Wanyan Chixiong turned back to look at the handsome young man before him, whose face was as flawless as polished jade, with sword-like brows and bright eyes. The Seventh Prince, Xue Daoming, was not only strikingly handsome but accomplished in both civil and martial arts, and deeply favored by his father. Despite his youth, he had already become the Great Yong Naval Admiral and repeatedly distinguished himself in battle. His prestige in the military was the highest of all the princes.
Xue Daoming always gave the impression of a refined, courteous gentleman, warm and lustrous as jade. He cupped his hands in greeting. "Sorry for the wait, Brother Wanyan."
Wanyan Chixiong laughed heartily. "I was simply too early!"
Xue Daoming came to stand beside him, gazed into the distance, and asked softly, "What did you wish to see me about, Brother Wanyan?"
Wanyan Chixiong had clearly chosen this meeting place to avoid prying eyes and ears. Although they had met several times, they were not particularly close. Throughout Wanyan Chixiong's visit to Great Yong, Xue Daoming's eldest brother had accompanied him. Xue Daoming had yet to meet him alone.
Wanyan Chixiong handed Xue Daoming a painting. Xue Daoming slowly unrolled it and saw a foreign beauty depicted on the scroll. Her features were picturesque, her skin fairer than snow, and her robes fluttered around her. Her exquisite feet were bare, her toes delicate as flower petals. Though it was only a painting, it was enough to set his heart swaying and his spirit drifting. Xue Daoming marveled inwardly; he had never imagined such breathtaking beauty existed among foreign peoples.
Wanyan Chixiong said, "This is my youngest sister, Xima. She is the most beautiful girl among the three hundred and seventy-two tribes on both banks of our Manboerjin River."
Xue Daoming