Chapter 689: Chapter 689. Banquet For VIPs

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

When he heard Xiao Zeyu ask about his parents, the smile on his face disappeared. He said to his uncle with a desolate expression,

“My mother had heart palpitations the year before last, and her heart always hurts. Last year, she got asthma, and she can’t breathe in the winter.”

“Heart palpitations? Why didn’t your mother mention it in her letter?”

Xiao Zeyu became anxious when he heard that his sister had contracted such an illness. Xiao Ying only reported the good news and not the bad news every time she wrote a letter. Every year, Su Qing would ask someone to send them the commonly used medicine. If they knew that she had heart palpitations, they would have sent the medicine long ago.

“Mother doesn’t want you and Aunt to worry.”

Yelu Hongyi explained on behalf of Mother. Xiao Ying didn’t want to trouble her brother and sister-in-law anymore. It was her own decision to return to Tartan with Yelu Chun. She had to bear the consequences herself.

“I’m more worried now.”

Xiao Zeyu was very angry. He had always been concerned about his sister’s marriage. Knowing that she was sick and not telling him about it made his mood even worse.

“Hongyi came to the Tang Empire this time to ask Aunt to treat my mother’s illness. Every time we see her clutching her heart in pain, my father and I are very distressed.”

Yelu Hongyi explained the reason for his visit. Mother refused to let Aunt know about her illness. Mother refused to listen to his advice, so Father gave him a mission to ask Aunt to help Mother treat her illness.

“Your aunt isn’t in Beijing. I’ll send someone to look for her in Anhui. Don’t be anxious and wait a few more days. Our nephew and uncle can get along for a few more days.”

Xiao Zeyu advised his nephew to wait for a few more days. It was useless for Su Qing to be uneasy if she was not in the capital.

“Hongyi can wait.”

Yelu Hongyi didn’t expect his aunt to be in the capital, so he had no choice but to wait.

“Ziqi, he’s your cousin. You should accompany him for a few days to understand the customs of the Great Tang.”

Xiao Zeyu gave his eldest son, Ziqi, a task. Ziqi respectfully agreed.

“Yes, father. I will do my best to entertain my cousin.”

“Many thanks, Big Cousin.”

Yelu Hongyi hurriedly cupped his fists and thanked Ziqi. This cousin was too severe. He seemed polite but distanced himself. In comparison, he liked Zi Song and Yun’ er more.

“Imperial Brother, you must accompany Imperial Father to deal with government affairs and have no time. Leave the matter of entertaining Cousin to Zi Song and me!”

Yun’ er volunteered. The Elder Brother was as serious as an old man. He didn’t want to scare her cousin.

Ziqi said nothing and looked at his father for instructions.

“That’s good. Yun’ er, you and Zisong accompany Hongyi.”

Usually, Ziqi should be the one to entertain people, but he was introverted and rarely spoke. If he entertained people, there would be a distance between the host and the guest. Without enthusiasm between relatives, Hongyi would be uncomfortable.

“Hongyi, Uncle has prepared Central Plains delicacies for you. Let’s see if you can get used to them. It’s good that your aunt will soon be home. I’m sure you’ll like her cooking.”

After Xiao Zeyu arranged the people accompanying Yelu Hongyi, he smiled and beckoned for Yelu Hongyi to follow him to Yangxin Palace Hall for a meal.

“Uncle will hold a welcome banquet for you tomorrow.”

Xiao Zeyu attached great importance to this nephew. Usually, the two countries had diplomatic relations. According to his status, Yelu Hongyi was the prince of Tartan, so he was treated as a VIP.

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Yelu Hongyi cupped his fists in thanks and said with a smile,

“Hongyi has long heard Mother talk about Aunt’s cooking skills. Mother has been missing Aunt’s cooking skills for the past ten years. She said that no one in the entire Tartan could cook one-tenth of it.”

