Palace Banquet
Xu Qingyao knew she had been too willful, so she obediently knelt down, her forehead pressed against the cold floor tiles, not daring to look up at her father's expression.
The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire.
The eldest brother, Xu Zhiyuan, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Father, it is a great blessing that my little sister has returned safely. She has gone through many hardships on her journey, and she must have grown a lot."
His tone was calm, but his gaze fell gently on Xu Qingyao, as if silently telling her that it was good that she was back.
Second brother Xu Xiuran couldn't help but speak up: "Father, my younger sister was assassinated on her wedding day. She was frightened and impulsively decided to run away from the wedding. She did not mean to embarrass the family."
He paused, then added, "Besides, isn't she doing well now? She even brought back the Xiao family's heirloom jade bracelet, which shows that the Xiao family treats her very well."
Standing to the side, Xiao Zhouyan's expression hardened slightly. He stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Father-in-law, the fault lies with me. If it weren't for the inadequate protection that day, allowing the assassin to infiltrate the wedding hall, Qingyao wouldn't have been frightened and run away. I will definitely be more careful in the future and protect her well."
Xu Lian's gaze swept over the three people, then fell on his kneeling daughter. Seeing her shoulders trembling slightly, most of his anger had already dissipated.
He snorted coldly, feigning sternness, and said, "For Zhou Yan's sake, I'll let you off this time." He paused, his tone hard, but a hint of heartache flashed in his eyes, "If there's a next time, the Duke of Wei's mansion will have to wait to be summoned."
Xu Qingyao's eyes welled up with tears, and she said softly, "I know I was wrong and will never do it again."
Xu Lian then raised his hand to signal her to stand up, glanced at Xiao Zhouyan, and said indifferently, "Now that you're back, live a good life from now on."
Xu Zhiyuan stepped forward to help Xu Qingyao up, gently patted her shoulder, and whispered, "It's alright now."
Xu Xiuran then chuckled and leaned closer, teasingly asking, "Little sister, did you bring back any interesting things from your trip to the Western Regions? Your second brother is very curious!"
Xu Qingyao burst into laughter through her tears, took out a small cloth bag from her sleeve, and handed it to Xu Xiuran: "This is spices from Gaochang. It is said to be able to calm the nerves and help with sleep. I brought it especially for my second brother."
Xu Xiuran's eyes lit up. He took the cloth bag, sniffed it, and exclaimed exaggeratedly, "It really is a good thing! My little sister still cares about me!"
Xiao Zhouyan stood to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips, his gaze tender as he looked at Xu Qingyao.
Looking at the harmonious scene before him, Xu Lian finally couldn't keep a serious expression and shook his head, sighing, "Alright, since everyone is here, let's serve the meal."
Outside the hall, the snow had stopped, and the icicles under the eaves reflected the winter sun, refracting tiny rays of light.
Inside, the charcoal fire was warm and the aroma of tea filled the air. The family sat around a table, and it seemed that all the barriers and worries had turned into warmth at this moment.
*
The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.
Xu Qingyao sat before the dressing table, letting Yuejian do her makeup. The woman in the bronze mirror had eyebrows like distant mountains and lips like cinnabar. Her pale pink palace dress made her skin look like snow, and her deliberately light makeup added to her sickly appearance.
“Miss… oh no, I should say Madam,” Yuejian inserted the last hairpin into her hair bun and smiled, “Today’s outfit makes you look exactly like a delicate young lady recovering from a long illness.”
Xu Qingyao coughed lightly twice, practicing her demeanor for the palace banquet later: "How about this?"
"[It's so similar, so incredibly similar. Host, your makeup skills are top-notch!]" the system complimented.
“It’s so true.” Yuejian nodded, then said with concern, “But does Madam really want to show weakness like this? What if those people think you’re easy to bully?”
“Perfect.” Xu Qingyao’s lips curled up slightly. “It’s better for them to think that the Marquis of Zhenyuan married a sickly woman than to know the truth.”
