"Since you put it that way, I have no choice but to agree. I hope you rember what I said! Let's go!" said the Commandery Princess.
After she finished speaking, she glanced over at Ye Tian. A strange feeling washed over her. 'This young man is so mysterious, like a calm lake whose bottom you can't see, yet it could erupt into a raging storm at any mont.'
Soon, Ye Tian and the two won arrived in the great hall. Xue Jinshan and the Prince were seated at the head of the hall, with the Prince, of course, in the most prominent seat. When he saw Ye Tian and Zhang Xinlan appear, his expression faltered for a mont. He sensed sothing was off.
"Prince, Princess, you've arrived! The banquet is ready! Shall we go now?" Xue Jinshan imdiately said respectfully to the pair.
"Wait! And you are...?" The Prince, who had been sitting at the head of the hall, now stood up and asked them with a puzzled expression.
"Father, let's hurry and eat. I'm starving! I'll explain everything later, alright?" the Commandery Princess said, then turned to the others. "Imperial Brother, Imperial Sister, let's go!"
The Prince was even more bewildered. He stared at the Commandery Princess, wondering what on earth his daughter was up to. It was obvious she was covering for them. 'Their identities can't be simple.'
"Alright! We've been on the road all day; we certainly deserve a good al," the Prince said. "Let's go see what delicacies the City Lord has prepared for us." His eyes, however, never stopped scrutinizing Ye Tian and Zhang Xinlan, and he felt a growing sense of astonishnt.
They exuded an air of unfathomable depth. 'Their power must be imnse, and they're deliberately hiding it.' If he knew that back at Xiangmantang, Zhang Xinlan had killed an expert of the Four Veins Realm using her aura alone, he would have been even more stunned.
The banquet was held in a side hall. A large, round table was laden with all sorts of delicacies and two pots of wine. The spread was so appetizing it would make anyone's mouth water.
"Prince, Princess! Prince, Commandery Princess, please be seated! It is truly my honor to have you here in Wei City! Today, allow to properly welco you! Though Wei City is not large, it boasts plenty of beautiful scenery and delicious food. You can look around at your leisure. The Three-Color Lake outside the city is especially beautiful!" said Xue Jinshan.
Ye Tian and the others sat down. Besides the five of them, the only other person in the room was a quiet-looking handmaiden, likely there to pour their wine.
"We're on a tight schedule. We're only staying in Wei City for one night before heading to the Imperial City tomorrow. We'll have to see the sights of Wei City another ti! Of course, if the Prince and Princess have ti, they're welco to stay and look around," the Prince said.
Only upon hearing the Prince say this did Xue Jinshan feel he could completely confirm the identities of Ye Tian and his companion. The Prince's odd behavior back in the great hall had left him feeling quite puzzled.
"Perhaps you are unaware, Imperial Uncle, but we are also preparing to head to the Imperial City tomorrow. It seems we too will be unable to enjoy the beautiful sights of Wei City! Since fate has brought us together in Wei City, let's celebrate properly tonight. We can discuss any questions you might have after the banquet is over," Ye Tian said to the Prince with a serious expression.
"Excellent! Since the Prince has spoken, then I, his Imperial Uncle, must naturally comply! In that case, tonight we drink until we drop!" the Prince laughed, but his eyes remained fixed on Ye Tian and Zhang Xinlan.
The atmosphere at the banquet was pleasant. Zhang Xinlan, who usually didn't drink, had a small cup. The Commandery Princess, however, had a decent tolerance for alcohol and downed several cups. Perhaps it was the wine, but she beca much more talkative.
After several rounds of drinks, the five of them had finished a full five pots of wine. Of course, with their level of power, it was impossible for them to actually get drunk. The slightest hint of intoxication could be instantly dispelled by circulating their Spiritual Power.
"It's getting late. Let's clear the banquet," the Prince said. "City Lord Xue, please step out for a mont. I have sothing to discuss privately with the Prince and Princess. I don't want us to be disturbed."
"I understand! I understand!" Xue Jinshan said before leaving the side hall with the handmaiden, making sure to close the door behind them.
"Alright, it's just the four of us now," the Prince said. "I need you to tell the truth. If you continue to lie, you know what the consequences will be!"
Ye Tian and Zhang Xinlan exchanged a glance before turning back to the Prince. "What truth would the Imperial Uncle like us to tell? Please be direct."
"Stop beating around the bush," the Prince said. "You are no Prince and Princess. You should know that impersonating mbers of the Royal Family is a capital offense. You certainly have so nerve. However, if you tell the truth, I will not expose you. But if you continue to hide it, then don't bla for not giving you a chance!"
"You should just tell us," the Commandery Princess chid in. "My father is a good man. The whole reason we're returning to the Imperial City is to deal with the very situation I described to you. The Imperial City is already in turmoil; we can't afford any more trouble! And besides, I knew you were lying to .
How could the current Emperor possibly have illegitimate children? If you truly have so hardship, perhaps we can help you. But if you have other intentions, then you are a threat to the Imperial City. And any threat must be eliminated swiftly!" the Commandery Princess added.
'Ye Tian hesitated, unsure of what to do. Should he tell the truth? What if these two were just trying to bluff him? All his efforts would be for nothing.' He couldn't help but glance at Zhang Xinlan.
Zhang Xinlan naturally understood Ye Tian's hesitation and spoke up. "Your worries are understandable, Prince, Commandery Princess. But what makes you so sure the Emperor has no children outside the palace? The current turmoil in the Imperial City has little to do with us.
My brother and I only wish to enter the Imperial City Academy for our Cultivation. As for acknowledging our family, the ti is not yet right. We don't want to beco a target for everyone. Of course, if soone were to covet the throne, we would not simply stand by and watch."
"Your power is indeed impressive. You've hidden it, haven't you?" the Prince replied. "If I'm not mistaken, you both should be at the Five Veins Power Realm. Only those who have reached such a Realm would dare to speak so boldly.
The reason the current Emperor has no children outside the palace is very simple: he has only one woman, the Empress Mother. He doesn't even have any other consorts. So, do you really think he would have other won on the side? Furthermore, the Emperor spends all his ti in the Imperial City; he never leaves.
I didn't expose your lies imdiately because I wanted to give you a chance. If you still refuse to tell the truth, then I will have no choice but to treat you as rebels. You can imagine for yourselves what the consequences will be then!" the Prince said, his expression hardening with anger.
"Since you've put it that way, Prince, there's no longer any need for us to hide anything," Ye Tian couldn't help but say. "We hope the Prince and Commandery Princess can forgive us for our deception!"
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