Victory Celebration Banquet

Chapter 123 Victory Celebration Banquet

"Greetings, Your Majesty," came the voice of a palace attendant from outside the hall.

Xu Hongjing entered the palace, and Lian Chen went to greet him.

She bowed slightly and greeted him: "Uncle Xu."

"No need for formalities." Xu Hongjing offered a helping hand to Lian Chen and said, "Xiao Chen, the Emperor and the Empire know about your great achievements in Xingluo. You have done an outstanding job."

Lian Chen followed Xu Hongjing into the living room, replying, "It's all thanks to the team, and also to the support of the Empire and our teacher."

“Her merits deserve to be rewarded.” Xu Hongjing sat down in an armchair and gestured for Lian Chen to sit opposite him: “The seven members of the regular team have made outstanding contributions. Captain Ma Rulong, who bravely defeated a powerful enemy in the final battle and made a selfless sacrifice, is hereby granted the title of Earl and awarded a corresponding fief and salary.”

"The remaining six regular team members will be granted the title of viscount, and will be granted a fief and an annuity. The specific titles, territorial divisions and coats of arms will be determined by the Department of Ceremonies, so as to ensure that the meritorious officials receive the honor they deserve."

He paused briefly, then looked at Lian Chen: "I am aware that Ma Rulong used a forbidden soul tool in his pursuit of victory, damaging his foundation. I have already dispatched a team of imperial physicians to treat his injuries and help him recover as much as possible."

This reward is well-deserved for the meritorious service of this team. Lian Chen smiled gently and said, "Then I will thank Your Majesty on behalf of the team members."

"Xiao Chen, as for you," Xu Hongjing's gaze became deep and solemn, "after returning from this competition, you will have almost completed your studies at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

I intend to formally allow you to enter the court and participate in politics, that divine examination…

The unspoken meaning need not be elaborated further.

Lian Chen nodded: "Uncle Xu, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. You can make the arrangements."

Xu Hongjing nodded: "That's good. I will announce this later at the victory banquet. As for the championship prizes you won, you can distribute them as you see fit. The empire will also give you generous rewards."

……

In the evening, the palace banquet began.

The victory banquet was held in the main banquet hall of the palace, brightly lit, which illuminated the dome murals and gilded decorations in a magnificent display.

The guests were numerous, encompassing almost all of the empire's top nobles—

Royal relatives, court officials, nobles, high-ranking members of the Mingde Hall, representatives of major Soul Master families and official imperial forces gathered together.

The Sun Moon Empire defeated Shrek Academy for the first time, winning the Soul Fighting Tournament and breaking their myth of eternal undefeated record.

Such glory is worthy of being recorded in history and deserves this highest-level celebration.

The air was filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the clinking of glasses; the atmosphere was lively and slightly tipsy.

Emperor Xu Hongjing sat in the main seat and first delivered a passionate toast, praising the participating teams for winning unparalleled glory for the empire, especially highlighting Lian Chen's leadership and decisive role in the competition.

Then, the eunuch stepped forward to announce the imperial decree bestowing rewards upon the selected team members.

Finally, Xu Hongjing personally announced: "Our Holy Maiden Lian Chen is exceptionally talented and has made outstanding contributions. She is truly a pillar of the empire's future."

"After discussion between the Emperor and the Cabinet, from this day forward, the Holy Maiden shall officially enter the court to participate in the administration of state affairs. She may exercise her authority to supervise, question, and decide on any important political matters of the empire."

"The Holy Maiden's decree is my will—I grant the Holy Maiden full authority to handle affairs on my behalf, without needing to consult me ​​on every matter."

Upon hearing this, many officials in the court, especially members of the royal family, nearly lost their composure, their faces turning ashen.

silence.

A deathly silence filled the hall.

This was no longer just participating in politics; it practically granted Lian Chen power second only to the emperor himself, almost to the point of overseeing the country.

Xu Hongjing had completely transformed the Holy Maiden's revered yet somewhat vague authority into a powerful tool capable of substantively intervening in the core operations of the empire, paving the way for Lian Chen to enter the highest decision-making circle. "Snap!"

Jing Hongchen led the applause.

The crisp applause stood out starkly in the silent hall, even carrying a hint of smugness.

Jing Hongchen stood smiling in front of the seats of the people in Mingde Hall, clapping loudly and enthusiastically, as if he did not see the unspeakable and angry gazes around him.

Many people cursed inwardly: This old fox gets more and more shameless as he gets older. How can he applaud his own disciple?

Despite the criticism, once someone took the lead, the atmosphere became awkward.

"Snap, snap snap snap—"

Almost immediately after Jing Hongchen, Hongchen and his sister, the officials of Mingde Hall, and the Soul Masters all applauded.

Of course, all the members of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy who participated in this competition, whether they were the starters or substitutes, were not lagging behind.

Some astute neutrals and officials who sensed the changing winds immediately followed suit and joined in the applause.

In any case, the saint's status and authority are now unshakeable after this incident, and it would be unwise to openly oppose her at this moment.

The sparse applause gradually grew denser and more enthusiastic, eventually coalescing into a wave of congratulations that seemed sincere but were actually rife with undercurrents.

Xu Hongjing sat high in the main seat, taking in the reactions of everyone below. His face wore the usual dignified smile of an emperor, but his eyes were deep and unfathomable.

Those who oppose it don't know anything!
Helping Lian Chen complete the divine test, and in return, helping the Sun Moon Empire unify the Douluo Continent, is a sure-fire deal.

What is a mere regime compared to the task of overturning the mainland's格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or structure)?
Lian Chen remained calm, facing countless complex gazes, and stepped forward slowly, bowing respectfully.

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude. I will certainly live up to the expectations of the empire and Your Majesty."

Her voice was clear and gentle, reaching everyone's ears distinctly.

Jing Hongchen smiled even more contentedly.

Very good. The more attention and pressure his disciple receives, the calmer and more composed he becomes.

At her age, her abilities and character are unmatched; she truly deserves to be the successor of the gods.

With the bestowal of titles and appointments finalized, the court orchestra played a joyful yet solemn melody, and the grand victory ball officially began.

The crystal chandelier shimmered with dazzling light, and the air was filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the glittering shadows of people. The tension and undercurrents of the moment seemed to be temporarily masked by the boisterous revelry and glamorous music.

Several members of the royal family or young nobles straightened their clothes and walked towards the direction where Lian Chen was.

However, some people are faster than them.

Xiao Hongchen walked through the crowd as if no one else was there, and went straight to Lian Chen.

Today he changed into a formal frank suit, the clean and tailored cut making him look tall and straight, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming with a confident and unrestrained light under the lamplight.

He bent down and extended his hand to Lian Chen: "Chen'er, would you do me the honor of dancing for me?"

Lian Chen looked up, met his gaze, smiled, and naturally placed her hand in his waiting palm: "Okay."

The two walked hand in hand onto the dance floor, instantly attracting a lot of attention.

The young woman was noble and elegant, while the young man was handsome and unrestrained. Their dance steps were perfectly in sync, their auras blended together, creating a harmony that no one else could interfere with.

Those young talents who were a step behind froze in place, staring at the two dazzling figures on the dance floor, secretly gritting their teeth.