Chapter 25 Birthday Banquet, Pampering

Since Yuwen Che had decided to hold a grand celebration for Su Luoxue's birthday, he strived for perfection. He knew that Su Luoxue loved snow, especially cherishing the times she spent playing and even dancing freely in the snow outside the palace. Therefore, he specially summoned the Director of the Imperial Observatory and ordered him to calculate the auspicious day for the first snowfall of the year. Ultimately, the birthday banquet was set for the day of the first snowfall predicted by the Imperial Observatory.

Upon hearing the news, the entire palace began preparations well in advance. On the day of the banquet, the weather indeed cooperated. At dawn, glistening snowflakes, like pure white feathers, fluttered down, quickly transforming the Forbidden City into a silver-clad, crystal-clear world.

The palace was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and despite the freezing weather, it was bustling with activity. All the concubines, regardless of their inner thoughts, attended in their finest attire. Even Prince An, Yuwen Hao, who had just recovered from his illness and was still somewhat timid, was brought to the banquet by Consort De after being carefully dressed up. The little one, having experienced that ordeal, seemed to have matured a bit, sitting obediently beside his mother, quietly and curiously observing his surroundings.

The banquet was held in the warm, spring-like Grand Hall, where dozens of red plum trees in full bloom had been transplanted, their delicate fragrance filling the air. This contrasted beautifully with the snow-covered world outside, creating a breathtaking scene. This was clearly to please Consort Chen, demonstrating His Majesty's thoughtfulness towards her.

What excited the families of the court officials even more was that His Majesty had granted all officials the special privilege of bringing their wives and children to the palace banquet, except for concubines and mistresses, but all illegitimate children were permitted. This imperial decree kept every household busy. Before their departure, the matriarchs repeatedly gave instructions to their children, especially those illegitimate children who were usually not very noticeable:

"After entering the palace, you must be careful with your words and actions, and never offend Consort Chen!"

"Although the Empress has not yet been formally appointed, it is only a matter of time! She is the apple of His Majesty's eye, and we must not afford to offend her!"

"Especially you young ladies, if you can gain His Majesty's favor, it will naturally be a blessing for your family. But remember not to deliberately show off and annoy others. If you don't have the opportunity, just watch from afar. Never go up and cause trouble. If you anger His Majesty, your entire family will not be able to bear the consequences!"

Therefore, on the day of the banquet, the warm pavilion was filled with a dazzling array of beauties, each vying for attention. Many daughters of officials, regardless of whether they were legitimate or illegitimate, dressed up in their finest attire, hoping to make a good impression on this rare occasion. Even if they couldn't catch the Emperor's eye, it would be wonderful to receive a compliment from Consort Chen or to be noticed by a member of the imperial clan.

When Yuwen Che entered the inner hall of Guanju Palace, Su Luoxue had already dressed up. His eyes flashed with undisguised doting affection, but when his gaze fell on her bare collarbone and neck, his brows furrowed slightly.

He stepped forward and embraced her from behind, his chin gently resting on the top of her head. His voice was filled with affection but also contained unmistakable worry: "Xue'er, it's cold today, and the snow is falling heavily. I've had so many winter clothes made, each one warm and luxurious. Why do you insist on wearing this one? Be careful not to catch a cold."

Su Luoxue looked at herself in the bronze mirror from left to right, extremely satisfied with her outfit. Hearing this, she turned her head, pouted her red lips, and said with a touch of girlish coquettishness, "No, those clothes are nice, but I think this one is the prettiest and best suits today's snowy scene. A-Che, please let me wear this one..."

Yuwen Che sighed and tried to reason with her, his tone as gentle as if he were coaxing a child: "Listen to me, your health is the most important thing. If you like it, you can wear it when it gets warmer. I'll let you wear it every day, okay? It's windy today, and the banquet is held in a warm pavilion, so it's inevitable to feel cold when you go in and out..."

"I'm not cold!" Su Luoxue turned around, took his large hand and shook it gently. Her beautiful eyes looked at him expectantly, filled with persistence and pleading. "Look, there are so many charcoal fires burning in the hall. And... and I just want to dress up the best at the first birthday banquet you hold for me, so that you can see me at a glance."

Her words, tinged with coquetry and a hint of wanting to present her best self to him, instantly melted Yuwen Che's heart. Looking into her bright, expectant eyes, his worries about rules, her health, and a touch of jealousy all seemed insignificant in the face of such pure anticipation.

He finally gave in, gently pulling her into his arms, his voice filled with indulgence and a helpless sigh: "Fine, fine, I really have no way to deal with you. Wear it if you like."

Su Luoxue immediately smiled broadly, like a kitten who had successfully stolen some cream, and leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek: "Ache is the best!"

Yuwen Che held her tightly, feeling the warmth emanating from her thin clothes, but he was still worried. He ordered in a deep voice, "Li Dehai, prepare a few more hand warmers and surround the Consort's palanquin even more tightly. Once you arrive at the warm pavilion, immediately place charcoal braziers around the Consort's seat. Make sure the Consort doesn't catch a chill."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Li Dehai quickly replied.

Yuwen Che then lowered his head, looking at the smiling woman in his arms. His fingertips brushed against the collar of her dress, and he whispered with a mixture of doting and resignation, "You really are my little darling... I'll do whatever you want."

When Yuwen Che and Su Luoxue entered, the entire hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the two of them.

Yuwen Che was still dressed in a majestic black dragon robe. Su Luoxue, standing beside him, stunned the entire audience.

She wore an extremely luxurious and dazzling phoenix robe. The main color was a deep blue, like the night sky over the deep sea, and the skirt trailed on the ground, forming an elegant train. The neckline was uniquely designed, a square neckline that perfectly revealed her beautiful collarbone and her delicate, fair skin, making her both dignified and subtly alluring.

The dress was impeccably tailored, perfectly accentuating her graceful figure; her curves were alluring where they should be, yet her slender frame was impeccably proportioned, without an ounce of excess fat. She wore a long, flowing gold hairpin, which complemented her exquisite makeup. Although she wore a thick fox fur cloak, she gestured for Fuling to remove it as soon as she sat down.

On the way here, Yuwen Che was worried that she would be cold wearing this, but after coaxing her for a long time, Su Luoxue insisted that this was the best-looking one, and he couldn't persuade her otherwise, so he could only let her have her way. Now that he saw her take off her cloak, he immediately frowned and whispered to Li Dehai to immediately place a blazing gold and silver charcoal stove in front of, to the side of, and even behind Su Luoxue's seat, to make sure that her surroundings were as warm as spring, for fear that she would catch even the slightest chill.

His meticulous care, as seen by everyone, further solidified Consort Chen's unparalleled favor with the Emperor. Those daughters of officials who had previously harbored some competitive thoughts felt ashamed and completely extinguished any inappropriate ideas when they saw Su Luoxue's peerless beauty, perfect figure, and the undisguised affection in His Majesty's eyes.

This grand banquet, held amidst the first snowfall, officially commenced with Su Luoxue's stunning appearance and Yuwen Che's meticulous care.