Xiao Yan's willingness to host the banquet in the Mittel Family's name was, in fact, an open declaration to every faction in the Imperial Capital that he supported her.
"Thank you." A captivating smile bloomed on her exquisite face, making the entire courtyard seem a little more beautiful.
"What are you thanking me for? I'm the man standing behind you." Xiao Yan's lips curled into his signature wicked grin.
"You're awful." Ya Fei's jade-like cheeks flushed as she recalled the embarrassing things they had done last night.
"Awful how?" Xiao Yan chuckled and scooped her up by the waist.
"I feel like I'm just a decorative vase now, relying on you for everything." Her gaze grew hazy, her thoughts unreadable.
"If you're a vase, then you're the finest vase in the world, a work of art bestowed upon me by heaven." Xiao Yan smiled at her, his hands wandering restlessly.
"I really don't understand. It's one thing for your cultivation to defy the heavens at your age, but how are you so worldly, too? You're so good at sweet-talking women. How many young girls have you fooled along the way?"
Ya Fei squirmed.
"What's the fun in fooling young girls? Winning over a mature older sister like you gives me much more of a sense of accomplishment."
A day later, a grand banquet unlike anything the Imperial Capital had seen in years began at an estate belonging to the Mittel Family.
Beneath the night sky, the estate blazed with lights. Servants carefully attended to the arrangements, for everyone coming tonight stood at the very pinnacle of the empire.
If these guests were even slightly displeased, the servants would be in more trouble than they could bear. Conversely, if they served these important figures well, a single night's earnings would