The raindrops fell softly, hitting the banana leaves outside the windowsill.

"lady."

Mrs. Zhang, who was serving in the East Cross Courtyard, also came over with a few new maids. They carefully held the clothing boxes in their hands and said, "The Caixiufang has altered the dress, and there are also several sets of small accessories to match it. I see it's getting late, so I will help you change into it right away."

Su Ci came back to her senses, turned her eyes away from the rain hitting the banana leaves, threw down the pen, and said with a smile: "Okay, bring it in."

In late August, there was a grand banquet in the palace.

The Wanshou Festival was the old emperor’s seventy-fifth birthday. It was a rare event for a person to live to seventy, and he lived to be seventy-five, making him the longest-lived emperor in the Ji royal family. The second was Taizong, but he only lived to be seventy-one.

It is so rare, and it happens on the fifth day of the lunar calendar. The most important thing is that the old emperor has planned many times and finally used the 21 million taels of official silver and the traitor Huang Zhengmao to eliminate the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince, the two most troublesome princes of the royal family. The Seventh Prince's Palace is also in danger. The emperor is very pleased. At the same time, in order to demonstrate the king's power, this Wanshou Festival is very grand. The whole country celebrates, the emperor and his subjects have fun together, and all officials in the capital, whether civil or military officials of the fifth rank or above, can bring their families to the banquet.

This is God's grace. Saying it is possible actually means it is a must. Unless one is really bedridden, no one would be so ignorant. So Su Ci must have followed Yang Yanzong into the palace to attend the banquet.

The needlework room at home had just been set up, and Yang Yanzong was unwilling to let in outsiders whose background he did not know. As the craftsmanship was a little lacking, he directly asked someone from a familiar embroidery workshop to modify the lady's formal dress.

Yang Yanzong got promoted again and again, and as his wife, Su Ci's clothing also rose with the tide. Often, she had to change into a new set just after putting away the previous one and not wearing it yet. This latest version of the Second Rank Lady's Imperial Clothes had just been delivered by the Ministry of Rites. It was a bit too big, but fortunately there was still time to change it.

Su Ci tried it on and found it looked good, neither too fat nor too thin. She put on some light makeup herself, and wore a royal blue blouse and a wide waistband. She had a scarlet knee-length cape and a crown with a kingfisher bird holding a pearl in its mouth.

It was even more dazzling and beautiful than the wedding dress she wore on her wedding day. After all, this was the original form of the phoenix coronet and bridal bridal gown, but its grade was not high enough at that time.

Su Ci had fair skin and looked young. She looked delicate and pretty in the clothes she wore. She was very satisfied with herself. She looked at herself in the large bronze mirror and smiled.

Mrs. Zhang beside him couldn't help but mutter: "If the master saw it, he would definitely be happy."

Yang Yanzong and Su Ci had been having conflicts these days. Anyone who served in the main courtyard who was not blind knew about it, and everyone was a little cautious when going in and out. Only Mrs. Zhang, who was the most senior, dared to mutter a word because she knew that Su Ci had a bad temper.

However, Su Ci looked at her with a smile, and Mrs. Zhang also shut her mouth.

Su Ci has a good temper, but this young lady is very opinionated. She can make decisions even on matters outside. She may joke around, but she is decisive when it comes to serious matters. She didn't dare to say much.

Su Ci didn't blame the servants for thinking this, but the problem between her and Yang Yanzong was not a simple conflict between husband and wife, and it was not something that should be told to outsiders. She didn't intend to discuss this with the maid, so it was better not to mention it.

She packed up and saw that it was almost time. A Kang came over and asked, "Okay, okay, we can go now!"

The maid held an umbrella and lifted her skirt as she walked along the corridor to the gate to get on the car.

Yang Yanzong just happened to come out. He was wearing a dark purple Qilin robe, a black crown with tight sleeves, black boots of the same color, and a large black cloak with gold embroidery that blocked the rain. He looked heroic and dignified, but his face was a little cold, and his eyes had returned to their usual indifferent look.

Su Ci glanced at him secretly, but he seemed unaware and jumped on the horse, saying calmly, "Get in the car."

Su Ci said "Oh", quickly lifted her skirt, climbed into the car and sat down.

…

Today's palace banquet was full of climaxes and events. It was so exciting that even Su Ci forgot the conflict between her and Yang Yanzong for a moment and just remembered to stare with her eyes wide open.

