My cultivation disguise has been exposed by Xiao Sizi.

Night falls and the city lights begin to twinkle.

After several days of snow and wind, the sky over Chang'an is exceptionally clear tonight.

A bright, cold moon hung high in the sky, reflecting the thick snow on the streets, making it shimmer with a cool, silvery light.

It is not yet the hour of Xu (7-9 PM).

On the long street north of the East Market, several luxurious carriages bearing the insignia of the highest-ranking nobles drove by one after another.

The carriage stopped in front of the unadorned vermilion gate of the Prince of Qin's mansion.

"Whoa—"

The coachman reined in the carriage, and several key officials of the Tang Dynasty, dressed in heavy purple robes and cloaks, stepped down from the carriage one after another.

Duke Changsun Wuji of Qi, Duke Fang Xuanling of Liang, Duke Du Ruhui of Cai, and Duke Li Jing of Wei.

The last one to jump down from the carriage was Duke Yuchi Jingde of E, who resembled a black iron tower.

The most outstanding civil and military officials of the Tang Dynasty have gathered here tonight on this snowy night.

Several old colleagues met in front of the gate, exchanged glances, and saw a deep sense of doubt and seriousness in each other's eyes.

"Brother Xuanling, His Majesty suddenly issued such an urgent edict so late at night, forcing us to attend a banquet at the Prince of Qin's residence. What exactly is he up to?"

Changsun Wuji tucked his sleeves in and asked in a low voice.

Fang Xuanling shook his head, his white beard trembling slightly in the cold wind.

"I'm completely baffled too. But, Fuji, this Prince Qin's residence is no ordinary prince's mansion."

Fang Xuanling raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on the gilded plaque above the door.

"These past few days, there has been an undercurrent of activity in Chang'an. Everyone is saying that the True Immortal who summoned the heavenly lightning lives here. His Majesty's sudden hosting of a banquet here tonight suggests that he has some earth-shattering event to announce."

"What does it matter! All I know is that His Majesty said there will be an exceptional wine tonight! If I'm late, he'll dock half a year's salary!"

Yuchi Jingde rubbed his large, stiff hands, which were numb from the cold, and said nonchalantly, "Let's go, let's go inside first! It's freezing cold out here!"

As he spoke, Yuchi Jingde took the lead and pushed open the half-closed door.

Just as I stepped over the high threshold.

These pillars of the Tang Dynasty, who wielded immense power in the court and remained unmoved even in the face of a collapsing mountain, were instantly frozen in place.

"hiss--"

Gasps of shock echoed through the doorway.

"This...how is this possible?!"

Du Ruhui stared wide-eyed at the scene before him in disbelief.

Outside the door, it was the dead of winter, when water would freeze instantly, and the wind was biting cold.

But inside the door, it was as warm as springtime! A gentle breeze caressed my face, carrying with it the fragrance of blooming peonies!

Not only that, but after just standing there and taking a couple of deep breaths, they felt a cool and refreshing sensation rush to their heads. The fatigue from handling government affairs for days, as well as the throbbing pain in their old legs, miraculously eased by more than half at that moment!

"A blessed land...this is absolutely a legendary immortal paradise!"

Even Li Jing, the legendary military strategist who had fought countless battles, was filled with shock at this moment, and an uncontrollable fervor and awe welled up in his eyes.

Only at this moment did they completely believe the rumor.

There really are immortals living in this Qin King's mansion!

"Gentlemen, His Majesty has been waiting for you in the banquet hall in the back courtyard for quite some time. Please follow me."

An imperial eunuch who had been waiting there respectfully ushered the several utterly shocked dignitaries inside.

Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the spacious banquet hall in the backyard.

The hall was brightly lit, with dozens of large, thick, red tallow candles illuminating it as if it were daytime.

Several huge silver charcoal braziers were placed around the area, but with the blessing of the spirit-gathering array, these charcoal fires were not actually needed for heating; they were purely there to enhance the lively atmosphere of the banquet.

As Changsun Wuji and the others entered the hall, they immediately composed themselves.

At the very top of the hall, Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty sat in the main seat.

He wasn't wearing a dragon robe today, only a purple casual outfit, but the rosy glow on his face was even more dazzling than a burning red candle, and he exuded an undisguised air of smugness.

And in the passenger seat next to Li Shimin.

Li Chen, the sixteenth prince of the Tang Dynasty, was leaning back in his chair, looking utterly bored. He was holding a handful of crispy roasted peanuts, peeling them and tossing them into his mouth without a second thought, not even lifting an eyelid at the arrival of these dukes.

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

The five senior officials bowed in unison.

"No need for formalities! Tonight is a family banquet, and also a victory celebration. My dear ministers, please don't stand on ceremony, and take your seats!"

Li Shimin waved his hand and laughed so hard that his eyes disappeared from his grin.

After expressing their gratitude, Changsun Wuji and the others took their seats on either side.

The table in front of them was already laden with delicacies from land and sea, as well as jars of imperial wine exuding a rich aroma.

But at that moment, no one was in the mood to pick up their chopsticks.

Everyone was filled with curiosity, like cats scratching their heads: What exactly was His Majesty celebrating? And where were the immortals in the Qin Prince's mansion?

Yuchi Jingde was an impatient man. He picked up the wine bowl in front of him, drank it all in one gulp, and wiped his mouth.

"Your Majesty! You summoned us old folks in the middle of the night, saying you wanted to celebrate. What earth-shattering good news could it be? Could it be that the Turkic barbarians at the front have surrendered?"

"What's so great about the surrender of the Turkic barbarians?"

Li Shimin raised his wine cup and smiled mysteriously, "If I were to tell you about this joyous occasion tonight, it would probably shock you all."

As he spoke, Li Shimin turned his head and looked at a screen at the back of the hall.

"Uncle Bao! Stop hiding in the back! Come out and let these old brothers see how energetic and vigorous you look now!"

Li Shimin shouted loudly.

Shubao? Qin Qiong?!

Upon hearing this name...

All the dukes present were stunned.