Edited by: Juicetin
Proofreader: Arya
This outpost wasn’t too far away from the oasis.
Gu Qing Shan chatted with the ceremonial officer while going on their way, quickly seeing the gigantic palace villa in the oasis.
“Our palace is currently in the process of preparing your welcoming banquet, after you greet His Majesty, you can come with us to pick out some ceremonial clothes, now please come with me” the ceremonial officer said.
“Then I’ll trouble you” Gu Qing Shan smiled and replied.
The oasis palace.
His Majesty the Emperor were discussing something in the conference room with 7-8 of his officials.
The ceremonial officer brought Gu Qing Shan over.
“Greetings your Majesty” Gu Qing Shan bowed.
“Hm, you look more spirited every time I see you, young man” the Emperor evaluated him and smiled: “The banquet is about to begin, go change your clothes and head straight to the banquet hall”
Two maids came up and bowed to greet Gu Qing Shan and spoke softly: “Please follow us”
Gu Qing Shan is the one who needs a favor, not to mention being in front of so many people, it’s not exactly convenient for him to get into the subject, plus the Emperor’s hospitality isn’t something he can just refuse, so he had no choice but to leave to change clothes.
A total of 15 sets of high-society banquet clothes were prepared for Gu Qing Shan.
After choosing one of them, Gu Qing Shan was helped by the two maids.
Two other maids came with a long mirror that touched the ground, reflecting Gu Qing Shan from top to bottom.
His brows were sharp as blades while his eyes contained a sense of distance.
Wearing such a neat outfit, he was also emitting a special presence.
“Thank you all” Gu Qing Shan said.
The maids looked at his reflection, blushed while giggling: “As expected of you sir, your presence is unrivalled”
Gu Qing Shan returned a smile and casually asked: “Why didn’t I see your Empress?”
A very normal conversational ice-breaker.
Someone instantly replied: “The Empress had only just woken up; she’s currently doing her makeup”
The dressing room went silent for a second.
Gu Qing Shan evaluated himself in the mirror and asked: “I’ve already changed clothes, should I change my shoes as well?”
The maids sighed from relief.
“There will be a dance later on, so your shoes must also be changed, please wait a moment sir” two maids went to get a pair of shoes for him.
“Thank you. Personally, I like black, brown and dark blue shoes” Gu Qing Shan said.
The maids exchanged glances.
Seems like His Majesty’s esteemed guest is very particular about his shoes.
If that’s the case, they should prepare a few more new shoes for the guest to choose from.
“Please wait here for a bit, we will go get them for you” one of the maids said.
“Very well, no hurry”
Gu Qing Shan smiled and sat down comfortably on the sofa.
The maids curtsied and left.
Gu Qing Shan raised a cup of tea that was prepared, took a sip and silently thought about a very minor detail at the end.
The Emperor isn’t a friendly person.
Perhaps in some occasions, the Emperor will show a smile or laugh, but he won’t keep up such a smile for long.
His heart is cold.
He is known to have never been pleased by anyone, and definitely will not act to please someone else.
But today, he’s been smiling a lot.
The other thing to mention is that he didn’t see the Empress.
They said the Empress had just woken up and is currently doing her makeup.
The night banquet is already about to begin and the Empress had only just got out of bed, why is that?
The maids returned.
Gu Qing Shan put down the cup of tea and smiled.
With the help of the maids, he chose out one of the shoes and wore it outside.
“When will the banquet begin?” he asked.
The maids answered: “When you arrive at the banquet hall sir”
The girls surrounded and escorted Gu Qing Shan out.
The banquet hall gate opened.
Gu Qing Shan walked in.
The Emperor was sitting on his throne, gestured to the ceremonial officer as he saw this.
The ceremonial officer gave the cue.
Music began to play.
The dancers began their alluring dance.
A blond girl began to sing with her golden voice.
The animals began their performance.
A fire eater.
The circus.
A comedy routine.
The groups of officials began their lavish feast.
This type of chaotic banquet has always been the Fuxi Emperor’s personal style.
Because these are all the things he enjoys.
He likes having all the things he enjoys the most put in his sight at the same time.
Everyone surrounded the Fuxi Emperor, showering him with praises and compliments.
Although this type of rowdy, chaotic banquet was just like a marketplace, the festive air was exactly as expected.
Gu Qing Shan was led in front of the Emperor.
The Emperor pushed the groups of officials around him away to evaluate Gu Qing Shan.
“Look at you, what a handsome young man, if Anna didn’t already act first, I would’ve gladly given you one of my princesses” the Emperor teased him.
Everyone broke into laughter.
Gu Qing Shan took a shot glass from the tray next to him.
“A toast to His Majesty, to thank you for today’s lavish reception”
They raised the glass to the Emperor and downed it all in one gulp.
Hearing that, the Fuxi Emperor also raised his own glass and took a sip.
“No need to feel restrained, you can do as you like here, here’s to a good evening” the Emperor smiled back.
“This time I came here because I have some official business to negotiate with you” Gu Qing Shan was about to get straight to the point.
The Emperor waved his hand: “No need to rush, let’s just enjoy this wonderful evening, we can talk about the rest in the morning”
Gu Qing Shan could only push his matter back.
But he was a bit confused.
The Fuxi Emperor has always been a practical person, if there’s official business to take care of, he would always prioritize it first.
But now isn’t the time to think about that.
Under the scrutinizing eyes of everyone, Gu Qing Shan took another shot glass and smiled: “Then I can only do as Your Majesty says”
“This is a toast to His Majesty, to the prosperity of the Empire, wishing that all its citizens enjoy dignity and freedom”
Gu Qing Shan downed it all in one gulp again.
The Fuxi Emperor’s smile became even brighter, clapped his hand and praised: “Very well!”
He then downed his own glass in one gulp.
Gu Qing Shan glanced at him, feeling a deep sense of unease.
The Fuxi Emperor has always wanted the stable advancement of the Empire, but he hates the concept of “freedom” the most.
During the Emperor’s visit to the Confederate for the conference, he even refused to stay at the Freedom Hotel and instead used tents in the International Conference Center’s courtyard as a place to stay.
“Freedom” is a word that he hates that much.
And I purposefully said that just now.
But the Fuxi Emperor still happily drank without minding it at all.
What’s going on?
“Go and eat something, then have a dance, I bet after this, many ladies and young ladies will have their eyes set on you” the Emperor spoke.
Gu Qing Shan maintained his smile and was about to back down when graceful and luxuriously mature women came into the banquet hall.
An intricate tiara was on her head.
Everyone cleared the way for her while bowing to greet her.
The Fuxi Empress has arrived.
“Varona is here, just in time for you to meet her” the Emperor said.
The Empress’ name is Varona, a member of the Holy Empire’s Royal family, the Medici clan, as well as the birth sister of the Holy Empire’s previous King, Anna’s aunt.
“Young scientist Gu, we meet again” the Empress smiled.
She extended her hand forward.
The Holy Empire’s hand kissing etiquette.
This was the Fuxi Empire, so it wasn’t quite appropriate to show etiquette from the Holy Empire, but since she was originally a royalty from the Holy Empire, no one could say anything to that.
Gu Qing Shan received the Empress’ hand and performed the kiss in perfect etiquette.
“Since we last met, Your Majesty the Empress has become much more dazzling” Gu Qing Shan said.
He noticed the dark circles under her eyes that not even thick makeup could cover up entirely.
