The capital city welcomed the Emperor's birthday amid a tense atmosphere.
Because the news of the Empress Dowager's death was not spread, few people knew about it, and they all remained silent.
Unaware of the situation, those who dressed up elaborately for the Emperor's birthday banquet did so in order to stand out among the many noble ladies.
Given the chance to stand out, they are not far from success.
Chen Siyuan had not left the General's Mansion for a long time. If it weren't for the Emperor's birthday, Chen Siyuan didn't know how much longer she would have stayed in the mansion.
Upon arriving at the palace, this time they followed the normal procedures.
The two alighted from their carriage at the palace gate and slowly walked in.
Their appearance instantly transformed them into the most dazzling and radiant couple.
They arrived a little late, and because of Qiao Yuchen's temper and Chen Siyuan's status, no one dared to say anything.
This time, Chen Siyuan was very low-key, lacking the aura she displayed when she provoked the Empress Dowager last time. Today, she was so unassuming that if Qiao Yuchen hadn't been standing next to her, almost no one would have noticed her.
But all they saw were envious, hateful, and jealous glances.
Chen Siyuan followed Qiao Yuchen, step by step, into everyone's sight.
The Emperor and the Imperial Concubine had not yet arrived, but several princes arrived and sat in their seats.
When Chen Siyuan appeared, the princes sitting in the high positions immediately turned their gazes toward her.
Now they all know that Chen Siyuan has the Emperor's last edict, and when the Emperor passes away, Chen Siyuan's edict will play a crucial role.
What they are more worried about now is that the seventh prince will ultimately benefit.
Chen Siyuan and Qiao Yuchen are husband and wife, and Qiao Yuchen is also the Seventh Prince's advisor. According to this reasoning, the Emperor's favorite is the Seventh Prince.
The seventh prince, who had been so proud of himself not long ago, sat obediently, showing no outstanding qualities.
The Third Prince had a clear understanding of the current situation. He remembered what Tao Yifan had said, so he focused more of his attention on Qiao Zhen beside him.
This was Qiao Zhen's first public appearance since that incident, and she looked noticeably thinner, which made me feel a little guilty.
He knew who did it, but he couldn't do anything about it, because it was his son, and the key to his position.
Qiao Zhen knew a lot about things; she accepted someone's guilty conscience and also had her own plans.
She is no longer the same person she once was. From the moment she gave her heart and soul and couldn't be with the person she loved, she vowed that if she couldn't have something, she wouldn't want it. Now, she wants to fight for what she has.
It's a good thing that some people feel guilty.
While eating quietly, Qiao Zhen heard a commotion in the distance. She looked up slightly and saw Chen Siyuan surrounded in the middle.
She turned her head and glanced at the Third Prince. "This concubine takes her leave."
Everything was so proper, yet before the Third Prince could react, she had already gotten up and left.
The princes sitting not far away did not hear what they were saying. They had all heard about what had happened at the Third Prince's residence not long ago.
hehe--
Someone actually turned the tables on us.
He originally thought that marrying Qiao Zhen would gain him the support of the General's Mansion, but now it seems that he hasn't gained any benefits at all.
Facing the gazes of those around him, the Third Prince sat calmly, quietly drinking his wine.
As long as he doesn't speak, no one will bother to make a fool of themselves.
Today is the Emperor's birthday; anyone who dares to cause trouble at this time will face certain death.
Qiao Zhen took her maid to the side.
When Chen Siyuan saw Qiao Zhen from afar, she felt uneasy. The child was indeed ruthless.
Thinking of what Qiao Yuchen said, she wondered if he had really stopped because he was worried about her. If he wasn't worried, would she never see Qiao Zhen again?
Thinking of this, Chen Siyuan approached Qiao Yuchen and said, "Yuchen, I'll go take a look." As she spoke, she looked at Qiao Zhen, who was standing not far away.
"Okay, be careful." Qiao Yuchen said, gently patting the woman's hand.
This action was highly inappropriate for the occasion. Qiao Yuchen acted calmly, and Chen Siyuan didn't think anything of it. The ones who felt embarrassed were the people who witnessed it.
Ignoring the stares of others, Chen Siyuan walked towards Qiao Zhen.
The two met and remained silent for a long time before walking together down a side path.
As they walked, Chen Siyuan choked up, "Are you alright?"
"Sister-in-law—" Qiao Zhen, who had remained calm since the incident, suddenly burst into tears of grievance.
She lowered her head, and tears fell drop by drop.
Chen Siyuan felt very sad when she saw her like this.
He came to her at the front door and reached out to hug her.
"Sometimes we cry not because we are too weak, but because we still have a kind heart." These words seem to describe Qiao Zhen, and also seem to describe herself.
Qiao Zhen was crying, but upon hearing this, she felt embarrassed and started crying too.
Looking up at Chen Siyuan, she said, "Sister-in-law's way of comforting people is still so unique."
"Don't be narcissistic, I'm just comforting myself."
"That's right, sister-in-law is really amazing."
"What do you know?" Chen Siyuan glanced at her.
"I've heard about what happened at Cining Palace." Qiao Zhen still had tear stains on her face, but she smiled at this moment.
How did you know?
"Who else could it be but the Third Prince?" Qiao Zhen said, a hint of sarcasm in her eyes.
"What happened to you? How did you get yourself into such a mess?"
"I heard that the Third Prince prefers slim women, so I'm on a diet."
Chen Siyuan stepped forward and glanced at Qiao Zhen. "Hmm, your method is good. Apart from being a bit older, she hasn't lost any limbs."
For some reason, at this moment Chen Siyuan knew where the will should be used.
Thinking about everything that happened in his past life, he realized that his own fate wasn't good, and he had witnessed the actions of others.
She didn't have this idea for her own sake, but for the sake of the people of the Shang Kingdom.
Chen Siyuan is a smart person; she won't act too directly, but will wait for an opportunity.
She felt that having such thoughts might be somewhat unfair to Qiao Yuchen, but at this moment, she did not intend to change her decision or the future.
“Sister-in-law—” Qiao Zhen protested, “When people comfort others, they always say nice things. How could you say such things, sister-in-law?”
"That's because they're not your sister-in-law," Chen Siyuan said, unconcerned.
She had a gamble on the future, and if she was going to gamble, she might as well go all the way.
"That's true. I've heard too many hypocritical words today, and I'm worried that if you say them again, I might feel nauseous."
"Nausea? Are you sure you're not pregnant?"
Qiao Zhen laughed, "With my body like this, do you think it's possible?"
"Maybe." Qiao Zhen didn't have her own child in her past life.
I used to not understand it, but now I think it might be because I didn't have my own children that I was able to hold onto that position.
"Don't joke around."
"Actually, having a girl wouldn't be bad?"
"Everyone hopes to have a son?"
"What's so good about sons? Daughters are better. You can spoil them while they're around, and once they're married, they're left with nothing."
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