Empress Dowager's birthday banquet

On the third day of the ninth month of the twenty-seventh year of Jianwu, this time is auspicious for marriage, bringing harmony between two families.

As the morning light shone through the paper windows, the room was filled with a tranquil and warm atmosphere, with the flickering red candles illuminating the festive ambiance.

The dowry was piled high on the dressing table, and the bride began dressing up in front of the bronze mirror early in the morning, with more and more people around her.

Following behind Xu were Dan Hong and several others, with genuine smiles on their faces, indicating to Dan Hong to give the bride's maids the dowry.

"I'll add some makeup for you."

"Thank you, Xu." Xu Mingyi smiled. "I'm glad you could come."

Although Xu was the last to arrive, besides Cui Wan and the other two, only Xu Mingyi's mother and a few other people were left in the room.

Xu Mingyi's mother hummed a lullaby as she combed her hair, and tears fell from Xu Mingyi's eyes in the mirror.

Startled, Cui Wan quickly comforted her, "Don't cry, don't cry. It's a joyous day, we should be happy."

Cui Wan's anxious and slightly comical expression caused the others to burst into laughter.

"My lady, Mr. Cheng has arrived!"

Sui Zhixu: "They arrived quickly."

"Looks like they're in a hurry."

"He's so lucky, such a lovely young lady is his."

"Hehe, you two are so in love, you'll definitely be together forever."

Xu Mingyi lowered her head, whether out of shyness or something else, Xu Zhixu noticed that she seemed to be crying again.

At the entrance of the Marquis of Anyuan's residence, some of the people in the procession behind Cheng Zhijie were playing the huqin (a type of reed pipe instrument), while others were playing the pipa (a type of lute), and suddenly the sound of gongs and drums filled the air.

An Yuanbo's face was beaming with joy. As Xu and the others stood in the crowd, Ning Yan sighed, "It's good that he got married soon, An Yuanbo is really..."

She didn't say anything, but everyone understood—or rather, everyone in Chang'an understood: the son-in-law was using his wife's money to live a life of debauchery and had countless female companions.

Cui Wan snorted, "He should become a eunuch."

Pei Qinglian: "Keep your voice down. We can't cause trouble on her big day."

Cui Wan pursed her lips, understanding the situation but remaining silent.

Cheng Zhijie, riding a tall horse, smiled, and the red silk fluttering on his chest vividly showed his good mood.

"May it last forever."

After the Pei family, Cheng Zhijie made significant contributions, and his father said that he should be promoted again after his marriage.

According to Aye, Cheng Zhijie risked his life to investigate the case in order to get promoted and have more confidence and say in front of Marquis Wu'an.

It seems that marrying Mingyi into the family is also related.

After the wedding, Sui Zhixu saw Xu Mingyi again at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet in the palace on September 30th.

"Ah Xu!"

Xu Mingyi lifted her skirt and ran to her side, her soft voice charming. Xu Zhixu noticed that her face was rosy, so she seemed to be doing well.

"Mingyi" (明意)

"And what about them?"

"Ah Lian is busy preparing for the birthday banquet, Ah Yan went to find Pei Sanlang, and as for Ah Wan, she's probably being lectured by Princess Chaoyang with Chu Erlang."

Xu Mingyi's eyes widened. "A lecture?"

Sui Zhixu shrugged. If she hadn't run away, there would be one more person listening to the reprimand in Chaoyang Palace.

"Following in your wife's footsteps?"

The voice sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He turned around to look and saw that it was Fu Mingguang.

"Imperial Tutor, peace be with you."

"Follow me." Fu Mingguang left those words and stepped forward.

Xu Mingyi quickly replied, "I'm fine, Ah Xu, you should go ahead."

Sui Zhixu nodded and followed her. Fu Mingguang found a pavilion to sit down, and Sui Zhixu followed closely behind and sat down opposite her.

In September, the autumn sky is clear and crisp, the sky is as clear as a mirror, and the young lady's skirt flutters in the wind, her shawl swaying freely.

But she didn't say anything for a long time.

