The banquet was held in the Imperial Garden, where the sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from the lake, clear and melodious, much less noisy.
The Fourth Prince, accompanied by his concubines, relatives, and married princesses, came to attend.
It was a rare occasion for a joyous event in the palace, so everyone was naturally in high spirits, chatting and laughing as they arrived early at the Imperial Garden to wait.
Before long, the Emperor and Empress arrived slowly, surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs.
Everyone quickly stood up and bowed.
The Fourth Prince smiled and said, "No need for formalities! Although this is a palace banquet, we are all family..."
Consort Nian, with an air of indifference, haughtily raised her head, her exquisite makeup making her even more radiant. Seeing the Fourth Prince and the Empress approaching, she took the initiative to greet them, giving the Fourth Prince a charming smile.
After the Fourth Prince was seated, Consort Nian unceremoniously sat down in the row to his right.
Lanqin naturally sat in the first seat to the left of the Fourth Master.
Then there's the banquet for relatives, female princesses, and concubines. Palace rules are strict; noble men are not allowed to meet or gather with the women of the harem except on major holidays. Today is Ushiha's wedding, so it's a family banquet, and naturally, there's less restraint.
Because Consort Nian herself sat in the seat closest to the Fourth Prince, Lanqin, as a concubine, was naturally arranged to sit in the seat next to the Empress. In descending order were Lady Song, Lady Wu, and Lady Geng. The Thirteenth Prince, the Eighth Prince, and the Ninth Prince also took their seats.
Lanqin had been unhappy ever since she left Changchun Palace from Wuxiha, and she felt deeply guilty for not seeing Wuxiha off. She had no interest in the banquet and didn't care where she was sitting. Although she was at the banquet, she had no interest in what others were saying. Even when the Fourth Prince deliberately glanced at her several times, Lanqin did not meet his gaze.
After chatting for a while, Madam Wu watched as Consort Nian drank with the Fourth Prince. Lanqin's mind was elsewhere, and even if the Empress was unhappy, she couldn't say much for the sake of appearances. Madam Wu made up her mind, picked up her wine cup, stood up, walked to the center, and bowed slightly.
After saying "Congratulations, Your Majesty," he bowed again to Lanqin and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Consort Xi!"
Lanqin was taken aback, then smiled and nodded to Madam Wu. Madam Wu turned around and continued, "Although today is a family banquet, the main guests are indeed His Majesty and Consort Xi. I'll drink first as a sign of respect..."
The Emperor smiled and raised his wine cup, saying to Wu Shi, "You have such a sweet tongue. I am indeed happy that Wu Xiha is getting married. Consort Xi has done a good job in raising her daughter. She is the one who made the difference..." After speaking, he looked at Lan Qin gently. Lan Qin looked up and met the Fourth Prince's gaze. Her heart ached, and she bit her lip and forced a smile.
“Wu Xiha has always been by Consort Xi’s side and has never left her. I’m sure Consort Xi is very reluctant to leave this time. Mother and daughter are very close, and a daughter is the apple of her mother’s eye. Your Majesty must comfort Consort Xi properly…” Wu Shi said deliberately to the Fourth Prince.
The Empress glared at Wu Shi, who timidly stepped aside, but secretly chuckled. Lan Qin hadn't expected Wu Shi to speak up for her in front of so many people, and didn't know whether to be grateful or reprimand her.
As expected, after listening, the Fourth Prince pondered for a moment, then suddenly reached out his hand to Lanqin and said with a smile, "Consort Xi, come to me..."
A wave of astonishment swept through the audience, who exchanged glances. The Empress watched as the Fourth Prince slowly extended his hand towards Lanqin, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. Did the Fourth Prince mean for her to offer Lanqin her seat? Impossible! She was the Empress; how could she offer her seat to a mere concubine? The Empress had already cursed Lanqin a thousand times in her heart, but in front of everyone, she could only maintain a dignified and virtuous demeanor.
"Consort Xi, His Majesty is right! As you are currently the one who should be seated at the head of the table for Wuxiha's marriage, although I am Wuxiha's mother..." The Empress suppressed her anger and spoke gently to Lanqin, but did not make any move to get up.
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