“Haha, what your mother said is true. No chef in the country can surpass your aunt’s cooking skills.”

Xiao Zeyu’s eyes were filled with pride when he mentioned Su Qing’s cooking skills. His stomach had been fed up. He didn’t even like to eat the food cooked by the imperial chef. Even if Su Qing only cooked a bowl of porridge for him, it would be more delicious than the Manchu Han Imperial Feast.

The next day, Xiao Zeyu held a banquet in the palace and summoned all the officials of the fourth rank and above into the palace. He solemnly introduced his nephew, the Great Prince of Tartan, Yelu Hongyi.

The officials praised Yelu Hongyi, lauding him as young, promising, handsome, talented, and a young hero. Their words, aimed to flatter, flowed generously.

In response, Hongyi graciously accepted their compliments, his every gesture exuding the demeanor of a born leader. Even Ziqi, watching his cousin, saw Hongyi in a new light and initiated a conversation with him. The cousins discovered they shared much in common, especially in their discussions about national affairs, where Hongyi’s insights shone through.

Ziqi’s admiration for his cousin grew, convinced that Hongyi was destined for greatness as Tartan’s future emperor. He foresaw a harmonious future for their nations, hoping the camaraderie between them would extend across generations.

Meanwhile, Hongyi’s eyes occasionally drifted to the empty seat beside Zi Song, wondering about his cousin’s absence. He pondered if perhaps the princess was not permitted to attend such events, a thought that left him slightly uneasy.

Amidst these reflections, melodious music filled the air. A troupe of palace maids dressed in delicate pink danced so gracefully they seemed like celestial beings gracing the mortal realm. Their movements, akin to butterflies in a mesmerizing dance, captivated Hongyi. His attention, however, was soon drawn to the curious light bulb hanging overhead, its glow a marvel to him. He mused about the ingenuity of the Great Tang, a land of remarkable innovation.

As he contemplated the light, the sky above erupted in a fireworks spectacle, painting the night with vibrant hues of purple and red. The dazzling display left Hongyi spellbound. Such beauty, he thought, was beyond words. He understood then why his mother held the Great Tang in such high regard. Experiencing its wonders firsthand, he was reluctant to leave, much like she had.

“How is it? Isn’t it nice?”

Yun’ er wore a red dress and stood before Yelu Hongyi with a sweet smile. The reason why she didn’t appear at the banquet was to prepare fireworks for Yelu Hongyi.

“It looks good.”

Yelu Hongyi heard Yun’ er’s voice and looked at her. He was stunned by Yun’ er, who had returned to her female clothes. There was such a beautiful woman in the world?

“Hongyi, how’s the surprise your cousin prepared for you? Do you like it?”

Xiao Zeyu asked Yelu Hongyi with a smile. Yun’ er had asked him beforehand, saying that she wanted to set off fireworks for her cousin. He didn’t expect her to set off so many. It was lovely.

“I like it. It’s so beautiful.”

Yelu Hongyi nodded his head sincerely. Xiao Zeyu was even happier seeing that his nephew liked to smile.

“Uncle has also prepared a martial arts competition for you.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Yelu Hongyi was very happy. After receiving such a grand reception, he came alone to identify his family and felt extremely warm.

“You warriors of Tartan love wrestling. Today, I’ll hold a wrestling competition for you.”

Xiao Zeyu felt that the wrestling competition in Tartan was exciting, so he specially trained a group of wrestlers. When he was free, he would go and wrestle with them. He felt that this kind of competition was perfect. The most primitive martial arts competition could relieve pressure.

“Ha, that’s great.”

Yelu Hongyi smiled. He hadn’t thought that the Great Tang could display wrestling. When the wrestlers entered the arena, Yelu Hongyi watched very seriously.

Seeing the wrestler he had high hopes for fall to the ground, he frowned slightly. Xiao Zeyu watched excitedly and asked Yelu Hongyi with a smile, “Li’er, do you want to go down and play?”