The Name of Eternals

Chapter 82: The Imperial Princess

The servant at the courtyard entrance quickly greeted Li Hao, knowing that this young master was well-liked by the first madam.

At this time, the moon was just rising, and the stars were scattered across the sky.

In the courtyard, lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow through the silk window screens of the main hall, from which came the sounds of laughter and conversation, indicating a joyous gathering.

Uncle Zhao and Qingzhi followed Li Hao to the steps outside the main hall, where they stood respectfully, waiting for the banquet to end. They would only enter if called upon.

The Li family had strict rules, and the servants did not dare to overstep their bounds.

Inside the main hall.

As soon as Li Hao walked in, he noticed an eye-catching unfamiliar young girl.

She looked around sixteen, an age of budding beauty.

The girl was already about 1.7 meters tall, with a slender and graceful figure. Her eyes were as serene as a frosty lake, exuding a calmness uncommon for her age.

Li Hao could still see traces of her childhood round cheeks, but now, as she matured, her facial features had become more refined and beautiful, like a flower about to bloom.

She wore an elegant oyster-white dress, pure and refined, with crystal-like embellishments on the folds of the dress, giving it a relaxed yet extremely luxurious look. Combined with her fresh and pure aura, she resembled a fairy emerging from the mist.

Obviously, this was Li Wushuang.

In addition, Li Hao also saw that next to his long-lost cousin were Li Yun and Li Zhining, both sitting properly with their hands on their laps, their faces beaming with simple smiles. In the midst of the adults' praise and laughter, their gazes occasionally drifted to their older sister beside them.

The bright and dazzling presence of their sister filled their eyes with hope and admiration.

This sight reminded Li Hao of five years ago when they first came to Shanhai Courtyard, sitting with their chins resting on their hands, listening attentively to his stories, looking just as well-behaved.

"No wonder Shuang'er is so exceptional, reaching the Divine Wandering Stage at such a young age. Achieving this at fifteen makes her a top-tier talent. There's a good chance she will reach the Three Immortals Stage within her lifetime," said the ninth madam, Jiang Xian'er, in a soft and gentle voice from her seat at the end of the table.

She was the fiancée of Li Jiajiulang (Li Junye), a princess of the royal family.

Upon seeing the ninth madam, Li Hao's eyes revealed a few more respectful glances.

The ninth madam was the youngest among all the madams, only thirty-two this year. According to Second Grandpa, she had stayed with the Li family for a while during her childhood due to certain circumstances, which was when she first met the ninth uncle.

They were somewhat of childhood sweethearts, separated when they grew up. But when the ninth uncle wandered and experienced the world, they met again, fell in love, and secretly pledged to be together for life.

The ninth uncle was extremely talented, becoming the True Dragon of the Li family's previous generation. Thus, Emperor Yu did not oppose this marriage and gave his consent.

Unfortunately, just before the wedding, the ninth uncle wanted to make a name for himself first and return gloriously to marry the ninth madam. But only two years after joining the army, he died on the battlefield, halting the marriage abruptly and causing much regret.

Normally, the death of the ninth uncle would cancel the engagement, especially for a royal princess who couldn't be expected to remain a widow.

But the ninth madam deeply cherished her promise, declaring she would only marry Li Jiajiulang for her entire life.

After a fierce argument with the emperor in the royal palace, she finally came to Qingzhou, carrying the ninth uncle's ceremonial armor, completing the marriage he couldn't fulfill, and becoming the ninth madam of the Li family.

This tale was well-known throughout Qingzhou.

In the mansion, all the madams highly respected Jiang Xian'er. Even Second Grandpa and Fifth Grandpa spoke fondly of her, not because of her royal status, but due to her deep affection.

Li Hao felt a great sense of admiration when he first heard Second Grandpa recount this story.

In this era, transportation was slow, and people only had enough time to love one person in a lifetime.

Only enough time to remember one person in a lifetime.

