You Can't Serve Dog Meat at a Banquet (5.1K)

While she couldn't directly overthrow the eunuch clique led by the High Eunuchs, she could certainly suppress them.

However, what he didn't know was that Jiang Lihua and Li Xingke did indeed do just that.

With a super henchman like Li Xingke by their side, and through a combination of kindness and coercion, the eunuch group was indeed suppressed for several years.

But that's all in the past. The High Eunuchs are now at the height of their power.

Even Jiang Lihua was imprisoned and intended to be used as a tool for a political marriage.

The reason is quite simple: Britannia made a move.

Just a year ago, during the time when Yotsuba Mahiro was in a coma, Schneizel first secretly supported the eunuch group, and then personally visited the Chinese Federation, proposing a marriage alliance with the Chinese Federation's Emperor Jiang Lihua in the name of the Prime Minister of Britannia.

And the target was none other than Schneizel's elder brother, the most honest and mediocre first prince, Odysseus!

After learning about this, Li Xingke found Kaguya Sumeragi Jiang Lihua had been completely imprisoned by the eunuchs, so he dared not make any rash moves. Finally, he heard from Li Xingke that Yotsuba Mahiro had awakened and was planning to visit the Area 11, so he rushed over there without stopping.

From a political perspective, anyone with even a modicum of political acumen knows what this marriage alliance represents: if it succeeds, the entire global landscape will undergo a dramatic shift.

Personally, Li Xingke didn't want to see Jiang Lihua marry a man old enough to be his father.

Therefore, he chose to seek help from Yotsuba Mahiro and the Shadow Garden.

After listening, Mahiro rubbed his slightly sore nose.

He knew about this part of the plot, but logically speaking, that bastard Schneizel shouldn't have acted so quickly; there should have been some time before he did.

So now the two countries are preparing for a marriage alliance?

Is it Alaya the one who creates chaos) behind all this?

He didn't know, but the one thing he was sure of was that he absolutely couldn't work for free.

Thinking of this, Mahiro lowered his hand, glanced briefly at Li Xingke kneeling on one knee with a submissive expression, and asked:

"I'm saying, we've known each other for a while now, you should know that I have to pay a price for my actions, right?"

"I see."

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Xingke replied, "Whatever the cost, the Chinese Federation is willing to pay."

"No matter the cost... even if it means I have to marry your family's 'Empress 'Jiang Lihua?"

Mahiro asked. However, Alpha beside him gradually narrowed his long eyes and stared at him, while New turned his head away, pretending that he knew nothing and had not heard anything.

Is this really something she should listen to?

However, despite the unpleasant feeling of being stared at like a thorn in his back, Mahiro still did not change his mind.

Li Xingke agreed even more readily, without any hesitation.

"His Majesty the Emperor trusts you most, Mr. Mahiro, and you are also the person His Majesty cares about most."

Chapter 310 Dog meat is not suitable for banquets (5.1K)

Time flies like an arrow, passing by silently.

Several days later.

The Luoyang Vermilion Forbidden City was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Countless high-ranking officials of the Chinese Federation and Britannia nobles gathered together to enjoy a lavish Chinese feast in the main hall of the Zhu Jin Cheng. The Britannia nobles were all smiles, as if the empire had won some great victory. Among the high-ranking officials of the Chinese Federation, apart from the eunuch group of the High Eunuchs who currently held power in the court...

The rest of them wore indifferent expressions, while others gritted their teeth but were helpless.

Having lurked in the court and among the people for so long, the eunuch group, though unable to make imperial power as deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people as the imperial family of the Chinese Federation, had still had enough time to connect many people with interests and thus gain considerable power.

Even though it had suffered suppression from the emperor, after receiving support from Britannia, it quickly recovered to its original size and became even more powerful than before.

They had already achieved the ability to completely usurp imperial power, and even to use the emperor to command the feudal lords.

Not to mention that nowadays, this group has also arranged a political marriage with Britannia, wanting to marry the Empress Jiang Lihua to the first prince of Britannia in exchange for a lifetime of wealth and honor.

As for what this country will become, or what the world will become, that's not something they need to consider.

To them, it was nothing more than a bunch of insignificant roadside weeds.

The Emperor of the Chinese Federation Jiang Lihua, sat at the northernmost part of the main hall. Facing south has always been a tradition of the Chinese Federation. However, this time, the Emperor was not alone; a foreign man nearing thirty was also present beside her.

