Xiao Che's words, filled with endless doting and pleasure, were like the finest wine, making Lin Wanwan's heart slightly intoxicated.

She knew that her crazy and audacious plan had his unwavering support.

In the following days, as the Emperor's birthday approached, the air in the entire capital seemed to be gradually solidified by an invisible pressure.

On the surface, everything is calm.

In the imperial court, Regent Xiao Yuan's power grew increasingly overwhelming, replacing almost all important departments with his own confidants. Meanwhile, Emperor Xiao Che had become a completely incompetent ruler, indulging in the "battles" of the harem, spending his days either lingering among the concubines or engaging in a series of scenes of mutual loathing with Empress Lin Wanwan.

Kunning Palace truly lived up to its reputation as a "cold palace." Aside from daily rations, almost no one dared to set foot there. The Empress remained secluded within the palace walls, and it was rumored that she was already disheartened and looked haggard.

Everything was like a well-rehearsed play, with each character perfectly playing their role.

Beneath this oppressive tranquility, an undercurrent powerful enough to overturn the entire dynasty is surging wildly!

Finally, three days before the Emperor's birthday, a seemingly ordinary pretext broke this eerie peace.

— Good news came from the border: a small-scale conflict ended in victory for the Liang army.

According to custom, a banquet should be held in the palace to celebrate and demonstrate the power of the nation.

An imperial edict, issued from the Imperial Study, spread throughout the capital. Tonight, a routine palace banquet will be held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, inviting all civil and military officials of the third rank and above residing in the capital.

When the imperial decree reached the Regent's Palace, Xiao Yuan and his most trusted advisors were in a secret room, conducting final calculations on the capital's defense map, which was identical to the one in Lin Wanwan's possession.

"Your Highness, could there be a trap at this palace banquet?" an advisor asked cautiously.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan merely gave a disdainful sneer.

"A trick?" He reached out and lightly tapped the dragon throne, which represented supreme imperial power, his eyes filled with contempt for his prey. "Him? A mere brat who's been driven crazy by the women of the harem? Right now, he's nothing more than a tiger with its teeth pulled out. What can he do besides roar a few times?"

He stood up, walked to the window, looked in the direction of the palace, and his eyes gleamed with a determined light.

"He's trying to appease me by feigning weakness! He wants to use this palace banquet to ease the recent tensions." Xiao Yuan's voice was full of confidence that he was in control of everything. "However, it's fine. I also want to take this opportunity to see for myself whether the emperor and empress have truly broken up or are just... putting on an act for me."

He turned to his staff and ordered, "Pass down the order: everyone must be on high alert. Tonight is my final test for them."

He wanted to use this palace banquet to confirm the truth of the Emperor and Empress's falling out, and to give them the final reassurance for his grand plan for the Emperor's birthday three days later!

...

As night fell, the Hall of Supreme Harmony was brightly lit, as bright as day.

The palace music played melodiously, and the dancers moved gracefully with their long sleeves. Inside the hall, wine cups clinked, and voices rang out, creating a peaceful and prosperous scene.

However, beneath this lively facade, undercurrents of ulterior motives are surging.

Everyone's gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, drifted toward the Emperor and Empress, who sat high on the throne.

Emperor Xiao Che, his face ashen, his eyes filled with impatience and irritation, drank one cup of wine after another in silence, completely ignoring the Empress beside him.

Empress Lin Wanwan, on the other hand, had a cold and aloof expression. Although her beauty remained stunning, she exuded an air of detachment that kept everyone at arm's length. She simply sat there, neither watching the singing and dancing nor paying attention to anyone, like a beautiful but soulless porcelain doll.

The two sat side by side, yet the distance between them seemed to be an abyss.

The entire process was completely silent!

This appearance of a "mismatched couple" perfectly confirms all the rumors circulating outside.

The civil and military officials present had different thoughts.

The royalist ministers were all filled with worry and sighed repeatedly. In their view, the discord between the emperor and empress was a misfortune for the country.

Meanwhile, the officials of the Regent's faction were all beaming with glee, gloating over his misfortune. They frequently cast congratulatory glances at the Regent, as if they could already see the day their prince would be crowned emperor.

Regent Xiao Yuan, sitting at the head of all officials, took in all of this and was delighted.

Looking at the "young couple" arguing and bickering in their high positions, his last remaining doubts vanished completely.

So realistic!

This deep-seated resentment and alienation cannot be faked!

It seems that the emperor and empress have truly and completely broken off their relationship!

Thinking this, Xiao Yuan felt a surge of pride. He believed he had completely seized control of the situation. The emperor was now a lonely figure; the empress was nothing more than a disgraced woman. The world was within his grasp!

He decided not to wait any longer.

Today, he will conduct his final test, add the last spark to this grand drama, and present himself with the most perfect pledge of allegiance!

Lin Wanwan appeared to be looking straight ahead, but in reality, she used the corner of her eye to clearly see the expressions of everyone in the hall.

Looking at the Regent's smug, self-satisfied face, she sneered inwardly.

The fish have not only taken the bait, but they've even started to walk themselves onto the barbecue grill.

She slowly raised the wine glass in front of her and, from a distance, silently made a toasting gesture to the regent, who was below her in the main seat and was about to begin his final performance.

A cold, mocking smile curled at the corners of his lips.

Come on, let your performance begin.

I'm waiting for you at this treacherous banquet.

Just then, the banquet was halfway through.

The melodious palace music continued.

Regent Xiao Yuan slowly stood up from his seat.

His action instantly drew everyone's attention.

In his hand, he held a full glass of amber-colored wine, and on his face was a perfectly appropriate, sincere smile that showed he was "considering the bigger picture."

His eyes gleamed with calculation as he ignored everyone and slowly walked towards Emperor Xiao Che, who sat high on the dragon throne.

With each step he took, the atmosphere in the hall grew more somber.

The melodious music seemed to gradually transform into a somber background sound.

Everyone held their breath, watching this scene unfold. They knew that the main event of the night was finally about to begin!

Lin Wanwan's fingertips gently traced the cold jade cup's surface.

She knew that this banquet was a trap, orchestrated by her and Xiao Che...

The feast is officially beginning!