The curtain rustled softly, and Xiao Zhouyan entered. Today, he was dressed in an indigo-blue official robe with a unicorn design, a jade belt cinching his waist, his entire being exuding a restrained sharpness, like a drawn sword. Upon seeing Xu Qingyao's attire, he was visibly taken aback, then admiration flashed in his eyes.
“It’s beautiful,” he said, walking behind Xu Qingyao and taking out a brocade box from his sleeve. “Wear this.”
Inside the box was a pair of white jade earrings, carved into the shape of magnolia buds about to bloom, with a touch of bright red at the center of the flower, exquisitely crafted.
"This is……"
"The blood jade is a tribute from Nanzhao." Xiao Zhouyan put it on her head himself. "It is said to ward off evil spirits and cure diseases, which is just right for your 'symptoms' today."
Xu Qingyao smiled knowingly, stood up and turned around: "General, do I look like a frail and sickly young lady from a secluded family?"
Xiao Zhouyan's gaze lingered on her slender waist and deliberately feigned fragility, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "It's heartbreaking to see her like that." His voice was slightly hoarse. "But remember, if anyone makes things difficult for you, don't force yourself..."
"Don't worry." Xu Qingyao interrupted him, a sly glint in her eyes. "I'm just recovering from a serious illness. Who would dare to make things difficult for a patient?"
The carriage slowly made its way towards the imperial city. Xu Qingyao looked through the gauze curtain at the bustling crowds and colorful lanterns on the street, a sense of tension rising in her heart.
This is her first official appearance as the wife of the Marquis of Zhenyuan. If she makes any mistakes, she will not only be in danger, but she will also implicate Xiao Zhouyan.
"Don't be afraid." Xiao Zhouyan seemed to sense her emotions and held her slightly cool hand. "Today's palace banquet is mainly for enjoying the lanterns. No one will deliberately make things difficult for you."
Xu Qingyao nodded, but knew things weren't that simple. Ever since she learned on New Year's Eve that the emperor specifically requested to see her, Xiao Zhouyan had secretly increased security at the Marquis's residence, even entrusting all her meals to trusted confidants.
This was by no means just to prepare for an ordinary palace banquet.
The carriage stopped in front of Xuande Gate. Xu Qingyao took a deep breath and followed Xiao Zhouyan into this magnificent cage.
"The General of Zhenyuan has arrived!"
The eunuch's shrill voice echoed on the palace walls. The moment Xu Qingyao stepped into the Taiji Hall, she felt countless gazes shooting at her like arrows. She lowered her eyes, deliberately slowing her pace, appearing frail and delicate.
"Is this the sickly young lady from the Duke of Wei's family?" a noblewoman whispered among herself.
"I heard she was raised in seclusion from a young age, and even the servants of the Duke of Wei's mansion rarely saw her..."
"No wonder Lord Xiao took so long to introduce his wife to the public after their marriage..."
Hearing the whispers, Xu Qingyao was secretly delighted; this was exactly the effect she wanted.
"Your subject Xiao Zhouyan, along with my wife Xu, respectfully wish Your Majesty good health." Xiao Zhouyan performed the proper salutation.
Xu Qingyao followed Yingying in bowing down, her movements so gentle it seemed she might faint at any moment.
"Rise, my dear minister." Emperor Chu Huaiyuan's voice came from above. "Minister Xiao, your wife is rather thinner than last time..."
The emperor showed great compassion: "Lady Xu."
Xu Qingyao's heart skipped a beat, and she stood up and bowed, saying, "Your subject is here."
"You look unwell; is it because your old ailment hasn't healed?"
"Your Majesty, I... caught a slight cold, but it's nothing serious."
He sized up Xu Qingyao for a moment and smiled, "Just as the rumors say, she is a sickly beauty. Minister Xiao, you must take good care of your wife."
"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by me." Xiao Zhouyan replied respectfully, but his arm subtly supported Xu Qingyao's waist, perfectly embodying the image of a caring husband for his sick wife.
