Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 1621: Chapter 1618: Bai Lan, Bai Yao

The tea served is first-class tribute tea, though not particularly rare, it is sold at a high price.

Ye Muyu held the tea in her hands as a hand warmer, occasionally taking a sip, but was actually curious about the envoys from foreign countries. She looked around and noticed that many of the envoys from smaller nations appeared very serious. However, it seemed that the officials accompanying them had changed.

Even the Southern Border was no exception. This time, the Southern Border sent a high-ranking official who had come before but now included the Sacred Girl of the Southern Border.

The Sacred Girl’s face was veiled, her appearance was somewhat indistinct, and being at a distance, Ye Muyu couldn’t see clearly, only vaguely discerned that she was likely good-looking, with an outstanding demeanor, serene as an orchid.

Even when Emperor Xuanming had arrived, the Saintess showed no intention of removing her veil.

Up on the throne, Emperor Xuanming was explaining the purpose of the banquet, using an official tone, uninterrupted by anyone.

Ye Muyu listened until he finished, noticing the officials below starting to flatter, she lowered her voice and mentioned to Chu Heng the matter that the Elder Princess had brought up earlier.

Chu Heng paused and asked, “Ah Yu, do you want to help?”

“Would helping cause us trouble?” Ye Muyu frowned. “Actually, I don’t understand Miaojiang’s script very well, and I can’t be sure I can recognize it.”

The characters of the later Miao ethnic group and the current script of Miaojiang were not something Ye Muyu had thought to study before, and since she hadn’t had a chance to encounter them, she genuinely didn’t know.

“Then answer her truthfully,” Chu Heng scratched her palm lightly. “Don’t worry, I’m here with you.”

“Alright.” Ye Muyu nodded, and soon it was Chu Heng’s turn to say the official congratulatory words.

Once the bureaucratic phrases were spoken, the banquet officially began.

On the performance stage below, the dancing girls, even in winter, wore clothes that weren’t thick as they gracefully danced. Ye Muyu could tell these dancers had real skill and unknowingly became absorbed in watching.

Chu Heng noticed and chuckled, but he did not interrupt her interest.

Meanwhile, several small countries began presenting their tribute one after another.

The tributes were much the same as in previous years, but when it was the Southern Border’s turn, the Saintess personally came forward and first paid respects to Emperor Xuanming.

Her voice was clear and elegant, like flowing water, making it very pleasing to listen to.

Ye Muyu’s attention was drawn over.

The Saintess half-kneeled, “I greet His Majesty of Great Chu, I am surnamed Bai, with the single given name Lan. During this audience, I have a request for His Majesty of Great Chu.”

“Oh? What request does Saintess Bai have?” Emperor Xuanming wore an appropriately curious expression and inquired upon hearing her.

Bai Lan said, “Your Majesty may not know, but the Sacred Girl of our Southern Border is traditionally chosen only after the predecessor’s demise. Bai Lan learned that fifteen years ago, the previous Saintess Bai Yao left Southern Border and went missing. It’s only now that I learned she passed away in the capital. I ask Your Majesty to help Southern Border retrieve the late Saintess Bai Yao and bring her back to Southern Border.”

Emperor Xuanming narrowed his eyes, “Oh? How did Saintess Bai Lan learn that your predecessor met her end?”

“This was calculated by our Southern Border’s State Preceptor, and I hope Your Majesty can assist,” Bai Lan replied.

“The Southern Border’s State Preceptor is rumored to be knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, a rare talent, and now I see, truly extraordinary.” Emperor Xuanming praised a few words at first, then very generously handed the matter to the Ministry of Punishment, instructing them to cooperate with Bai Lan’s actions. Of course, there was a time limit for the search, and Bai Lan’s party’s activities would surely be observed.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Bai Lan returned to her seat.