Escorted by a crowd of eunuchs and maids, four people, including Third Princess Zhao Lian, entered the hall.
At their head was a middle-aged man in his fifties, with sword-like brows reaching toward his temples and a healthy complexion. His black robe was embroidered with a coiling dragon. He was none other than Zhao Lie, King of the Bright Dawn Kingdom.
Flanking him were the Grand Libationer of the Imperial Academy and the Grand Libationer of the Upper Nether Academy. The one on the left wore a vermilion cap and a crane-feather cloak; the one on the right wore a green robe with broad sleeves. Neither looked young. Both appeared somewhat older than the Zhao Xia Ruler, their bodies gaunt and bony. One look at their eyes was enough to tell that neither was easy to deal with.
Zhao Lian followed behind the three, clearly lower in status.
"We respectfully welcome our Lord."
As the four entered, the banquet instantly fell silent. The Bright Dawn Kingdom's officials reacted fastest, rising swiftly to pay their respects.
"Dispense with the formalities."
Zhao Lie spoke calmly. His cold, intensely oppressive eyes swept swiftly over the guests. Apart from lingering briefly on Wei Kan, who had not risen, his gaze passed over everyone else-including Zhang Yuan directly ahead-without the slightest concern.
With steady steps, under the gazes of his ministers, he brushed past Zhang Yuan, who had just taken a step forward, and ascended to the throne at the front.
Zhang Yuan raised his brows.
This King of the Bright Dawn Kingdom... really knew how to put on airs.
Zhao Lian followed close behind, but instead of sitting down, she hurried over to Zhang Yuan. She looked at his perpetually expressionless face, as stiff as if his facial muscles were paralyzed, then at his