Chapter 1242: YeXi Tableware (2/2)

Han Yunxi recovered from her reverie and restored her usual smile. Her eyes drifted to Baili Lixiang as she asked, “That must be Lixiang right?”

Baili Lixiang quickly rose to her feet. “Your subject Baili Lixiang greets esteemed empress.”

Han Yunxi studied her. She had never seen Baili Lixiang before so this was their first face-to-face meeting. It had to be said that Baili Lixiang was much lovelier than her sister Mingxiang. Even though she was older, she was still a beauty. Still, Han Yunxi spotted the difference between the sisters at a glance. Baili Lixiang’s gaze lacked the compassion of Baili Mingxiang’s, replacing it with something more ruthless.

Han Yunxi had witness Baili Yuanlong’s temper and wits many times. She had always talked with Long Feiye why he seemed to have changed into a different man in the past year. When did he become so calm and shrewd? Moreover, his dealings with the southern general had been unusually covert. Even now, they had no evidence to use against him. All of this started after Baili Lixiang’s return, so Han Yunxi naturally suspected the woman.

“Lixiang, you’ve experienced much and have likely seen even bigger events than the one here today. Tell me, I haven’t lost face for the crown prince by holding this birthday banquet, right?” Han Yunxi asked with a smile.

Baili Lixiang had indeed seen much. She had wanted to wait a little longer, but with Han Yunxi giving her this chance, she didn’t mind explaining to the crowd exactly how much silver Han Yunxi had spent on today’s proceedings. From what she’d seen so far, Han Yunxi’s biggest expenses came from the tableware before them!

“Yes, your subject obeys,” Baili Lixiang nodded and spoke earnestly. “This birthday banquet looks simple but was meticulously planned out in all aspects. I can see the empress’s care in its arrangements. This subject shall speak of the tableware as an example.”

Han Yunxi smiled and gestured for Baili Lixiang to go on.

“The emperor and empress are using the extremely rare seven-hued dragon and phoenix porcelain. The entire set is divided between a dragon and phoenix motif and consists of 69 separate pieces,” Baili Lixiang said loudly.

Shock filled the faces of many faces in attendance.

Seven-hued dragon and phoenix porcelain! Everyone had heard of the name, but none of them had seen the real thing. So these treasures were in the imperial clan!

Guogong of Ding, Xiao An, gave Baili Lixiang an admiring glance. He had suspected as much after spotting the emperor and empress’s tableware, but only ten of the pieces were set out, so he couldn’t guess for certain. Baili Lixiang’s eyesight and breadth of experience was indeed impressive.

Han Yunxi clapped in joy. “How rare for someone to recognize them, hehe!”

Although everyone was stunned, it was only that. After all, it was perfectly within the emperor and empress’s rights to own such things. However, Han Yunxi’s next words soon had them unsettled.

She said, “I’ll let everyone bask in the crown prince’s glory today and broaden their horizons. Later, we’ll have the complete set of seven-hued dragon and phoenix porcelain brought out!”

If that was the case, then all 69 pieces of the set would be used, including bowls of different sizes, plates, bowls, spoons, chopsticks, eating plates, and soup ladles!

Just how many delicious dishes were they expecting to eat tonight? In Northern Li, soldiers were still going hungry while providing disaster relief while starving herdsmen were struggling to find shelter in the cold. As empress, how could Han Yunxi spend so much silver on a single meal?

Everyone exchanged glances while those with more upright personalities had already started discussing amongst themselves. Baili Lixiang’s eyes flashed with cunning before she added, “Qinwang Yu and the others are using special tableware as well. The empress is generous and has provided implements of considerable origins for everyone…”