64: Let me hold him!

Compared to Shangguan Yuexi, Nangong Yu's clothes were significantly more formal.

He wore a magnificent dark yellow brocade robe, embroidered with python patterns in gold thread, lifelike, as if they could soar into the sky at any moment.

A jade belt was fastened around his waist, inlaid with seven colorful jade stones, dazzling brightly.

He wore a small dark yellow hat, topped with a red jade stone that emitted a soft glow.

This outfit was exactly what Nangong Aotian had ordered people to deliver a few days prior, intended for Nangong Yu to wear for this kind of occasion.

"The python robe custom-made by the Imperial Embroidery Workshop, the Seven Treasures Belt collected by Imperial Father, and the Blood Jade treasured by Imperial Grandmother—it's truly eye-catching!"

Nangong Jingqi sighed softly, a hint of envy appearing in his eyes.

It seems that Imperial Eldest Sister is not the only one who dotes on this cousin!

He and Jinglin had both seen that Blood Jade and even asked Imperial Grandmother for it, but they didn't get it. Instead, Imperial Grandmother directly gifted it to this cousin!

From this, it's clear that the level of favoritism is extraordinarily excessive!

But thinking about it, it makes sense. He had the chance to witness the grief of Imperial Father and Imperial Grandmother when Second Imperial Uncle died in battle in the Northern Border.

As the only descendant left by Second Imperial Uncle, as the beloved nephew of Imperial Father, and as the beloved grandson of Imperial Grandmother, it is normal for Nangong Yu to receive this special affection!

Nangong Jingqi felt much more relieved after thinking about this and stopped dwelling on it.

Seeing Nangong Yu in this attire, Nangong Ruoxue's eyes lit up. "Ooh, Xiao Yu is so handsome! Come here and let Big Sister hug you!"

Seeing Nangong Ruoxue stretch out her arms, Nangong Yu didn't disappoint her and let her pick him up.

"Oh, Xiao Yu is the best! So obedient and handsome. Who knows how many girls he'll charm in the future?"

Nangong Ruoxue chuckled softly, teasing him.

Nangong Yu pretended not to understand, his small, confused eyes showing no flaws.

Everyone else just smiled and did not respond to Nangong Ruoxue's comment.

Shangguan Yuexi glanced at Qing Ling. "You can stay here and move freely, or just rest well today!"

"Yes, Grand Consort Your Highness!" Qing Ling agreed and stood respectfully to the side.

Shangguan Yuexi looked at the others and smiled, "Alright, we still have a little over a quarter of an hour. Let's head to the Hall of Supreme Harmony first. I imagine quite a few people are already there."

Hearing this, Nangong Yu seemed to recall something and asked, "Mother, aren't we going to Imperial Grandmother's place?"

"No."

Shangguan Yuexi shook her head slightly and explained, "Imperial Grandmother does not attend these kinds of occasions. She is likely still Cultivating right now, so we wouldn't be able to see her if we went."

Hearing this, Nangong Yu nodded slightly, and after a moment's thought, he understood!

In situations where diplomatic missions from other countries come to visit, it is indeed inconvenient for the Empress Dowager to attend. There is a certain chance it could damage the Emperor's prestige, making it not worth the effort!

Soon, the group arrived at the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

By this time, quite a few people had already arrived in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, but they were all officials.

Clearly, Shangguan Yuexi and the others had arrived early, or rather, they had arrived early compared to the other members of the royal family and the foreign diplomatic missions!

Seeing their arrival, the ministers present came forward one after another to pay their respects.

"Greetings to the Grand Consort of Zhenbei Your Highness, greetings to the Little Prince, greetings to the two Princesses and the First Prince!"

Seeing this, Shangguan Yuexi nodded slightly and led the group to sit down on the side.

The ministers did not say anything further and dispersed.

A moment later, the officials arrived one after another, and Nangong Aotian and Han Liyan also arrived at this time.

Nangong Aotian sat upright in the principal seat, scanned the area below, and nodded slightly when he saw Shangguan Yuexi and Nangong Yu were present.

He looked at Nangong Yu and said, "Yuer, come here to Imperial Uncle!"

As soon as these words were spoken, all the officials looked at Nangong Yu. They all knew that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager showered the Prince of Zhenbei, Nangong Yu, with extreme affection, and it seemed the rumors were true!

One must know that today was a banquet to receive diplomatic missions, which could even be said to concern major affairs of state and military. For His Majesty to ask the Prince of Zhenbei to sit beside him was somewhat willful.

However, the ministers who understood the reason, although they knew it was slightly inappropriate, did not object.

Those who didn't fully understand, seeing that the senior ministers in the court remained silent and composed, knew that this was not the time to speak rashly.

Nangong Yu glanced at his mother, and seeing her nod slightly, he walked over.

In fact, both mother and son understood that in this kind of situation, if Nangong Aotian issued a definitive command, it could not be refused, or it would diminish the Emperor's prestige.

Although Nangong Yu might have been fine refusing, if one could avoid refusing, why would they?

Moreover, Shangguan Yuexi naturally had her own small intentions, so she was even less likely to refuse.

The principal seats where the Emperor and Empress sat were three small steps higher than the rest of the great hall.

As soon as Nangong Yu stepped onto the first small step, he suddenly felt a cold gaze and couldn't help but turn his head to look.

He saw that the Second Prince, Nangong Jinglin, had a cold, sinister look, and the jealousy in his eyes was almost undisguised.

Seeing this, Nangong Yu blinked, his eyes showing confusion, while he secretly sighed: How could a four-year-old child possess such a cold, sinister gaze?

But Nangong Yu didn't dwell on it and turned his head, continuing up the steps.

His unusual small movement was naturally noticed by those paying attention to him.

The officials secretly glanced at Nangong Jinglin and couldn't help but shake their heads slightly.

They turned their attention to Nangong Jingqi, but saw that his expression was normal, and he was sitting properly beside Nangong Ruoshui, which made them nod slightly in approval.

Nangong Aotian naturally saw this scene as well, and he frowned slightly but didn't say anything more.

He looked at Nangong Yu, who had approached, and smiled, "Come quickly and sit next to Me!"

He shifted slightly, clearing a space between himself and Han Liyan.

Seeing this, Han Liyan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Yuer is still small. Let this concubine hold him!"

Hearing this, Nangong Aotian was slightly startled, then nodded with a smile. "That's fine. Usually, I don't have much time. Today, the Empress and I should both hold Yuer more often!"

As he spoke, he also moved closer.

Seeing his agreement, Han Liyan smiled slightly and reached out to embrace Nangong Yu. "Yuer, is it alright if Imperial Aunt holds you?"

"Yes!"

Nangong Yu smiled happily and nodded.

As a Grade A Performer, proficient in acting, he could clearly see whether a person's actions were genuine or feigned.

He could easily tell that the affection shown by people like Ji Ziyu, Nangong Aotian, Han Liyan, and Nangong Ruoxue was genuine.

When others showed genuine affection for him, he naturally wouldn't be stingy with his own.

Seeing this, Nangong Aotian also smiled slightly, then turned to Eunuch Yan. "Announce the diplomatic missions to take their seats!"

Eunuch Yan nodded and announced loudly, "Requesting the diplomatic missions from the Western Mist, Silver Moon, and Eastern Flame Empires to appear before the throne!"