A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 856: Chapter 856: Admiration

Late afternoon, at the end of the Shen Hour.

Palace sent people to the inn to escort the foreign emissaries to the palace.

In the evening around the You Hour, the welcoming banquet officially began.

As the Western Xia emissaries were considered distinguished guests, the Emperor of Great Chu held the banquet in Taihe Hall.

All civilian and military officials of the Great Chu Dynasty, ranked fourth and above, were invited to attend.

Consorts of the second rank and above in the harem were also to attend.

In the great hall, besides the Emperor, everyone from the Great Chu Dynasty arrived on time.

Zhao Junyao was to arrive last, so he was in no hurry.

Just halfway into the You Hour, an inner servant reported.

”King of Western Xia has arrived!”

”Prince Jin of Western Xia has arrived!”

”Crown Prince of Western Xia and Princess Hai Feng have arrived!”

As soon as the words fell, sounds of commotion could be heard from outside.

Everyone inside the hall stood up to greet them.

Xia Ruqing also stood up and looked towards the outside of the hall.

The footsteps gradually approached.

A moment later, a procession appeared at the entrance of the great hall.

The person at the forefront.

Wore an oddly shaped beanie made of animal skin, with a wolf fang-shaped buckle on the forehead, and a pair of shiny large silver hoops on the ears.

Wore a dirt-yellow outer robe with gold money python patterns, draped half in animal skin, and adorned with various animal bone bead accessories on the neck, waist, and wrists.

Below were black wide pants tucked into a pair of pointed, solid maroon leather boots.

At first glance, this person looked a bit like... what was it?

Oh yes!

If his skin were a bit darker, and a few colorful feathers were stuck on top of his head, he’d look just like those tribal leaders from the tropical rainforest documentaries I watched in my past life!

The same wildness, living off the land like beasts.

Tsk tsk, indeed... exotic!

He looked to be in his fifties, with graying hair, a tall and slightly plump figure, round face, robust features, and a hint of authority in his eyebrows and eyes.

From his robust features, one could still vaguely see the charm of his youth.

But his complexion didn’t look good, with a bluish tinge. Perhaps that’s just how he was born!

Based on this analysis, Xia Ruqing concluded: This must be the King of Western Xia.

As for the others.

The one who looked more savage and stronger, more ferocious, wearing more animal skins and bones, should be the so-called, highly respected Prince Jin.

The rest needn’t be looked at.

The young, handsome man of normal build, dressed in blue exotic garments, should be Crown Prince Hai Yue of Western Xia.

Lastly, the one in red, with a mix of various colors, adorned with silver and colorful beads, looking exceedingly beautiful, with bright eyes and white teeth, a fiery young maiden, should be Princess Hai Feng.

Unfortunately, with half her face covered, it’s hard to see what she truly looks like.

Anyway, the upper half of her face is quite beautiful!

Having scrutinized these people from Western Xia one by one, Xia Ruqing finally averted her gaze.

Pretending to be calm, she lowered her eyes, feigning an air of having seen much of the world and not being easily impressed!

Actually, it was the Phoenix Crown on her head that was too tiring.

As a First-Rank Noble Consort, the weight of her Phoenix Crown was nearly the same as that of the Empress, just lacking two tail ornaments.

So, it was indeed heavy!

The King of Western Xia led his entourage to the center of the great hall.

Following the introduction from the Ministry of Rites, he greeted each official of the Great Chu Dynasty with Western Xia’s etiquette, and everyone returned the courtesy.

After mutual greetings.

Only then did everyone take their seats.

They exchanged pleasantries, and a quarter-hour later, another inner servant reported.

”The Emperor arrives!”

Afterwards, there was another round of ceremonial greetings.

After several rounds of back and forth, everyone finally gathered.

The banquet finally commenced!

Zhao Junyao sat at the high seat, raised his wine cup high, and laughed aloud.

”Western Xia guests have traveled far, please don’t be reserved! Such a grand occasion is rare in our Great Chu, we must entertain you well, so that you come in high spirits and leave satisfied!”

The King of Western Xia, upon hearing this, also raised his cup in response.

”The Emperor of Great Chu is too polite. It is said that your Central Plains, Great Chu, is a nation of etiquette. Seeing it today, it indeed lives up to its reputation! I am truly impressed!”

”This time, our main purpose in coming is to seek to visit and learn, we hope the Emperor of Great Chu won’t be stingy with enlightenment! I drink this cup to express my gratitude!”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Junyao laughed heartily.

”No problem at all!”

Visiting to learn? Just a cover, who would really believe that!

But there’s no need to expose it, right? As long as the atmosphere is good!

After Zhao Junyao and the King of Western Xia drank together.

The Fifth Master and the Seventh Master also stood up to drink with Crown Prince Hai Yue.

Over on Prince Jin’s side, there were also a few elderly princes from the royal family accompanying him.

Although their command of the Central Plains language wasn’t great, making communication inefficient, they all knew how to drink, right!

Moreover, what is there to say, other than flattering each other?

’Your land is vast, the melons are sweet, the water is beautiful, the people are outgoing, how wonderful, I envy you!’

’Ah, but your place has rich resources and outstanding people, it’s even better!’

...

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Xia Ruqing and the other women no longer needed to hold themselves so tightly.

Stretching their necks, they could chat and gossip in small clusters.

Xia Ruqing glanced around.

Her gaze fell on Princess Hai Feng, who still hadn’t spoken much, eaten, or drank, and was still veiled.

She seemed to be looking at someone? Her eyes filled with infatuation and deep affection, who was it?!

Xia Ruqing followed her gaze.

And then... she discovered, she was looking at her emperor husband!

Oh my, the first meeting, and already so full of affection?

Those eyes seemed to be looking at her own husband, familiar, proud, coy, and full of emotion...

Tsk tsk tsk, the ladies of Western Xia, are they this bold?

But then again, what does she really look like!

Xia Ruqing stared at her veil, wishing she could bore a hole through it.

Princess Hai Feng seemed to notice someone looking at her.

Her eyes turned towards Xia Ruqing.

Xia Ruqing was startled but did not shy away.

Firstly, it was too late.

Secondly, there was no need!

That’s my husband, not yours, okay?

You’re staring at my husband, why should I feel guilty, you’re the one who should!

So...

Xia Ruqing mustered up her energy and glared back with the sharpest and fiercest look.

Princess Hai Feng flinched, glanced at her, then turned her gaze back to her dream lover.

On this end.

Xia Ruqing, who won the stare-off, didn’t feel happy.

On the contrary, she was a bit jealous.

Yes, jealous!

She looked at Zhao Junyao and found Zhao Junyao looking at her.

Her heart fluttered, and the jealousy disappeared instantly!

Hmm... let’s just eat!

Better not look around recklessly!

...

After a bit of drinking, Zhao Junyao waved his hand, intending to call some female dancers to perform.

Only to be interrupted by Prince Jin.

He stood up, cupped his hands, and apologized.

”Emperor of Great Chu, I sincerely apologize!”

”My daughter has always admired the culture of Great Chu and came here wanting to learn, so... She wishes to first offer a Western Xia dance as a humble gesture, what does the Emperor think?”

Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished.