Chapter 969

Huo Zhao couldn't help but say, "If Your Majesty has nothing else to do, you should invite Madam Yun to come to the palace more often. After all, the two of you should have a lot in common, right?"

The two of them looked at her simultaneously and said in unison, "You're quite good with words."

Huo Zhao looked away.

As soon as the two finished speaking, they looked at each other and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Who hasn't made foolish mistakes when they were young?

But now, they've all grown up.

Looking back now, the jealousy and rivalry we experienced in our youth are among the few vivid memories we have.

"Alright, I just brought them out for a stroll, we're going back now," Consort Xi said. "You'd better be extra careful at the palace banquet today."

The last sentence was spoken by Consort Xi to Huo Zhao.

Huo Zhao nodded: "I understand."

Consort Xi was about to leave when her gaze fell on Shu Ningshuang, and she stopped.

After a moment, Consort Xi said, "You should find someone else to be with."

Watching Consort Xi turn and leave, Shu Ningshuang remained in a daze for a long time.

"...What does she mean? She used to compete with me for Yun Wan, and now she's trying to steal you?"

Huo Zhao leaned back slightly: "Don't compare me to that person, it's bad luck."

Shu Ningshuang realized she had spoken out of turn and gently patted her mouth.

The two sat for a while longer until the Empress came out, and then they went together to the banquet venue.

This banquet was to receive envoys, not the usual frolicking. The banquet was held in the Taiji Hall, and the seats for each family were arranged in advance and could not be moved at will.

Once all the families had arrived, the sixth prince and his wife of Southern Chu followed the officials in charge of ceremonies into the palace to present the emperor with the imperial edict and tribute.

The process was incredibly complicated, but no one relaxed.

After a long wait, everyone finally sat down.

Immediately afterwards, the sounds of string and wind instruments began, dancers entered, and the banquet officially began.

After Huo Zhao sat down, he couldn't help but whisper, "Now I know why Consort Xi didn't want to come."

Although the occasion was grand, Consort Xi's status was not low, and if she wanted to come and broaden her horizons, the emperor would not refuse.

Huo Zhao was initially puzzled as to why Consort Xi could refrain from getting involved in such a situation, but now he realized that she had known all along that today would not be a good day.

Shen Rang shook his head and lowered his voice, saying, "This is probably only one of the reasons."

As he spoke, Shen Rang raised his head and told her to look at the Qu family's banquet.

Although the Qu couple sat at the same table, they seemed quite far apart.

They can no longer even pretend to be a couple, which shows how far their hearts have grown apart.

Huo Zhao withdrew his gaze, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

It's truly rare for a couple to have reached this level of commitment.

Soon, after several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the main hall became much more relaxed than before.

But at that moment, the princess consort of Southern Chu stood up with her wine cup in hand: "These days, thanks to Princess Huo, I have been able to truly appreciate the scenery of Luoyang."

As she spoke, the princess raised her wine cup to Huo Zhao: "This cup is for the princess."

Huo Zhao also picked up her wine cup, but before she could drink it, the envoy from Southern Chu said, "Princess, please wait!"