Red walls and yellow tiles, flying eaves and arching brackets. Everywhere dignity resounds, solemn and awe-inspiring.
The Imperial Palace was no stranger to hosting Cuju conferences. Everything proceeded according to past practices, with Empress Zou seated high in the Jiao Palace, ordering her servants to prepare everything methodically.
Empress Zou was well-maintained, still charming. Yet upon closer examination, exhaustion was evident beneath her eyelids. She had only Crown Prince Ji Zhui and Fifth Princess Ji Shimin under her name.
With graceful elegance, she took the tea offered by a palace maid, sipped gently, then wiped her lips with a handkerchief.
"Mother, did you not sleep well last night?" Ji Shimin entered from outside, dressed in a beautiful rose-colored palace attire, looking quite pleasing.
Upon her arrival, palace maids served tea and greeted her formally.
Upon seeing her, Empress Zou couldn’t help but smile gently.
"Mother is well. You should take care of your own health. It would be best to participate in today’s Cuju if possible, but if you’re not feeling well, don’t force yourself. You’ll end up suffering in the end."
The banquet was held in the name of Ji Shimin, who was the center of everyone’s attention.
"I understand, Mother."
Empress Zou nodded, "This banquet is held for unmarried young men and women. It’s improper for me to attend. Your brother and the Fourth Prince from Mingqiu Palace are both married, they won’t come. Your status is the most distinguished among those present."
Ji Shimin was just about to proudly curl her lips when she suddenly frowned, "That fool might ruin everything again!"
Ji Cong loved bustling scenes. Even uninvited, he’d find a way to show up.
"Hold your tongue!" Empress Zou reprimanded softly.
"After all, he is your Second Prince."
Though she was reprimanding with her words, a slight disdain adorned her face.
"He’s like a child; why bother arguing with him? Princess Consort Jing from Mingqiu Palace protects him tightly but doesn’t care at all that he’s simple-minded."
"If he embarrasses himself today, you must not only refrain from mocking him, but you must also suppress your emotions and protect him. That is the dignity of a legitimate princess."
Ji Shimin had to comply, even though she was reluctant, occasionally voicing complaints.
"Over the years, Princess Consort Jing occasionally brings up that fool to gain Father’s sympathy, implicating you and my brother."
Empress Zou simply smiled and remained silent.
Before Ji Cong’s mishap, he was famously astute. Among the princes, none could match him, except Ji Teng.
If Ji Cong were unharmed, what about Ji Wang? Princess Consort Jing from Mingqiu Palace would become even more rampant.
Fortunately, one is simple-minded, and another is powerless. Let the implications be.
In the palace, concubines abound. The Emperor might favor one today and pity another tomorrow. What use is Holy Favour? Solidifying one’s position is the best strategy.
Otherwise, when Ji Cong had his mishap, why did Emperor He not punish severely? Even with Princess Consort Jing leveraging past grievances, never once did Emperor He’s anger cause real harm.
Previously, Emperor He treasured Consort Shao as though fearing she might melt away, yet he ended up abolishing the Shao family entirely.
It must be said that Emperor He truly adored her; during that period, he secretly visited her in the Cold Palace during the nights, three out of every seven.
With every visit of the Emperor, it was like a knife twisting in her heart.
How could she not resent this!
Why was it so that even under such circumstances, Emperor He still couldn’t forget Shao Jinhui!
But, one cannot have both the country and the beauty.
After Shao Jinhui hung herself, Emperor He released his rage on Ji Teng, sending him as a hostage.
When Consort Shao was favored, what was Princess Consort Jing?
After Shao Jinhui’s death, Emperor He’s affection for Princess Consort Jing was simply because she resembled Shao Jinhui.
This Emperor always yearned for his beloved. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✦𝓷𝓮𝓽
This deep affection is truly laughable.
Empress Zou instructed, "Today in the palace, there are young ladies from the Marquis Yangling Mansion. Have the palace maids observe carefully. If any harm befalls them, it cannot be excused even by your Father Emperor. As for other young ladies from notable families, be cautious."
"Take heed with Heir Xie. Your Father Emperor is quite concerned about him; ensure you get along well with Miss Xie."
"The decree for your arranged marriage has been drafted by your Father Emperor; you just wait to receive the decree today."
Ji Shimin blushed, finally showing some modesty.
Military generals are usually crude, which she dislikes, but Xie Xun is an exception. He is gentle and courteous, and has the handsome features of a scholar.
After receiving some further instructions, Ji Shimin then withdrew and headed towards Ming Palace.
By now, many young men and girls had already arrived at Ming Palace, led by palace maids to sit at the banquet tables, dressed in lighter garments to present their elegance.
When Ji Shimin arrived, she was lavishly complimented. While responding, she looked around but did not see Xie Xun. Feeling disappointed, she sent a palace maid to check the palace gate.
The carriage from Marquis Yangling Mansion stopped.
Cui Yun got out of the carriage.
Outside the palace gate, numerous carriages were already parked, and the number was still increasing.
The man, with long eyebrows extending to his temples, had a distinguished and lean demeanor. He attracted many gazes as soon as he appeared.
Not far away, Xie Xun, accompanying Xie Yinong, was about to enter the palace when he heard a commotion behind him and stopped to see what it was.
He saw Cui Yun lifting the little dumpling to the ground and then reaching out his hand towards the girl in the carriage.
Upon seeing Shen Hua, Xie Xun’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. When he saw Shen Hua naturally reaching out her hand, Xie Xun’s eyebrows twitched three times.
"Brother?" Xie Yinong voiced her confusion by his side, following his gaze.
She saw the tall, jade-like figure of the man and the unusually round girl.
The day was warming up, but suddenly a chill of spring descended.
The girl, sensitive to the cold, wrapped her mink around herself again.
Though her eyes still held some childishness, they were quite attractive. Given some time, she would definitely be...
Shen Hua, feeling cold, shrank her head and walked very slowly.
"Can you walk faster? Even a snail is better than you!"
The little princess of Cui family scolded, hands on her hips.
The next moment, Xie Yinong heard the girl murmur softly.
"Where’s the snail? Princess, bring it out and compare it with me. If it is faster than me, I will let you kick my head."
Hearing this made Xie Yinong shiver. Following that, a chuckle from Xie Xun by her side.
She couldn’t help but call out again.
Xie Xun came back to his senses.
He said, "At the Cuju Banquet, both men and women can participate, but the spectator seats are segregated. I can’t always watch over you, Yining. That girl is very easy to get along with."
Meanwhile, Shen Hua was provocatively confronting Cui Rong.
Cui Rong considered the scene and shivered, "Who wants to play with your head!"
"Should others be playing Cuju while I kick your head?"
"I’ll have nightmares and definitely come to settle the score with you!"
Shen Hua pursed her lips, looking down at her: "Go find it, then talk about these things."
"Yesterday you blamed me for choking while drinking water, and now you’re thinking about settling scores over nightmares. Little ghost, have some reason."
Cui Rong: "I’m six years old, and you’ve already had your coming of age!"
Shen Hua: "Don’t bring age into this, I’m older than you. Have you seen me being arrogant?"
Clearly defeated, Cui Rong called out, "Uncle!"
Shen Hua: "So what if there’s an uncle?"
Saying this, the girl turned to look at Cui Yun.