Chapter 112
The Empress understood and immediately said, "Xuan'er, you and your mother should go to the palace banquet quickly. After the banquet, you can return to the East Palace to keep Qing Nian company."
How could she not understand Xuan'er's thoughts?
A few days ago, Qing Nian was unwell, and Xuan'er was also very anxious, even developing blisters in her mouth. Now that Qing Nian suddenly shows signs of premature labor, Xuan'er certainly doesn't want to attend the palace banquet.
Song Xuan pursed his thin lips. He did not respond to the Empress's words, but instead held Shen Qingnian's hand even tighter, his refusal was very obvious.
Seeing that Song Xuan remained unmoved, the Empress became anxious and could only look to Shen Qingnian, hoping that the other party would persuade him.
Xuan'er is extremely fond of Qing Nian, and if Qing Nian were to offer advice, Xuan'er would certainly listen.
Shen Qingnian nodded slightly, sighed softly, and raised her hand to stroke the man's black hair: "Your Highness, this palace banquet is extremely important. All the ministers of the court will be attending with their families. I urge Your Highness to attend so that I and the child in my womb can be at ease."
If Your Highness were to miss this palace banquet because of me, I would feel uneasy.
Upon hearing this, a struggle flashed in Song Xuan's eyes, and he was clearly hesitant.
Seeing this, Shen Qingnian said, "Xia Zi has already prepared fireworks and Kongming lanterns. I am just waiting for Your Highness to return so that we can celebrate the New Year together."
At the palace banquet, with all the drinking and toasting, I had no chance to have a proper chat with Your Highness. It would be better for me to stay in the East Palace, have some snacks and milk, and wait for Your Highness's return.
What she said was indeed true; the two of them had very few opportunities to interact at the palace banquet.
Song Xuan was persuaded by Shen Qingnian. He took the beauty's hand and said solemnly, "Qingnian, you must wait for me to come back so we can set off fireworks and light sky lanterns together."
Shen Qingnian smiled and agreed, urging Song Xuan and the Empress to leave the East Palace.
After the two left, Xiaoju brought the pregnancy-preserving medicine that Physician Xu had given her to her side, and Shen Qingnian took it and drank it down in one gulp.
It tastes very bitter.
Seeing that her face was slightly pale, Xiaoju couldn't help but say, "Crown Princess, please bear with it a little longer. You will be free once His Highness ascends the throne."
She was free now...
Shen Qingnian sighed softly, rubbed her temples, and instructed Xiaoju: "Go quietly to the palace banquet and ask Father to find a way to stop Song Xuan tonight."
She took the opportunity of this palace banquet to distance herself from Song Xuan. She wouldn't have the energy to deal with him anymore, so distancing herself was the best way to avoid revealing any flaws.
Xiaoju didn't understand why Shen Qingnian would do this, but she still quietly left the East Palace.
Shen Qingnian was lying on the bed, planning what to do next. Before long, she heard the sounds of string and wind instruments from the Taihe Palace, as well as the voices of singing girls.
The singing was melodious and very pleasant to listen to.
Yes, he is the future emperor, while she is just a lowly concubine's daughter. The two of them are not the same kind of people. He should be at the highest point, looking down on everyone.
And I, too, will go on to live a simple, ordinary life...
That night, Song Xuan did not return until 3:45 AM.
Upon receiving Xiaoju's message, Shen Zheng gathered several court officials after the palace banquet and blocked Song Xuan's return to the Eastern Palace, using an important court matter to thwart Song Xuan's plans.
When Song Xuan hurriedly returned to the East Palace amidst the wind and snow, the palace lanterns in the sleeping quarters had already been extinguished, and Xiao Ju was guarding the door.
Feeling guilty for breaking his promise, he wanted to go into the bedchamber to see Shen Qingnian, but was stopped by Xiaoju at the entrance.
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