Chapter 291: Backstab
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
“Princess Zhao Yang, may this old official have a try?” The Protectorate Duke spoke eagerly. He had long heard the Southern Kingdom boast about their Guardian Divine Beast, claiming it to be unparalleled. For decades, he had been longing for this moment!
Lu Chao Chao nodded.
The Protectorate Duke strode forward with swift steps.
In an instant, several other bold ministers stepped up as well.
They were not merely curious; they wanted to take this opportunity to strike at the arrogant pride of the Southern Kingdom’s imperial grandson.
Seeing that there were only a few spots left, the Emperor grew anxious, sweat forming on his brow. Yet, as the sovereign of a nation, he could not openly voice his desire.
The Empress, noticing his fidgety state, chuckled and said, “The Southern Kingdom has traveled far, and this is a rare opportunity. Your Majesty, why not take this chance to experience the Guardian Beast for yourself?”
The Emperor clenched his fists, coughed lightly against his lips, and hesitated. “This… would it be appropriate?”
“What would be inappropriate, Your Majesty? Surely, the little imperial grandson wouldn’t be so stingy, right? After all, the Guardian Beast has already agreed.” The Empress turned to look at Nan Mu Bai.
Nan Mu Bai’s face turned deathly pale, and he nodded with difficulty.
The Emperor publicly expressed his gratitude, his steps light with excitement as he made his way toward the palace doors.
Amid the bustling crowd, Rong Che took advantage of the moment to secretly hook Shi Yun’s pinky finger. “Shi Yun, do you want to give it a try?”
Shi Yun was startled. “This is all men… It wouldn’t be proper, would it?”
“What’s the issue? Chao Chao is your daughter. Are you saying you can’t ride her Guardian Beast? This is a rare chance, Shi Yun!” Seeing her wavering, Rong Che immediately pushed her forward.
“This is the mother of Princess Zhao Yang. She should be allowed to see it up close as well.”
No one objected.
In fact, the civil and military officials nodded at Madam Xu with goodwill, their eyes full of admiration.
In this dynasty, divorce was extremely rare, and a woman leaving with her child was unheard of. Traditionally, women were expected to follow their fathers at home and their husbands after marriage, with little to no autonomy. Yet, who could argue when her children turned out to be so extraordinary? If she stomped her foot, the entire court would tremble.
Everything Lu Yuan Ze sought, Madam Xu already possessed.
Lu Chao Chao waved her hand, and the nine heads of the Nine-Headed Snake obediently lowered to the ground.
Everyone exchanged glances as Wang Yuan Lu personally assisted the Emperor in climbing onto the central head adorned with a crown.
Once everyone was mounted, the Nine-Headed Snake slowly lifted its heads.
A collective gasp rang out. “Heavens, it’s so high!”
It raised its heads higher than the palace itself, leaving the riders in awe.
Ming Lang felt a pang of envy. “Your Highness, I wish to try as well. Do you think it would let me up?”
Nan Mu Bai shot him a cold, piercing look, forcing Lord Ming to shut his mouth.
Yet, he couldn’t help but find the situation amusing.
The Southern Kingdom had always taken pride in summoning its ‘divine beast,’ treating it as a symbol of supremacy, something their royal family cherished and worshiped with utmost reverence.
And now?
In front of the North Zhao court, it behaved like a devoted pet.
It practically wagged its tails before Princess Zhao Yang!
If the people of the Southern Kingdom saw this, they would surely be stunned, their minds blown, unable to sleep out of sheer frustration.
Riding atop the ferocious beast, the Emperor felt an overwhelming sense of grandeur. No wonder the Southern Kingdom was so proud—conquering such a mighty creature was indeed a spectacle!
[When will North Zhao get one of these?]
“Ah, Father, you died too soon! Your son is truly blessed!” Emperor Xuan Ping muttered under his breath.
Below, the coffin lid of the Late Emperor nearly flipped open.
The Nine-Headed Snake even swayed its heads with enthusiasm, drawing delighted shrieks from its riders, providing a thrilling experience.
