The walls are covered with priceless oil paintings. The painters used delicate brushstrokes to depict various myths, legends, historical scenes and court life, making people feel as if they have traveled through time and space and felt the prosperity and glory of that era.
The hall floor is paved with smooth marble, each piece of which has been carefully selected and polished to a mirror-like shine.
The patterns on the ground are made of marble of different colors, forming exquisite geometric shapes and floral patterns, showcasing unparalleled artistic beauty.
A huge fountain stands in the center of the hall, with water gushing from the top of the sculpture, forming beautiful water curtains. The water droplets shimmer with colorful light under the lights and make a crisp, melodious sound, adding a touch of dynamism and vitality to the entire palace.
Yu Tianheng, born into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, had seen the world, but when he saw this lavishly decorated palace, he had to admit that no power could compare to the royal family in terms of luxury and enjoyment.
As for Dugu Yan, a naive young girl who had never seen such a scene before, she was stunned and at a loss for what to do.
"Let's go, this is a rare opportunity." Seeing this, Yu Tianheng pulled Dugu Yan's hand and led her into the hall.
Before long, Song Guan came looking for him. " Brother Tian, I've been waiting for you for so long, you've finally arrived."
Yu Tian chuckled lightly, "What's there for me to wait for? Today's banquet is hosted by the Crown Prince, and all the guests are important figures from the Heaven Dou Empire. I'm just a nobody; there's no need to take me seriously."
"By the way, what is the Crown Prince's intention at this banquet, and who has he invited? Do you know?"
Song Guan nodded, then whispered in Yu Tianheng's ear, "The number of people invited this time is quite large, including nobles from the Heaven Dou Empire, high-ranking military officers, three members of the teaching committee from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School, and a host of ministers."
The Song Guan lowered his eyes and nodded, his voice extremely low. "His Highness the Crown Prince has invited many forces this time, even the garrison commanders of remote provinces are on the list. I dare to speculate that His Highness has only recently taken charge of internal affairs, and this move..." He suddenly stopped, his gaze warily fixed on the half-closed palace door.
Yu Tianheng raised his hand, signaling to Song Guan to speak frankly and not to beat around the bush.
"Most likely, it's to establish authority." Song Guan's voice seemed to be imbued with cold iron. "Since the sudden deaths of Xue Ye's two sons, the court has been in turmoil. Until a few years ago, Xue Qinghe was officially made crown prince, and now, through a series of maneuvers, he has almost control of half the court. However, there are still those who oppose him, such as Prince Xue Xing and the Fourth Prince Xue Beng's faction. This court banquet is most likely His Highness the Crown Prince's way of showing the world who the true heir apparent of the Heaven Dou Empire is." Before he finished speaking, a cannon salute suddenly boomed in the distance.
At the guard's loud shout, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe made his official entrance.
Dressed in luxurious gold and white attire, and wearing a gold circular crown, she exuded elegance, aloofness, and noble bearing.
He walked slowly alone, and the nobles automatically parted to make way for him. The sounds of silk rustling and jewels clinking gradually subsided, leaving only the resounding tapping of his black boots on the marble floor, striking everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer. He walked to the Lou Gao platform, turned around, Xue Qinghe looked at the guests. "Welcome to the banquet hosted by this palace. I must say, the moonlight tonight is exceptionally clear."
His voice was gentle as spring water, yet carried an undeniable air of authority. The crystal curtains hanging from the dome of the banquet hall suddenly swayed gently, and a faint dragon's roar seemed to come from nowhere.
"Although the Heaven Dou Empire has enjoyed many years of prosperity, it is still shrouded in gloom." He glanced at the various nobles at the table, their expressions varied, and continued, "The war on the border with the Star Luo Empire, the conflicts between sects, the unusual movements of Soul Beast and Soul Master... But I believe that as long as the ruler and his ministers are of one mind, we will surely see the clouds part and the moon shine through."
"I hope you will all strive together with me. Now, please enjoy this court banquet."
After he finished speaking, everyone applauded enthusiastically, the applause echoing throughout the hall.
This also marked the official start of the banquet.
The palace where the banquet was held had two floors, and as the banquet began, the attendees were divided into two groups.
The heads of various noble families, the princes and ministers of the empire, military generals, and the leaders of major sects were on the second floor with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. They were not there for eating, drinking, and having fun; they were mostly there to discuss state affairs with the Crown Prince.
The younger generation mostly stayed on the first floor. They were still young, only in their teens or twenties. Perhaps in a few decades they would take over the power of their respective families from their fathers, but at this time they were just young people and not yet qualified to participate in national affairs. This banquet was just for eating, drinking and having fun.
However, there were also aristocratic sons who enjoyed discussing politics.
"I heard that His Highness Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is trying to win over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School?" a young man wearing Peacock Plume feather crown said in a low voice.
"It's more than just 'winning him over'!" A young man holding a folding fan lowered his voice. "I also heard from my father that Ning Fengzhi, the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School, has become the Crown Prince's tutor, responsible for instructing him in Martial Soul cultivation. If the Sect Master Ning will be the Imperial Tutor!"
Before he could finish speaking, the red-clad youth opposite him scoffed and downed his wine in one gulp. "Imperial Tutor, that sounds nice, but Xue Qinghe is merely trying to use the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's wealth to solidify his position as Crown Prince."
In my opinion...
Such topics are constantly being discussed by young noblemen.
Yu Tianheng listened without saying a word, thinking about how to find an opportunity to see Xue Qinghe later.
Dugu Yan stood quietly beside Yu Tianheng, occasionally glancing at the decorations in the main hall.
Suddenly, Yu Tianheng saw a familiar figure.
Lei Long, dressed in a black, elaborate robe, had a somewhat gloomy expression.
This man is the son of an imperial marshal and a member of the nobility, so he is certainly qualified to attend this banquet.
Thinking back to how this person had sent assassins to kill him, although they hadn't succeeded, Yu Tianheng was still very unhappy.
A cold glint flashed in Yu Tianheng's eyes as he said to Dugu Yan beside him, "I've run into an acquaintance, please excuse me for a moment."
He took a glass of red wine from the tray carried by the maid and strode towards Lei Long.
It wasn't until he was only three steps away from Lei Long that Lei Long realized the person who had approached was Yu Tianheng.
He was utterly shocked. " Yu Tianheng, it's you?"
"Hmph!" Yu Tianheng sneered, "What, Brother Lei can come, but I can't?"
Lei Long chuckled awkwardly, "Brother Yu, you flatter me. You are the young patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, a true young talent. How could you not come?"
"Heh, you even know I'm the young patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Since you know my identity, why did you send people to attack me? Five Four-Ring Soul Master, what a grand gesture!"