Chapter 561
Welcome Banquet
"please."
After Li Xiangrou agreed, she lifted the curtain of the carriage.
"set off!"
Wang Mang then signaled for everyone to set off.
Immediately afterwards, the main force headed back into the city.
"Ning Qi, it seems our battle just now was effective."
"The person you just released has obviously tipped them off."
Li Xiangrou then spoke to Ning Qi.
"That's right, this is exactly the effect I wanted, to let them know how powerful we are!"
Ning Qi smiled and then continued, "Next, it's your royal sister who'll have a headache."
"Yes, Ning Qi, thank you very much this time."
Li Xiangrou thanked her again: "If you need anything in the future, just say the word. Even if it means going through fire and water, I will definitely help you."
"Oh? That's enough. I'm afraid I won't be coming back."
Ning Qi smiled upon hearing her words: "However, it's not that absolute. If you want to catch up with me, you can contact me through the jade pendant I gave you."
"However, if we are too far apart, I will receive your message a little later."
"Okay, I definitely will!"
Li Xiangrou listened to his words and spoke seriously.
"Your Highness, we have arrived."
It was at this moment that Wang Mang's voice came.
"it is good!"
Li Xiangrou got off the carriage directly.
He looked at the city lord's mansion in front of him.
There were already many guards in front of the vermilion gate, as well as many city officials.
"Welcome, Your Highness!"
"..."
After everyone saw her get off the carriage, everyone knelt on the ground.
His face was full of respect.
"Get up!"
Li Xiangrou remained unmoved and simply said something indifferently.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
"..."
Everyone responded again, and then they all stood up.
"Princess, we have prepared a welcome banquet at our residence. Please don't find our food too simple!"
Wang Mang stepped forward again and said respectfully.
"How could that be? Lord Wang, you're overthinking it. Let's go!"
Li Xiangrou waved her hand and then followed them into the city lord's mansion.
Along the way, the other officials followed behind them.
Only Ning Qi and Li Xiangrou were standing together and walking side by side.
Wang Mang glanced at Ning Qi but said nothing.
He already knew that Ning Qi was Li Xiangrou's bodyguard.
The person who can protect Li Xiangrou closely must be a force to be reckoned with.
They arrived in the courtyard and saw that it was already filled with tables of wine.
A lot of food has already been placed on it.
They are all made of spiritual flesh and spiritual essence, and not only have the aroma of food, but also the swirling spiritual energy that flows around them.
It makes your mouth water.
"Master, their lifestyle is far too extravagant."
"But I like it."
Yao Ling licked his lips on his shoulder.
They've already shown signs of being impatient.
"Princess, please!"
They arrived at the center of the courtyard, and Wang Mang took the initiative to invite Li Xiangrou to sit in the main seat at the front.
"it is good!"
Li Xiangrou didn't stand on ceremony and sat down right after her.
Seeing that the people behind her had all followed and were standing there, clearly waiting for her instructions.
"Please all sit down!"
Li Xiangrou then gestured for everyone to sit down.
"Thank you, Princess!"
"..."
After everyone respectfully expressed their gratitude, they sat down separately.
Li Xiangrou looked at everyone and nodded with satisfaction: "Everyone has worked hard. Don't be shy! Eat as much as you like."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Many people responded again, but no one took action.
Because Li Xiangrou hasn't even made a move yet.
Seeing that everyone was secretly watching her actions, she took the initiative to pick up her chopsticks and take a bite of vegetables.
He put it in his mouth and showed a satisfied expression: "Not bad! Everyone, let's all have a taste."
"Thank you, Princess!"
Everyone thanked them again before cautiously savoring the delicious food from the General's Mansion.
"Princess, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest at the manor for a few days before continuing your journey?"
Seeing that everyone had started to take action, Wang Mang then spoke up.
They also seized the opportunity, knowing that Li Xiangrou was in a good mood.
That's why I dared to say that.
"No, I'm leaving after tonight!"
Li Xiangrou shook her head: "Otherwise, there are people in the capital who are thinking about me. If I don't show my face when I go back, they won't be able to sleep."
Her words were also meant for Wang Mang.
She knew very well who Wang Mang was working for, and she also knew the meaning behind this meal.
It was obvious that Li Fengrou had come to show goodwill after learning the news.
