Chapter 13 Flower Appreciation Banquet
After the court session, Xiao Jingzhan was summoned to the Lizheng Hall by the Empress.
The Empress dismissed her attendants, looked at her handsome son, and sighed, "Zhan'er, you're becoming increasingly impulsive these days. Is that Su woman really that good? Is she worth all this for?"
In front of his mother, Xiao Jingzhan was less cold and stern than he was in court, and more gentle, but his attitude remained firm: "Mother, Yu'er is different from others. She is pure of heart, and her feelings for me are without any ulterior motives. Only when I am with her can I feel a moment of peace."
The Empress was incredibly astute. From the instant her son's eyes softened when he mentioned Lady Su, she knew he was deeply entangled in her. She pondered for a moment: "Even if she is virtuous in every way, you shouldn't be so blatant. A tall tree catches the wind; by placing her in the eye of the storm, aren't you harming her? Today in court, if it weren't for your father's intentional protection, how could she have gotten away so easily?"
"Your subject understands," Xiao Jingzhan said solemnly. "That is why your subject wishes to ask Your Majesty for assistance."
"Oh?" The Empress raised an eyebrow.
“Yu’er’s rescue of me is a truly commendable act. If it weren’t for her meticulous care, my injuries would not have healed so quickly.”
Xiao Jingzhan said solemnly, “This merit deserves to be rewarded. Your Majesty, I would like to ask the Empress Dowager to find an opportunity to say a few good words for Yu’er in front of the Emperor. Whether it is bestowing a title or other rewards, we must justify and justify her merit in order to silence the critics and make her position in the Eastern Palace more secure.”
The Empress looked at her son, understanding dawning on her. He was using this opportunity to gain a promotion and pave the way for Lady Su. She was both pleased that her son was thoughtful and knew how to balance the court and the harem, and also felt a pang of bitterness; her son's efforts were ultimately for another woman.
"Very well." The Empress sighed. "Since you say so, I will keep an eye on things for you. But Zhan'er, you must remember that you are the Crown Prince. Your favor can be sweet or poisonous. Protect her, but be careful with your methods, lest she become the target of everyone's hatred."
"Your subject will remember Your Majesty's teachings." Xiao Jingzhan bowed respectfully. He had his own plans in mind.
Xiao Jingzhan did not elaborate on the turmoil of the previous dynasty to Su Jingyu. He only told her that her father and mother were aware of her contributions and that she would surely be rewarded in the future.
Although Su Jingyu was deep within the inner palace, she could vaguely sense the turmoil in the outside world caused by her from the cautious words and actions of Yun Shu and other palace maids. She was grateful for Xiao Jingzhan's protection and became even more careful in her words and deeds. Although she had been removed from the position of Crown Prince, she insisted on occasionally showing her face to show respect for the Crown Princess. Otherwise, she stayed in the Liuli Pavilion to read, practice calligraphy, and tend to the flowers and plants, trying her best not to give anyone any reason to gossip.
Half a month later, the Empress held a flower-viewing banquet in the Imperial Garden, inviting the families of the royal family, nobles, and high-ranking officials. Ostensibly, it was to enjoy the spring scenery, but many people knew that the Empress wanted to see Consort Su, the woman who had captured the Crown Prince's heart.
Inside the Liuli Pavilion, Yun Shu and several senior palace maids were carefully dressing and grooming Su Jingyu. Today's palace attire was newly made by the Imperial Wardrobe; the soft, light green silk was cut into a wide-sleeved, flowing skirt, with the hem embroidered with lotus patterns in silver thread. As she moved, the skirt shimmered and made her skin appear even whiter and more translucent.
Her hair was styled in an exquisite bun, adorned only with a translucent jade hairpin and a few small pearl flowers, exuding a fresh and elegant charm while maintaining her status.
After court, Xiao Jingzhan came over specially. When he saw her like this, his eyes flashed with undisguised amazement. He stepped forward and personally straightened the tassels of her hair ornament. He said in a low voice, "Don't be nervous. The Empress Dowager is kind and gentle. It's just an ordinary family banquet. With me here, no one will dare to make things difficult for you."
Su Jingyu took a deep breath and smiled, "Your Highness, rest assured, I understand."
In the Imperial Garden, a riot of colors bloomed, the air was filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the lively chatter of voices. When the Crown Prince arrived with Su Jingyu, he instantly drew everyone's attention.
Especially Su Jingyu, whose stunning beauty and ethereal气质 made many self-proclaimed beautiful ladies present pale in comparison.
The Empress sat regally on her throne, her appearance dignified and noble, her gaze gentle yet sharp enough to see through everything. Watching her son carefully protecting Lady Su, she nodded inwardly; her appearance and bearing were indeed remarkable, no wonder Zhan'er was captivated.
The Crown Prince led Su Jingyu to pay her respects to the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor made a brief appearance before returning to his study to handle state affairs. The Empress greeted her warmly, rewarded Su Jingyu with a pair of jade bracelets, and offered a few words of encouragement, her attitude friendly yet respectful.
The banquet was halfway through, and the atmosphere was harmonious. At this moment, a young girl dressed in gorgeous clothes, with a hint of arrogance in her eyes, stood up. She was Princess Yongjia, the legitimate daughter of Prince An.
She had been in love with her cousin, the Crown Prince, since childhood. Seeing that the Crown Prince was infatuated with the daughter of a local official, she was already resentful.
She walked to the center of the room with a smile and bowed to the Empress: "Aunt, just admiring flowers and drinking wine is a bit monotonous. How about we play a drinking game, or have the sisters show off some of their talents to liven up the atmosphere?"
The Empress was well aware of her little scheme, but not wanting to disappoint the younger generation, she nodded in agreement.
Several noble ladies took turns showcasing their skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, each displaying their unique talents. When it was Princess Yongjia's turn, she performed a sword dance, which was quite dashing and won applause.
After the dance, she turned her gaze to Su Jingyu, who was sitting quietly below the Crown Prince, and said in a tone that was somewhat innocent and provocative: "I have long heard that Consort Su comes from a scholarly family in Jiangnan, and must be quite talented. Today is a rare occasion, why doesn't Consort Su show us a little and broaden our horizons?"
Instantly, all eyes were on Su Jingyu. Some were watching with amusement, some felt sympathy, and some were filled with anticipation. Everyone knew that Su Jingyu came from a humble background, and Princess Yongjia's actions were clearly intended to embarrass her.
The Crown Prince's face darkened, and he was about to speak when Su Jingyu quietly pressed his hand under the table, then calmly stood up.
She curtsied slightly to the Empress and Princess Yongjia, her voice clear and gentle: "Your Highness is too kind. I am but a humble servant, with only a rudimentary understanding of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I dare not presume to show off my limited skills before such esteemed guests. However, Your Highness's sword dance just now was so spirited and captivating. I am unworthy to offer this humble rendition of a Jiangnan folk song to entertain Your Highness, and also to express my gratitude to Her Majesty the Empress and all the noble ladies."
Her words were both humble and subtly shifted the focus back to Princess Yongjia, while also subtly praising the Empress and everyone else—a flawless and impeccable statement.
A hint of admiration flashed in the Empress's eyes.
Princess Yongjia felt like she had punched cotton; she was somewhat unwilling, but she couldn't press the matter any further.
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