As everyone gathered at the palace, the evening brought a grand feast, hosting the courtiers. It was the first hunting event since Emperor Long Yi ascended to the throne, and with the realm in peace, such a celebration was entirely appropriate.
Leng Jiu, having overslept, arrived late to the feast. The atmosphere was already lively, with everyone enjoying their drinks. She dispensed with the formalities and took her seat. It was then she noticed that tonight’s feast had an unusual charm.
The feast had three tiers. The top tier included high-ranking officials and nobles, with numerous princes and dukes present. Dragon Consort sat beside Emperor Long Yi, while Leng Jiu occupied another seat. The second tier accommodated lower-ranking officials, with civil and military officers seated separately. The third tier consisted of the sons and daughters of aristocratic families, adding a touch of interest to the event. The young noble gentlemen, dressed in splendid attire, sat on the left, while the young ladies, led by Miss Hua Yuxuan, sat on the right. They wore elegant dresses, and their conversations and occasional lowered heads suggested romantic discussions, making them more intriguing than the courtiers above.
The Feng Imperial Dynasty had three dukes, three princes, and two royal heirs. There was only one princess, but she had married a high-ranking official and rarely attended such events. In the imperial palace, there were a few less-favored princesses who wouldn’t attend without Emperor Long Yi’s orders. Two royal heirs had already been banished to their fiefs by Emperor Long Yi and couldn’t be summoned back.
Although Emperor Long Yi didn’t value Leng Jiu, she wouldn’t underestimate him. Occupying the throne for three years without turmoil indicated that he was no ordinary person. Despite the support of Duke De and the two dukes, if he lacked personal capabilities, he wouldn’t have earned the recognition of these seasoned politicians. Although she couldn’t read his thoughts, she knew he wasn’t to be underestimated.
Leng Jiu’s eyes flashed, suddenly remembering something. The late empress seemed to have come from Duke De’s mansion, making her and Hua Yuxuan quite closely related.
She scanned the area behind the princes and noticed Gong Miaowei, who had once again attracted attention. He was truly a striking figure, exuding a charming aura even in royal attire. Rather than displaying the dignified appearance of a prince, he had an air of free-spirited elegance. He leaned against a eunuch as a makeshift pillow, appearing completely at ease. Many young ladies’ gazes were fixed on him and Gong Miaowei, their faces blushing.
“Your Majesty!”
A voice as soft as jade interrupted Leng Jiu’s thoughts. She turned toward the center, where Hua Yuxuan, dressed in rosy red, stood and performed a standard palace greeting.
“Your humble subject and a few sisters have practiced a musical piece and wish to entertain Your Majesty. May Your Majesty grant permission!”
Emperor Long Yi put down his cup and raised his hand. “Permission granted!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Hua Yuxuan gestured for a few of her friends to come forward. Instruments were quickly arranged, with Hua Yuxuan playing the zither, a girl in green playing the flute, another in goose-yellow handling a small drum, and two others in light purple dresses performing a dance in the background.
The melody of the zither, flute, and drum blended harmoniously as the purple veils fluttered, and the two dancing girls intertwined their graceful figures, resembling fluttering butterflies. All five were beautiful, and it was evident they had put effort into their performance, making it a captivating sight. Even Leng Jiu couldn’t help but appreciate the display, acknowledging that it was well done, certainly better than what she could have achieved.
“Bravo!” Emperor Long Yi was the first to applaud, a bright smile on his handsome face, indicating genuine enjoyment.
“I’ve long heard of Miss Hua’s exceptional zither skills, surpassing even the best court musicians. Today, I have the privilege of hearing it myself, and indeed, it is exquisite. Perhaps even the prince from the Xue Kingdom would yield in comparison!” Consort Li, with a smile, complemented.
Hua Yuxuan modestly performed a court greeting, expressing her gratitude, “Consort Li, your praise is too kind. Hua Yuxuan is unworthy.”
“Where is the unworthiness? You truly deserve the acclaim!” Consort Li continued, glancing at Leng Jiu. “I wonder if the Empress Dowager agrees with what I said?”
This statement shifted everyone’s attention to Leng Jiu. It seemed they had just realized the presence of the Empress Dowager, who was sitting there silently. Leng Jiu, unperturbed, smiled and nodded, “Yes, it sounds good.”
Consort Li, knowing that Leng Jiu had changed a lot, couldn’t believe that she was indifferent. She remembered how deeply Leng Jiu had loved Emperor Long Yi in the past. “If that’s the case, wouldn’t the Empress Dowager want to reward them?”
Leng Jiu’s gaze shifted from Hua Yuxuan back to Emperor Long Yi. She smiled and said, “Reward? Of course! A grand reward is only fitting!”
“I know that the Empress Dowager possesses many valuable treasures. How about telling us what you plan to reward? It would be enlightening for us all,” Consort Li pressed, still smiling.
Leng Jiu’s eyes returned from Hua Yuxuan, crossed Consort Li, and landed directly on Emperor Long Yi. “Three years since your ascension, it is time to choose a queen. Seeing Miss Hua’s dignified appearance and exceptional demeanor, she has been favored by the late emperor. Considering this, I will reward her with my Phoenix Seal. What does Your Majesty think?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole hall was in shock. Consort Li’s face turned pale, and her chopsticks clattered onto the ground in astonishment. She stared at Leng Jiu, “Empress Dowager! Are you joking? How can the Phoenix Seal be used as a reward?”
Emperor Long Yi was equally shocked, looking at her as if unable to believe it.
“Is the Empress Dowager jesting? Am I not worthy of such an honor?” Leng Jiu smiled, glancing back at Consort Li. “I have heard much praise for Miss Hua’s appearance and grace from the late emperor. Since it is so, I shall fulfill the late emperor’s wish by choosing a queen for you, Your Majesty. What is wrong with that?”
This statement surprised everyone, but Consort Li was the most affected, her face devoid of color. Leng Jiu looked at her with a mysterious smile, “Indeed, very wise!”