Knowing that Xu couldn't figure out what she was thinking, he had no choice but to remain still.

She suddenly spoke, her tone tinged with sadness, "Autumn is almost over."

What?

"It's been a year since you returned home, and it seems there hasn't been much progress with Sima Xian."

Her tone was sarcastic, and as their eyes met, Sui Zhixu clearly saw the mockery in her eyes.

She slammed her hand on the table and stood up, her shawl heaving with her chest, and said sharply, "What do you know?"

"Ha, young people are really not composed at all. I thought you were as calm as your mother, but I didn't expect you to be so reckless."

“I know everything about your journey to the capital, including your fall off the cliff, your collaboration with Fan Lingzhang, your meeting with several young women, your study at the Shanhai Academy, and your departure from Chang’an.”

"Oh, right, I also know about the Hu Ji Tavern where you plotted against Ye Taoyao, Fan Lingzhang."

She casually and easily recounted everything that had happened when she returned home with Xu Zhixu.

Su Zhixu swallowed involuntarily. So, Fu Mingguang knew everything except about her rebirth?

"what you up to?"

Her gaze was full of vigilance, and Fu Mingguang found it amusing. "I sent people to investigate, but they couldn't find any evidence that you had any dealings with Sima Xian before. Where did you get such hatred from?"

"For many years, only you and Yueling have lived in the Taoist temple. Yueling is neither dead nor has any connection with Sima Xian. Your parents are healthy. You are neither a father nor a mother nor a teacher. So, who are you really for?"

No, they do have an overlap in age, an unspeakable overlap, and she is acting for herself.

For the past life of myself, who died without knowing why.

She sat back down in her chair, completely taken aback. How pathetic.

"The Imperial Tutor has quite a bit of free time; he actually made time to investigate me."

The words, seemingly bland and uneventful, are actually quite sarcastic.

"Wasn't I helping you?" Her smile froze, and she replied in the same tone as Sui Zhixu.

help me?

Sui Zhixu was stunned for a few seconds, as if she had just remembered that she was indeed able to enter Chaoyang Palace because of her.

She seemed a little dejected, and there was no denying that.

She rubbed her temples, quickly considering Fu Mingguang's intentions.

I thought and thought, but couldn't grasp a single idea.

It was inexplicable, but there's no such thing as a free lunch. She definitely had another purpose, especially since she was her mother's daughter.

Why would the woman of the person she hates most help her?

"May I ask what Your Excellency's intentions are? I am penniless and truly not worthy of Your Excellency's attention."

"To me, many things are just a matter of saying a few words. Are you sure you don't need them?"

"Indeed, given your status." Sui Zhixu praised her lightly, as gold dust fell on her eyelids, causing her to involuntarily close her eyes.

"But I don't need it."

"What did you say?" Fu Mingguang stood up, unable to stop laughing, as if she thought she had misheard.

“I don’t need it,” Sui Zhixu repeated.

"Do you know what would happen if you got my help...?"

“I understand perfectly, Imperial Tutor,” Sui Zhixu read out her title.

"As the Emperor's teacher, you are admired by scholars throughout the land. Your advice is invaluable to His Majesty, not to mention your help."

Fu Mingguang sighed, sat down again, and exuded arrogance. "You certainly know how to talk."

Sui Zhixu shook his head. "Just telling the truth."

"Go on."

"But it's useless to me. I don't need the admiration of all the scholars in the world, nor do I need advice from others. I only do what I want to do. So I don't need your help."

Sima Xian's biggest backer is the system, and what she needs to do is to seize the luck from the system.

"Moreover, Sima Xian is a member of the former imperial family. If he does anything inappropriate, you and His Majesty will take action on his own. Why do I need to do it?"

This is actually the biggest reason: the Imperial Tutor and the Prime Minister hold prominent positions in the court, and their mutual animosity is just what the Emperor needs.

If they are united, the Emperor will likely worry about his father and mother more than Sima Xian.

Upon hearing this, Fu Mingguang's eyes trembled slightly. He said nothing, only pursing the corners of his mouth that were turned up.

"You do resemble your mother."