The man had a thick beard, which made him look older. Compared to Jiang Lihua, who was petite and delicate, looking like a little rabbit, it wouldn't be wrong to say they were an older man and a young girl, or even a beauty and a beast.

With her snow-white hair and eyes as red as a frightened rabbit, Jiang Lihua sat curled up in the highest seat of the grand hall. She could look down at the bustling scene in the enormous palace, but the joyful gathering of people did not bring Jiang Lihua any peace of mind. Instead, it made her even more frightened. The fear in her heart made the young emperor tremble, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. From time to time, she would whisper that name in a voice that no one could hear.

"Teacher... Teacher, where are you...? We had already made a promise, but now Lihua is going to marry the older man next to her. Why isn't the teacher coming to save Lihua...?"

The petite emperor curled up on the main seat, whispering words cautiously.

Although she was forced to ascend the throne by the eunuchs because her father died early and she was their only daughter, and later learned some imperial strategies from Yotsuba Mahiro by chance, she was still only a 13-year-old girl.

For a child from an ordinary family, she should only be a police officer at her age.

"Your Majesty, do not be afraid, these things will soon pass."

Odysseus, standing next to Jiang Lihua, raised his wine glass to the young woman, nearly startling Jiang Lihua.

"I know this wedding wasn't agreed to by Your Majesty; it was all arranged by those eunuchs. However, it is indeed the fastest way to bring peace. After the wedding, Your Majesty will be free. I, as the First Prince of Britannia, will persuade those eunuchs to grant you your freedom."

Odysseus spoke softly beside Jiang Lihua, his voice steady yet tinged with apology and embarrassment.

After all, he knew that at his age, he was more than capable of being the father of the emperor beside him, and he also understood that anyone would find it strange to see a nearly two-meter-tall man marrying a little girl, and it was normal for the emperor to feel afraid because of this.

But there was no other way; it was the suggestion of his brother, Schneizel, the Prime Minister of Britannia.

Like Clovis, he was not good at politics; in fact, one could say he was much more dull and simple-minded than Clovis.

Therefore, he always chose to heed the advice of his exceptionally intelligent younger brother, Schneizel.

Now, all he can do is give Jiang Lihua a smile that is at least as attractive, gentle, and kind as possible.

"..."

Jiang Lihua remained silent, simply lowering her head and clutching the hem of her skirt. She didn't even have the courage to turn around and look at Odysseus. Instead, she prayed in her heart that the teacher she had always admired and looked up to since childhood would come to save her.

Seeing this, Odysseus could only glance at the emperor and shake his head helplessly. Like Jiang Lihua, he could only sit there like a mascot, leaving all matters to his younger brother.

However, at this moment, in a prominent position on the other side of the palace, which had been converted into a banquet hall, a handsome man with blond hair was discussing something with the eunuchs beside him.

That man was none other than the Prime Minister of Britannia, and the initiator and organizer of this wedding, the second prince of the empire Schneizel.

The ten androgynous eunuchs whispering to him were the heads of the Chinese Federation's eunuch group, known as the High Eunuchs.

On the other side, Monica, Gino Weinberg, and Suzaku Kururugi, the Knights of the Rounds protecting Schneizel, were gathered together, accompanied by Lloyd, Special Dispatch envoy, and his female subordinate Cecile.

Even Kallen is among them.

She was representing the House Stadtfeld at the banquet, but she seemed like a lost soul, wandering in a corner of the event.

Although she spotted Suzaku Kururugi and Suzaku Kururugi spotted her, the two did not exchange any words, and Kallen did not even make eye contact with him.

Even though the two already knew each other's identities.

After a year of reflection, Kallen has now learned what forbearance is and how to hide her emotions.

As for Suzaku Kururugi, upon learning that Kallen had become the governor of the Area 11, he already wanted to arrest her, this terrorist, and had even applied to the Empire for permission.

Unfortunately, it had no effect whatsoever, and this very proposal almost cost him his position as Knights of the Rounds.

If it weren't for the Asplund Family's mediation, they would already be enemies with the House Stadtfeld.

In any case, the House Stadtfeld is a prominent family with a long history in the empire. Even a royal consort like Marianne couldn't do anything to them, let alone Suzaku Kururugi, a mere Knights of the Rounds Table.

Therefore, Suzaku Kururugi now understands that he must not take action against Kallen without absolute evidence.

"... Chancellor Schneizel of the Holy Britannian Empire has arrived!"

