The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 222 Congratulations from all tribes

The day had finally arrived. The Yun Clan Manor was adorned with vibrant decorations, its halls filled with an air of joyous celebration.

At the banquet, Yun Yantian, dressed in a groom's ceremonial attire, stood beside his wife, Baili Moxue, warmly toasting and exchanging pleasantries with the guests who had come to offer their congratulations.

"Brother Yantian, Sister-in-law, I wish you both a harmonious union and the blessing of a child soon!"

At the table, Yun Yanshui raised her cup with a bright smile, downing the strong wine in one go.

"Hehe! I also wish Brother Yantian and Sister-in-law endless happiness and a healthy, chubby son soon!"

Beside her, Yun Yanshuang added with a beaming grin.

The other younger members of the Yun family—Yun Yansong, Yun Yanbai, Yun Yandong, and Yun Yanying—also came forward, each extending their heartfelt congratulations. Even Yun Yanling and her husband, who had returned specially from their shop in the marketplace, joined in the revelry.

The children, such as Yun Wenxuan and Yun Wenyu, clustered together, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they gazed at their new aunt, their laughter filling the air.

Meanwhile, the elder generation, including Yun Yunyang, bestowed their heartfelt blessings upon the newlyweds.

"Brother Yunyang, the Emperor and Immortal Master Li have arrived!"

A member of the Yun Clan hurried in from the entrance, speaking in a low voice.

"Haha! Excellent, excellent! Let's go meet them at once."

Yun Yunyang laughed heartily, gathering his brothers and cousins before heading to the manor's gates.

"Yunyang pays respects to His Majesty and Immortal Master Li."

Upon seeing Baili Xi, clad in resplendent royal robes, alongside Li Qing, Yun Yunyang and his kin cupped their hands in a respectful bow.

"No need for such formalities! Today, I am not here as the Emperor but as a father, here to witness my daughter marry her beloved," Baili Xi said with a gentle wave, his smile putting everyone at ease.

"Your Majesty, Immortal Master Li, please come inside,"

After a brief exchange, Yun Yunyang personally escorted Baili Xi and Li Qing into the manor, treating them as honored guests.

Yun Yantian and Baili Moxue quickly stepped forward to pay their respects, and both Baili Xi and Li Qing extended their blessings to the couple.

"Ah, drinking at your Yun family's celebrations is always such a pleasure. I truly enjoy the lively atmosphere here!"

Baili Xi laughed heartily as he clinked cups with Yun Yunyang and the others, clearly in high spirits.

"If Your Majesty enjoys it, please visit us often! The Yun family will always offer you the warmest hospitality,"

Yun Yunyue, the groom's uncle, replied with a hearty laugh as he offered Baili Xi another drink.

"Haha! Then I shall not hold back. When I find some free time, I'll certainly come and drink to my heart's content!"

Baili Xi's laughter echoed through the hall.

As the guests were immersed in their drinking and chatter, an announcement rang out from outside the manor.

"The Ye Clan of Canglan has arrived to offer their congratulations. They present two third-grade yellow-tier spirit artifacts, wishing the Prince Consort and the Seventh Princess a harmonious union and many blessings!"

The unexpected announcement caused Yun Yunyang, Baili Xi, and the others to pause in surprise.

A moment later, a procession approached, led by Ye Wansheng, the current patriarch of the Ye Clan, accompanied by several elders and young members of the family.

"Your Majesty, please excuse me while I go and greet them," Yun Yunyang said courteously.

"Of course, go ahead," Baili Xi replied with a smile, lifting his cup for another sip. He understood the Ye Clan's intentions—they sought to strengthen ties with the Yun family. It was a development he welcomed.

"Younger Yun Yunyang greets Patriarch Ye Wansheng."

"There's no need for such formality. I hope our sudden arrival hasn't caused you any inconvenience," Ye Wansheng said, returning the gesture with a smile.

"Patriarch Ye jests. Your presence here to celebrate my nephew and Moxue's wedding brings great honor to the Yun family. How could we not welcome you warmly?" Yun Yunyang replied graciously before directing Yun Yunrui to escort the Ye Clan members inside.

Moments later, more voices called out from the gates:

"The Lin Clan of Wangyue has arrived to offer their congratulations. They present three treasured herbs and a thousand spirit stones, wishing the Prince Consort and the Seventh Princess a harmonious union and many blessings!"

"The Lu Clan of Chuanyin has arrived to offer their congratulations. They present a volume of Daoist techniques, wishing the Prince Consort and the Seventh Princess a harmonious union and many blessings!"

One after another, prominent clans began arriving at the manor, each bringing lavish gifts and congratulations.

"The Lou Clan of Rizhao, bearing fifty spirit pills and a thousand spirit stones, has come to offer their congratulations!"

"The Wu Clan of Ehu has come to offer their congratulations…"

"The Zhao Clan of Tonglin has come to offer their congratulations…"

"The Xu Clan of Kunshan has come to offer their congratulations…"

"The Wen Clan of Qishan has come to offer their congratulations…"

The continuous arrival of clan patriarchs and their entourages left the Yun family members astonished. Even the dignitaries and nobles from Yunzhang County, who had come as guests, were shocked to witness these illustrious families of Yue Kingdom, one after another, paying their respects to the Yun family.