Before Sui Zhixu could respond, the corner of her mouth turned down.

"You can leave now."

Fu Mingguang clearly told him to leave, so Xu had no choice but to retreat.

In short, it's inexplicable.

When Sui Zhixu returned to the Daming Palace, the banquet had just begun.

Bells and drums resounded, and the music was melodious.

The palace maids moved gracefully through the hall, placing golden platters filled with fruits on the tables of high-ranking officials and their families.

Although Xu was in a prominent position, he couldn't cheat or shirk his duties, so he could only obediently follow the rules and pay his respects to the nobles in the palace.

At the birthday banquet, the dancers from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) displayed graceful figures and elegant movements, with the silk ribbons on their arms appearing as if they were alive, allowing them to strike various poses.

Coupled with the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments played by court musicians, it was wonderful!

Sui Zhixu took a sip of the wine, and the sweet taste blossomed on her tongue. Her eyes widened. Delicious!

What kind of wine is this?

Why hasn't she drunk it before? Is it only available in the palace?

He didn't touch any of the other fruits, pastries, or dishes on the table, simply because they were unpalatable.

Sui Zhixu glanced at the people in the main hall and, sure enough, very few people were eating; most were just drinking.

So this is the kind of life my father lives. Tsk, the food looks better than the last, but tastes worse than the last.

Xu Zhixu watched with boredom as officials from various regions presented gifts to the Empress Dowager. One rare treasure after another arrived. At first, he was somewhat interested, but later he only felt bored.

"My lady, please drink less," Dan Hong whispered to Sui Zhixu, standing behind her.

She made a gesture: Don't worry.

She won't let herself get drunk outside.

"The Prince of Xuanping's Mansion presents a Hetian jade statue of the Three Star Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity!"

The sharp voice of the eunuch echoed throughout the hall. As Xu looked up, he saw that the jade was warm and smooth, and the craftsmanship was exquisite.

The white beard of the Antarctic Immortal and the longevity peach in his hand are exceptionally exquisite.

Such a gift is nothing special among the many rare and precious treasures; it is neither outstanding nor outdated.

As Xu glanced around the main hall, he saw that the people from the Xuanping Prince's Mansion were Princess Shen Huaiyu, Princess Sima An of Jing'an County, and Gu Qingyi.

Sima An was dressed in a calm and dignified manner, which is unlikely to be her own personality; it must have been Shen Huaiyu who chose it.

Although Xu appeared dignified while sitting there, his soul had long since wandered the world.

Noticing the Empress Dowager of Xingqing Palace in a corner of the palace, she recalled that Cao Bai, as a female official, had been stripped of her official robes and driven out of the palace by Chaoyang for having an affair with a guard.

The current female officials are all daughters of officials and noble families. Cao Bai is also of marriageable age, it's just a matter of a year sooner or later, which is why his reputation is not very good this time.

For abandoning his post and mistreating the Empress Dowager and the palace maids and eunuchs under his jurisdiction, Chaoyang's punishment was not severe.

As for Tao Li, with the Lu family in decline, everyone pushed them down. Some were exiled, others beheaded. At present, Minister Lu is probably already reincarnated at the Bridge of Helplessness, which is exactly what Tao Li expected.

She's a suicidal person; she thinks she'll benefit from dragging anyone into her schemes.

Knowing that Xu Xian seemed bored, he quietly poured himself another glass.

A pomegranate-red shawl was casually draped over her lap, and the jade pendants by her ears were crystal clear, like a green ocean, carrying the breath of spring and sweeping away the chill of autumn.

Chu Shiguan stared blankly at her from across the table. When Madam Chu noticed, she teased him, "Which lady have you taken a fancy to?"

"Mother!"

Chu Shiguan's loud voice drew everyone's attention. In an instant, the hall fell silent, with only Chu Shiguan's voice echoing. He became instantly and became extremely famous.

Madam Chu was extremely embarrassed and slapped him on the back, saying, "Calling back your soul, you're so shameful!"

"Why are you so reckless?" Chu Shize sighed helplessly.

