Palace Banquet
The next morning, Xu Qingyao woke up with aches and pains all over her body.
The moment her consciousness returned, the chaotic and intense images of last night flooded her mind, making her ears burn instantly.
She moved slightly and felt a strong arm around her waist, and a man's warm chest behind her.
"woke up?"
A deep, slightly hoarse voice sounded in her ear, and his breath brushed against her neck.
Xu Qingyao stiffened, but did not turn around, only giving a soft "hmm".
Xiao Zhouyan tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer, his tone devoid of emotion: "I've already had someone investigate what happened last night."
Mentioning this, Xu Qingyao immediately sobered up a bit, suppressed her embarrassment, and asked, "Any clues?" She also wanted to know who dared to attack her at the Zhenyuan Marquis's residence.
"The servant in the kitchen who was in charge of making sweet fermented rice balls was found drowned in the well this morning." Xiao Zhouyan's voice turned colder. "There's no way to prove it now that he's dead."
Xu Qingyao's heart sank. The speed and efficiency of the attack were far beyond the usual methods used by those in the inner quarters.
"That Spring Breeze Ferry..."
"It's a secret imperial medicine, colorless and odorless. Small amounts can warm the body and improve blood circulation, but when it comes into contact with certain yeast, it becomes an aphrodisiac," Xiao Zhouyan explained. "This substance is strictly controlled, and very few have escaped its reach."
Imperial secret medicine? Xu Qingyao frowned.
Are they from the palace?
Or did it leak out of the palace through some channel?
Who do you think it could be?
She turned around and looked at him.
Xiao Zhouyan looked down at her, the morning light filtering through the curtains and casting soft shadows on her face.
He reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a natural movement.
“The target may not be you.” He analyzed calmly, “Perhaps they want to use you to unsettle me, or… create a rift between us.”
After all, if he were to ignore her because he suspected she had deliberately set a trap, that would suit some people's wishes perfectly.
Xu Qingyao remained silent.
The intricacies of this capital city are indeed impossible to guard against.
"System," she called out in her mind, "can you scan and analyze last night's food residue?"
[Insufficient energy to perform retrospective analysis of material composition. Host is advised to upgrade privileges or replenish energy.]
It's energy deficiency again.
Xu Qingyao was helpless.
"I will handle this matter."
Seeing her silence, Xiao Zhouyan assumed she was still shaken and softened his tone, "The mansion will be cleaned again. For the next few days, you should refrain from eating any soup or snacks sent in from outside."
"good."
Xu Qingyao nodded. She was currently pregnant, so it was only right that she be cautious with her diet.
The two got up to wash and dress, and the atmosphere became awkward.
After last night, something seemed different. Xiao Zhouyan remained composed, but when his gaze fell upon her, there was a subtle warmth and possessiveness in it. Xu Qingyao, on the other hand, deliberately avoided his gaze, her movements carrying a hint of unease.
During breakfast, Xiao Zhouyan casually mentioned:
"In a few days, His Majesty will be hosting a family banquet in the palace to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday. Would you... like to go?"
Xu Qingyao paused, her hand holding the spoon still.
A palace banquet? This means she will officially appear before all the royal family members and high-ranking noblewomen in her "resurrected" identity.
"I'll go." She put down her spoon, looked up at him, her eyes now calm. "I can't keep hiding like this."
Now that she had chosen to return, she knew she would have to face these situations sooner or later. She also wanted to see for herself just how deep the waters of the capital really were.
Xiao Zhouyan noticed the sharp glint in her eyes and a barely perceptible smile played on his lips.
His wife seemed to adapt to the storm much faster than expected.
**
The next few days were calm and peaceful.
Xiao Zhouyan dealt with several suspected servants swiftly and decisively. Although no evidence of a direct instigator was found, the atmosphere within the Marquis's residence was immediately rectified.
Xu Qingyao rested peacefully in Tingxuexuan to "pregnant" and occasionally learned about the outside world through the moon and the system.
The Fifth Prince seemed to have temporarily held back, taking no further action. The Emperor, however, bestowed several more gifts upon the Zhenyuan Marquis's residence as a sign of his favor.