As the master of ceremonies' voice rang out, Schneizel stopped talking to the eunuchs and gave them an apologetic look.

Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, she stepped onto the red carpet and walked step by step toward the center of the banquet.

His female companion was a woman of similar height to him, tall, slender, and alluring.

Her long, flowing hair was piled high, making her look like a beautiful noblewoman. Her face was adorned with exquisite makeup, and her cherry lips, painted with lipstick, exuded a deep allure. A seductive dress clung to her tall, perfect figure.

Her evening gown was even more revealing, exposing her bare back, with two ribbons tied around her neck, accentuating her perfectly developed, enormous breasts.

Everything about her was so beautiful, yet for some reason, she exuded an aura of decadence, like a witch.

That was Schneizel sister, the current First Princess of the Britannia Empire— Guinevere do Britannia.

However, her temperament complemented Schneizel perfectly, even highlighting Schneizel's elegant demeanor.

They truly are siblings.

Upon seeing the arrival of the two, Monica, Suzaku Kururugi, and Gino Weinberg, the three Knights of the Rounds, immediately knelt on one knee to show their highest respect.

"Gentlemen, there's no need for such formalities today."

A magnetic yet gentle voice rang out.

"How did you all enjoy the banquet?"

"Replying to the Prime Minister, it's very comfortable."

Suzaku Kururugi responded.

Although Suzaku Kururugi's ranking was significantly lower than Gino Weinberg's, Schneizel didn't seem to mind and continued speaking gently:

"Then relax a bit more. This place is completely protected by the armies of the Chinese Federation and Britannia. No one can cause trouble."

Today's banquet is just an engagement party; the real wedding will be held in three days. Although both the eunuch faction and Schneizel hope the wedding can be held sooner, according to the ancient customs of the Chinese Federation, especially for such an important event as the emperor's wedding, the almanac must be consulted.

"That's great, I'm not good at resolving conflicts."

Seeing his younger brother take charge, Odysseus finally breathed a sigh of relief. This wedding was an exchange of interests, something Odysseus was not good at.

However, no sooner had the words left his mouth than the emcee suddenly said in a terrified and stammering voice:

"... The Chief of the EU Council... and a representative of the Japan Imperial Family have arrived..."

The emcee's voice was filled with extreme fear.

The Japan Imperial Family representative is acceptable; the Chinese Federation did indeed send an invitation, and they have already been staying in the Zhu Jin Cheng. However, they have never invited the EU.

Everyone now knows the true state of the EU: while it maintains friendly relations with the Chinese Federation, it is essentially hostile to Britannia.

Therefore, they never intended to invite EU members to this engagement party.

However, this guest was specially arranged by Li Xingke, the head of the military officers, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and announce it.

Because of that shout, the entire banquet hall fell silent for a moment, and everyone's expression was different.

Kallen had been sitting in the corner, suddenly looked up and stared incredulously at the entrance. Suzaku Kururugi stood up excitedly, his eyes flashing with resentment as he stared intently at the end of the red carpet.

Jiang Lihua, who had been keeping her head down and silent, seemed to come alive at the sound of the voice. She looked up in surprise, her face filled with excitement, tears welling in her eyes, and she said in a trembling voice:

"... Teacher... it's the teacher! The teacher has finally come to save Lihua..."

Only then did Odysseus hear the girl's murmurs beside him, but he was puzzled by her words.

The announced guest was the EU's Chief of Staff, but Jiang Lihua referred to him as "teacher." The Chief of Staff is clearly...

"Tsk, who came up with this awful nickname? Couldn't they have changed it?"

A complaining voice came from below the stairs at the end, mixed with the faint sound of a girl's laughter. At this moment, all the guests' eyes were fixed on that spot.

Meanwhile, the people below the steps gradually came into view.

The leader was a young man who looked no different from a student, but was very handsome and had a gentle smile on his lips.

His appearance was practically on par Schneizel... no, it should be said that he was even better!

But in the gaze directed at that person, besides astonishment and bewilderment, there was also a great deal of fear and shock.

The most obvious examples are Odysseus, who sat at the head of the engagement banquet, and Monica, who returned to Britannia to resume her guard duties.

The former's burly body trembled slightly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The latter, however, is a genuine fear.

Recalling her ordeal in that prison, Monica felt her legs go weak, and her hands involuntarily touched her lower abdomen.

It was as if some unpleasant feeling still lingered there.

Upon seeing that person's arrival, apart from those who remained standing still, only Schneizel was the first to take action.