To celebrate the birth of the eldest grandson, the Empress extended a grand invitation to ministers and female relatives to the palace to offer their congratulations at the grandson's one-day celebration.
In the past two years, An Yuan'er has declined most of the banquets, both large and small. However, today's banquet is a rare celebration since the Emperor ascended the throne, and An Yuan'er could not refuse, so she also attended.
After taking off her simple medical attire and putting on elaborate and gorgeous palace clothes again, An Yuan'er felt a little uncomfortable looking at herself in the mirror.
Now An Yuan'er is fifteen years old. Her features have matured, and she is even more beautiful than she was two years ago. She has shed her childishness and gained a charm that she didn't have before.
Wearing magnificent palace attire, many people might have their brilliance overshadowed by the clothes, but An Yuan'er was different. The clothes were merely an embellishment to her appearance, making her even more stunningly beautiful and exquisite.
Guoguo sighed, "Miss shouldn't wear those simple linen clothes every day. Over the years, people outside have been saying that so-and-so is beautiful, but in Guoguo's opinion, they are all far inferior to Miss. After seeing Miss today, they will all be overshadowed by her. Miss is the most dazzling person at the whole banquet."
She shouldn't have been the center of attention at today's banquet. An Yuan'er didn't want to become the focus of everyone's attention and cause trouble.
After listening to Guoguo's words, she removed several beautiful and gorgeous jewels from her head, leaving only a few simple hair ornaments.
An Yuan'er then went out. It had been a long time since she had attended a palace banquet, and An Yuan'er was really afraid of making a mistake. Fortunately, Lan Jingtang was also there and could take care of her.
Upon seeing An Yuan'er, Lan Jingtang's eyes flashed with amazement. He led An Yuan'er onto the carriage and said with a smile, "Yuan'er is very beautiful."
Guoguo overheard this from behind and pouted, complaining, "It would have looked even better, but Miss insisted on changing her makeup before leaving, covering it up..."
Upon hearing this, Lan Jingtang immediately understood An Yuan'er's deeper meaning.
He agreed, saying, "It's good that Yuan'er is like this."
Rather than letting the world discover her beauty, Lan Jingtang had a selfish desire: he preferred that she remain a bright spot in his pharmacy forever.
The carriage slowly made its way toward the palace gate, and An Yuan'er, who was inside, was somewhat uneasy.
Lan Jingtang reassured him, "Don't be nervous. If you don't like it, we'll come back early."
Compared to the complexities of human nature, An Yuan'er actually prefers dealing with herbs.
Although herbs are inanimate objects, the human heart is far darker than any inanimate object.
The carriage stopped at the palace gate. In order to avoid attracting attention and controversy, Lan Jingtang and An Yuan'er went their separate ways before entering the palace.
An Yuan'er walked towards the place where the full-day banquet was being held. From a distance, she could hear the Empress's clear laughter. It seemed that the joy of having the eldest grandson had greatly improved the Empress's health.
In my ears, I could hear the voices of ministers and their wives congratulating the Empress and the Crown Prince; it seemed that almost everyone had arrived.
An Yuan'er then quickened her pace.
The eunuch's shrill voice announced, "Princess Wushuang has arrived."
When they arrived at the banquet, An Yuan'er looked up to find her seat. Because she was a county princess and had been officially appointed, unlike other women, her seat would be reserved in advance at the banquet.
In the very center of the banquet, the Empress and the Emperor sat side by side, the Empress holding the eldest grandson and smiling. Even the Emperor's features seemed much gentler.
On the Empress's side sat the Crown Princess and several other concubines and maids. That year, Yi Chenqi weighed the pros and cons and, following the Empress's advice, took several concubines.
Liu Yuanmeng seemed to have gained some weight. When An Yuan'er looked at her, Liu Yuanmeng also happened to look over.
Their eyes met, and Liu Yuanmeng scrutinized An Yuan'er from head to toe.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com