243 One Smile Can Obliterate Hate and Grievances (1/2)

”This person actually seeks wealth. However, the amount he seeks is huge! By no means can we consider this normal since such an astronomical figure can easily shake one to the core!

”It's possible that some trouble may arise since members from each of the great families will be gathered there. In fact, I fear that this man might deliberately manufacture an incident if nothing happens. He may try to take advantage of the confusion that may ensue after an incident… He may then try to make a move favorable to him using today's conflict as cover!” The Emperor stood up, and paced back and forth for a while. He then sighed deeply and mumbled, ”If only this talented person were working for me… such a pity…”

”Although this man is smart, but he still needs the backing of those three families. In fact, it will be very difficult for him to stir any storms without a proper support from the Jun family, Tang family, and the Prince Equivalent.” The man in snow-white clothes offered his comforting words.

”I am also worried about the point you've just now highlighted; it's vital. This man has somehow persuaded these three families to help one another; it is clear that these three families have friendly relations. Moreover, their friendship seems strong. There was a rumor earlier which said that this idea to sell wine originated out of a bet. The Young Master of the Jun Family, Jun Mo Xie, and General Dugu Wudi made a wager on the quality of this wine, and the price it could sell for… It is said that this strategy was actually devised by Jun Mo Xie. Though, I am somewhat unconvinced by that. However, if it really is that debauchee's doing… then I shall truly regard him in a new light.”

The Emperor laughed gently for a little while. However, he couldn't conceal the color of worry over his eyebrows, ”This plan is certainly made by someone else!

”Whoever this man is, he is extremely dangerous and talented! His action will spell chaos regardless of what the motive behind them is!” There was a deep scowl on His Majesty's face for a while. Then, his expression changed, and he suddenly smiled, ”In any case, this will be a very amusing auction. Would you be interested in accompanying me to that hall Mr. Wen?”

”Your Majesty is tempted to go?” The white-robed Mr. Wen raised is head to look at the Emperor. The expression in his eyes was extremely clear; like a deep lake whose bottom could be seen easily because there was no impurities in it. His skin seemed… smooth like the skin of a new born baby.

”It is an interesting matter. Moreover, there is a talented and dangerous person there; why shouldn't I be tempted?” The Emperor narrowed his eyes, ”How can I not go to this lively event when this matter will have a profound and far-reaching effect on the Capital's state of affairs? And it's always good to get new experiences; I also want to taste a wine which costs over 10,000 taels per bottle!”

Mr. Wen stood up in a free and easy manner as the hint sincere of smile surface on his infant-like face. He gently chuckled, ”In that case, please allow this old man to accompany Your Majesty on your trip.”

”With you by side, I'm certain to succeed!” The Emperor smiled and got up. He spoke as they walked out, ”However, first we need to look for somebody who has an invitation since we don't…”

”The three princes and Princess Ling Meng have received the invitation cards, if one is to believe the reports. Therefore, is Your Majesty thinking of following the princess?” Mr. Wen winked; the two men smiled in a tacit understanding.

”I can also conveniently check up on my three sons as they fight and scheme against each other; it ought to be quite amusing. What could be better?” The Emperor smiled in a profound manner. However, there was still a wrinkle of worry on his smiling face, ”Has brother Zhu eaten anything in the past few days? I haven't heard much about it.”

Mr. Wen was walking abreast with the Emperor. He smiled as he said, ”This problem of his should be dealt with. However, that grandson of Tang Wang Li is too… immature; there's no hope for his future. He scared that cleanliness-obsessed man by disseminating his bodily wastes on him. As chance has it, little Zhu had stepped forward just then… And though he had managed to stay clean for so many years now, the poor man's spout was filled with…”

He referred to Zhu Zhu Zhu as ”Little Zhu.” That man's status was seemingly higher than the people from Zhu Zhu Zhu's generation. Though, it would seem that he was even younger than Dugu Wudi. In fact, he looked closer to Jun Wu Yi's age by his facial appearance.

It was very strange.

”Ha Ha…” The Emperor burst out laughing. He turned his face towards the side, and addressed an Old court eunuch as, ”Have the imperial kitchen find a good remedy for eunuch Zhu. Ask them to concoct some kind of mixture to whet his appetite, and then feed him something. He doesn't eat anything at all nowadays; how is that good?!”

The Old eunuch solemnly and respectfully accepted his orders. He was quite close to the Emperor, and had served him for over thirty years. Wen Xian Yin was also aware of this; the idea behind this order was clear. On one hand, Zhu Zhu Zhu's matter required his personal presence. But, His Majesty couldn't drop from his status in order to sort such trivial matters either.

A smile spread across the Emperor's face as he watched the eunuch leave; it seemed as if he was reflecting on something from the past, ”I, however, haven't found it easy to go outside the palace; those days… I truly cherish them a lot.”

”That ingenious person will not be able to hide himself now that your majesty has personally set-out to uncover his secret plan!” Mr. Wen smiled gracefully, ”Or perhaps Your Majesty may acquire a very talented person because of this action. Wen would like to congratulate Your Majesty in advance…”

”I hope so!” His Majesty the Emperor smiled faintly, while the expression in his eyes fluctuated; he seemed to be harboring some doubts. He was constantly mouthing a name, but hadn't mentioned it loud. If one were to look closely, they would realize that he was constantly trying to say three words: Jun Wu Yi.

A cold ray of light flashed in his eyes.

As the sun rose gradually in the sky to mark daybreak, the last of great families started to arrive.

First to arrive was the Dugu Family. This family had the reputation of being one of the premiere great families of the capital. They had shown initiative by arriving with eight major members from their Family. They came in riding atop big horses; all of them gallant and full of spirit. Dugu Wudi had arrived along with his seven burly nephews, 'Heroes and legends bravely rushing forward'. They were crowding around a small green palanquin. They appeared similar to eight majestic black bears which had become exhilarated by the scent of good honey.

This brigade of men and horses finally stopped in front of the main door. One command sounded, and they positioned themselves in uniformity. The door of that small green palanquin opened, and one graceful, fair, and pretty figure came out. Her eyebrows were like distant hills, her almond eyes were joyful, while her cheeks were like peaches; her face was simply picturesque. All kinds of charms… immense loveliness and sweetness poured out of this youthful girl. She seemed very fresh, pure and delicate.

Dugu Xiao Yi, one of Tian Xiang City's peerless beauties, had arrived.

Jun Mo Xie's eyes would've pop-out if he were there. In front of his eyes would be this gentle and beautiful woman, who had undergone a miraculous transformation. She was no longer that violent girl who yelled at him, fought with him, and beat him up every day!

A major member from the Jun Family showed-up to welcome the Dugu Family, upon their arrival.