Pampered by the Toughest Man After Divorce
Chapter 894: The Emperor Takes a Concubine

Chapter 894: Chapter 894: The Emperor Takes a Concubine

Nan Feng smiled and then looked outside, "The auspicious time is almost here, it’s time to leave."

"Nan Feng, won’t you accompany me to the Palace?" Tuoba Yun asked.

"No, I don’t like the Imperial Palace; it’s too restrictive. I am much freer here at the posthouse," Nan Feng said with a smile, then straightened Tuoba Yun’s clothes for her, "All right, the bridal procession is here. Oh, and I’ve put some peanuts and dates inside your wedding dress. If you get hungry, you can eat them. I’ve heard that the customs in Dajin can be quite exhausting, and you might not get the chance to have a proper meal."

"Okay, thank you, Nan Feng."

...

The marriage alliance ceremonies were indeed tedious; even Tuoba Lie was getting impatient. After entering the Imperial Palace, Tuoba Yun was taken to the inner Palace, where she was given her own residence. Though she was conferred the title of Shu Fei upon entering the Palace, she was not an Empress and remained a concubine. So, in the inner Palace, it was the Dowager Empress who presided over the proceedings. She had to meet the various consorts, offer sacrifices to heaven, burn incense, and perform countless kowtows and formal greetings.

The only ceremony spared was the wedding itself.

Tuoba Lie and his entourage, on the other hand, were received by the Emperor and joined the civil and military officials in a grand banquet that was filled with singing and dancing.

The Emperor sat with Tuoba Lie’s party, drinking and chatting, exchanging polite conversation.

"I’ve heard from the generals at the frontier several times that the Second Prince is a rare talent, bold and strategic with foresight, capable of leading troops in battle. And, of course, his flexible use of explosives is truly remarkable, a rare find indeed. Seeing him today, he certainly has an extraordinary presence," the Emperor said, then toasted Tuoba Lie.

Tuoba Lie smiled, "Please, you flatter me. They are just minor skills. Nothing compared to your General Nangong Ye; now that is a figure who truly strikes terror into the hearts of many."

"Let’s agree to disagree. It’s a pity he’s not in Capital City at the moment, or I would have summoned him so you two could have sparred and shown off your martial skills. I reckon a bout between you both here would be no less spectacular than the performance of these dancers on stage," the Emperor said.

"Your Majesty’s words seem to ridicule me. As everyone knows, General Nangong and I have sparred before, but General Nangong won. If Your Majesty were to have us spar again, wouldn’t that just provide a spectacle for your ministers to laugh at me?"

"Oh, is that so?" the Emperor played peacemaker, "I’ve been told by my subordinates that General Nangong won by a stroke of luck. The Second Prince is being too modest."

Tuoba Lie chuckled.

The Emperor then asked, "Speaking of which, Second Prince, did you specifically study our language in Dajin? You speak it quite fluently."

"Yes, back on the steppe we have special tutors responsible for teaching me your language, and not just yours – I also understand the language of the neighboring Great Zhou Dynasty."

But it was merely a matter of Mandarin dialects.

"Your Highness the Second Prince is truly impressive," the Emperor said, seeing Tuoba Lie enjoying the performance on stage, he continued to ask, "What do you think of our Dajin women’s dance?"

"Graceful, delightful, very good indeed," Tuoba Lie responded.

The ancient dances seemed more charming, able to penetrate deep into one’s heart.

Noticing Tuoba Lie’s focus on the dance, the Emperor decided not to disturb his pleasure.

...

The bustling day finally ended.

Tuoba Lie and his party returned to the posthouse, while the Emperor went back to the inner Palace.

Just as Tuoba Lie was about to enter the posthouse, he happened to meet Nan Feng, who was on her way out, still dressed in the attire from Dashun.