Chapter 142 Glory of the Palace Banquet
The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.
The Forbidden City was shrouded in twilight and lamplight, its majestic palaces covered in unmelted snow. Palace lanterns hanging from the eaves swayed in the cold wind, illuminating the vermilion walls and green tiles as if it were daytime. Below the imperial steps, carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream. Princes, nobles, and civil and military officials, all dressed in their rank-specific attire, entered the palace in order with their wives, to attend the annual New Year's Eve feast.
When the carriage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion stopped in front of the palace gate, it attracted many glances. Gu Yangui got out of the carriage first. Today, he was dressed in the Duke's court robes, with the Qilin embroidered badge making him look solemn and dignified. The jade belt around his waist made his broad shoulders and long legs appear even more prominent. He turned around and reached out to steadily support Su Wanrou, who leaned out after him.
Today, Su Wanrou was dressed in the formal attire of a first-rank duke's wife, wearing a pearl and jade crown, a bright red wide-sleeved robe, and a shawl embroidered with peonies. She was dignified, noble, and possessed an extraordinary air. Her face was lightly made up, and the youthful naiveté in her eyes had faded, replaced by a composure and serenity befitting her status. She gently placed her hand on Gu Yangui's arm, using it for support as she stepped out of the carriage, her posture elegant and precise.
"Father, Mother," Gu Mingxuan, who had been waiting nearby, called softly. He was dressed in the formal attire of a young prince, and despite his young age, he already possessed a remarkable air of composure. However, the way he tightly held Su Wanrou's hand revealed a hint of nervousness. This was his first time attending such an important palace banquet as a prince.
"Follow me, there's no need to be afraid," Gu Yangui's deep voice rang out, carrying a reassuring power. He supported Su Wanrou with one hand and gently patted Mingxuan's shoulder with the other.
Led by a bowing eunuch, the family of three slowly walked toward the Qianqing Palace, where the grand banquet was being held. Guards stood solemnly on both sides of the palace path, and the air was filled with the mixed aroma of sandalwood and food, interspersed with the faint sounds of string and wind instruments.
"The Duke of Zhenguo has arrived—" The long, drawn-out announcement rang out.
In an instant, the once noisy hall fell silent as countless gazes converged upon her. Some were scrutinizing, some curious, some envious, and others subtly jealous. Everyone knew that this young Duchess of Zhenguo, though of humble origins, had managed to secure her position within just two years. Not only had she won the heart of the cold-faced Duke, who treated her adopted son as his own, but she had also given birth to a son last year, solidifying her status. Now, attending the palace banquet with her son, she was enjoying the Emperor's favor and was the center of attention.
Su Wanrou felt the hand in her arm tighten. She turned her head and met a pair of deep eyes, filled with concern and silent support. She nodded slightly, a perfectly timed smile playing on her lips, her gaze calmly meeting all eyes, her steps composed and unhurried.
Before the Emperor and Empress arrived, the princes and ministers took their seats in the hall according to their rank, exchanging pleasantries and conversation. Gu Yangui's seat was very close to the front, second only to several princes. As soon as they were seated, familiar colleagues came forward to pay their respects.
"Lord Duke, Madam, Young Master, Happy New Year."
"Minister Liu, congratulations to you as well." Gu Yangui rose to return the greeting, his attitude still stern, but much more gentle than before. Su Wanrou also rose, curtsied slightly, and smiled politely.
"I have long heard of the Lady's virtue and how she manages the Duke's mansion so well. Seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved and her demeanor is extraordinary." An old prince with white hair and beard stroked his beard and smiled, his gaze sweeping over Gu Mingxuan, who stood obediently beside Su Wanrou. "The young prince is also a handsome young man. The Duke is very fortunate."
"You flatter me, Your Highness." Su Wanrou's voice was gentle, neither humble nor arrogant. "It's all thanks to His Majesty's good fortune. I was just doing my duty." She gently nudged Mingxuan. "Xuan'er, pay your respects to Your Highness."
Mingxuan immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in a proper greeting, and said clearly, "Mingxuan greets the old prince and wishes him a happy and healthy new year with long life and good fortune."
"Good, good boy! Get up." The old prince laughed heartily, clearly pleased.
This response drew silent approval from those around her. This young Duchess was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also impeccably courteous; no wonder she was so highly regarded by the Duke of Zhenguo.
Several more ladies of high rank came to greet Su Wanrou. Some were curious, others hoped to make her acquaintance, and their conversations were often tentative. Su Wanrou maintained a gentle smile throughout, responding appropriately, neither overly enthusiastic to appear frivolous, nor cold and impolite. When she spoke of her children, the genuine maternal love she revealed dispelled some of their doubts that she was too young to handle the situation.
"Your Majesty and the Empress have arrived—" The eunuch's high-pitched announcement rang out, and the hall instantly fell silent. Everyone rose from their seats, knelt down, and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
Emperor Yongxi and his empress, dressed in solemn court attire and surrounded by palace attendants, ascended the throne. The emperor, nearing forty, had a gentle face, yet his eyes revealed wisdom. The empress was dignified and graceful, with a warm smile.
"Rise, my lords. This is a family banquet; there's no need for excessive formality," the Emperor said in a loud, clear voice, tinged with a smile. The officials thanked him and rose to their seats.
The palace banquet officially began, with delicacies being served in a continuous stream, and the Imperial Music Bureau presenting songs and dances, gradually enlivening the atmosphere in the hall. The Emperor and Empress were in high spirits, occasionally exchanging a few words with the princes and important officials nearby.