Unlike his previous era, where a swipe up on the phone screen could make people change their hearts eighty times in one night.

"Ninth madam, you are too kind." Li Wushuang smiled lightly at Jiang Xian'er.

To others, she showed indifference, but she held a deep respect for the woman who had loved her ninth uncle so deeply.

"Li Hao is here."

Madam He Jianlan, seated in the center of the hall, noticed Li Hao and her already smiling face showed even more warmth as she beckoned him over, "Come, sit here."

Only then did the others notice Li Hao. Jiang Xian'er glanced at him and gave a gentle smile, looking very amiable.

Li Hao returned the smile. Among all the madams, only the first madam and the ninth madam made him feel truly at ease.

Walking to the table, he noticed two plates of the dishes he had asked Yuan Zhao to buy. Li Hao smiled, then handed the gift box to his cousin.

"I heard that Sister Wushuang has returned, so I specially prepared a small gift. I hope you like it," Li Hao said.

Li Wushuang glanced at the gift box and took it, her expression indifferent. "Thank you."

She was about to pass the gift box to the gift table behind her.

Madam Liu Yuerong, sitting next to He Jianlan, noticed and smiled, "Shuang'er, why don't you see what Li Hao has given you? He rarely gives anyone anything besides food."

He Jianlan calmly added, "We have everything we need. The food Li Hao sends is what he makes himself, and that's the most precious."

"That's true," Liu Yuerong nodded with a smile.

Jiang Xian'er turned to Li Hao and said with a smile, "Li Hao, come and sit down. It's been a long time since I had your pastries."

"If you like, Ninth madam, I'll make some for you tomorrow," Li Hao replied with a smile as he took his seat.

While they were talking, Li Wushuang frowned slightly. She wasn't very interested, but since Second Madam had spoken, it seemed she had to look to avoid appearing indifferent.

She opened the gift box and saw the porcelain bottle and dragon horn comb.

As expected, these common items were of little interest to her. She was about to close the box.

But Liu Yuerong laughed and said, "Li Hao, you're very thoughtful. This dragon horn comb is finely crafted. What's in the porcelain bottle?"

"Shaping Pills," Li Hao replied with a smile.

Li Wushuang raised an eyebrow and closed the box, placing it on the gift table beside her. "Do you think I need such pills?"

Her voice was soft but carried a chill that made the atmosphere noticeably cooler.

Her words were hard to respond to.

Need them? That would imply she had poor aptitude and needed pills.

Don't need them? Then why give them?

Li Hao paused, feeling a bit helpless.

Indeed, gifting was a tricky business.

"Shuang'er."

Fifth Madam Gao Qingqing noticed the tone of her daughter's voice was off and, not wanting any unpleasantness at the celebratory family banquet, quickly said with a smile:

"Li Hao was being thoughtful. It's been years since you've seen each other, and he didn't know what you liked. This dragon horn comb is quite nice, and as for the pills, you can keep them if you don't need them."

Li Yun, who had been sitting properly and obediently, suddenly seemed more arrogant upon seeing Li Hao, as if he felt it was embarrassing to appear so well-behaved in front of him.

Seeing Li Hao in a seemingly awkward situation, Li Yun leaned back slightly, adopting Li Hao's usual indifferent expression, and said with a slight sneer:

"Li Hao, do you know that my sister is a nine-rank combat body, a top-tier talent? She doesn't need any auxiliary pills. Giving her these pills is an insult. Are you looking down on my sister?"

He finished and looked smugly at Li Hao, feeling emboldened with his elder sister's support.

Where did this idiot come from... Li Hao glanced at him, thinking that if he made a scene, it would embarrass his sister, not himself.

Sure enough, Fifth Madam Gao Qingqing's face changed slightly, and she quickly pinched Li Yun's back. Though they were family and had the first madam present, making someone uncomfortable was not acceptable.

