Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Dramatic Change in Expression

Yuan Siyin sneaked back to the side hall, first applying ice to her red hands, and only went to the main hall when they were almost healed.

The banquet inside the hall had already begun, but since the emperor and empress dowager were having a pleasant conversation, the hall was naturally silent.

"Siyin is here? I just sent someone to invite her, but they came back saying they couldn't find her. It seems she's gone off to play again."

The emperor sat upright on the throne, wearing a yellow robe, with a solemn expression, exuding an aura of power that brought a strong sense of oppression to those around him.

The Empress, wearing a phoenix crown, stood below the steps, looking at her with a kind expression.

"Your subject Yuan Siyin pays respects to His Majesty, Empress Dowager, and Empress."

I'm going to die! This huge villa on my head is so heavy. I really don't know how the Empress can keep it down.

"Get up. I only remembered to come and take a look after the Empress reminded me. Now that I have seen the person, it is about time to go back and deal with state affairs."

As he spoke, he turned his head and whispered a few words to the Empress Dowager, presumably to say hello, before getting up and setting off to return to the palace.

After everyone in the hall stood up to see the emperor off, the atmosphere immediately became much more lively.

Yuan Siyin finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had just sat down to have a drink of water and some snacks to fill her stomach when the Empress, with a polite smile, walked towards her step by step.

Without blinking, she stuffed two pieces of mung bean cake into her mouth, then stood up and curtsied to the Empress.

"Please sit down. I just want to get closer to you, child."

After all, the Empress's Palace is always so lifeless and lacks vitality. Spending more time with you makes me feel younger.”

As she spoke, she pulled Yuan Siyin's hand and sat her down.

Yuan Siyin calmly pulled her hand back, and didn't forget to laugh it off, "Your Majesty is too kind to me. I am just a naughty and troublesome girl, unlike the lively and spirited ladies of noble families."

Besides, Her Majesty has always been a beauty, unmatched by any of the concubines in the harem. Her skin is even more delicate than if she had applied pearl powder; she seems to never age.

Her flattery made the Empress cover her mouth and laugh, and she didn't say much else for a moment.

The Empress Dowager sat in her high seat, leisurely sipping her tea, taking in everything she saw.

At the banquet, amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, darkness fell without anyone noticing, yet no news came from outside.

Yuan Siyin clenched her fists tightly, already covered in sweat, and could only continue to wait anxiously.

Finally, not long after, the Empress's personal maid rushed in with her hands clasped, whispered a few words in the Empress's ear, and the Empress's expression immediately changed.

"Your Majesty, I suddenly remembered that I have some small matters to attend to in the palace, so I can only sit here for today. I will come over to help you feed the carp when I have some free time tomorrow."

The Empress Dowager nodded, and with a wave of her hand, she ended the banquet: "It's getting late, let's go back now."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mother."

As she finished speaking, she curtsied and was about to leave when Yuan Siyin seized the opportunity to get up and catch up with her in a few steps: "This humble woman just realized that it seems I haven't had time to visit the Jiaofang Palace for a while. Your Majesty just said that you miss me very much. Why don't I go back with Your Majesty?"

The Empress frowned and forced a smile, unable to refuse outright, so she could only agree: "That would certainly be good."

"But where is my brother, the Crown Prince? Why haven't I seen him?"

Her reminder prompted the Empress Dowager to cough slightly, a hint of displeasure in her voice: "Indeed, where is the Crown Prince now?"

"This is, after all, Yin'er's coming-of-age banquet, and I personally organized it. If she's just late, that's one thing, but if she doesn't come without a reason, where does that leave my dignity?"