Night, Linjiang tower
Before the banquet began, a group of wealthy merchants and officials had already arrived an hour early. As the ceremonial procession from the Eastern Palace sounded with gongs and drums, Zhong Liwen led the crowd to kneel and greet the Crown Prince in the main hall.
"Today, Gu rejoices together with the people. Let's keep everything simple. Everyone, please rise."
The sound of footsteps approached, and Han Ye's gentle voice resounded. The kneeling merchant felt pleased in his heart and stood up following Zhong Liwen. He saw the Crown Prince, who exuded an imposing aura and had a pleasant face.
All the worries he had about the imperial envoy sent to the Mu Tian Prefecture by the court were swept away in an instant. As soon as he lifted his head, he was taken aback by the woman standing beside the Crown Prince.
The person who arrived had an ordinary appearance but possessed a pair of extremely sharp and intimidating phoenix eyes. As they walked slowly, their grand and imposing demeanor could be clearly seen.
However, this is not the main point. The focus is on a woman dressed in a crimson robe with a curved hem, adorned with luxurious makeup. She stood gracefully and intimately beside the crown prince.
All under heaven knows that the Crown Prince is the heir apparent of the country, and no one dares to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
Who is this woman? The Crown Prince is unexpectedly so wilful!
"Your Highness, please take a seat." Zhong Liwen, who seemed out of the ordinary for a moment, quickly regained his composure. He cupped his hands and bowed to the Crown Prince, stealing a few glances at Ren Anle along the way. The person he saw at noon had a completely dignified appearance as a high-ranking official in the Great Jing Dynasty.
How did she suddenly become a pampered woman by the Crown Prince's side?
Han Ye sat in the upper position and saw everyone looking at Ren Anle with curiosity on their faces. He smiled and said.
"This person is Ren daren."
The crowd was momentarily stunned, but soon understood the situation as they looked at the intimate demeanor of the two individuals. No wonder this woman possessed such a compelling aura; she turned out to be the master of Anle fortress. Rumor had it that she held a deep affection for the Crown Prince and had even sought marriage with him in the Golden Hall. Now it seems that the Crown Prince might also have some fondness for her. Judging by their current appearance, he seemed to favor her greatly.
(jīnluándiàn) - Golden Hall- prestigious and important hall within the imperial palace, where important ceremonies and events were held. It was typically associated with the emperor or high-ranking officials.
The wealthy merchant originally held a great deal of wariness towards the Minister of the Great Court who accompanied him.
However, at this moment, they somewhat began to underestimate her, after all, she was just an ordinary woman. How could she come up with any tricks? They thought that the remarkable outcome of the cheating case in the imperial examination must have been due to the Crown Prince secretly supporting her, enabling her to pass such a beautiful judgment.
Everyone laughed and complimented, Han Ye had not a trace of arrogance. His words were filled with a gentle and pure smile, making the people present pleasantly surprised and flattered, as if they were receiving divine favor.
Ren Anle yawned, raised her wine cup and took a sip. She casually tugged at Han Ye's sleeve, revealing a slightly gritted teeth expression.
"Your Highness, I only agreed to intercept three thousand commoners in the outskirts of the city for you, but I never said I would accompany you in acting like a clown in front of a bunch of fat-headed, big-eared unscrupulous merchants!"