The most romantic little emperor

As the Liao envoys arrived in Beijing, undercurrents began to surge among various forces in the capital, and for several days in a row, bad news came one after another.

"Your Majesty, the rebel army of the traitor Gao Gongxiang has captured two more small counties. His momentum is growing day by day. The rebels are aggressive and are likely to spread to the surrounding counties. The situation is becoming increasingly serious."

"Your Majesty, two captains of the Xuanwu Guard suddenly committed suicide last night out of fear of punishment. This is extremely strange and seems to be inextricably linked to the Grand Canal case."

"Your Majesty, the White Lotus sect members in Guanzhong have incited the people to gather and cause trouble. Local officials have tried to suppress them many times, but to little effect. The situation is still escalating. I request the court to send troops to suppress them as soon as possible to calm the public anger."

"Your Majesty, the Liao envoys have repeatedly requested an audience with you. Now they are getting a little impatient. Should we summon them?"

……

In the imperial study, some trusted ministers were making some reports. Qin Hao sat on the dragon throne with a frown on his face. He issued several orders in succession and finally managed to send these ministers away.

After pondering for a long time, Qin Hao slowly said: "Gao Lishi, pass on my order. Wanshou Palace will hold a banquet tonight. I want to personally meet the Liao envoys."

As night falls and the lights come on, the night is as dark as ink and dotted with stars.

There is a solemn and dignified atmosphere in front of the Wanshou Palace.

It's still a little early for the dinner to start.

However, there were already crowds of people outside the palace, with many figures waiting quietly in the dimly lit areas.

Tonight, the new emperor carefully prepared a welcoming banquet for the Liao envoys who came from afar. This was not only a grand banquet, but also an important occasion for the Xia Dynasty to show its national power and etiquette. Therefore, no one dared to slack off.

As expected, the guests were all royal relatives and important officials. Officials below the third rank were not eligible to attend even if they wanted to.

In the past, occasions like this were always accompanied by graceful singing and dancing and melodious sounds of bells and chimes, which added a touch of joy and elegance to the banquet.

However, today is different from the past. The Great Xia Dynasty is in mourning, and all entertainment activities are banned, even in the palace. There is a solemn atmosphere inside and outside the palace.

Even so, everyone was still waiting for the dinner to begin with awe and anticipation.

Because this is not just an unusual feast, it is not only about national dignity, but also a political and diplomatic contest.

As time approached, civil and military officials filed in, stood respectfully in the hall, with their eyes lowered, quietly waiting for the new emperor to arrive.

"The Emperor has arrived!" Gao Lishi's voice echoed in the hall like morning bells and evening drums.

All the ministers knelt down and kowtowed to welcome the new emperor.

Qin Hao sat on the dragon throne, his eyes like torches, scanning the people below. Then, he gently raised his hand and signaled Gao Lishi to invite the Liao Kingdom delegation into the hall.

"Announce the Liao Kingdom delegation to enter the palace!"

Following Gao Lishi's loud shouts, the Liao delegation headed by Yelu Lingxiao, the King of the Southern Court of Liao, strode in with their heads held high.

Yelu Lingxiao had a faint smile on his face, but his eyes revealed an indescribable arrogance. He glanced at the ministers present, as if he was evaluating Daxia's strength.

These Liao people raised their heads and looked aggressive, as if they didn't take anyone seriously. Qin Hao felt that these bastards were not here on a diplomatic mission, but rather came to provoke and declare war!

Seeing the arrogant and presumptuous look of the Liao envoys, many pro-war generals were filled with righteous indignation. They clenched their fists, gritted their teeth, and wished they could rush forward and fight them immediately.

There was also a cold light flashing in Qin Hao's eyes. He pursed his lips tightly, trying hard to suppress the anger in his heart. His gaze always stayed on Yelu Lingxiao, unwilling to leave for a long time.

Immediately afterwards, Qin Hao's gaze inadvertently swept behind him and fell on a graceful woman.

He always admired the beauties in the world. He leisurely looked at the tall woman, and saw that her skin was healthy and shiny like wheat ears, and her eyes were black and bright like stars, as if hiding endless depth and mystery. Her facial features were delicate and picturesque, but revealed a unique and exotic style that made people unforgettable at first sight.

The woman was dressed extremely luxuriously, and it was obvious that she was from an extraordinary family. She wore a heavy headdress on her head, which was complicated and exquisite, as if it carried some ancient legend.

The two earrings were huge, looking both strange and charming. They swayed gently as she walked, making subtle collision sounds, like ancient music humming in her ears.

Such a woman is undoubtedly the focus of the crowd, and it is hard not to attract attention. Qin Hao looked at her, and an inexplicable emotion surged in his heart, as if he was attracted by the charm of this foreign woman and couldn't extricate himself.

"Emperor of Daxia, I was deeply moved when I learned that Emperor Taizong had passed away. Losing an old friend is indeed a great regret in life, and it makes people sigh." After Yelu Lingxiao stood still, he looked at Qin Hao with a smile on his face and said softly.

However, this smile was full of sarcasm, and his words clearly contained disrespect towards Emperor Taizong.

"Be bold!"

Li Mu, the general of the Azure Dragon Guard, stood up suddenly, his figure like a mountain and his aura like a rainbow. He stared at Yelu Lingxiao with wide eyes, and shouted angrily like thunder: "Why don't you follow the etiquette and kneel down to salute when you meet the Emperor of Great Xia?"

Li Mu's father died in the battle against the Liao army while following the late emperor two years ago. He had an irreconcilable hatred with the Liao people and was naturally the mainstay of the pro-war faction in the court. How could he not be angry when Yelu Lingxiao was so disrespectful?

Yelu Lingxiao did not show any fear in the face of Li Mu's angry shouts. He smiled slightly, as if he ignored his anger.

He said with contempt, "General, why are you so angry? I came here with the intention of peace and want to seek common development with Daxia. The two countries should live in harmony, so why should we be bound by these red tape?"

"Besides, we, the men of the Great Liao, have always only saluted the truly powerful! Why should we salute those of you who have never been on the battlefield?"

Yelu Lingxiao's words came like sharp arrows, instantly making everyone present furious.

"presumptuous!"

Qin Yun could not suppress his anger, he stood up suddenly and shouted: "My brother is kind-hearted and specially held a banquet to welcome you, but you are so arrogant and rude? Yelu Lingxiao, don't forget that this time it is you, the Liao Kingdom, who is asking us, the Great Xia, for food!"

"Seeking food?"

Yelu Lingxiao smiled arrogantly, "Eighth Prince, you seem to have not figured out the situation yet. This time, I came here on behalf of the Liao Empire to give food to your Great Xia, not to beg for food in a humble manner!"