Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 1262 - 560: Welcoming Banquet (Part 2)

"Rest assured, Princess, we’ve made all the arrangements. As long as you attend, it’ll be an unforgettable experience!"

Wang Mang quickly replied, hinting at hidden meanings.

However, Li Xiangrou did not care, for with Ning Qi by her side, she feared nothing.

"Your Highness, let’s toast to you, for your arduous journey back!"

"Your Highness, I toast to you..."

It was at this point that people gradually came forward to raise their glasses.

Each presented a respectful demeanor, afraid to anger Li Xiangrou.

"Alright!"

"Cheers!"

Li Xiangrou responded to each one.

She gave face to everyone, preventing any awkwardness.

She only had grievances with her royal sister, not with these many other people.

Therefore, there was no need to annihilate them all.

Once she ascends the throne, she plans to eliminate some, intimidate others, and leave some.

Let this final batch sustain until she can cultivate her people, then she could suppress them completely.

Li Xiangrou thought as she continued tasting wine with those around.

With her current strength, the wine here could not intoxicate her.

She need not worry about being drunk.

Thus, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

Many indulged in their drinks with mirth.

Ning Qi also savored the local delicacies; Medicine Spirit gorged ravenously.

He even held a small cup of wine, drinking with relish.

"Master, the delicacies here are truly delightful."

Medicine Spirit, while eating, did not forget to inform Ning Qi: "Eat more, for once we leave, these delicacies will be gone."

"Once we embark on our return journey, we’ll be living off nothing again."

"Just eat yours!"

Ning Qi grumbled.

Medicine Spirit paid no heed and continued his indulgence.

When it came to food, he would disregard Ning Qi.

"Your Highness, are you setting off tomorrow?"

Wang Mang asked another question.

"Indeed, does City Lord Wang have business?"

Li Xiangrou asked with a smile.

"Your Highness, I noticed fewer guards with you. Perhaps let me escort you to the Imperial City?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Mang quickly offered.

"No need, just two days’ travel remains. No need to make such a fuss, having a city lord escort me back."

Without a second thought, Li Xiangrou directly declined.

Her eyes showed hints of indifference.

She wasn’t sure if this was her sister’s arrangement or him acting on his own accord.

So she couldn’t agree to this matter.

"Well... that’s fine, then I’ll dispatch a team to escort Your Highness?"

Wang Mang paused, then continued.

"No need for people or horses either; this princess has capable individuals."

Li Xiangrou shook her head, once again declining his kind offer, "City Lord Wang, I appreciate your kindness. Please rest assured."

"This princess has traveled without incident the whole way; a mere two-day journey poses no threat."

"Then my subordinate won’t make arrangements."

"However, should Your Highness need assistance, I am ready to arrange anytime."

Wang Mang understood Li Xiangrou wouldn’t use his people, but left a final assurance.

"Good!"

Li Xiangrou gave a simple reply.

"Your Highness, subordinate also toasts to you!"

Wang Mang then raised his cup, inviting Li Xiangrou to drink.

"Cheers!"

Li Xiangrou clinked glasses and drank it down.

The banquet lasted into the afternoon; officials in the courtyard began to say their farewells to Li Xiangrou.

Many took their leave.

By dusk, Wang Mang glanced at the sky and respectfully said to Li Xiangrou: "Your Highness, the time is about right, we can head out."

"Oh? Not at the mansion?"

Li Xiangrou asked curiously.

"Your Highness, knowing you love lively crowds, how could a quiet mansion be suitable for hosting?"

"We shall head to the lake outside the city, to the flower tower for performances."

Wang Mang was evidently prepared, first arousing Li Xiangrou’s interest.

Then he disclosed the destination.

Turns out it’s at the lake outside the city.

"That’s agreeable, this princess finds your land’s lush scenery a good setting!"

"Let’s go, lest we keep everyone waiting."

Upon hearing the news, Li Xiangrou immediately stood up.

"Your Highness, please!"

Wang Mang rose and invited eagerly.

"Please!"

Li Xiangrou accepted and departed alongside him.

Ning Qi remained beside her throughout, and upon seeing her move, General Li followed.

Upon exiting, Wang Mang had already prepared the carriage.

Under his arrangement, they embarked on the carriage heading toward the lakeside outside the city.

"Princess, looks like this City Lord Wang has decided to defect."

"What are your plans?"

Ning Qi and Li Xiangrou shared the same carriage.

"Use him first, then deal with him once I have my people."

"I won’t employ my sister’s people, but for now, to stabilize the situation, some need delayed reckoning."

Li Xiangrou responded without hesitation.

"Seems I worried too much."

Ning Qi, upon hearing her words, felt relieved.

Evidently, he hadn’t anticipated Li Xiangrou’s rapid growth.

"Without these experiences, I wouldn’t have grown so quickly."

"Ning Qi, most of all, it’s your support that matters. Thank you!"

Knowing Ning Qi’s intent, Li Xiangrou smiled in gratitude.

"How many times have I told you not to thank me?"

Ning Qi waved his hand: "It’s your talent; I’m merely protecting you."

"But without your protection, I couldn’t have reached this point."

"Therefore, I must thank you!"

Li Xiangrou shook her head with a serious expression, "You are my great benefactor! I’ll remember this forever."

"Alright, suit yourself."

Ning Qi couldn’t argue further, conceding.

He was soon to leave; opportunities for this might not arise again.

"Master, I sense this girl has taken a liking to you!"

Medicine Spirit conveyed through their Secret Technique on his shoulder.

"In your eyes, every woman fancies me!"

Annoyed, Ning Qi retorted: "Despite eating so much, it hasn’t shut your mouth."

"Master, that’s not what I meant; I know how to judge people!"

Medicine Spirit shrugged innocently.

"Your Highness, we’ve arrived!"

Wang Mang’s voice came from outside the carriage at this moment.

"Oh? We’ve arrived so swiftly!"

Li Xiangrou smiled and alighted the carriage.

Ning Qi followed closely behind.

Seeing the scenery, he sighed.

By the lakeside, a crowd had gathered, resembling a small town.

There were bamboo houses and paved paths lining the shore.

On the lake, over a dozen flower boats were brightly lit, populated by songbirds and beauties onboard.

The vibrant atmosphere was captivating; in the distance, a larger flower boat swayed gracefully.

The sounds of drums echoed from its deck.

"Your Highness, let’s board the boat."

Wang Mang invited, "Why sit on this small boat? Later head to the central, larger one; it’s lively there."

"Alright!"

Li Xiangrou agreed and followed Wang Mang onto the boat.

Lin Fan approached again, but Commander Li did not.

Commander Li and his guards began moving toward bamboo houses and flower boats.

Evidently, they recognized the assurance of safety here.

Moreover, with Ning Qi protecting the princess, there was no concern for problems.

Ning Qi’s demonstrated strength throughout the journey reassured everyone.

Now, Li Xiangrou sat on a small boat, drawing near to the largest flower boat.

"Your Highness, please!"

Wang Mang invited once the two boats were secured.

"Alright!"

Li Xiangrou agreed and proceeded to the flower boat.