Chaoyang sat at the head of the table, looking at him with interest. "Perhaps what he was thinking made him feel embarrassed."

The Emperor and Empress Dowager glanced at it and immediately laughed, "Young people, huh?"

"Oh, is this your sweetheart?" Princess Xuancheng peeked out, her eyes shining. "Where?"

Chu Shiguan stammered and remained silent, while the others teased him and made polite remarks.

Laughter and cheers filled the hall. Sui Zhixu had no idea what was going on. She had just come to her senses when she realized what had happened.

Why is everyone so happy?

Chaoyang, who was sitting at the head of the table, noticed Sui Zhixu staring blankly into the distance. He gave Chu Shize a wink, and the two of them smiled at each other.

The banquet continued into the night without stopping, and she took advantage of a break to sneak out.

Danhong: "Is my wife tired?"

“A little.” Sui Zhixu stood in the corridor, breathing in the fresh air. “There were too many people in the main hall. I was almost out of breath.”

"Just hang in there a little longer, we'll be able to go back soon."

Sui Zhixu nodded. After all, it was the Empress Dowager's sixtieth birthday, and since sixty years had passed, the celebration was naturally grand.

"You don't need to worry too much. There will definitely be hope once Lord Zhen brings the person back..."

Before Dan Hong could finish speaking, a voice came from afar.

"I want to go home!"

"Stop fooling around, hurry back with your mother. Be good, Anniang."

"This is so annoying, I don't want to stay here." Sima An walked through the corridor and happened to run into Sui Zhixu.

"Following in your wife's footsteps?"

Sui Zhixu: "Princess of Jing'an County".

Shen Huaiyu then rushed over and pulled Sima An back. Just as he was about to reprimand Sima An, he looked up and saw the face of the person in front of him.

She opened her mouth, but was speechless.

As dusk settled, only the palace lantern held aloft by Danhong illuminated a section of the dark palace corridor.

The dim light shone on the woman's face, making her usually indifferent eyes seem softer beneath her eyelashes.

Shen Huaiyu chuckled, clearly having thought of something, "Following my wife, I'll take Anniang away first."

"Hurry up!" She grabbed Sima An's hand, making a move to take her away.

"I don't!"

Sima An was stubborn, which angered Shen Huaiyu so much that she wanted to hit her. Her mind was filled with Sima Xian's mutterings to himself in the study.

Are you leaving or not?

“Why be so strict, Princess Consort? The banquet is still far from over. You can let the County Princess go out and enjoy herself. She has maids to look after her.” Sui Zhixu tilted her head and smiled at Shen Huaiyu.

The dim light, combined with the shadows of the trees swaying in the wind behind her, caused Shen Huaiyu to inexplicably overlap her two faces. She staggered and almost fell.

A pair of hands supported her waist from behind. Shen Huaiyu looked up and saw that it was Gu Qingyi, which reassured her a lot.

"Go back with your mother. I'll say a few words to Lady Sui here." Gu Qingyi's words carried a hint of danger. She and Sui Zhixu locked eyes, and an inexplicable atmosphere spread between them.

Sima An sensed something was wrong, but before he could speak, Gu Qingyi glared at him and stopped him. Seeing this, Shen Huaiyu quickly pulled him away.

The two figures receded into the distance, swallowed by the darkness and the corner of the corridor, leaving only Sui Zhixu, Dan Hong, and the lonely Gu Qingyi.

As soon as he thought about it, he remembered what Chaoyang had once said.

"Gu Qingyi? She is a lady-in-waiting to Prince Xuanping and his childhood sweetheart. Her intelligence and strategic planning are no exaggeration. I heard it from my father, when he was still Prince Huai. There was a strange incident on the border between Qi and Yue, and the border cities fell. It was she and the then Crown Prince who guarded the front line. My biological father captured a city in three days and suppressed Yue. Afterwards, the Yue envoys offered a large amount of jewels, fine horses and grain to sue for peace, which was also her doing."

...

"His body was in Cao Cao's camp, but his heart was with Han."

Sui Zhixu stood in front of her and heard her say, "Long time no see."