exchanged glances.

Yang Huaiman had instructed them not to reveal their connections to Prince Liang, nor to show open support.

This only deepened Lin Wangzhi’s bewilderment.

Had these men lost their voices?

Xiao Boqing found it equally perplexing.

“What do you mean by this? You come to offer congratulations but treat us with such disdain. Do you think the Xiao family is a joke?” he asked coldly.

With Prince Liang’s backing, he felt fearless.

Still, the ministers were at a loss for words.

“Lord Xiao, it is not as you think!” one minister began.

“Indeed, indeed…” echoed the Yang Huaiman faction ministers, uncertain how to proceed.

This only fueled the Xiao family’s anger.

Especially Xiao Aoyu, proud and haughty, who could not help but curse the ministers inwardly.

Were they not afraid to offend her—and Prince Liang?

Though Prince Liang had yet to secure the throne, most of the court supported him, and it would not be long before the current emperor was dethroned and Prince Liang ascended.

As the tension grew awkward and palpable,

Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out from outside the door.

“Attendant Cao has arrived!!!”