"The Yun Clan of Yuncang is truly remarkable now."

"Indeed! Once a small family, they've steadily risen to prominence. Not only have they become royal in-laws, but even the great clans of Yue Kingdom are now seeking ties with them. Their influence is extraordinary."

"It seems the Yun family's future will be brighter still."

In the banquet hall, the murmurs of astonishment and envy from the county's elite mingled with the laughter and cheer.

"Greetings to His Majesty and Immortal Master Li!"

Ye Wansheng, Lin Chuqiu, Lu Yurong, and the other clan patriarchs led their families in saluting Baili Xi and Li Qing, their expressions filled with respect.

"There's no need for excessive ceremony. Please, take your seats."

"Today is a day of great joy for my son. I am truly heartened to see all of you gathered here to celebrate this occasion!"

In the presence of the Yun Clan members, Baili Xi referred to himself as "I" instead of "We," a gesture that underscored his intent to establish a sense of equality and familial closeness with the Yun family. However, in front of the elders and descendants of the Ye Clan and other visiting families, he returned to the imperial "We," subtly asserting his position as their superior.

Even though some of the attending families, such as the Ye Clan, shared ties with the royal family, their standing in Baili Xi's heart was far from that of the Yuncang Yun Clan.

Nearby, Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunyue, Yun Yunfeng, and Yun Yunshan listened intently, their hearts moved by Baili Xi's words.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Ye Wansheng and the elders and juniors of the various clans bowed deeply in unison before being led to their seats by members of the Yun family.

"Yulin Wang Clan has arrived to offer their congratulations, wishing the Prince Consort and Seventh Princess a harmonious union and many blessings!"

"The Wang Clan patriarch has personally come?"

At the banquet, Yun Yanshuang raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Among the Three Houses and Six Clans, the Yulin Wang Clan had long harbored grievances against the Yuncang Yun Clan. Recently, the Yun family had even orchestrated the downfall of the Su family, a faction secretly supported by the Wang Clan. Yun Yanshuang had expected retaliation, not a gesture of goodwill.

"Although our Yun family and the Wang Clan have clashed in secret, we've maintained polite relations on the surface. With the other great families arriving to celebrate, the Wang Clan wouldn't want to risk appearing indifferent," Yun Yanshui said nonchalantly, shoveling food into his mouth without pause.

"True enough," Yun Yanshuang nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging her brother's reasoning.

"Patriarch Qinglin, Brother Chongtian, please, come inside," Yun Yunyang said as he and his kin stepped forward to greet the Wang Clan's delegation, led by Wang Qinglin himself.

"We hope our uninvited presence isn't a disturbance," Wang Qinglin said with a warm smile.

"Patriarch Qinglin jests. Your presence brings us great joy," Yun Yunyang replied courteously, ushering the Wang Clan members into the banquet hall.

As the Wang Clan took their seats, they drew furtive, hostile glances from the likes of Ye Wansheng, Lin Chuqiu, and Lu Yurong. Yet, with Baili Xi present, none dared escalate the tension into open conflict.

"Wang Qinglin greets His Majesty and Immortal Master Li."

"Wang Chongtian greets His Majesty and Immortal Master Li."

"No need for formalities—please, take your seats," Baili Xi said with a wave of his hand.

After a brief silence, Baili Xi addressed the room once more, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity.

"Not long ago, I was made aware of the tragic death of Wang Liyuan, the Wang Clan's noble descendant with a spiritual root, in Tongshan County. It grieved me deeply.

"Patriarch Qinglin, members of the Wang Clan, I urge you to temper your sorrow and avoid further strife with other families. The unity of our kingdom must not be undermined by internal discord."

Wang Qinglin bowed deeply. "We shall heed Your Majesty's words and bear them in mind."

He then led the Wang Clan members to their seats, but whether they truly took the Emperor's counsel to heart remained an open question.

Raising his voice to the assembly, Baili Xi continued:

"Honored guests, I am delighted to welcome all of you here to celebrate this joyous union of my son and the Prince Consort.

"However, since all of you are gathered here today, there is an important announcement I wish to make."

The banquet hall fell silent as all eyes turned to the Emperor.

"From this day forward, I officially decree the Yuncang Yun Clan as one of the new Ten Great Clans of Yue Kingdom, replacing the former Tongshan Xia Clan.

"I hope that all families present here will look after one another, work together for the prosperity of our kingdom, and assist the royal family in leading Yue Kingdom to even greater glory!"

His voice grew solemn, carrying the weight of his authority:

"Remember this well: when one prospers, all prosper. When one suffers, all suffer.

"If strife among the families of Yue Kingdom continues unchecked, it will only serve as a spectacle for the neighboring nations to mock us. Should our kingdom falter, it will invite invasion.

"At that time, there will be no country, no homes, and no safety for the people. And the families you lead will inevitably fall to foreign hands.

"I trust none of you would wish to see such a fate come to pass."

The hall remained quiet, the Emperor's words reverberating in the hearts of all present. The air was heavy with the unspoken agreement that the path forward lay in unity—or ruin.