During her free time, Xu Qingyao had the system compile a diagram of the known relationships between the various factions, especially clues that might be related to Chunfeng Ferry.
She discovered that, in addition to the imperial court, several other noble families had also been bestowed with similar medicines, including... the Cheng'en Duke's Mansion, which was closely associated with the family of Consort Xiao, the birth mother of the Fifth Prince.
Was it a coincidence, or was it intentional?
“Madam,” Yuejian said softly as she brought in a plate of freshly made hibiscus cakes, “the gatekeeper received a note from the third young lady of the Chengen Duke’s mansion, saying that she heard that Madam was unwell and wanted to come and visit.”
The Duke of Cheng'en's Mansion? Xu Qingyao's eyes flickered slightly.
She had just found this lead when the other party contacted her?
“Go back,” she said, picking up a piece of hibiscus cake. “Just tell them I need to rest and am not available to see guests.”
She wanted to see just how many fish were lurking beneath the surface. And the upcoming palace banquet might just be the perfect opportunity to observe the reactions of all parties involved.
*
The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet was filled with a joyous and peaceful atmosphere in the palace.
Inside the vermilion palace walls, lanterns and decorations were hung, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air.
When Xu Qingyao, dressed in the robes of an imperial consort, walked into the banquet side by side with Xiao Zhouyan, she instantly became the focus of the entire event.
Those glances, whether overt or covert, contained curiosity, inquiry, and even a hint of scrutiny that was difficult to detect.
Xu Qingyao lowered her eyes and followed Xiao Zhouyan respectfully, perfectly portraying the dignified and gentle nature of the Marquis's wife.
"Your subject/wife pays respects to Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, and Your Majesty the Empress." The two performed the proper rites.
The emperor smiled gently: "My dear minister and your wife, there's no need for such formalities. How is Qingyao feeling?" His gaze seemed to casually sweep over her still flat stomach.
Xu Qingyao bowed slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am now out of danger."
The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile: "It's good that you're back. The Eldest Princess told me that you have a special destiny, and now it seems that you are indeed a blessed person."
The Empress sat to one side, her smile dignified, and said nothing, but her gaze lingered on Xu Qingyao for a moment.
After taking her seat, Xu Qingyao could clearly feel the gaze coming from the direction of the Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin.
He remained as gentle and refined as ever, chatting and laughing with the surrounding members of the royal family, but the occasional glance he gave Xiao Zhouyan carried a hint of undisguised sharpness.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.
The ladies of noble birth chatted in small groups, their eyes occasionally glancing toward Xu Qingyao.
Just then, Lady Chengen, who was also Consort Xiao's sister-in-law, said with a smile, "I have long heard that Lady Zhenyuan is exceptionally beautiful, and seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved. I just heard that you were frightened in Nanyue a few days ago. Are you well now? There are many snakes, insects, rats and ants in Nanyue, and the miasma is heavy. It is truly a blessing from the Bodhisattva that you were able to return safely."
These words sound like concern, but they actually contain hidden meaning. By deliberately mentioning Nan Yue, they evoke the image of the "accidental" fall off the cliff, suggesting that there may be a hidden story behind it.
Xu Qingyao put down her teacup, looked up at the Duchess of Cheng'en, and smiled gently.
"Thank you for your concern, Madam. Although the scenery of the South is different from that of the Central Plains, it has its own unique charm. Perhaps it is thanks to the blessings of the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration that I was able to escape danger. Madam has reminded me that I have heard that the orchids cultivated by the Duke of Cheng'en's mansion are exceptional in the capital. I suppose they must have some expertise in repelling snakes and insects? I will ask Madam for some advice another day."
She skillfully deflected the issue, flattering the Empress Dowager while subtly implying that the Duke of Cheng'en's household seemed quite familiar with the goods of Nanyue, thus turning the tables on the Empress Dowager.
Lady Cheng'en's smile froze slightly; she chuckled awkwardly and said no more.
Xiao Zhouyan sat to the side without saying a word, but gently squeezed Xu Qingyao's fingertips with his hand under the table, with approval and comfort.
