On New Year's Eve, according to the rules of the capital, after having lunch at home, each family would go to the palace to attend a banquet.
Xu Nian, the newly appointed county princess, was no exception. It snowed heavily all morning. But after lunch, the sun came out.
She wore a golden, nine-petaled lotus crown, and her fiery red dress and cloak created a unique kind of beauty in this snowy world.
The snow-white jade hairpin on her head suppressed the aura of the originally stunningly beautiful enchantress.
Like the finest red plum blossoms in winter, pure and resilient, warming the heart. Quite different from those elegant and dignified young ladies of noble families.
She attracted countless eyes as soon as she appeared, and many young masters from prominent families secretly turned their gazes to her.
"Niannian, over here." In the center of the crowd, Anqing beckoned her over. "Today, Father said he wouldn't restrict us juniors. We can sit wherever we want."
Right next to the second table to the left of the throne, Anqing and Su Wanting sat upright.
There was an empty prayer mat next to Su Wanting, and the young ladies from various families were eager to step forward and strike up a conversation. After all, she was Princess Anqing, and if they could gain her favor, they could be on the same level as the princes in the future.
Unexpectedly, a Cheng Yaojin appeared out of nowhere. After their efforts had been fruitless, the group watched as Xu Nian effortlessly sat down, greeted by Princess Anqing's smile.
He was burning with jealousy, but dared not utter a single word.
The three of them chatted for a while, and Xu Nian always felt a faint gaze on her.
Jiang Yuanqing?
Across from her, Jiang Yuanqing looked much better than she had ever seen before.
He smiled faintly as he looked in her direction, his mouth opening and closing twice before closing again.
During these days, because of treating this person's illness, the two have grown closer. If Gu Zhan didn't know that Xu Nian could never like Jiang Yuanqing, he would drink two jars of vinegar every day.
What does this mean? What's this handsome guy up to?
Judging from his lip movements, it seems he's warning the streamer to be careful.
What should you be careful of at the palace banquet? Beware of someone trying to trip up the streamer!
[It's possible. I feel like ever since the streamer got engaged to the general, a lot of women have started to dislike her.]
Well said, but don't say it again next time.
Feeling a pang of resentment at the truth, Xu Nian nodded slightly to indicate that she understood what the other person meant.
While everyone was distracted, he secretly cast a divination using his fingers.
Hey, there really is a minor calamity today. A petty person is jealous and might cause trouble.
"Your Majesty, look at these children below. They've all grown up so quickly." The Consort had finally been released from confinement, but could only watch from afar as Jiang Mingyun and the Empress showed their affection. Her resentful gaze unconsciously fell on Xu Nian.
The Emperor and Empress, however, were completely oblivious to her emotions. Sitting together, their gazes swept over the group. "Yes, after the New Year, it's time for the Crown Prince and Wan Ting, Yuan Lang and Liu Qingmei to get married."
Xu Nian had sharp ears and her eyes were fixed on the dance in the center of the banquet. As she listened to the emperor's words, her eyes flickered slightly.
She glanced at Su Wanting beside her; the youngest daughter was displaying her charming demeanor. Ever since the banquet began, she and the Crown Prince had been exchanging flirtatious glances.
The person who was so engrossed in shipping the couple didn't even notice the Empress's gaze upon them.
Suddenly hearing her own voice, she was slightly startled. Seeing that Gu Zhan opposite her had already stood up, she slowly got up after Su Wanting reminded her.
On this auspicious day, the Emperor and Empress wore kind smiles. "Minister Gu is getting on in years. Now that you are engaged to Fu'an, have you thought about a wedding date?"
Holy crap! They've only been engaged for a short time, and they're already pushing for marriage?!
Xu Nian stiffened for a moment, then relaxed. Thinking about it, Gu Zhan was already twenty-two this year. In ancient times, that would be considered an older single man.
It's not surprising that the emperor values him and is worried about him.
"Your Majesty, I will follow all your arrangements." Gu Zhan bowed. He had no parents and his position today was entirely due to the emperor's favor.
Hearing him say that, Jiang Mingyun nodded with satisfaction and her gaze fell on Xu Nian.
Before he could even speak, the other woman hurriedly bowed and said, "This humble woman will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."
"You two," Jiang Mingyun said irritably, "Gu Zhan is one thing, but Fu'an, you are the most proficient in these matters, yet you still push this matter onto me. You are really too delicate."
Although he said it, there was no blame in his tone.
The empress played along with the two men, flattering the emperor and making him laugh heartily, which drew envious and jealous glances from the crowd below.
Jiang Mingyun thought about it and realized that the Crown Prince and the others were not in a hurry. "After the first month, the eighteenth of the third month is a good day. Why don't we set your wedding date on that day?"
The two naturally had no objections, thanked the emperor for his grace, and returned to their seats.
Xu Nian couldn't quite describe her feelings as she was teased by her two girlfriends' playful glances. After a few rounds of drinks, the emperor and empress, exhausted, went back to rest.
The ministers began to toast each other and exchange New Year's greetings.
Liu Qingmei was dressed quite beautifully today, in a magnificent purple palace gown. She gracefully approached Xu Nian with a wine cup, saying, "I was ignorant before and offended the county princess. Today is New Year's Eve, and I would like to offer a toast to the county princess, wishing you and General Gu a long and happy marriage. Let us wipe the slate clean of our past grievances."
Her expression was gentler than Xu Nian had ever seen before, and her tone was soft and gentle, as if she were truly remorseful.
Unable to figure out what this person was up to, she decided to play it safe and just raised her wine glass. A hurried figure flashed past Liu Qingmei from behind, bumping into her.
"ah!"
After letting out a scream, Liu Qingmei managed to steady herself with the help of others.
The liquid in the cup spilled out, splashing all over Xu Nian. Her eyes widened in terror, and she frantically tried to kneel down.
Xu Nian, quick-witted and agile, immediately caught her, saying, "Miss Liu, what are you doing? It's just a dress, you didn't do it on purpose."
Are you kidding me? If I really made you kneel down, what would I do with my reputation?
Unfortunately, she could stop one but not the second. Chen Xuan trembled and knelt down with a thud. "Please forgive me, Your Highness, I did not mean it."
Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, and to demonstrate the enlightened nature of the royal family, even the illegitimate daughters of princes and ministers are eligible to participate.
Seeing this, Xu Nian immediately understood what had happened. It turned out that the two of them were plotting to set a trap for her at the palace banquet.
Before she could react, Su Wanting and An Qing beside her were the first to help her up. "Third Miss, what are you doing? You didn't do this even when you ruined the dress Her Majesty the Empress gave to Niannian last time. Get up quickly, or people will laugh at you. The County Princess isn't a demon. She only made you pay for it back then. How could it be so terrible?"
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