332. Wenzhao Gong

The Imperial Palace.

Palace banquet.

Tao Wanbi managed to sneak into the banquet using the last chance of the universal license.

She looked around and saw the little dumpling and the others gathered together. She then found the most inconspicuous corner to sit down, hiding herself away, but her eyes were always secretly watching them.

Don't just stare; find an opportunity to get closer.

The young prince is right there. If you can even manage to say a single word to him, that would be progress.

"I know, I know!" Tao Wanbi muttered softly, "But there are people all around them, how am I supposed to get close? What if I fail to get close and end up making a fool of myself?"

Don't be a coward, it's okay to make a fool of yourself.

If you miss this chance, you'll truly never have another one.

Tao Wanbi remained silent, her heart pounding with anxiety.

She wanted to go too, but when she thought of the embarrassing incident at the banquet at the Marquis of Beiding's mansion and Xie Wenling's sharp eyes, she couldn't help but feel scared.

Fortunately, a loud bell rang, and the musician's music stopped.

The palace servants shouted loudly, "His Majesty has arrived!"

She no longer needs to worry.

Everyone rose, bowed towards the door, and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

The little dumpling followed his parents, bowing respectfully, and his sweet, childlike voice called out, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Wei Xiuming, dressed in a dragon robe, walked in slowly with a smile on his face and waved his hand: "All of you, rise. Today is New Year's Day. The palace banquet is just for fun, so there's no need for formalities."

Everyone thanked them in unison before getting up and returning to their seats.

The little boy followed his parents to his seat, which happened to be next to Qu Zijin.

The little princess and the little prince also returned to their seats, right opposite the little dumpling.

The little princess sat down and waved to the little dumpling, mouthing "don't worry".

The little dumpling breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems the prince has successfully drunk the medicine.

Tao Wanbi sat in the corner and also bowed. After everyone was seated, she secretly raised her eyes and looked in the direction of the young prince.

The young prince was sitting there, occasionally exchanging a few words with the palace servants around him, and seemed no different from anyone else.

She was both hoping the little prince would look over and afraid that if he did, she wouldn't know what to say.

Wei Xiuming spoke, his voice not loud, but it immediately attracted everyone's attention: "Today is New Year's Day, and the palace banquet is lively. I have something to announce to you all."

Everyone immediately quieted down and looked at Wei Xiuming.

Wei Xiuming's gaze fell on Xie Wenling, and he praised, "Since entering officialdom, Minister Xie has dealt with plagues, quelled rebellions, protected the country and its people, and understands the political situation and the people's hearts. I have decided to appoint Xie Wenling as Prime Minister, to take charge of the government and assist me in governing the country!"

After the announcement was made, the entire hall erupted in cheers. Everyone stood up, cupped their hands in greeting to Xie Wenling, and congratulated him in unison: "Congratulations, Prime Minister Xie! Congratulations, Prime Minister Xie!"

Xie Wenling rose, bowed to Wei Xiuming, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust. I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations and the hopes of the people."

The little dumpling also stood up and clapped her hands loudly: "Congratulations, Brother Xie! Brother Xie has become the Prime Minister! Will you be even more amazing now?"

Xie Wenling turned to look at her, smiling, "I will work harder in the future to protect the people, and to protect you too."

"Yay!"

Wei Xiuming spoke again, this time focusing his gaze on the little girl: "Besides the Prime Minister, I also want to mention our Princess Fukang. During the plague in the south, Princess Fukang, despite her young age, managed to find a prescription and even worked with Lin Fuman to research the antidote, saving many lives. Your compassion and courage surpass those of many adults!"

Everyone immediately looked at the little dumpling and nodded in praise.

"Princess Fukang is truly a lucky star!"

"It's truly rare to have such a kind heart at such a young age!"

"Your Majesty has a discerning eye; bestowing the title of Princess Fukang upon her is truly well-deserved!"

Many people understood this as well.

Wei Xiuming made a point of mentioning Lin Fuman and Xiao Tuanzi at the palace banquet, praising them for researching antidotes and helping the people. He was clearly building momentum for them and explicitly supporting what they wanted to do!

For a moment, the gazes directed at Lin Fuman had to abandon their disdain and skepticism.

Lin Fuman stood up with the little dumpling, bowed to Wei Xiuming, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty flatters me. I only did what I should do. Thanks to Your Majesty's support, and thanks to the Prime Minister and Princess Fukang's help, the people were saved."

“No need to be so modest,” Wei Xiuming said with a smile, waving his hand. “I know what you want to do, and I support you all. From now on, just go ahead and do it. With me here and the Prime Minister’s help, no one can bully you.”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Little Dumpling and Lin Fuman replied in unison.

After the two were seated, Wei Xiuming announced with a smile, "Alright, enough of the small talk, the palace banquet officially begins! All of you, please don't be shy, eat and drink to your heart's content, and have a good time!"

The musicians played cheerful tunes, palace maids carried wine and snacks and moved among the guests, and the singers and dancers slowly emerged, their dances graceful and their songs melodious.

The atmosphere at the banquet was one of singing and dancing.

The little dumpling ate pastries while watching the song and dance performance, waving to the little princess opposite him every now and then, and was extremely happy.

But Tao Wanbi, sitting in the corner, couldn't be happy at all.

She waited for ages, her eyes almost aching from staring, but the little prince didn't even glance at her, let alone look over. It was as if she didn't exist at all.

"What's going on?" Tao Wanbi panicked a little and whispered to the system, "Why isn't the male lead looking at me? Is the plot not working at all? How come he doesn't even seem to notice where I'm going?"

I don't understand either...

The system's voice also sounded confused.

Logically speaking, if you and the male lead appear in the same place, he will definitely be drawn to you, even if you do nothing.

This shouldn't be happening... Could it be that the power of the plot has been weakened too much, just like me?

"What should we do?" Tao Wanbi panicked even more. "He won't look at me. How can I talk to him? I can't just sit here forever, can I?"

Don't panic.

The system thought for a moment and then suggested—

Since he's not looking at you, take the initiative and try to attract his attention.

[At a palace banquet, the easiest way to stand out is by composing poetry. If you write a poem, you might catch the male lead's attention and impress others with your talent.]

"Write a poem?!"

Tao Wanbi was shocked: "Are you crazy? Do I look that smart? You're asking me to write a poem, aren't you just making me look bad in public?"

"I was already embarrassed enough by farting last time. If I embarrass myself by writing poetry again this time, I really won't have the face to stay in the capital!"

I'm not asking you to write it yourself. If you can't write it clearly, surely you can memorize it?

Trust me, I'll find you a poem. You just need to read it once and pretend you wrote it yourself.

Tao Wanbi understood: "Wen... plagiarist?"

What does that mean? Never mind, it's not important. Just cooperate when the time comes.

"...Alright then."

The New Year's Day banquet was in full swing.

The music in the hall had stopped when a voice suddenly broke the laughter and conversation: "Your Majesty, I would like to offer a poem to add to the festive atmosphere!"

Everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice, and sure enough, it was Tao Wanbi who spoke.

Most of the civil and military officials in the hall were seeing Tao Wanbi for the first time and were somewhat unfamiliar with her.

Seeing this little child suddenly step forward and say she wanted to recite a poem, everyone was a bit curious and puzzled—

"Whose child is this? They look unfamiliar."

"Such a young child, and he can actually write poetry?"

"Looking so timid, how dare he rashly present a poem at a palace banquet? Is he trying to attract attention?"

Quiet murmurs rose and fell, and many people sized up Tao Wanbi with puzzled expressions.

After all, it's unheard of for a three-year-old child to recite a poem, let alone a completely unknown stranger.

When Marquis Beiding saw Tao Wanbi, his face darkened, and a bad premonition suddenly rose in his heart. He turned his head and whispered to Jiang Xiyue, "What's going on? Who let her come out and embarrass herself? It's not enough that she bullies Yue'er at home, she dares to make a scene in the palace!"