Thanks for your hard work Minak Amie! Due to some people asking me how to donate, I"ve put a post on the donation b.u.t.ton. I don"t like complicated things so forgive me for my lack of finesse! Thank you if you"re willing to donate and thanks for your kind comments and encouragements. We the translator, no matter how bad we were, we still need the courage and the push to go on!!
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“A large number of powerful individuals have gathered at this evening’s banquet, such a scene is rarely witnessed.” Qing Zhang was seated on Feng Ming’s right, their distance only an arm’s length away from each other. With an amiable smile, he nodded towards an official from Tong who came over to pay his respects. Wanting to talk to Feng Ming, Qing Zhang deliberately moved closer, and with a smile on his face said, “It is difficult to have a chance to see the graceful appearance of the Xiao Family’s young Lord. Who would be willing to let go of such an opportunity? If it were not for the strict regulation on who could attend the banquet, I fear we would not have a place to comfortably sit due to overcrowding.” Behind him were 4 big and strong guards holding weapons, kneeling.
What Qing Zhang said was not wrong.
Feng Ming’s eyes roamed around in interest. He knew that many of the guests’ attentions were focused on him as an object of curiosity.
The world was big, and within the 11 kingdoms were other mysterious individuals like him, however none were the subject of as many legendary stories. The connection he had with Xi Lei’s King Rong Tian, Li’s King Ruo Yan, and Dong Fan’s extremely beautiful Prime Minister Lu Dan had made a countless number of people develop a strong interest towards him.
Some would directly stare while others would quickly avert their eyes, however there was at least six or seven gazes that landed on Feng Ming.
They spoke with subdued voiced.
“The person sitting in the middle is Xi Lei’s Duke Ming.”
“Tsk, just as expected. His appearance is really impressive.”
“Someone who looks as beautiful and refined as that would move anyone’s heart. No wonder Xi Lei’s king considers him a precious treasure.”
“You are wrong. He is not such a simple person. You must not look only at his appearance and underestimate him. Do not forget the battle that occurred on the Aman River. He caused Li’s King Ruo Yan to eat a big loss. When Dong Fan’s Lu Dan died, he could not escape from taking responsibility. However, not much time pa.s.sed before he caused the destruction of the kingdom’s sacred temple, and in addition, nearly destroyed the whole kingdom. In this world, I fear that the one person you should never underestimate is that person.”
There were numerous gazes focused on Feng Ming. Most of them were from beautiful women and important officials. They continued to admire the young and handsome man, who made a name for himself throughout the land, as he sat on a seat of honour.
Other than his beautiful and n.o.ble appearance, there was another thing that gained the admiration of many people, his intelligence.
An individual who made men his playthings could not help but feel a scorching heat inside as he whispered to the depraved a.s.sociates next to him. “I wonder how he looks when Xi Lei’s king plays with him.”
“That reminds me,” the person next to him laughed lewdly, “Have you heard that recently dolls that have been made to look like Duke Ming to pleasure oneself have been selling outside?”
“Of course I have heard of this, but no matter how much I bid, I still cannot buy one. With much difficulty, I acquired the information that they are made in the city of Fen Chang, but when I sent my men to purchase one, they already sold out. It is really hard to find. Hey, do not tell me that you…”
“Hehe, I managed to get one after spending quite a bit. It is impossible for me to sell to you, but because we are good brothers, I am willing to share it with you.” He spoke in a low voice accompanied with vulgar laughter. “The manufacturing is truly first-rate. Although it is just a plaster doll, the appearance is incredibly alike, and the lower half is really good to hold. Especially the thing between the legs… hehe, once you see it, you will want to stroke it tenderly with love.”
Duke Ming had no idea that at the moment, he was being regarded as an object of obscenity. He gracefully joked with Qing Zhang using the etiquette he learned from the teachers in Xi Lei.
Interrupting the dull conversations in the hall, a loud sound resounded through the guests’ eardrums from the direction of the hall’s doors.
A long announcement followed.
“The time of yous.h.i.+ has arrived. Welcoming the amba.s.sador from Xi Lei, Your Highness Prince He Di of Dan Lin, and the Xiao Family’s young Lord Feng Ming. The banquet will officially begin!”
[TLN: Yous.h.i.+ time (from 17:00 to 19:00 hour) – I honestly translated words by words.]
The beat of drums were followed by the cacophony from various conversations.
“Good… food”
“Great… wine.”
“Song… dance.”
All of the hall’s side doors suddenly opened and a stream of beautiful entertainers danced in like a kaleidoscope of b.u.t.terflies. They entered, as if floating, and filled the hall with graceful movements and a sweet fragrance.
[ED Note: Fun Fact, a group of b.u.t.terflies is called a kaleidoscope.]
The music became even more melodious and created a joyful atmosphere.
Dozens of musicians were playing behind a screen. The silhouette of a person could vaguely be seen playing a big, bell-like instrument. Others had their hands placed on strange musical instruments Feng Ming did not recognize.
However, he found them really nice to listen to.
Feng Ming curiously watched the grand performance of song and dance, but his eyes looked past all the beautiful and lithe movements, landing on a distant seat on the opposite side. “Who is that?”