My Antique Mirror Is A Portal To Another World

As their figures disappeared into the distance, one of the ministers sighed. "It seems His Majesty truly values Great General Wu and Great General Feng."

Overhearing this, the other ministers and generals cast thoughtful glances in the same direction.

Half an hour later, in the inner chamber of Jin Yu’s palace, palace maids busied themselves dressing him.

Hearing approaching footsteps, Jin Yu opened his eyes. "Have they been seated?"

The chief eunuch bowed and replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Great General Wu and Great General Feng are already seated. Except for His Highness the Second Prince and Her Highness the Seventh Princess, all guests have arrived."

"Mhm." Jin Yu adjusted his sleeves and calmly said, "Let’s go."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The chief eunuch stepped aside, then followed as he announced, "Proceed to the imperial garden!"

Surrounded by imperial guards, palace maidservants, and young eunuchs, Jin Yu grandly made his way to the banquet.

Meanwhile, in the imperial garden, most of the guests had already taken their seats, while the rest gathered in small groups, talking in hushed voices.

Sitting beside Feng Xiyan in the honored guest seat just below the emperor, Bai Hanyun leaned closer and whispered, "Looks like this emperor is planning to recruit you."

"Mhm." Feng Xiyan hummed in agreement.

Bai Hanyun waited for a moment, but when he didn’t say anything more, she asked, "Feng Xiyan, what will you do if he really tries to recruit you? Would you join the Jin Empire or continue with our plan to conquer this empire?"

Feng Xiyan smiled faintly and replied, "I have already decided not to serve anyone anymore. The Feng Clan’s tragedy is the best proof that rulers cannot be trusted. Instead of handing our lives to others, I would rather hold them firmly in my own hands."

Hearing this, Bai Hanyun hugged him and whispered softly with a hint of heartache in her voice, "If that’s what you want, then I’ll help you."

Lowering his gaze, Feng Xiyan reached out toward the invisible Bai Hanyun and held her hands tightly. "Thank you, Yun’er."

’With you by my side, I will never let the tragedy of the Feng clan repeat itself. I will protect you with my life,’ Feng Xiyan added in his heart.

"Mhm." Letting go of him, Bai Hanyun asked, "Then will we still proceed with our plan?"

Feng Xiyan pondered for a moment before answering, "Jin Yu is not a cruel emperor. He is wise enough to rule the empire and ruthless enough to keep it under control. If we can reach an agreement, he may be allowed to live."

Although Bai Hanyun didn’t know what kind of agreement Feng Xiyan intended to propose, she still supported him. "Alright. Then we’ll do as you say."

While the two were discussing possible scenarios, an eunuch suddenly announced, "His Majesty has arrived!"

At his words, everyone hurried back to their seats and knelt beside the low chair. Clasping their fists, they bowed deeply and said in unison, "Long live the emperor for ten thousand years!"

Sitting in his seat, Feng Xiyan observed them thoughtfully.

’This Jin Yu is truly capable of governing his people. In less than a month since ascending the throne, these ministers and generals have all submitted to him. If we reach an agreement later, it may benefit my future plans.’

Soon, Jin Yu and his entourage entered the imperial garden. While the palace maidservants and young eunuchs took their positions at the sides, Jin Yu walked directly to the main seat, followed closely by the chief eunuch.

After taking his seat, Jin Yu glanced at Feng Xiyan, who was calmly sipping his tea, and said, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the guests replied in unison as they stood.

Looking at their restrained behavior, Jin Yu added, "You may all be seated."

Only after receiving his permission did the guests sit down at their respective seats.

Once everyone was seated, Jin Yu glanced at the chief eunuch.

Understanding his signal, the chief eunuch announced, "The imperial banquet has begun. Serve the dishes!"

At his command, rows of palace maidservants entered, carrying plates of exquisite dishes and pots of fine wine.

Feeling curious, Bai Hanyun craned her neck to look at the food. Sensing her movement, Feng Xiyan’s lips curved slightly into a doting smile.

Ten minutes later, the dishes were fully served, and the wine cups were filled. In the middle of the garden, a group of dancers wearing beautiful dresses was dancing gracefully while the musicians sitting on the side played their musical instruments seriously.

Raising his cup, Jin Yu looked at Wu Ruizhan. "Great General Wu, this cup of wine is to thank you for safely escorting the Second Prince and the Seventh Princess back."

At his words, Wu Ruizhan stood, lifted his cup, and said, "Your Majesty is too gracious. This is my duty as your subject."

After speaking, he drank the wine in one gulp.

A faint smile appeared on Jin Yu’s usually expressionless face. He took a sip before setting his cup down.

Without being instructed, the chief eunuch stepped forward to refill it.

Lifting his cup again, Jin Yu turned to Feng Xiyan. "Welcome to the Jin Empire, Great General Feng. Zhen hopes you will enjoy your stay here."

Feng Xiyan nodded, raised his cup, and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality, Jin Emperor."

With that, both of them took a sip of their wine.

Sitting beside him, Bai Hanyun watched their exchange with great interest.

Rubbing her chin, she thought, ’O~ ho~, isn’t this the famous imperial banquet scene? Watching it in person really is different from watching it on screen.’

Thinking of her movie-watching companions, Bai Hanyun sighed regretfully. ’It would be more fun if the Yang Mirror and Feng Wu were here with me. I bet they would enjoy this banquet as much as I do.’

While Bai Hanyun was eavesdropping on the other guests’ conversation, the Feng Clan’s shadow guards were busy searching the entire imperial palace for the mastermind behind the barrier that had injured the Yin mirror and the Yang Mirror.