Li Yun winced from the pinch and saw his mother's angry eyes. Knowing he might have done something wrong, he hesitated.

But what did I do wrong?

Wasn't I telling the truth?

While Li Yun was in a daze, Li Hao smiled slightly, naturally not getting up in anger. He wouldn't get nervous and explain either.

"Sister might not need such pills, but my cousin might. You can keep them for him."

Li Hao smiled and added, "As for the comb, if Sister doesn't like it, give it to Zhining."

Li Wushuang's face darkened, clearly understanding the underlying insult that her brother might be inadequate.

"What do you mean?"

She asked directly, disliking beating around the bush and not caring about face.

"Did Sister not hear clearly?"

Li Hao feigned surprise, thinking both siblings were a bit dense.

Li Wushuang's eyes narrowed slightly, wanting to lash out, but Gao Qingqing interrupted with a cough, saying:

"Shuang'er, Li Hao is still young and didn't know your situation. Giving you Shaping Pills was well-intentioned."

Jiang Xian'er smiled and said, "Shuang'er, if you don't like it, I'll make it up to Li Hao later."

"Yes, Shuang'er, Li Hao meant well," Liu Yuerong quickly added.

Li Wushuang glanced at Li Hao but said nothing more, casually placing the gift box on the gift table behind her.

At this moment, footsteps approached from outside, and soon, Li Yuanzhao's voice called out, "Li Hao."

Li Hao turned to see his cousin and Fourth Madam Xiao Yujing arriving.

Hearing Li Yuanzhao's call, Xiao Yujing's just-calmed mood flared up again. This brat, calling out to Li Hao first upon entering, did he not know he was here to celebrate Li Wushuang?

Annoyed, but unable to scold him in front of everyone, she quickly walked up and said with a smile:

"Sisters, I apologize for being late. Is this Shuang'er? My, how you've grown and become so beautiful. Qingqing, you've raised a wonderful daughter."

With a few words, she lightened the atmosphere, diverting attention from Li Yuanzhao's faux pas.

Li Hao remained seated, smiling. These ladies were not to be underestimated.

Li Yuanzhao greeted Li Hao, exchanging glances that assured there was no misunderstanding. He then handed his gift to Li Wushuang.

"What's this?" Liu Yuerong asked curiously.

"Open it and see, Sister," Li Yuanzhao replied with a smile.

Li Wushuang frowned, feeling a bit exasperated, but opened it to reveal a sharp dagger.

"Isn't this the famous dagger 'Hanxiang'?"

Gao Qingqing immediately recognized it, her surprised gaze shifting to Xiao Yujing, "Fourth sister, this is a renowned divine weapon, capable of piercing the bodies of the three immortals."

Xiao Yujing smiled, "It's a gift from Yuanzhao. As long as Shuang'er likes it."

Gao Qingqing turned to her daughter, "Thank your cousin."

Li Wushuang's eyes brightened with appreciation. Though she used a sword, having a dagger for close combat was extremely useful.

"Thank you, cousin."

Her tone was warm as she expressed her gratitude.

Li Yuanzhao waved it off with a smile and sat beside Li Hao.

Shortly after, the third and eighth madams arrived, and soon everyone was present.

He Jianlan knew Li Wushuang disliked large gatherings, so she hadn't invited the concubines, making the gathering more intimate and to her liking.

Aside from the madams, Li Wushuang's father, Li Xuanli, also returned from his meditation retreat within the mansion.

He appeared to be in his forties, with a scholarly air. He had been severely injured on the battlefield years ago, but compared to his brothers, he had survived relatively unscathed.

To escape severely wounded from a demon's grasp was no easy feat. The Li family's sons on the battlefield were prime targets for major demons. Once injured, they would be relentlessly attacked by the demons.

After all, over the years, the Li family had guarded the borders and killed countless demons, earning numerous grudges.

To the demon clan, except for the Wang family, the four great generals' families were mortal enemies, to be devoured at any cost.