The wheels rumbled as they headed towards the Yangdu Imperial City. Su Ci leaned against the window and lifted the curtain. There were many carriages and horses along the way, but most of those that were not of high rank gave way automatically. Officials were so tactful that they waited for about half an hour before arriving at the gate of the imperial palace. They also ran into Ji Yuanhao.

The two were of similar rank, and entered the venue in the same batch, one after the other.

The drizzle had stopped. Although the ground was still a little wet, it was much more convenient. Ah Zheng lifted the car curtain and she jumped out directly.

Ji Yuanhao and Ren also got off the car at the same time.

This was the first time that Su Ci met Ren, a plump woman with a face like a full moon and an amiable appearance. She was beautiful and quiet, but her eyes were determined. It was obvious that she had great ambitions. It was said that she jumped into the river without hesitation and successfully pulled the children ashore. She also helped Ji Yuanhao with some things. She was a good wife, but not a concubine like Yan.

Ren followed Ji Yuanhao over. Ji Yuanhao straightened his sleeves casually and smiled slightly. He came over to greet Yang Yanzong, then glanced at Su Ci with a smile and nodded.

Su Ci nodded generously.

To be fair, Ji Yuanhao is very handsome. He is the epitome of heroic and handsomeness, with a hint of calm and unruly feeling, and an unfathomable style of a playboy and a trend-setter. Now that he has broken free from his constraints and achieved independent success, this feeling is even more obvious.

He and Yang Yanzong walked side by side, about two steps apart. Ji Yuanhao straightened his sleeves and said with a smile: "Today is the birthday party, I'm afraid there will be a big show."

Yang Yanzong smiled faintly and did not deny it.

Ji Yuanhao glanced at Uncle Kun who was walking in the distance ahead, smiled, and then looked away calmly.

The two men were standing side by side, and naturally the two women behind them were also standing side by side. Ren was obviously a person who could grasp the right degree, not too enthusiastic, nor cold. She smiled slightly and said, "It's the first time I see my sister today. You are indeed a good person."

Sister, okay, sister is sister, Su Ci smiled and said, "Sister Ren is the same."

Unlike the mainstream nowadays who always want to be humble, Su Ci agreed to it generously. She also thinks she is pretty good, but you are not bad either.

Ren couldn't help but laugh. This Second Miss Su was so interesting. She was filled with natural happiness and confidence, which made her a little envious.

"It seems that General Yang is a flower-protecting man." Ren joked.

With such a character, it is probably impossible to raise one without the love and care of one's parents and husband, right?

Su Ci was embarrassed for a moment. The topic was so jumpy. Why did it suddenly become related to Yang Yanzong?

Whenever she was asked a question that was not easy to talk about, she would just smile and say, "Okay, okay."

Fortunately, after chatting for a few words, the two groups quieted down. After entering the palace gate, no one continued to talk.

We walked along the red carpet all the way inside to the Yongle Hall where the banquet was held. The colorful tent extended from the front of the hall all the way to near the palace gate. Below was a row of banquet tables. Looking around, there were probably a few thousand seats.

Su Ci was dazzled by the sight along the way. Now that the crisis was over, she could finally take a good look at this ancient royal banquet. The middle-ranking officials did not enter through the same palace gate as them, and many of them had already taken their seats. She stood on tiptoe to find her father, but did not find him, so she had to give up.

When they arrived here, Ji Yuanhao and Yang Yanzong separated, and the two of them, along with their families, followed the eunuch who led the way and entered the Yongle Hall.

This time, Su Ci sat on the right side, which was quite close to the front. As soon as she sat down, people came to talk to Yang Yanzong, some greeted him, some greeted him. He was very busy, and Su Ci was not idle either. She paid attention to the people talking to him. Many of them greeted her. She smiled and nodded in response, and returned the greeting from time to time.

When the greetings were almost over, she sat down and began to look at the various people attending the banquet, the layout of the drinks, and so on.

Every placement is exquisite; even the light white celadon on her desk is the finest of the fine.

Of course, the people were also very interesting. Su Ci glanced around and noticed many familiar faces, including the immortal King Qian. However, his eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and his handsome face with misty rain seemed to add a bit of melancholy.

Su Ci blinked her eyes. Considering the meaningful words that Ji Yuanhao and Yang Yanzong had just said, could it be that...

