The crowd was talking fervently, casting greedy looks at Luo Li who was nearby. Besides this number one godly doctor in Nan Xia Country, who else could refine the Ambergris Pill? Nobody thought that this amazing pill could come from Ling Chuxi, and no one would have believed her even if she confessed to it.
Luo Li was actually also shocked. He knew that Ling Chuxi had incredible medical skills, but he never thought that she could refine such an amazing pill. Feeling everyone’s gazes on him, Luo Li silently complained, ‘Master, if you want to refine pills, then just refine them. Why must you refine such a rare pill? I’m going to be the one in trouble this time.’ This ‘black pot’ was definitely one he would have to carry. How terrible! Would this heavy ‘black pot’ crush him eventually? Luo Li felt like crying, but managed to maintain a calm, professional exterior.
The envoys finished offering their gifts, and the ceremony officiate announced the start of the banquet. Just as he had predicted, before he could even lift his foot to sneak away, a group of civil and military officials swarmed around him like a hive of bees.
Although they knew Master Luo’s temper, everyone wanted to try their luck for the sake of the Ambergris Pill. Who knew – maybe this eccentric Master would suddenly be in a good mood and refine an Ambergris Pill for them?
Luo Li was beyond annoyed by the crowd of people around him. He wanted to run away but couldn’t, so all he could do was gaze at Ling Chuxi pleadingly.
Ling Chuxi gave him a look of warning, then turned around and headed towards the table holding various delicacies. The imperial chef’s cooking was not something she could taste at any time. She would take advantage of the crowd that had rushed over to Luo Li’s side, and eat until she was satisfied before dealing with anything else.
Seeing Ling Chuxi’s relaxed back, Luo Li had no choice but to put on his ‘untouchable Master’ air, on the verge of pasting a sign on his forehead saying ‘strangers should stay away’. Only then did the crowd slowly disperse.
Amidst harmonious music, the banquet continued in full swing and the entire hall was lively with singing and dancing.
“Your Majesty, I heard that Nan Xia Country is skilled in martial arts, and that Your Majesty also gained quite a bit of merit on the battlefield when younger. Since it is such an auspicious day, isn’t it a little too dull to celebrate with just good wine alone? I have a suggestion: Why don’t my Dong Xing Country and your Nan Xia Country compete in martial arts to liven the atmosphere? What does Your Majesty think?” Suddenly, a sonorous voice rang out.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice. The one who spoke was the envoy of Dong Xing Country, and he was currently looking at the emperor provocatively.
The crowd reacted instantly. Dong Xing Country and Nan Xia Country bordered each other and occasionally there would be conflict between the two countries. Dong Xing Country had become stronger lately and many young experts could be found in the country. It seemed that they wanted to take advantage of the emperor’s birthday celebration to show off their might to Nan Xia Country in front of the other countries’ envoys.
The various countries’ envoys did not say anything, but they were clearly interested. The Nan Xia officials, however, looked furious. Dong Xing Country choosing this time to show off their might was truly disrespectful to Nan Xia Country!
“How presumptuous! Today is a celebration for my Imperial Father’s birthday, and yet you wish to turn it into a martial arts competition?” Before the emperor could respond, the first prince moved forward, his voice like thunder in the room. This was a good opportunity for him to show off in front of the officials, and he took it.
The first prince held his head high, majestic in his anger. The officials of Nan Xia Country secretly nodded their heads in approval.
Ling Chuxi, however, shook her head. This first prince was quite good at taking opportunities, but he had rushed into it a little. Did he not realize that he was walking into the lion’s den?
“Your Highness, First Prince, I merely intended to liven up the birthday banquet for His Majesty since I heard that the Nan Xia Country is established in martial arts. If Nan Xia Country does not dare to, then we do not have to compete,” the envoy said casually, but contempt flashed in his eyes.