If only we had known then what we know now, why did we do it in the first place?
When she didn't want to be the emperor, she tried every means to harm her. Now that she's interested, she's showing weakness instead.
Everything happened when I had absolute power.
This is all thanks to Ning Qi; otherwise, I would never have had this opportunity in my life.
Perhaps he was already killed by his elder sister in the last battle.
"Very well, so that we can reunite with His Majesty soon."
Wang Mang pretended not to have noticed and said with a sigh, "Princess, we have prepared a performance here tonight. Why don't you enjoy it?"
"Oh? What program?"
Li Xiangrou was still quite interested in these things.
"It was all prepared by the people in the manor, including singing, dancing, and some acrobatics!"
Seeing that she was interested, Wang Mang quickly said something.
"Good, not bad, you've put your heart into it!"
Hearing this, Li Xiangrou became interested. "It's rare that you have this idea. I'll see how well you've prepared."
"Princess, rest assured, we have made all the arrangements. As long as you participate, you will be so happy you won't want to leave!"
Wang Mang readily agreed, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
However, Li Xiangrou didn't care about this. With Ning Qi by her side, she was not afraid of anything.
"Your Highness, we raise a toast to you. You must be tired from your journey back!"
"Your Highness, I'd like to offer you a toast..."
It was at this moment that people started coming up one after another to offer a toast.
Each of them wore a respectful expression, afraid of angering Li Xiangrou.
"it is good!"
"please!"
Li Xiangrou responded to each of them.
Everyone was given some face, so that no one was embarrassed.
I have a grudge against my elder sister, but I don't have many grudges or entanglements with so many other people.
Therefore, there is no need to exterminate them.
These people can simply be eliminated, disciplined, and left with only a few after they have taken the throne.
Let this last group of people hold on for now. Once we've trained our own people, we can suppress them all.
Li Xiangrou thought to herself that she would continue to enjoy the fine wine with these people.
With her current strength, these drinks simply won't get her drunk.
There's absolutely no need to worry about being made drunk.
As a result, the atmosphere at the scene gradually became lively. Many people were enjoying their drinks immensely.
Ning Qi also sampled the delicious food here, especially Yao Ling, who devoured it.
He was also holding a small glass of wine, drinking it with great relish.
"Master, the food here is really delicious."
While eating, Yao Ling didn't forget to tell Ning Qi, "Eat more, or you might miss this opportunity."
"Once we embark on our journey home, we'll be starving again."
"You can eat yours!"
Ning Qi said irritably.
Yao Ling ignored him and continued to savor the medicine.
It was only when food was involved that he would disregard Ning Qi.
"Your Highness, are you planning to depart tomorrow?"
Wang Mang asked another question.
"Indeed, does Lord Wang have something to discuss?"
Li Xiangrou asked with a smile.
"Your Highness, I see you don't have many guards left. Why don't I escort you to the capital?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Mang quickly replied.
"No need. It's only two days' journey left. There's no need to make such a fuss and have a city lord like you escort me back."
Li Xiangrou refused without even thinking.
A hint of indifference appeared in his eyes.
It's unclear whether this was arranged by the Empress or if he himself acted on his own initiative.
Therefore, this matter cannot be agreed to.
"Well... that's fine. How about I send a team to escort Your Highness?"
Wang Mang paused for a moment, then continued.
"No need for men or horses, I have people I can use."
Li Xiangrou shook her head again, refusing his kindness once more: "I appreciate Lord Wang's kindness, but you can put your mind at ease."
"I have been fine all the way here, so what's a mere two-day journey?"
"Well... then I won't make any arrangements."
"However, if Your Highness requires it, I can arrange it at any time."
Wang Mang knew that Li Xiangrou wouldn't use his people, but he still left a message in the end.
"it is good!"
Li Xiangrou simply agreed.
"Your Highness, I would also like to offer you a toast!"
Wang Mang then raised his wine cup and invited Li Xiangrou to drink with him.
"please!"
Li Xiangrou clinked glasses again and drank it down in one gulp.
The welcoming banquet was late in the afternoon, and the officials in the courtyard finally came one after another to say goodbye to Li Xiangrou.
Many people have left.
