Leng Xiaoye’s statement, though seemingly ordinary, was already hinting at the underlying implications to the discerning ear.
"Everyone present here" naturally included Gan Yuan, and without making it explicit, she had already suggested that Gan Yuan’s presence had been tacitly approved by the Royal Family.
Gan Yuan, being astute, had caught the meaning in her tone.
She naturally glanced sideways, only to meet Leng Xiaoye’s gaze.
"I personally arranged tonight’s menu, so everyone must eat plenty."
While her mouth said "everyone," her eyes were on Gan Yuan, the distinguished Queen above them all. Her gaze did not carry the sharpness of someone superior but had the gentleness and inclusiveness of an elder.
Leng Xiaoye had accepted Gan Yuan’s presence, but it did not mean that she had fully approved of her as a daughter-in-law.
After all, there were secrets behind Gan Yuan that even she did not understand, and until she was certain that Gan Yuan’s feelings for her son did not involve any other motives, she had to remain on guard.
After all, she was the Queen, and her son was the future King.
Therefore, she handled her approach to Gan Yuan very well, showing her personal appreciation for Gan Yuan while not becoming too close.
Despite this, Leng Xiaoye’s properly measured kindness still warmed Gan Yuan’s heart, who looked at her and smiled gratefully.
At this moment, Mr. King Huangfu Yaoyang, seated behind Leng Xiaoye, had already brought over a cup. Leng Xiaoye smiled as she took the cup and looked away.
Seeing the two of them holding their cups, everyone lifted their own.
Huangfu Yaoyang raised his cup slightly, "A toast to everyone here."
"May our nation thrive forever, and may the King and Queen always be healthy and safe."
An elder nobleman seated at the main table spoke up, and everyone immediately echoed him. Each took a sip of wine, and the waiters had already brought out the first course; the banquet had officially begun.
At such banquets, everyone tried their best to exhibit their elegance.
There wasn’t a single sound at the dining table.
Spoons never clinked against plates, no one made the slightest noise while chewing, and only the most sophisticated topics were discussed... Such banquets could inevitably be rather dull.
Fortunately, the banquet had not gone on too long before moving on to the dessert course.
Without touching the spoon on her plate, Leng Xiaoye used her fingers to pick up the stem of a cherry on the dessert.
"Honestly, I find such banquets utterly boring, so..." She bit into the cherry, casually tossing the stem onto the table, accepted a napkin from Huangfu Yaoyang to wipe her fingers, and stood up from her chair, "For those who want to dance, feel free to head down to the VIP hall on the first floor where a DJ will play the latest tracks for you. The ladies who prefer quiet can go up to the lounge on the second floor to chat..." She propped her hands on the table and winked at everyone, "Additionally, the card rooms on the third floor, as well as my Archery Room... are all open to you. I hope you all enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
Gan Yuan held her spoon and widened her eyes in surprise; she never dared to imagine that such a formal Imperial Palace banquet could have such events lined up afterward.
Abel was the first to cheer, followed by a loud whistle.
The younger guests immediately joined in, clapping their hands, cheering, and whistling. The banquet hall, which had been dead silent just moments ago, instantly became a sea of joy.
Gan Yuan looked around her and finally let her gaze settle on Huangfu Jue’s face; he appeared calm, seemingly unsurprised by the turn of events.