The moment Mo Han settled into his seat, someone called out warmly from across the room, "Big Brother! Is that really you? I'm over here!"
Mo Han followed the sound of the voice and saw Gongsun Yunyan, whom he hadn't seen since their parting in Fei Ji City. Seeing Mo Han, Gongsun Yunyan quickly rushed over, exclaiming, "Big Brother, I finally managed to catch you! You're such a busy man now; it's truly difficult to get a moment of your time."
Mo Han felt a surge of happiness upon seeing Gongsun Yunyan and replied with a smile, "Hehe, Yunyan, it's you. It has been a long time since I saw you either; I was starting to miss you a bit. How have you been recently? Are you well?" Hearing Mo Han's question, Gongsun Yunyan replied happily, "I doubt you missed me much! You have so many beauties accompanying you now; how could you possibly spare a thought for your little sister?"
Mo Han quickly shook his head, saying, "Hehe, that's different. You are my sister; of course, I would miss you."
Gongsun Yunyan seemed momentarily disappointed by Mo Han's response, but she quickly recovered, saying, "I returned a while ago and intended to find you right away. Who knew that as soon as I got back, Father told me you had gone to the Beast Tribes? I was worried sick about you, but I knew you'd be fine because you're so resilient."
Gongsun Yunyan chuckled at her own words as she finished speaking.
Mo Han smiled at the remark, "Little girl, you truly understand me."
Gongsun Yunyan laughed, "Of course! I know your capabilities crystal clear. I was certain that if you took action, nothing would be impossible to handle. Later, I heard you successfully completed the mission, just as I predicted, and returned to the Capital, even receiving imperial commendations. I wanted to come find you then, but Father mentioned you would be attending this banquet today, so I decided to wait here for you."
Hearing Gongsun Yunyan's words, Mo Han also smiled, "You clever girl, you know how to flatter your Big Brother, hehe. I'll treat you to a proper meal another day to reward you."
Gongsun Yunyan beamed at this, "Then you must keep your promise, Big Brother! No backing out now!"
Just as Mo Han was about to reply, Dali's voice chimed in from beside him, "Don't worry, Yunyan. Your Brother Mo Han always keeps his word, especially to beautiful women."
Seeing Dali, Gongsun Yunyan said happily, "Sister Dali! I haven't seen you in ages either! I wanted to stop by Murong Manor to look for you, but I worried it might be inconvenient, so I never went. You don't blame me, do you?" Dali smiled and shook her head immediately upon hearing this, "How could I? Am I that petty?" With that, both women broke into smiles, leaving Mo Han somewhat neglected.
Mo Han was about to stage a silent protest when a sharp voice rang out from the back of the hall: "The Emperor approaches!"
The murmuring crowd instantly quieted upon hearing the announcement. Gongsun Yunyan quickly turned to Dali and Mo Han, saying, "Sister Dali, Brother Mo Han, I must excuse myself first and will come back to chat later."
Mo Han and Dali both nodded in agreement with warm smiles.
After saying this, Gongsun Yunyan trotted away quickly.
Dali also glanced at Mo Han with a smile, saying, "I'm going over to where Xue'er and the others are. Are you alright on your own?" Without waiting for Mo Han's reply, she turned and left, leaving Mo Han standing there with his mouth slightly agape, words still unsaid. Mo Han muttered under his breath, "Honestly, leaving in such a rush, and she asks if I'm fine for what? This girl."
No sooner had Mo Han finished speaking than the Emperor of the Tian Long Empire, Long Zhantian, entered the hall surrounded by his Imperial Guards.
Everyone in the hall immediately rose to their feet to salute and pay their respects.
The Emperor, clad in brilliant yellow formal robes, walked to the center of the hall and spoke with a gentle smile, "There is no need for such formality, everyone. This is a banquet, not the morning court. If you remain so constrained, what pleasure is there in this feast? Please, all of you, be seated."
Hearing the Emperor's words, everyone nodded their thanks and returned to their seats.
As soon as everyone was settled, the Emperor smiled and addressed the assembly, "I believe everyone here knows why I have called this banquet. Indeed, it is to celebrate our Special Envoy, Duke Mo Han, for successfully completing his diplomatic mission to the Beast Tribes—persuading the Beast Emperor to set aside past grievances and reforge an alliance with our Tian Long Empire, making us brother nations. This effort has resolved the border issues that plagued the Tian Long Empire for many years and foiled the ambitions of the Ao Yue Empire seeking to swallow our lands, thus sparing millions of our citizens and soldiers the ravages of war. This is an achievement of monumental merit. Therefore, this banquet is specifically hosted for Duke Mo Han. Everyone, please welcome our Tian Long Empire's hero, Duke Mo Han, with thunderous applause."
The Emperor began with a highly stirring tribute. As his voice faded, the hall erupted in applause like rolling thunder. Dali and the others smiled warmly at Mo Han, their eyes shining with pride, clearly feeling honored to stand beside him.
Mo Han, as the focal point of the celebration, quickly stood up and bowed his head in thanks to the assembled guests.
At that moment, Mo Han spoke, "Mo Han dares not claim the credit entirely. Primarily, it is because the Tian Long Empire, under His Majesty's wise leadership, already enjoys a far-reaching and renowned reputation across the entire continent. Thus, Mo Han merely borrowed the prestige of His Majesty and the Tian Long Empire to narrowly succeed in this mission. I wish here today for the Tian Long Empire to forever remain the preeminent power on the Dragon Soaring Continent, and may all its subjects feel proud to be born within its borders."
As Mo Han concluded, everyone present burst into excited applause, including the Emperor himself.
The Emperor smiled and said, "Duke Mo Han, you need not be so modest. I have always been clear in my judgments of reward and punishment; therefore, these honors you have received are entirely deserved."
Mo Han bowed his head gratefully. The Emperor continued, "Come, let us raise our glasses together. May the destiny of our Tian Long Empire forever flourish and prosper, its foundation passed down through generations."
Hearing this, everyone in the hall promptly raised their cups in agreement.
After finishing the toast, the Emperor added, "Very well, please enjoy your gathering to the fullest. I shall not linger here, lest my presence—an old man—makes any of you feel constrained from enjoying yourselves fully."