“Miss, this trip is sure to end badly. Why didn’t you refuse Madam just now?”
Haitang spoke with concern, her eyes glancing helplessly at Song Tangxue, wondering what she was thinking.
Song Tangxue remained remarkably calm and immediately spoke.
"What's meant to happen can't be avoided; perhaps this banquet is specifically aimed at me."
The Empress had suffered repeated setbacks and naturally wanted to compete with her in secret.
There's no point in hiding; I might as well go and see what's going on.
Lianzhi, however, had a different perspective: "This servant also thinks we should go, as we can see the Crown Princess and understand her true state now..."
The Crown Princess that Lianzhi mentioned is quite busy right now.
Li Zhaoxian was reviewing memorials in his study. As the crown prince, he also had to share the emperor's burdens.
"Your Highness has been working so hard lately, while I have been idle all this time. I feel particularly guilty and remorseful."
Song Tangli suddenly appeared in front of her, wearing a light white dress that suited her perfectly.
The fabric was also scarce, and her delicate voice reached Li Zhaoxian's ears.
Seeing this, Li Zhaoxian showed no interest whatsoever.
With so many women he's been taking in lately, Song Tangli is no exception.
"Didn't I tell you to take good care of yourself? You're not fully recovered yet, so why are you out here again?"
Li Zhaoxian glanced up at the memorials, then quickly looked down again to peruse them, his words seemingly tinged with dissatisfaction.
Song Tangli was well aware that he no longer liked her.
She wasn't angry; instead, she smiled and walked forward again.
"Your Majesty, I have carefully prepared some snacks for you. Please have a taste."
As she drew closer, the sudden fragrance also caught Lee So-hyeon's attention.
"The perfumes you wear smell quite nice."
Li Zhaoxian praised her directly, and Song Tangli smiled somewhat shyly.
"This is newly acquired. If Your Highness likes it, I will use it every day from now on."
Lee So-hyeon finally looked at her and noticed her excellent figure.
...
The night was long, with some people rejoicing and others grieving.
Consort Xu was so angry that her nose was crooked early in the morning. She never expected that the Crown Princess would be so cunning!
"You vixen, I never expected you to resort to your seductive tricks again and seduce His Highness the Crown Prince!"
She was extremely angry, but she could only vent to herself.
No sooner had he finished speaking than a maidservant rushed in to report.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has ordered that now that the Crown Princess has fully recovered, the matter should be handed back to her to handle."
Consort Xu knew this would happen, and immediately smashed the teacup next to her to the ground.
She was furious, but Song Tangli was all lovey-dovey.
"Your actions remind me of the time when we first met."
Holding Song Tangli in his arms, Li Zhaoxian said with deep emotion.
Song Tangli, looking shy, echoed her words.
"Everything was wonderful back then, and I miss it dearly."
The eunuch outside the door reminded him after he finished speaking.
"Your Highness, it is time for the morning court session."
"I'm going to the morning court now. You've worked hard, so please get some rest."
Lee So-hyun showed a rare gentleness, even showing concern for Song Tang-li.
Song Tangli nodded, smiling gently as she looked at him.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey."
Li Zhaoxian left quickly, and Xiaoyao immediately appeared.
"Is everything I asked you to prepare ready?"
Song Tangli quickly asked, and Xiaoyao took out a pill and handed it to her.
"This is an excellent medicine for fertility, Your Majesty, please take it."
Song Tangli was somewhat surprised; she had been drinking herbal decoctions before, but now she was being given pills.
However, I didn't think much of it, since it was all good for my health anyway.
"There's a banquet today, so help me dress up nicely. They need to know that I've regained my former glory!"
Among the elites of the capital, the status of all the women was closely tied to their husbands' favor.
A few days ago, everyone knew that Song Tangli was in a terrible situation.
Now that he has finally regained favor and is finally able to hold his head high, he naturally wants the whole world to know.
"Yes, I've prepared it. Please take your medicine first."
And Song Tangli is also going to the banquet, it seems that something interesting is going to happen today.
This was a banquet hosted by the Empress, so everyone naturally came to show their respect.
"There are so many people here today, remember not to cause trouble, or don't blame your father for being angry later."
Seeing that the Imperial Garden was crowded with people, Song's mother couldn't help but give a word of advice, fearing that Song Tangxue might cause trouble.
But she forgot that Song Tangxue always believed in "I won't offend others unless they offend me."
Hearing these words, Song Tangxue also felt annoyed.
"Mother, instead of nagging me, why don't you go and talk to the Crown Princess? I heard she came today too."
Song Tangxue spoke calmly, as if she didn't take her mother seriously.
The actions of Song's mother had already broken her heart, so why should she care about the relationship between mother and daughter?
Song's mother snorted coldly: "Can't you be a little more obedient like your sister and stop arguing with me all the time!"
But after saying that, Song's mother probably knew that continuing would only make things awkward.
So he left and indeed went to find Song Tangli.
Song Tangli looked like she had received favor last night; who couldn't tell?
Song's mother was extremely surprised, but even more so, she was happy.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has finally become interested in you again. You must seize this opportunity and not let those vile men monopolize it!"
"Mother, I know what to do, please don't worry."
Song Tangli smiled and nodded, speaking calmly.
Then she added, "What makes me happiest is that I can help you and your father again through my own efforts. Is your little brother at home still being obedient?"
Hearing this answer, Song's mother was extremely satisfied. Look at Song Tangli, she was already in such a predicament back then.
However, she never forgot to care about her family. Song Tangxue lived in the Marquis's mansion every day, but she didn't care about anything else.
Song Tangxue knew without a doubt that the mother and daughter, upon their reunion, would once again speak ill of her.
She didn't know anyone well, so she sat alone in the corner.
"These butterfly cookies look delicious, why don't you try some?"
Haitang came over with a smile, but Song Tangxue didn't have much of an appetite.
"Let's leave it there for now."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a small commotion broke out nearby.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
Everyone bowed in unison; Li Zhaoxian had arrived.
He won't miss any opportunity to gain exposure, just to fight for more power.
"The Empress Dowager has summoned everyone here today simply so that we can enjoy the scenery of the palace together. Please don't stand on ceremony."
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