After taking her seat, Xu Qingyao lowered her eyes, focusing on her nose and her mind, yet she could clearly sense several unusual gazes.
A gentle yet scrutinizing gaze came from the emperor in the main seat opposite him, with the dignified empress sitting beside him.
A sharp and inquisitive gaze came from a young man with a handsome face, dressed in a crimson python robe, to the emperor's lower left.
This is the Second Prince, Chu Chengjing. He's cunning and wicked.
The system reminded her.
Beside him sat a bright and lively young girl dressed in a pale yellow palace gown, who was openly scrutinizing Xu Qingyao with a look of curiosity and scrutiny in her eyes. She was the Fourth Princess, Chu Fuguang.
The man to the left of the Second Prince, dressed in an indigo casual robe and possessing a refined air, was the Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin. Beside him nestled a girl of about fifteen or sixteen, dressed in a pink palace gown, with bright and mischievous eyes—the Sixth Princess, Chu Lingxi. Chu Lingxi even winked playfully when she saw Xu Qingyao.
Among the female guests, the most eye-catching was a beautiful young woman dressed in a scarlet and gold-embroidered palace gown, with a haughty air about her. She was Princess Anyang.
Her gaze was almost glued to Xiao Zhouyan, filled with undisguised admiration and longing, but when she turned to Xu Qingyao, it instantly turned into a cold scrutiny and a hint of hostility.
Xu Qingyao, using the cover of her wide sleeves, gently squeezed Xiao Zhouyan's fingers, indicating that he had many suitors.
Xiao Zhouyan squeezed her hand back, thinking she was nervous, and his eyes were full of reassurance that he would take care of everything.
The palace banquet began, filled with singing and dancing. Xu Qingyao maintained the demeanor of a sickly young lady, sipping warm water and only lightly touching the delicacies offered before setting them down.
"Sister-in-law." The Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin, was about twenty years old, with handsome features and two dimples when he smiled. "I have long heard of your name, and I am finally able to meet you today."
Just as Xu Qingyao was about to return the gift, the Second Prince, Chu Chengjing, came over with a wine cup, looking at Xiao Zhouyan and Xu Qingyao with a gentle smile:
"The Marquis of Zhenyuan and his wife are deeply in love, truly enviable. I heard that the lady had been ill and recuperating at home, but she looks quite well now. On this festive day, I wonder if the lady would be willing to add some enjoyment for everyone?" He spoke gently, as if it were just a casual suggestion.
Upon hearing this, many eyes in the hall once again focused on Xu Qingyao.
Princess Anyang even curled her lips slightly, revealing an expression of watching a good show.
Xiao Zhouyan's eyes turned slightly cold. Just as he was about to speak, the Fifth Prince Chu Huaijin smiled first and said, "Second Brother, you are mistaken. Today's palace banquet is to celebrate the Lantern Festival. Everyone should drink and enjoy the songs and dances. Madam Xu has just recovered from a serious illness and is still weak. Asking her to put in the effort to perform her talents would be asking too much. Father and Mother are always kind and would not be able to bear it."
Upon hearing this, the Empress nodded gently: "Huaijin is right. Madam Xu, please sit down and relax, there's no need for formalities." She gave her a way out.
Chu Chengjing's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes deepened: "Fifth brother is right, it was my oversight. However..."
He changed the subject, looking at Xu Qingyao with feigned concern, "Your Majesty is frail and busy with military affairs. Would you like some capable people to take care of you? I do know a few female physicians who are knowledgeable in medicine and skilled in treatment..."
These words are rather malicious. On the surface, they seem to express concern, but they are actually implying that Xiao Zhouyan's household is devoid of talent, and may even be alluding to Xu Qingyao as "jealous" or "unvirtuous."
Xiao Zhouyan put down his wine cup, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Thank you for your concern, Second Prince. My wife is being carefully taken care of by me and the elders in the household, so there is no need for outsiders to worry about her. Although my residence is simple, it cannot tolerate those with impure intentions."
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