As evening approached, Wang Mang glanced at the sky, then turned to Li Xiangrou and respectfully said, "Your Highness, it's about time. We can go out now."
"Oh? Aren't you at your residence?"
Li Xiangrou asked curiously.
"Your Highness, I know you love lively gatherings, so how could I dare to hold it in such a quiet place as your residence?"
"Let's go to the lakeside outside the city and watch their performance at the brothel."
Wang Mang had clearly made preparations long ago, first piquing Li Xiangrou's interest.
Then they revealed where they were going.
It turned out to be by the lake.
"Very well, this princess finds your place to be beautiful with its mountains and clear waters, it's a lovely place!"
"Let's go then, so as not to keep everyone waiting."
Upon hearing this, Li Xiangrou immediately stood up.
"Your Highness, please!"
Wang Mang also stood up and took the initiative to invite him.
"please!"
Li Xiangrou agreed and set off with him.
Ning Qi followed her the whole time, and General Li also went out with her after seeing that she was about to leave.
After they left, Wang Mang had already prepared a carriage.
Under his arrangement, they boarded the carriage and headed towards the lake outside the city.
"Princess, it seems that Lord Wang is determined to defect."
What are your plans?
Ning Qi and Li Xiangrou were still sitting in the same carriage.
"Use it for now, and then deal with it again once I have more people."
"I won't keep my sister's people around, but to stabilize the situation, we need to settle accounts with some people later."
Li Xiangrou responded to his words without hesitation.
"It seems I was overthinking it."
Ning Qi was immediately relieved after hearing her words.
He clearly hadn't expected Li Xiangrou to grow up so quickly.
"Without experiencing these things, I wouldn't have grown up so quickly."
"Ning Qi, the most important thing is your support, thank you!"
Li Xiangrou understood Ning Qi's intention, so she smiled and thanked him.
"I've told you so many times, don't thank me."
Ning Qi waved his hand: "It's all because you have talent. I was just protecting you."
"But without your protection, I wouldn't have been able to get here."
"So, thank you anyway!"
Li Xiangrou shook her head, a solemn expression on her face: "You are my great benefactor! I will remember you for the rest of my life."
"Fine, whatever you want."
Ning Qi couldn't persuade her otherwise, so he had to give up.
She was about to leave, and she was afraid she would never have this opportunity again.
"Master, I feel like this girl has taken a liking to you!"
The spirit of medicine was on his shoulder, communicating with him using their secret method.
"In your eyes, any woman could be interested in me!"
Ning Qi, annoyed by his words, said, "After eating so much food, I still couldn't shut you up."
"Master, you can't say that. I'm also judging people!"
Yao Ling shrugged, revealing an innocent and harmless appearance.
"Your Highness, we have arrived!"
It was at this moment that Wang Mang's voice came from outside the carriage.
"Oh? You've arrived so quickly!"
Upon hearing this, Li Xiangrou smiled and then got off the carriage.
Ning Qi followed closely behind and walked down as well.
Seeing this scene, I couldn't help but sigh.
There were already quite a few people by the lake; it was like a small town.
The riverbank is lined with bamboo houses and well-maintained roads.
There were also more than a dozen flower boats on the lake, brightly lit, with many beautiful women on board.
The atmosphere here was incredibly lively, with a flower boat, much larger than any of the others, swaying in the distance.
There were also sounds of gongs and drums above.
"Your Highness, let's board the ship."
Wang Mang took the initiative to invite, "Why are you sitting in this small boat? Let's go to the big boat in the middle later; that's where it's really lively."
"it is good!"
Li Xiangrou agreed and followed Wang Mang onto the boat.
Lin Fan followed again, but this time Commander Li did not go with him.
He simply led his guards toward the bamboo house and the flower boat.
Clearly, they also knew that there would be absolutely no problems here.
Moreover, with Ning Qi protecting the princess, there's even less to worry about.
Ning Qi's demonstrated strength throughout the journey has put everyone at ease.
Meanwhile, Li Xiangrou was already sitting in a small boat, approaching the largest flower boat.
"Your Highness, please!"
After Wang Mang and the others had finished setting up the two ships, he invited Li Xiangrou to board the ship again.
"it is good!"
After Li Xiangrou agreed, she followed them onto the flower boat. (End of Chapter)