Sheng’an City, around the Imperial Capital Hotel, temporary traffic controls were in place.

The evening sun’s glow adorned the sky; amidst the city’s flickering neon lights, the prosperity of the Imperial Capital was reflected. Several low-profile yet luxurious cars arrived, one after another, stopping at the red carpet laid in front of the main entrance of the Imperial Capital Hotel.

Established for 290 years, the Xuanqing Empire, with its rich cultural history, regularly held numerous traditional events. Among these, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet stood out as one of the highest-level gatherings.

The scions of noble families and young ladies were merely “side dishes” at this banquet. The prominent figures holding national power were the main focus. Since this was an event hosted by the Imperial Family, the supreme rulers, Emperor Xuan’an and the Empress, would be in attendance.

Su Yuxi, with her arm draped in a long coat and adorned in a knee-length dark blue evening gown with matching high heels, entered the banquet hall, exuding grace, nobility, and elegance.

Compared to other women, her evening gown was undoubtedly conservative—no exposed shoulders, no bareback, no exposed collarbones… not even her arms were visible.

Yet, the moment she entered, she still drew most of the attention. Her graceful and beautiful appearance was secondary; the upper echelons were more concerned about the power she represented.

Covering an area of a million square kilometers in the northern territory of Chang’an Kingdom, commanding a half-million Northern Border Army, guarding the northern borders, and… the leader of the Royalist Party — these were all represented by this seventeen-year-old girl.

Not only did she represent vast power, but she also possessed exceptional talent. Despite her young age, she effortlessly handled political and military affairs. Among her peers, she undoubtedly stood out.

Therefore, her presence at this event signified that she wouldn’t interact much with her peers, unless they also wielded a certain level of actual power.

“Good evening, Princess.”

“Princess…”

Although she is not the daughter of an imperial prince, Su Yuxi still has the title of “Princess” bestowed by Emperor Xuan’an, making her the only ‘imperial princess’ among the various unrelated royal families of the Xuanqing Empire.

With an elegant gait, Su Yuxi nodded and smiled in response. For the sake of her brother’s surprise reward, even if she didn’t like such banquets, she had to try to maintain a smile.

After brief pleasantries, Su Yuxi went to a sofa in the corner. She gently pulled the back of her dark blue evening gown together with both hands and then sat down.

Resting her hands lightly on her thighs, Su Yuxi surveyed the softly conversing people in the luxurious banquet hall, where the crystal lights illuminated everyone’s faces, displaying a noble and refined demeanor.

With slightly lowered eyelids, she reached into the pocket of her coat used for warmth, took out her phone, plugged in her earphones, and started playing the recorded ‘Brother’s Quotes’.

In this somewhat extravagant environment, her brother’s voice was like a spring breeze enveloping her, making every pore in her body relax.

“No wonder she’s the Princess; still listening to reports at such events. There’s a reason why she manages the Northern Border so systematically.”

“I heard the Seven-Angles Alliance from the north is preparing for an assault before winter. I suppose that’s what she’s hearing about.”

“With the Crown Prince of Chang’an and those ‘Torchbearers,’ the Seven-Angles Alliance won’t be able to attack.”

“But it still couldn’t be achieved without the coordination and arrangements by our Princess. Sigh, the Prince has contributed so much to this country, why hasn’t he taken…”

“Mind your words!”

“I understand… I’m curious if the information the Princess is currently receiving is important.”

“Anything that requires the Princess’s personal attention must be important…”

The banquet hall was warm. Su Yuxi slightly opened her eyes, covered her legs with the windbreaker, and expertly navigated her phone’s screen, replaying the voice of her brother scolding her.

While being praised by her brother was delightful, occasionally receiving a scolding feels quite nice too.

A hint of a smile crept up on the corner of her lips, which quickly subsided. Su Yuxi slightly lowered her head, feeling somewhat out of place amidst the clinking of glasses.

“The Princess smiled for a moment, seems like everything is under control, perhaps even sorted out.”

“For ten years, the Northern Border has been as steady as a rock. How could anything happen?”

“Moreover, nowadays, troubles might not necessarily come from external threats…”

“His Majesty arrives!”

Amidst the slightly sharp voice, the hall fell silent. People adjusted their attire and stood up…

They all turned towards the entrance of the banquet hall, solemnly waiting for the arrival of the empire’s highest ruler.

Su Yuxi removed the earphones, placed them back in the coat pocket, and gently laid the coat on the sofa. She stood facing the entrance of the banquet hall.

Her brother should be getting ready to join the party now, right? But… his thoughts must surely be focused on her.

‘Yuxi, don’t embarrass your brother. You can do it!’

…

The Sky City, belonging to the special district, didn’t fall under the territorial jurisdiction of any country. Hence, aside from students who were native to the Sky City, students attending Sky University were considered international students.

Approaching eight in the evening, the contrast between the neon lights of Sky City and the gloomy sky was striking. Distant thunder rumbled, and the autumn wind whistled.

Su Yuchen, who was walking, sighed lightly. No wonder he hadn’t encountered any ‘misfortune’ along the way— it turned out that a heavy rain was brewing; he hadn’t brought an umbrella.

Fortunately, he arrived at the party location before the rain started—the Rose Garden Hotel.

“Junior Yuchen, over here!”

Kristia waved and walked toward Su Yuchen, causing a slight sneer from Phyllis. Nevertheless, she also felt relieved. Thank goodness this guy showed up; otherwise, Tia, who came early but didn’t enter, would be ready to leave at any moment.

Su Yuchen looked up, his eyes brightening. In his line of sight, Tia’s loosely curled golden hair naturally cascaded over her chest, her skin radiant against the black evening gown, resembling a blooming white lotus. Her fair, slender legs radiated a silent allure beneath the black gown.

Unfortunately, she was still wearing a coat, and he couldn’t see the full elegance of her evening dress.

“Lost in admiration?” Kristia raised her eyebrows as she pointedly flicked Su Yuchen’s forehead. “Still not used to seeing it?”

“Senior Tia looks very different from her usual self,” Su Yuchen mumbled softly. “Very… very beautiful.”

“Meaning I’m not usually pretty enough?”

“N-No, not at all!” Su Yuchen shook his head hurriedly as Kristia hooked her arm around his. “Let’s talk inside; it’s really cold tonight… it’s raining.”

Stepping onto the red-carpeted steps, arriving at the hotel’s entrance, Phyllis reached out to stop Su Yuchen.

“Junior Yuchen, you haven’t lost the invitation, have you?”

“No.”

Su Yuchen was about to take it out when…

“Don’t bring the invitation.” Phyllis smiled at the two. “No phones allowed inside.”

???

Su Yuchen glanced at her incredulously. Is it really a ‘decadent party’??