After several rounds of drinks, the emperor's gaze fell upon Gu Yangui's table.
"Minister Gu."
Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou immediately put down their chopsticks and stood up to listen attentively.
"Your subject is present."
"I see your son is getting more and more energetic." The Emperor smiled and pointed at Gu Mingxuan. "I heard he'll be officially starting school in the spring?"
"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case. My son has been honored by Your Majesty's grace and has been made the heir apparent. I dare not slacken my efforts and have already hired a tutor to begin his studies. He will officially begin his schooling after the New Year," Gu Yangui replied, bowing.
The Emperor nodded, then looked at Su Wanrou, his tone even more amiable: "Madam Gu, I have heard that you have managed the household very well, allowing Minister Gu to concentrate on state affairs. Your contribution is indispensable. Is Gu Sheng still healthy?"
Su Wanrou felt a slight chill in her heart, knowing that this was the Emperor and Empress's consideration and recognition of her. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, curtsied, and said in a clear and gentle voice, "Your Majesty, I, Su, thank Your Majesty and Your Majesty for your inquiry. It is my duty to serve the Duke and raise the Heir Apparent and the youngest son, and I dare not claim any credit. Thanks to Your Majesty's blessings, Sheng'er is well. My husband often teaches me that only when the country is prosperous can the people be at peace, and it is an honor for our family that my husband can share the Emperor's burdens."
These words not only demonstrated a willingness to remain steadfast and modest, but also elevated the emperor and Gu Yangui's reputation; they were spoken very eloquently. The emperor and empress on their thrones exchanged a glance, both seeing satisfaction in each other's eyes.
The Empress smiled and spoke in a gentle voice: "Although Madam Gu is young, she is sensible and knows how to behave appropriately, which is truly rare. Please rise. I have a pair of Hetian jade ruyi here, which symbolize good fortune. I will bestow them upon Gu Sheng, wishing him peace, prosperity, and good health."
A palace maid brought over a brocade box containing a pair of lustrous, smooth jade ruyi scepters.
A soft gasp filled the hall. For the Empress to personally bestow such a gift upon the young son of a subject was already an extraordinary honor, let alone such a precious jade ruyi; its significance was self-evident.
Su Wanrou was thrilled, but her face remained calm. She bowed deeply again and said, "On behalf of my youngest son, Gu Sheng, I thank Your Majesty the Empress for your generous reward! Long live Your Majesty!"
Gu Yangui also expressed his gratitude. Although Mingxuan didn't quite understand the deeper meaning, he followed his parents' example and kowtowed respectfully.
The Emperor stroked his beard and smiled, "Since the Empress has rewarded you, I cannot be stingy. Gu Yangui, you have worked hard for the country and your family is at peace, which makes me very happy. I hereby bestow upon you a pot of imperial wine to drink with you and your wife."
A palace attendant poured the imperial wine, and Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou raised their glasses in gratitude, drinking it all in one gulp. The wine was mellow and warm, flowing into their stomachs. Su Wanrou felt the gaze of her husband beside her, filled with approval and a barely perceptible pride.
After this, the Duke's residence became the center of attention. People came one after another to offer toasts and chat. Su Wanrou maintained a polite smile throughout, handling everything with ease. She noticed that several ladies with daughters of marriageable age kept glancing at Mingxuan. She understood what was going on, but pretended not to, cleverly changing the subject.
The palace banquet lasted until nearly midnight. As the time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new was approaching, the emperor and empress set off for the city tower to celebrate with the people. After the officials saw them off, the palace banquet came to an end.
Stepping out of the Qianqing Palace, a chill swept over her, causing Su Wanrou to shiver slightly. A dark cloak, still warm from her body heat, was immediately draped over her shoulders, wrapping her up completely. Gu Yangui's hand lingered on her shoulder for a moment, then he said in a low voice, "Tired?"
Su Wanrou shook her head and looked up at him. The glow of the palace lantern cast a soft shadow on his sharply defined face, and his usually deep and unfathomable eyes now clearly reflected her image, filled with warmth. "I'm not tired," she whispered, placing her hand in his warm palm.
Mingxuan, held in his wet nurse's arms, was already drowsy. The family of three boarded the carriage, its wheels creaking as they rolled over the snow, heading towards home.
The carriage was warm. Su Wanrou leaned on Gu Yangui's shoulder, listening to his steady heartbeat. The tension from the palace banquet gradually dissipated, leaving only a sense of peace and weariness.
“You did very well today,” Gu Yangui’s voice rang out from above.
Su Wanrou closed her eyes and smiled, "It's all thanks to my husband's good teaching."
Gu Yangui chuckled softly, tightening his grip on her arm slightly: "It's because you're clever."
As the carriage drove out of the palace gates, the distant, resonant tolling of bells heralding the New Year. Immediately following, firecrackers crackled and popped, echoing through the capital's night sky, and dazzling fireworks bloomed, illuminating the snow-covered night in vibrant colors.
"It's Chinese New Year," Su Wanrou said softly.
"Yes, it's Chinese New Year," Gu Yangui replied, lowering his head to place a kiss on the top of her head. "Let's go home."
The carriage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, carrying both glory and warmth, blended into the myriad lights of this grand New Year's Eve. For Su Wanrou, tonight was not only a successful debut in the capital's top social circles, but also signified that she had truly won the unreserved recognition and protection of this era, this social class, and even the man beside her. Her road ahead was still long, but at this moment, her heart was filled with strength.
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