The Empress smiled kindly and nodded to Sang Ruo: "Consort Sang, please get up. We are all sisters, there is no need for so much formality."

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's eyes fell on Sang Jiang's face, who was sitting to the side.

Some people who were farther away had already started discussing it.

"Why doesn't the Imperial Noble Consort pay her respects to the Empress?"

Some people who knew the reason behind the incident defended her.

"The Emperor said that the Imperial Noble Consort is not required to kneel before anyone or bend her knees to anyone, including him."

"Yes, no matter how noble the Empress is, can she be more noble than the Emperor?"

"But hasn't the Imperial Noble Consort already lost power?"

"Shh, who can say for sure about royal matters? We can't guess what the emperor is thinking."

After she finished speaking, everyone fell silent. Sang Ruo also got up and sat down next to Sang Jiang.

Soon, another announcement came from outside the main hall: "The Emperor has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Everyone immediately stood up and bowed: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

Long Jingchen's gaze swept over everyone. Everyone was kneeling, except for Sang Jiang, who stood upright with her eyes fixed straight ahead, motionless.

Looking at her increasingly gaunt face, Long Jingchen couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. He frowned as he looked at Sang Jiang: "Why doesn't the Imperial Noble Consort kneel before me?"

As soon as he said that, everyone quietly looked towards Sang Jiang. Sang Jiang was also surprised that he would suddenly ask such a question. She turned her head to look at Long Jingchen, her eyes completely calm.

Just as Long Jingchen thought she was about to explain, he saw her slowly kneel down and say, word by word, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

After she finished speaking, her eyes were filled with nothing but death.

Long Jingchen felt increasingly irritated by her appearance. He didn't really want Sang Jiang to kneel before him; he just wanted to see her talk back to him and hoped she would have some energy and not be so lifeless as she was now.

His fist slowly clenched.

But the kneeling crowd was still waiting for him to speak. He composed himself and said coldly, "Get up, all of you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." After saying this cautiously, everyone stepped aside and sat down in their own chairs.

Sang Jiang stumbled and almost fell when she got up, but fortunately Sang Ruo caught her in time.

Long Jingchen felt even more annoyed looking at her.

It was only then that everyone realized that Consort Shen had entered with Long Jingchen, and that she had sat down at the head of the table with him.

Previously, only Sang Jiang had received this kind of treatment...

Everyone's eyes involuntarily shifted to Sang Jiang's face.

Sang Jiang, on the other hand, casually picked at the food in front of her.

Long Jingchen watched as her lips tightened even more.

These dishes were specially ordered by him to be prepared by the imperial kitchen, and they were all dishes that Sang Jiang loved to eat. He originally thought he would see her eating with great energy, but he never expected it to be like this.

Sang Jiang felt nauseous looking at the dishes, but thankfully the banquet started soon. She was happier than anyone else when she heard the last sentence, "Send them to the bridal chamber."

Finally, it was over. She breathed a sigh of relief. After watching several maids escort Yun Siqing away, she whispered a few words in Sang Ruo's ear and quietly left.

Even though she was already extremely light, everyone at the banquet was watching her, so quite a few people still saw her leave...