Her mind was full of thoughts and her thinking was flexible, but in fact Yang Yanzong did not pay any attention to her at all.

I just paid attention to it, and my heart became even colder.

Her eyes are colorful, and she is still so lively and energetic, as if all the sorrows cannot affect her.

He snorted coldly, his heart turned cold, and he no longer looked at her.

Less than a quarter of an hour after they sat down, everyone was there. The second to last person to perform was Queen Kun. This gorgeous and elegant woman was like a golden phoenix with its wings spread, proud and sharp. She sat high on the Phoenix Throne, glanced down from above, and called out softly.

The auspicious time was approaching, and those who were observant could faintly hear the sound of whips, so they all prepared to get up and welcome the emperor.

But no one expected that the climax would come right from the beginning. The climax came so abruptly and unexpectedly, and it happened without warning.

"Your Majesty has arrived—"

The sound of whips was getting closer and closer. Everyone stood up and straightened their clothes. Then they saw the bright yellow jade carriage going up the steps and reaching the main gate of Yongle Palace. It lowered with a slight "click". The curtains embroidered with nine dragons and cloud patterns were opened layer by layer, revealing the face of the old emperor wearing an imperial crown and a red court gown with bright yellow and sable trim.

At this time, there was no one standing inside or outside the hall. Everyone knelt down, bowed their heads, and respectfully welcomed the emperor!

The old emperor stood up and slowly got off the imperial carriage. Then he turned around and reached his hand inside. A white little hand stretched out from the imperial carriage and placed on the old emperor's palm. The little Prince Zhao, wearing a seven-chapter crown and a heavy prince's formal dress, took the old emperor's hand and got off the imperial carriage.

The old emperor and the young Prince of Zhao walked through the Yongle Hall, step by step, going up one jade step after another.

People present at first were unaware of this scene, including Su Ci, who thought that the old emperor was a little slow this time. However, the old emperor was old and it was normal for him to be slow on his feet. But gradually, the ceremonial guards holding lanterns and the palace servants and eunuchs rustled up as the emperor passed in front of them. Those with sharp eyes noticed that something was wrong!

Su Ci's position was also relatively forward. She was not a servile person. Although her posture was standard, her eyes were a little dishonest, so she was the first one to notice something was wrong. Suddenly, she saw that there was a pair of small green boots on the side of the dragon robe with bright yellow dragon patterns and thick-soled boots with dragon patterns, and the man was walking side by side with the old emperor in small steps.

Su Ci: “…”

At this time, there was a subtle commotion in the hall. The old emperor and the young Prince of Zhao had already climbed up the jade steps step by step. Sun Shiping waved his hand and placed another large jade chair on the left side of the dragon throne, one step below it, on the same level as Empress Kun.

Su Ci didn't know what kind of eye contact there was between Empress Kun and the old emperor, but when she hurriedly followed the cheers of "Long live the emperor", a voice from the top came from the old emperor, "All the ministers, stand up!"

Compared to before, the voice is much older and more weak, but this is not the point. The point is!

She followed everyone in expressing her gratitude, quickly stood up and looked up. In an instant, the entire Yongle Hall was in an uproar!

It really is the Little King of Zhao!

This was the first time that the little King Zhao had shown his face in public since he grew up. Before that, people had only heard of him but never seen him.

Ah, yes! The little King of Zhao had just celebrated his fifth birthday, which made him six years old in lunar age. In the eyes of ancient people, after the age of six, one had established himself.

The old emperor had just executed the fourth and sixth princes, and the seventh prince's palace was in danger. It can be said that he had eliminated a major worry for many years in one fell swoop.

At this moment, the old emperor was holding the hand of the young Prince of Zhao and receiving the worship of his ministers. After being called, he sat down on the gold-painted nine-dragon chair, while the young Prince of Zhao sat on the newly set up green jade chair.

There was an uproar in the hall for a moment. One has to know that not everyone can sit next to the emperor. On the right side of the throne is the phoenix chair, which is undoubtedly the seat of the empress, and on the left side is either the imperial concubine who is right next to the main palace, but this is an exception, because under normal circumstances the only person who can sit here is the crown prince, and he has to be the crown prince who is about to take over and is deeply trusted by the emperor. Otherwise, he cannot sit so close and has to move back a little to show respect.