At this moment, the Third Princess Chu Xue Zhao, who had been quiet all along, suddenly spoke up, her voice clear and cold: "I have heard that the Marquis's brother, Minister Xu, has achieved remarkable political success in Yangzhou, reforming the canal transport system and benefiting the people. With such a sister, Minister Xu must also have an upright family tradition and possess both talent and virtue."
Chu Xuezhao has always been aloof and rarely speaks in such situations, let alone takes the initiative to praise others.
Her words not only affirmed Xu Qingyao's reputation but also brought shame upon the Xu family, effectively slapping the face of those who still wanted to exploit Xu Qingyao's "resurrection."
Xu Qingyao was somewhat surprised and looked at Chu Xuezhao, but the other had already lowered her eyes and was focused on the cup in her hand.
A slight tremor ran through her heart. This third princess seemed to be showing her goodwill? Was it because of Xu Zhiyuan?
Seeing this, the Fifth Prince Chu Huaijin smiled and replied, "Third Princess is right. Minister Xu is indeed a capable minister. The current peace in the northern border and smooth water transport are all thanks to the Emperor's wisdom, the soldiers' bravery, and the dutiful service of the subjects."
He cleverly attributed the credit to the emperor, while subtly pointing out Xiao Zhouyan's current idleness in the capital.
Upon hearing this, the emperor laughed heartily, raised his cup, and said, "What Huaijin said is very true! Come, all of you, drink this cup to the brim, and may our Great Zhou be blessed with peace and prosperity!"
A tense confrontation was temporarily quelled by the emperor raising his cup.
Xu Qingyao sat quietly, observing everyone's reactions.
The Duke of Cheng'en's probes, the Fifth Prince's subtle pressure, the Third Princess's inexplicable kindness, and the Emperor and Empress's seemingly gentle yet unfathomable attitude...
This capital city is indeed a place that devours people without spitting out their bones.
After the palace banquet ended, on the carriage leaving the palace, Xiao Zhouyan finally spoke, saying, "You handled things quite well today."
Xu Qingyao leaned back on the cushion and rubbed her slightly sore temples: "It's just a matter of responding to each move as it comes. That Lady Cheng'en seems to be quite hostile towards me."
"The Chengen Duke's Mansion and Consort Xiao share the same fate. If the Fifth Prince cannot smoothly take over the military power in the Northern Frontier, they will naturally be anxious."
Xiao Zhouyan said in a calm tone, "As for the Third Princess..." He paused, "she seems to have some connection with Minister Xu."
Xu Qingyao raised an eyebrow. It seemed that there were some stories about her brother that she didn't know.
"System," she asked in her mind, "can you find out the relationship between the Third Princess Chu Xue Zhao and Xu Zhi Yuan?"
[Insufficient permissions to access in-depth private information about royal family members. Analysis based solely on publicly available information is possible: The Third Princess inspected Jiangnan on behalf of His Majesty three years ago and had official contact with Xu Zhiyuan, then the prefect of Yangzhou.]
Official contact? Xu Qingyao felt it wasn't that simple.
Chu Xue Zhao's aloof nature meant that unless someone treated her differently, they would never have spoken up for her at the palace banquet.
"What should we do next?" she asked Xiao Zhouyan. After the palace banquet, she was even more certain that a peaceful life was no longer possible.
Xiao Zhouyan's gaze remained calm: "Wait."
"wait?"
"Let them lose their temper first."
A cold, stern smile curved his lips. "How can you strike a snake at its vital point if it doesn't leave its hole?" He looked at Xu Qingyao. "Besides, don't we still have a trump card up our sleeve?"
Xu Qingyao was slightly taken aback, then realized he was referring to her "pregnancy." This child's fictitious "bloodline" was indeed the best bargaining chip to stir up tensions among all parties.
She suddenly realized that having such an ally by her side wasn't so bad.
At least, he was powerful enough, and also... cunning enough.
The carriage drove through the quiet streets, its wheels making a rhythmic sound as they rolled over the cobblestones.
The night in the capital city concealed countless secrets and schemes, and their game of chess had only just begun.
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