She utterly disliked Princess Consort Ying’s behavior of setting traps behind people’s backs.
Clearly, she already knew she was pregnant, yet she pretended not to and said such things intentionally.
Merely to make Lin Wanyi reveal her own pregnancy.
This was the Empress Dowager’s banquet in her honor; if the spotlight shifted to her, she’d certainly incur the wrath of the harem, not to mention the Empress Dowager wouldn’t be pleased with her either.
It’s remarkable that previously she hadn’t noticed Princess Consort Ying had such a scheming mind.
Upon being refused, Princess Consort Ying’s expression froze momentarily.
Probably she hadn’t expected Lin Wanyi to respond with such thorns, hadn’t she?
Just as she was about to speak, she heard the Emperor, sitting on the Dragon Chair, addressing those below.
"Come, everyone, let us raise our cups in celebration of the Empress Dowager returning to the palace."
The Emperor was the first to finish his drink, leaving the others with nothing more to say.
Especially as Princess Consort Ying’s gaze swept between the Emperor and Lin Wanyi, pondering whether the Emperor’s actions just now were a defense or a mere coincidence?
The music and dance began, and the banquet commenced.
Princess Consort Yi’s arrangement of the palace banquet was in no way inferior to the time when Lin Guifei held power.
It even showed a bit more consideration.
For example, the Empress Dowager’s maternal family was from Sui Province, so a local dance troupe from Sui Province was presented in special tribute.
The Empress Dowager watched with a face full of smiles.
Princess Consort Yi felt greatly pleased.
Across the shapes of those dancers, it was also Lin Wanyi’s first time seeing the Empress Dowager’s two daughters.
Princess Hui Xian and Princess Hui Yue.
And the Prince Consort beside them.
Both carried a dignified air typical of princesses, being close in age and born of the same mother, thus having some resemblance in appearance.
Yet upon careful observation, Princess Hui Xian exuded a touch more of gentleness, whereas Princess Hui Yue carried an extra edge.
Seemingly noticing Lin Wanyi’s gaze, Princess Hui Yue also looked over.
Between the two’s "unintentional" eye contact, the look in Hui Yue’s eyes betrayed a clear intent of inquiry.
This left Lin Wanyi puzzled.
Though the two had never met, why did she show such a look?
It even felt somewhat hostile. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⦿fire.net
Recalling the stories told by the Second Prince about the Emperor’s childhood, Lin Wanyi quickly understood.
It seemed that against the Emperor, it was Princess Hui Yue who stood in opposition.
Anyone close to the Emperor was disliked by her.
Realizing this, Lin Wanyi steadied her gaze, meeting her eyes without any fear.
Her lips appeared to smile, yet there was no trace of laughter in her eyes.
For someone the Emperor disliked, how could she find favor?
In this respect, she was firmly loyal like a wife following her husband.
Sensing Lin Wanyi’s defiance and some provocation, Princess Hui Yue’s stubbornness flared.
After a mocking smile, she stood up, halting the music and dance, then spoke.
"Mother, we can see these dances every day, but during these days you weren’t in the capital, there have been many interesting things happening. If Mother is interested, I can recount them."
Everyone watching the dance was quite engrossed, unexpectedly interrupted by Princess Hui Yue.
There was much displeasure in their hearts.
Yet upon hearing that, it seemed there was something to be said.
Their initial displeasure dissipated, focusing intensely on Princess Hui Yue, waiting for her to speak.
The Empress Dowager, however, looking at her youngest daughter, felt a thread of impatience.
When she was born, the Empress Dowager’s own position as Empress was not stable, hence she had little concern, wholly absorbed in maneuverings within the harem and the court.
Once everything settled, she developed a mother’s heart wishing to care.
Unfortunately, she was already spoiled by the palace attendants into being uncontrollable.
After some chaos, the child became more restrained, but the maternal bond between them faded considerably.
For example, during her years away at Wutai Mountain.
Princess Hui Xian returned annually to visit, each time staying for a month or two in filial piety.
But Princess Hui Yue never visited.
Now that she returned to the capital, did she feel a greater Buddha to protect her?
Was that why she was eager to say such things?
The Empress Dowager felt a little disappointed.
"Whatever you have to say, tell it to me later in Cining Palace. Everyone is watching the dance now, why interrupt?"
The Empress Dowager’s words were already clear enough; how could Princess Hui Yue not understand?
Yet her temperament had been rebellious since childhood; the more she was forbidden, the more she wanted to do.
So she disregarded others and the occasion, directly speaking.
"Even if Mother disapproves of me speaking, I must say it. Empress Xu has been deceased for three years, and now the position of Central Palace remains vacant. Although Lin Guifei and Princess Consort Yi have been managing affairs, it lacks a certain legitimacy. Hence, many in the harem harbor different thoughts, intending to harm our Da Wei Dynasty."
Upon hearing this, everyone began whispering among themselves.
The Fourth Prince frowned, looking at the niece he consistently disliked, coldly replied.
"Hui Yue, everyone is happy today. Don’t speak recklessly just because you had a few more drinks."
This warning was already quite clear, but unfortunately, if Hui Yue could understand that, she wouldn’t have been so arrogant over the years.
She thus retorted sarcastically.
"Niece is not like Fourth Uncle, who gets drunk easily due to age. My drinking capacity could last the whole night without consequence."
She really wouldn’t stop until she was shocking.
"Hmph, as a Princess, without any accomplishments, instead boasting about your drinking capability—is this truly something to be proud of?"
The Prince Consort beside her was so embarrassed he seemed flushed, yet he didn’t know how to advise the Princess to sit down.
After all, within the Princess Mansion, he merely held a titular position.
If discussed seriously, he might be less favored than those intimate figures in the inner chamber.
Thus, he merely bowed his head in silence.
"Outrageous, even daring to contradict your Fourth Uncle?"
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager immediately reprimanded.
Her words silenced the whispering crowd.
Everyone looked towards the Empress Dowager.
Her face bore displeasure, facing Princess Hui Yue with imposing dignity.
Hui Yue felt a shiver of trepidation at her stern gaze.
Seeing no one step forward to aid her, she reluctantly sat down.
Looking towards the Emperor, however, she saw only mockery directed at her.
His gaze seemed to say she was overestimating herself.
Hui Yue bit down hard in anger, her resentment growing.
If not for the Emperor’s appearance, which stole her parents’ affection, she should have been the most favored in the harem.
Consequently, from a young age, she harbored hatred for this brother in the cradle.
The present situation amplified it.
Why should he, using familial influence, become the acclaimed Emperor, while she remained just a mere Princess?
Destined for a life of supporting a husband and raising children.