Chapter 475 The Banquet

After delivering the secret report in the woods that day, Huo Lin hurriedly left.

For several days in a row, Jiang Huan felt that the atmosphere in the palace was somewhat subtle, and even Wang Degui seemed unusually busy.

Jiang Huan was by Huo Lin's side, and Huo Lin did not hide it from her.

He knew that the remnants of the Empress Dowager's forces had begun their counterattack, but Huo Lin was clearly confident.

She didn't ask many questions, but simply supervised the school and took care of the children every day. In her spare time, she would research new snacks or chat and laugh with He Ling and Mingzhu. Her days were quite fulfilling.

That evening, Huo Lin returned earlier than usual, his brows furrowed with weariness, but his eyes were bright.

He dismissed the palace servants, walked over to Jiang Huan who was checking the banquet list, sat down next to her, rested his head on her shoulder, and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Are you tired?" Jiang Huan put down the sheet, turned her head to look at him, and gently massaged his temples.

"Mmm." Huo Lin closed his eyes, enjoying her comfort, his voice a little muffled, "After being busy for several days, it's finally quiet."

[Releasing the news that the Empress Dowager was seriously ill and needed to rest, as expected, lured out those old foxes who had been hiding the deepest.]

[You dare to plot and cause trouble right under my nose? You're truly overestimating yourself. Have you been my emperor for all these years?]

"Hmm, her hands are so soft, it feels so good to massage."

Hearing his slightly smug and satisfied words, Jiang Huan softened her grip even more, but teased him, "Your Majesty is wise and mighty, but next time you go fishing, could you please give me a heads-up beforehand? So I won't be worried sick."

Huo Lin opened his eyes, raised an eyebrow at her: "Feeling anxious? I've noticed you've been eating and sleeping well these past few days, and you've even come up with three new desserts."

Jiang Huan said confidently, "I call that calm and composed. I remain unmoved even if Mount Tai collapses before me. Besides, if I were frowning, wouldn't it seem like I don't have confidence in you?"

Huo Lin was amused by her twisted logic and reached out to pinch her cheek.

"You always have so many reasons."

[She's clearly thick-skinned, yet she's stubborn.]

[But this is good; she should be carefree like this.]

Jiang Huan slapped away his messy hand and snorted.

"By the way, the border trade agreement will be in effect for a celebration in a few days. Ambassadors from various countries will be attending. I've already prepared the banquet menu. Could you take a look and see if there's anything we need to add or remove? And what about the palace decorations..."

This is the first major state banquet she has hosted since becoming empress, so she has to make the most of it.

She began to talk at length about the preparations, from the dishes and drinks, the tableware and decorations, to the music and dance arrangements, the seating etiquette, and even taking into account the religious beliefs and dietary restrictions of the different envoys. Her words were clear and well-thought-out.

In the candlelight, her eyes sparkled, and when she spoke of the crucial points, she would unconsciously gesture with her hands. Her earnest appearance melted Huo Lin's heart.

[Such a capable empress, I've truly struck gold.]

[But seeing how much she cares makes me a little jealous. Why haven't I ever seen her neglect her sleep and meals for my sake?]

When Jiang Huan was talking about needing to prepare a separate mutton feast, she almost choked when she heard this thought.

She gave him a disapproving look and continued, "...In short, that's roughly it."

"Very good." Huo Lin nodded and leaned back on her shoulder. "Do as you say, just don't overwork yourself. Let the subordinates handle the trivial matters."

"Okay," Jiang Huan replied, but her hands didn't stop; she continued to look through the list to check for omissions and fill in any gaps.

The flickering candlelight inside the hall cast the silhouettes of the two people nestled together onto the window screen, blurring them into a warm, cozy glow.

A month later, the grand feast began.

Jiang Huan wore a magnificent bright red phoenix and peony robe, surrounded by pearls and jade, exuding elegance and nobility, yet it did not diminish the lively spirit between her brows.

She sat gracefully beside Huo Lin, her demeanor dignified and her responses appropriate. When conversing with envoys from various countries, she spoke with a warm smile, maintaining both imperial dignity and just the right amount of friendliness.

[Tsk, what's with that Gaochang envoy down there? His eyes are practically glued to her. Looks like we'll have to carefully check Gaochang's tribute next year.]

[Hmm...but she really does look beautiful tonight, more dazzling than any of the jewels in the palace.]

Jiang Huan was smiling as she responded to a Persian female leader's praise of Central Plains silk when she heard Huo Lin's thoughts. She almost lost her composure and quickly picked up her wine glass to take a sip as a cover. Under the cover of her wide sleeves, she secretly kicked Huo Lin lightly under the table.

Huo Lin's calf was lightly nudged, but his expression remained unchanged, still displaying the dignified and composed demeanor of an emperor. Even when he raised his cup to greet an old prince sitting next to him, the curve of his lips did not change in the slightest.

But under the hem of his other sleeve, he had already accurately caught Jiang Huan's soft hand, held it in his palm, and even gently tickled it.

Jiang Huan's fingertips trembled, her ears burned slightly, but she still had to maintain a dignified and proper smile on her face and continue talking with the Persian female leader.

"You flatter me, Chief. I have heard that Persian brocade is rich in color and unique in technique. If I have the opportunity, I would like to learn a thing or two from you."

As she spoke, she secretly tried to pull her hand back, but Huo Lin held it tightly, and she dared not move too much, so she could only let him hold it.

This scene, witnessed by the crowd below, showed the Emperor and Empress sitting side by side, one exuding natural majesty, the other possessing unparalleled elegance.

Occasionally they whisper to each other, and in the exchange of glances, there is an unspoken understanding that no one else can penetrate, truly a beautiful picture of harmonious union.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. While the envoys from various countries were amazed by Queen Daeyoshi's stunning beauty and elegant demeanor, they were even more impressed by her composed manner and sharp wit.

The old envoy from Xiling Kingdom was very knowledgeable. During a conversation, he casually mentioned an obscure allusion in an ancient book. Jiang Huan was able to pick up on the topic, not only stating the source of the allusion but also extending it further.

On the other side, there is a young prince from an island kingdom in the east, who is unconventional and full of curiosity about the culture of the Central Plains, and whose questions are whimsical.

Jiang Huan was not annoyed and patiently answered his questions, making the prince laugh heartily. He said that the Empress of the Central Plains was kind and interesting, completely different from the dignified and rigid empress he had imagined.

She is like a carefully polished gem that refracts rainbow colors under the light, dazzling and captivating.

[Tsk, these guys, their eyes are practically glowing.]

[Should I consider having her wear a veil at future grand banquets?]

No, no, wearing a veil is too petty and makes me look insecure.

[Forget it, my Empress should be admired by the whole world. They can only see her but not touch her, let them be envious.]

While calmly dealing with the royal princes who came to offer toasts, Huo Lin kept an eye on Jiang Huan's movements out of the corner of his eye.

The jealousy in my heart swayed back and forth, but was finally suppressed by a secret and burgeoning sense of pride.

He held Jiang Huan's hand tightly, never letting go. Instead, under the cover of the tablecloth, their fingers intertwined, and they gripped each other even tighter.