“Fifth Brother, Fifth Brother, this is amazing!” The Sixth Prince’s legs turned weak as he dismounted, nearly collapsing onto the ground.
He excitedly ran to the Fifth Prince to boast about his ride. Though the Fifth Prince initially showed little interest, he was soon tempted.
A few princes turned to look at Lu Chao Chao.
Under Nan Mu Bai’s horrified gaze, the ever-gentle Xiangliu allowed them a second round.
Nan Mu Bai nearly fainted.
His vision darkened. [I brought you here to flaunt our prestige, not to humiliate us!]
And yet, he had to maintain his facade, forcing a smile as if none of this bothered him.
The Southern Kingdom’s delegation could barely contain their frustration.
They had never enjoyed such privileges themselves!
“So, does your Southern Kingdom do this often?” The Sixth Prince looked at Nan Mu Bai with envy.
“Your people must be so fortunate! Riding divine beasts just for fun. You must be tired of it by now, huh?” The Sixth Prince, standing too far away earlier, had not heard Nan Mu Bai’s earlier explanation.
At that moment, the Southern Kingdom’s imperial grandson felt as though he had been deliberately ridiculed!
His face turned a shade of blue and purple, his composure on the verge of collapse.
[Tired of it? Are you joking?!]
He had only ridden the divine beast three times in his entire life, and that was only when it was in an exceptionally good mood and willing to absorb divine power!
Nan Mu Bai remained expressionless, but inwardly, he was cursing.
He was not jealous—definitely not.
Yet, he had never seen Xiangliu smile before. Ever.
Not once had it split its nine mouths into such an exuberant grin, baring its teeth, polished clean of any greenery.
[What sorcery does this Princess Zhao Yang possess?!]
The Sixth Prince pouted. “Why won’t you answer? So rude.” Hmph! He was determined to ride the beast until he had his fill!
Thus, he lined up and rode it three more times.
By the end of the night, the Southern Kingdom’s delegation was fuming, their eyes practically bloodshot.
The Emperor, meanwhile, was giddy, as though he had downed two full jars of strong wine.
[For once, North Zhao didn’t suffer humiliation! Instead, we trampled the Southern Kingdom’s arrogance into the dirt!]
“My Empress, how do you think I compare to the Late Emperor?” The Emperor grinned.
The Empress’s eyelids twitched. [Have you been drinking?!]
“I believe the Late Emperor was inferior to me!” the Emperor declared smugly.
The officials gasped in shock.
“Although he founded North Zhao, he was not as fortunate as me!” The Emperor sighed dramatically.
“I may lack his achievements, but I am lucky. I have Chao Chao…” Emperor Xuan Ping declared with pride.
[This is what winning by doing nothing feels like.]
The Empress and the officials…
Speechless.
The Empress struggled to find the right words. “As long as Your Majesty is happy.”
That night, the palace banquet concluded with the North Zhao officials drinking in satisfaction.
The Southern Kingdom delegation stormed out in rage.
Xiangliu cast a glance at Lu Chao Chao. Seeing she wasn’t paying attention, it swiftly slithered after Nan Mu Bai.
Its tail still coiled around a willow branch.
Upon returning to the embassy, Nan Mu Bai bellowed, “Fragrant Fragrance, lower your head! I want to ride!” He mimicked Lu Chao Chao’s commanding tone.
Before, they had coaxed and worshiped the beast with endless offerings. Never had they dared to issue direct orders.
Now…
Xiangliu’s gaze turned cold, its snake eyes gleaming with a menacing glint.
[Fragrant Fragrance? You dare call me that?!]
Its scales bristled.
Its tail lashed out, whipping Nan Mu Bai with a gust of icy wind, sending him flying.
With a loud crash, Nan Mu Bai slammed into the main gate, bringing the entire structure down.
“Ahh!” His wretched scream shattered the night.
His feeble divine power was no match for the Guardian Beast. Coughing blood, Nan Mu Bai lay on the ground, pounding his fist in fury.
[My own divine beast… betrayed me!]