After receiving Yan Jue's assurance, Shen Pingjin finally felt relieved.

But then she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Yan Jue, do you know who Ye Ting is dating?"

Yan Jue raised an eyebrow: "Isn't it that maid named Nian An who's by your side?"

Chen Pingjin was shocked: "You actually knew all that!"

"I know far more than I need to know; I'm just pretending not to."

"Since I said Ye Ting would return, then Ye Ting will definitely return. You should tell your maid Nian An not to worry."

"If Ye Ting doesn't return and lets this maid down, I will definitely not let this brat off the hook."

Shen Pingjin said blankly, "Okay, I understand. I will explain everything to Nian'an."

The two chatted about some trivial matters for a while, and time flew by. Before long, the carriage arrived at the palace.

The outer walls of the palace are towering, and the palace is resplendent with gold and jade. Because of the Spring Banquet, many palace maids walk along the palace path, carrying plates and bowls in their hands.

It was filled with all sorts of exquisite pastries, and for a moment the palace was filled with their delicious aroma.

Seeing this, Chen Pingjin also felt a little hungry and tugged at Yan Jue's sleeve.

"Yan Jue, let's hurry up."

Looking at the expectant expression on the woman's face beside him, Yan Jue found it somewhat amusing. How could he not see what this woman was thinking?

But he knew that if he said it, the woman next to him would probably get angry.

So I'd better not say anything.

He replied verbally, "Okay."

At the Spring Banquet, Emperor Anqing sat on the highest platform, flanked by female relatives, concubines, and other members of the imperial family.

Luo Xi stared longingly at the young ladies and gentlemen who walked in and took their seats, her expression gloomy.

I wonder when my brother, the Crown Prince, will arrive.

When the officials who were supposed to flee went on their incognito visit, they all did. Apart from Yan Jue and Shen Pingjin, who remained there, very few people knew that Su Xuanmao had been deposed.

Therefore, the crown prince at this time was still Su Xuanmao.

Just then, a hoarse, aged voice came from the doorway.

"Consort Shu, you have arrived!"

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Those who had already taken their seats were stunned, but then they all stood up respectfully and walked toward Emperor Anqing and Consort Shu.

At this spring banquet, the Empress again told Emperor Anqing that she was unwell and unable to attend, so she stayed at Qiankun Palace.

Everyone else knew perfectly well why the Empress hadn't attended, but none of them discussed it.

Everyone knows that the one in charge of the harem now is Consort Shu.

Emperor Anqing looked at the respectful crowd with a cold expression and waved his hand, saying, "Rise, my beloved ministers, please take your seats according to the rules."

At the spring banquet, Consort Shu was naturally dressed in a radiant manner. Although she was no longer young, she still retained her charm, and her skin was as smooth as a peeled egg.

She remains stunningly beautiful.

"Where is the Crown Prince?"

Emperor Anqing glanced around at the crowd, and when he didn't see Su Xuanmao, a hint of impatience flashed in his eyes.

He originally thought this son would be his successor, but unexpectedly... haha, he even thought of plotting to seize power.

How ridiculous! Emperor Anqing realized he had misjudged the emperor before.

As a servant of the emperor, Eunuch Shun naturally obeyed Emperor Anqing.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is still on his way."

As he spoke, he walked up to Emperor Anqing's ear and whispered a few words in his ear.

Emperor Anqing frowned, then his expression turned slightly angry.

However, it did not actually flare up.

Then a glass of fragrant and rich wine was handed to him.

Emperor Anqing coldly raised his head, but his expression softened for a moment when he saw the woman's appearance.

He pulled Consort Shu into his arms and sighed heavily.

"Tell me, I already value Xuan'er highly, so why did he still commit such a mistake, causing me to have a prejudice against him?"

Consort Shu cursed her good-for-nothing son in her heart, then waved to Shen Ruixue, who was hiding behind Aunt Jing.

"Ruixue, come here for a moment."

Although she wore a smile, the coldness in her eyes seemed to overflow, making one's heart tremble.

Shen Ruixue knew that she had come to help Consort Shu, so she obediently walked over.

Emperor Anqing had no objection to Shen Ruixue, and he had basically forgotten about what happened that day.

This kind of thing has happened too many times; he's become indifferent to it. Now that she's become a royal daughter-in-law, she must abandon family honor and prioritize the royal family's reputation in everything she does.

"Greetings, Consort Shu. Your daughter-in-law, Shen Ruixue, pays respects to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager."

Consort Shu looked at Shen Ruixue's slightly bent knees, but instead of telling her to get up, she coldly asked directly:

"Why hasn't Xuan'er arrived yet?"

Emperor Anqing knew that Consort Shu liked Shen Pingjin and had no good feelings towards Shen Ruixue, so he was not surprised by Consort Shu's attitude.

Shen Ruixue bit her lip, but the movement was extremely subtle.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince is coming soon. He also asked his daughter-in-law to tell Your Highness not to worry about him."

As Shen Ruixue spoke, she glanced at Emperor Anqing again.

"And Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince asked his daughter-in-law to tell his father that he will definitely not cause any trouble at this spring banquet, as he has already realized his mistake."

"Are you aware of your mistake?"

"It would be better if we didn't mention it, but it makes me angry," Emperor Anqing snorted coldly.

"If he knew he was wrong, he would never have made such a mistake. If he weren't my son, he would probably have disappeared from this world long ago!"

Although Emperor Anqing knew that everyone would die, he felt heartbroken if his son kept wishing for his death. What use was such a son?

Consort Shu glanced coldly at Shen Ruixue, whose face was filled with fear, and muttered "idiot" under her breath.

But with everyone watching, the news of her son Xuan'er being crippled hadn't spread yet, so she couldn't publicly reprimand her arrogant and tactless daughter-in-law.

If only it had been the eldest daughter of the Shen family who married into the family back then.

Thinking of this, Consort Shu felt a pang of regret. She had taken a liking to that girl at first sight, and for some reason, she felt comfortable just looking at her.

Unlike this one in front of me, which I find utterly disagreeable.

"You may leave."

Consort Shu said coldly.

"Your daughter-in-law obeys."

Shen Ruixue couldn't wait to leave, so she straightened her back, bowed slightly, and stepped back.

Just then, Su Xuanmao walked in. When he saw Shen Ruixue leaving, he frowned and was about to say something when a cold, piercing gaze suddenly shot over him.

Su Xuanmao was startled and looked up.