The old emperor did this on the day of his 750,000th birthday. His intentions were so strong and so obvious!

Everyone was shocked and quite a few people spilled their drinks. Some were horrified, some were shocked. Su Ci was one of them. She was shocked mainly because the sleeves of the dress were too big for her and she was not used to wearing it. She was shocked and spilled the drink. She hurriedly grabbed the cup, luckily it didn't fall, and then glanced around.

In fact, no one paid any attention to her. Many of them knocked over their wine glasses, and some even knocked over fruit plates. The plate kept spinning on the ground, "clang clang clang" for a long time before it stopped, but no one paid any attention to it.

In this weird atmosphere, Su Ci secretly glanced at Queen Kun and Uncle Kun. There were many people who did the same. The old emperor was so obvious about it, and he had already killed the three kings. The next one... wouldn't it be Kun's turn?

Queen Kun's face turned pale. From this angle, Su Ci could just see the beautifully maintained white jade hand, dyed bright red and wearing gold gloves, tightly clasping the left armrest of the Phoenix Chair. She was sharp-eyed and even saw the thin blue veins and white joints. Queen Kun's luxurious makeup could not hide her stiff face, especially when everyone was peeking at her. She became even angrier and her face became uglier.

The expressions of Uncle Kun and his followers were not much better.

Su Ci quickly raised her wine glass. The atmosphere was so weird that she had no time to think about anything else. She even subconsciously slowed down her breathing, and it wasn't until the singing and dancing began that she felt better.

Only then did she realize that her sleeves were wet. It was already the end of August and it was still quite cold. Unfortunately, her handkerchief happened to be in the pocket of her left sleeve and it was also soaked.

She shook her hands, and Ren, who was standing next to her, saw it and quietly handed her a dry handkerchief. She mouthed "thank you" and took it, folded it and put it under her.

The two looked at each other and didn't dare to say anything. They just stared at the center stage and concentrated on watching the dance.

…

They sat there staring intently for more than two hours, and finally waited until the banquet was over. Many people secretly breathed a sigh of relief, hurriedly cheered and bid farewell to the emperor and empress, and then left and went home.

It turns out that the food at royal banquets is not tasty.

We followed the silent crowd out of the palace. The incident was so serious that no one said a word. Everyone watched and watched, those who wanted to get on horses got on horses, those who wanted to get on cars got on cars, and left quickly. Some old people were so stiff that their feet were numb after standing for most of the day. They crawled twice and had to be supported by their family members before they could get on the car.

Su Ci was fine. After all, she was young and had no problem with her spirits. She was just a little hungry. Many of the dishes at the banquet were lukewarm. After all, it was quite difficult for the imperial kitchen to prepare so many dishes. The food became cold after a while because the lard solidified and she could not eat it.

She opened the drawer and ate some pastries to fill her stomach. It was almost time for her to return home. The soldiers guarding the gate saw the carriages and horses from afar and immediately opened the side doors leading to the inner alley and the stable, and the convoy entered one after another.

Stopping at the Chuihua Gate and walking a few steps back to the main courtyard, Yang Yanzong threw down his whip and spread his hands. Mrs. Zhang hurriedly came forward with her maid to help him change into his formal dress. He entered the separate bathroom and heard the sound of water. Not long after, he came out wearing a tight-fitting black round-necked robe with tied sleeves.

Su Ci had also changed into her home clothes. She blinked and said, "Is there anything I should pay attention to?"

Yang Yanzong sat down, sipped a cup of tea, and said, "Yu Yiying has nothing to do with your work. During this period of time, you should restrain your work and don't cause any trouble."

He said calmly, put down the teacup, straightened his sleeves, stood up and left, "I have something else to do."

He didn't look back. After he finished speaking, he strode down the stairs. His steps were broad and he soon disappeared into the night outside the courtyard gate.

At present, the two of them get along like an ordinary couple who are semi-strange. He does not ignore her, but he is no longer particularly enthusiastic. He is neither salty nor indifferent, just like an ordinary couple who got married blindly.

Su Ci was aware of Yang Yanzong's thoughts. She had tried her best, but it was useless. So she had no other choice.

Okay.

She was speechless and had no idea what to do, but at least she was not someone who could not live without a man. After feeling melancholy, she let go.

Just let nature take its course. A forced melon isn’t sweet, right?

