There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 429 Star Banquet

After Princess Changning finished speaking, Li Shuchen immediately replied.

"Of course you are a good princess, the most outstanding princess of the Purple Star Dynasty."

"Hmph... Call me next time something like this happens."

"Huh?" Li Shuchen was taken aback.

"What 'ah'?" Princess Changning's ears burned slightly, but she forced herself to remain calm. "More people mean more help, and... more people will keep an eye on you, so you don't cause any uncontrollable trouble."

She would never admit it was because she didn't want Li Shuchen and that Princess Zoya to be alone.

Li Shuchen blinked, watching the princess, who clearly cared but insisted on putting on an arrogant "I'm supervising you" act. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he leaned closer and whispered with a chuckle.

"Changning, you wouldn't be... jealous, would you? Afraid that Princess Zoya and I will monopolize the great cause of destroying the Golden Camel and saving the people?"

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Princess Changning nearly jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her cheeks flushed. "I'm doing this for the greater good! If you keep talking nonsense, I... I'll make you sweep the stables!"

"Okay, okay, I won't say anything more."

Li Shuchen, seeing that things were going well, was secretly delighted. "Then next time, should I call you along? We, the 'Three Heroines,' will definitely turn the world upside down!" She deliberately emphasized the "Three Heroines."

Princess Changning gave her a reproachful look, but didn't object further, which was taken as tacit agreement.

But when he turned to leave, his steps were slightly hurried.

Li Shuchen watched her retreating figure and secretly covered her mouth with a smile.

It seems this desert journey involves not only national difficulties but also interesting fluctuations in people's hearts.

With Princess Changning's involvement, the subsequent events indeed became more efficient and more artistic.

For example, they mixed a colorless and odorless potion that would slowly tarnish silverware in specific humid conditions into the silverware offered by the golden camel to a greedy priest.

When the priest presented the visibly tarnished silverware during the public ceremony, his face turned green, despite his attempts to explain it as...

"Sincere offerings moved the gods, and the silver artifacts carried the power of those wishes."

But the believers below the stage whispered among themselves, and the way they looked at the golden camel representative had changed.

Insincere tribute will anger the gods!

For example, Li Shuchen used his superb light-footed skills and reconnaissance techniques to find out the departure time and route of an important caravan led by the Golden Camel.

Princess Changning and Zoya had previously buried several leather pouches filled with special pigments in the sand by the roadside.

As caravan wagons rolled over them, leather bags burst open, splattering paint onto the cargo and camel legs, leaving indelible marks resembling ancient curse runes.

The caravan members were terrified, and their journey was greatly delayed.

These things may not seem like much on their own, but when they happen one after another, the cumulative effect is astonishing.

The golden camel seemed to be shrouded in misfortune, and its owner, Azim, was seen by the king and nobles as a shrewd and capable money-grubber, but also as a potentially unlucky jinx.

King Ardan grew increasingly frustrated and developed serious doubts about Azim's competence.

Finally, after another major deal between Golden Camel and a foreign merchant fell through due to a suspected defect discovered in the goods,

This flaw was naturally due to Li Shuchen using the system and having insiders arranged by Zoya to make extremely subtle modifications.

King Ardan's patience ran out.

"Useless! More trouble than good!"

King Ardan slammed his cup down and roared at his confidant, "Send word! There's no need to send an invitation to Azim for the upcoming 'Star's Birthday' banquet! Let him stay home and reflect on his actions!"

"Star Birthday" is one of the most important traditional festivals in Bohemia.

It is said to commemorate the ancient star god who bestowed the first drop of rain upon the parched desert, guiding the early people to find an oasis.

For the struggling Kingdom of Boyu, this festival carries the heavy weight of hopes for favorable weather and national prosperity.

Of course, Suleiman's palace was first and foremost the perfect stage for the king to display his authority and extravagance.

It is also an important occasion to demonstrate the king's authority and win over his subjects.

Excluding Azim was a very clear signal: the king's favor towards him had begun to waver.

When the news reached the post station, the delegation members were greatly encouraged.

Liang Yuying knew that the opportunity might really be coming.

Li Shuchen, Princess Changning, and Zuoya, who were hiding in the shadows, exchanged smiles and high-fived in celebration.

Their efforts were not in vain.

However, none of them expected that the upcoming "Star Birthday" banquet would be more than just a diplomatic occasion.

After eliminating Azim, who had been causing him trouble, King Ardan decided to divert domestic attention with another extreme display of power, showcasing the undeniable "strength" and "auspicious omens" that Boyu still possessed.

Before the banquet, an astonishing piece of news circulated inside and outside the palace.

His Majesty the King received a divine steed.

A peerless pink Akhal-Teke horse, its coat as radiant as the first rays of dawn and its sweat as deep as blood-red gemstones!

This horse will be displayed as the most dazzling embellishment at the "Starry Birthday" banquet, to all distinguished guests, especially... the Purple Star Delegation.

The banquet began before sunset.

The process is complicated yet full of ritual.

First, the king led the nobles in a sacrificial ceremony at the highest observatory in the palace.

Led by a priest in white robes, ancient hymns were chanted, and water and crushed spices were sprinkled in all directions, invoking the guidance and protection of the stars.

Next came a grand procession, with members of the royal family and high-ranking officials dressed in their most formal attire, escorted by a retinue, slowly walking from the observatory to the main banquet hall, the Galaxy Hall.

Along the way, people who were allowed to gather prostrated themselves on the ground, chanting blessings.

But what they saw in their eyes was more likely bewilderment and a hope for charity.

The delegation participated throughout the event as important guests.

Li Shuchen watched with great interest, yet also felt somewhat depressed.

Those magnificent costumes and elaborate rituals were so utterly detached from the barren world outside the palace walls.

Princess Changning remained calm, her gaze occasionally meeting Ruan Jingshang's. The latter shook his head slightly, signaling her to remain patient.

Ye Bingli changed into an extremely plain light blue dress, her hair simply tied up, and she wore no makeup, almost blending into the entourage. However, her aloof temperament still drew a sinister look from Prince Bacha, who occasionally glanced over.

The decorations in the Galaxy Hall were even more extravagant than those at the Amber Palace banquet.

The dome is inlaid with tiny colored gemstones and fluorescent stones to form a starry sky pattern, which shines brilliantly under the illumination of countless lights.

The long tables are arranged in an arc resembling stars, leaving a large open space in the center.

The food was still extremely lavish, even including fresh fish that was rarely seen in the Central Plains and transported over long distances on ice.

The music and dance became even more grand, carrying a solemnity and fervor akin to a religious ritual.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere reached another climax.

King Ardan had apparently shaken off the bad luck associated with the golden camel and resumed his arrogant demeanor.

Taking advantage of a break in the dance, Liang Yuying stood up again, raised her glass in a toast.

The proposal to establish a fair border market, regulate commercial taxes, and benefit the border residents of both countries was reiterated in a more concise manner with earnest words.

King Ardan's smile faded slightly. He rubbed his wine glass, his blue eyes sweeping over Liang Yuying, then seemingly drifting towards Princess Changning, who sat among the delegation, still radiant with beauty.