After the delegations from various countries left, they went to Luotai City to celebrate the Nanluo King's fiftieth birthday.
The Cao family, led by Cao Hua, brought quite a few people along, including Cao Yang.
Originally, he didn't want to go and had intended to return to the U.S., but he couldn't refuse the invitation from Nan Da and Nancy.
Sitting in the car, watching the scenery outside, his mind was full of thoughts.
This visit to his relatives hadn't achieved what he wanted, but it was within expectations and acceptable.
Earlier, when bidding farewell to Cao Tailin, the old man again urged him to stay in Nanluo Kingdom, offering him a comfortable position, but Cao Yang politely declined.
He knew his great-grandfather genuinely wanted him to stay, but he still refused. After all, this was just his collateral line of the family, not his direct grandfather.
Although Tailin treated him well, it was more a projection of nostalgia for his hometown than a particular affection for Cao Yang.
He was merely a collateral grandson, not the main heir. Staying here would mean being dependent on others.
Sure, staying could guarantee wealth for life, but that wasn't what Cao Yang wanted. Besides, he had a difficult temperament—if conflicts arose with other family members, who would Cao Tailin or Cao Hua support?
Better to leave while maintaining freedom. A little distance could preserve their goodwill; after all, absence can make the heart grow fonder.
"Cao Yang, what are you thinking about?"
He turned to Cao Yiyue and smiled. In the Cao family, only Cao Yiyue and Cao Tailin genuinely welcomed him.
The others were polite, like Cao Hua—he had offered Cao Yang a position, but when Cao Yang declined, he didn't insist. That was all basic courtesy.
The car hadn't even entered Luotai City yet, but the streets were already bustling with excitement, decorated with colorful banners and festive lights.
Women and children wore traditional ethnic clothing, waving portraits of the king and cheering enthusiastically.
Inside the city, the crowds were even denser, a sea of people as far as the eye could see.
The Cao family convoy was escorted by police cars, allowing them to enter the palace without obstruction. Ordinary traffic was completely restricted for the day.
Standing on the palace balcony, overlooking Luotai City, Cao Yang saw the crowd pressing in.
"The king is coming…"
"The king is coming…"
King Nan En rode in on a massive elephant covered in gold attire. Citizens wept and cheered at the sight of him.
Elderly people, women, and children reached toward him, though restricted by police lines, jumping and waving excitedly, tears of joy streaming down almost everyone's faces.
The king, corpulent and jolly, waved his thick hands at the crowd, his small eyes squinting into thin lines from smiling.
Following him were more elephants, carrying queens and princes and princesses, all waving energetically to the public.
Cao Yang watched silently. This scene reminded him of North Korea—almost identical.
"Cao Yang," Diana quietly approached him. They had been invited and had the right to view the celebration from the palace.
Looking at the guests, most were from foreign delegations—USA, Japan, UK, France, China—and a few dignitaries from neighboring small countries. Not many were there out of genuine respect.
"Situ called you, right?"
Cao Yang nodded."Yes, she did."
Diana's expression brightened."She must have told you everything. Will you help me?"
"Situ said not to help you."
Diana paused briefly, then smiled."Just as Situ said, you love teasing people. She knew you would respond that way, so she rushed over to give you a lesson. She's already on the plane—wait for her wrath."
Diana's tone was playful, teasing like a friend, with no malice.
Cao Yang was unimpressed. Honestly, he didn't believe her, and if she came to scold him, who scolds whom would still be uncertain.
As they were about to continue their chat, the king's ceremonial parade finished. The distinguished guests on the balcony were invited inside to the feast.
At the banquet, princes and princesses presented gifts and blessings, followed by officials.
Everything was in the Nanluo language, which Cao Yang couldn't understand. He focused on eating, occasionally glancing at the traditional dances.
As the banquet neared its end, Prince Nan Da stepped forward."Father, on my journey here, I was ambushed. Thanks to Cao Yang's timely intervention, I survived. I humbly request a reward for Cao Yang."
"Who is Cao Yang? Step forward!"
The king's cheerful voice drew all eyes to the Cao family's direction.
Diana was stunned—Cao Yang had saved the prince! Clearly, he had to be courted.
Cao Yang, confused, didn't understand the Nanluo language. Cao Yiyue quickly translated, and he hastily swallowed his food before stepping forward to the hall's center and bowing to the king.
"You are impressive. Thank you for saving Nan Da. What reward do you desire?"
Cao Yang looked at Cao Yiyue for guidance.
Cao Hua stood beside him."Your Majesty, Cao Yang is a child of the Cao family who grew up outside. Saving the prince was his duty. No reward is necessary."
The king's eyes narrowed slightly, smiling."Where is General Tailin? I personally invited him!"
"Your Majesty, he is unwell and unable to travel long distances. Please forgive him."
The king smiled sweetly, inwardly cursing the father and son for being so cunning. They never appeared at the palace together, always keeping one at home, one outside.
"Since the old general cannot come, the reward for Cao Yang must still be given. Ask him what he wants."
Cao Hua translated the king's words to Cao Yang, advising him to refuse anything.
Cao Yang whispered, "Can't I ask for some money? It's just being given freely."
Before Cao Hua could respond, King Nan En spoke."Very well. Give him some money. Bring 1,000 taels of gold to Cao Yang, for saving Prince Nan Da."
Cao Yang was stunned. He had only whispered in Chinese—could the king understand?
Cao Hua whispered, "The king is fluent in Chinese, English, and French."
Cao Yang thought: if you speak Chinese and English, why speak Nanluo and make someone translate for me?
He grumbled inwardly but kept it to himself.
The 1,000 taels of gold were real, not symbolic. Nanluo was rich in gold.
Five massive gold bars were placed before him, each weighing ten kilograms, totaling fifty kilograms—one thousand taels.
Cao Yang licked his lips and lifted the 100 kg in one hand, returning to his seat, astonishing and envying the onlookers.
After the banquet, Diana invited Cao Yang to her room to talk…
Cao Yang knew what this meant—she wanted him to help her, offering benefits, likely a mix of money and seduction.
He hadn't been with a woman for a while. Though he appeared publicly with Hu Qing as her husband, nothing intimate had happened.
Cao Yang felt guilty toward his family, and toward Jie Ge. Nanako had indicated it was fine, but he treated her like a younger sister. These two women couldn't be taken lightly—if he slept with them, responsibility would follow.
Diana had no such reservations. She could be approached casually without consequences. Tonight, Cao Yang thought, he would show her his prowess.