The conflict between the two was not an ordinary one. As long as the root cause was not resolved and no one was willing to give in, this issue would always be a dead end.

Su Ci had done everything she could, so she felt at ease. She could always make her life happier. Her new job happened to be very busy, so she started to work. In her spare time, she also listened to gossip. The days passed quickly.

…

It was a cold night, and at the end of August, the wind was howling, bringing with it a feeling of being cut by a knife.

Yang Yanzong walked out of the main courtyard and went to the study.

He began to give up his feelings for Su Ci.

Just do your job, no more anger or sadness, all emotions are suppressed and settled, and are separated bit by bit.

After I figured it out and made a decision, the anger in my heart seemed to ease a little.

Yang Yanzong thought this was a good idea.

He told himself.

Nothing is impossible!

He would not treat her badly, but they would just be an ordinary couple in the future.

His eyes were cold and indifferent, and without hesitation, Yang Yanzong quickly returned to the gate of the outer study. A Kang carefully glanced at his face and whispered, "Master, General Ji is here."

"oh?"

Yang Yanzong turned his foot, forced himself to put the matter of that yard and that person behind him, raised his eyes and said: "Please ask him to go to the flower hall."

…

Ji Yuanhao played with the two gold-threaded jade balls hanging from his belt, standing in front of the wide-open window, admiring the autumn scenery wet with rain and dew.

This flower hall is adjacent to the large garden. It is spacious and open on all sides, making it the best place to enjoy the scenery and talk about things. Ji Yuanhao heard footsteps and turned around to see Yang Yanzong coming from the backyard. He laughed twice and said with interest: "What time is it now? You've returned to your room so early. You're so happy with your lovely wife in your arms. Sorry to bother you!"

Yang Yanzong did not answer. No matter what happened between him and Su Ci, it was not worth telling to outsiders. He just said calmly, "What's the matter?"

Ji Yuanhao touched his stomach. He didn't get to eat any proper dishes at the banquet, so he was looking for a place to fill his stomach. More importantly, he wanted to discuss today's incident with Yang Yanzong. After all, the two of them were still allies, right?

"What do you think?"

The food and wine arrived quickly, but Yang Yanzong did not order any singing or dancing; he was not in the mood for that. Ji Yuanhao clicked his tongue twice, but did not care. He picked up his chopsticks to fill his stomach, sipped a glass of warm wine, and asked.

Yang Yanzong said succinctly: "Your Majesty will soon appoint Prince Zhao as the Crown Prince."

Yes, after taking one step, it’s time for the next step, which is exactly what Ji Yuanhao judged.

He raised his eyebrows: "It seems that Yangdu will be in trouble again."

Yang Yanzong said calmly: "Yangdu has never been at peace."

"You are right."

That’s true, that’s right.

Even if you don't leave, the situation will push you to move.

Yang Yanzong stared at the wet flowers and trees outside the flower hall and squinted his eyes, but he still preferred to take the initiative.

No matter what else.

Or feelings.

…

But in fact, the development of the situation was even earlier and more urgent than Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao judged.

The Wanshou Festival had not yet ended. On the next day, the old emperor bathed, changed his clothes, walked all the way from the altar to the Taimiao, kowtowed, and reported to his ancestors. Before the big banquet that day, the emperor issued an imperial decree to adopt the little Prince of Zhao into the main family and make him the prince.

Soon after, he issued an imperial decree, appointing the young Prince of Zhao as the crown prince and moving him into the Eastern Palace. He also ordered the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to calculate an auspicious day to formally perform the enthronement ceremony and offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, the ancestral temple and the country.

The little Prince of Zhao was already six years old. He was the closest blood relative to the old emperor. In addition, the fourth and sixth princes were dead, and the seventh prince's palace was in danger. There was no major opposition for the time being, nor were there many valid reasons for opposition.

Under the strong support of the old emperor, the imperial edict was issued on the same day and announced to the world.

The common people outside the province were probably celebrating together, but inside and outside Yangdu, where the emperor was standing, the atmosphere suddenly became subtly tense.

With this imperial edict, as if sending a signal, the relationship between the old emperor and the Kun family immediately became tense.

Su Ci had heard about these major events outside not only from A Zheng, but also from Su Yan and Yang Yanzhen. However, after several discussions and speculations, she had never expected that this matter would actually involve herself in the end.