After saying that, she turned to leave, even deliberately stepping on Zhao Min's dress.
Zhao Min watched her departing figure, furious but utterly helpless.
...
After court today, the Emperor surprisingly came to the Phoenix Palace.
After finishing his meal, he took a sip of warm tea and suddenly spoke: "Ever since the youngest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo went missing more than a decade ago, he and the Duke of Zhenguo have watched themselves grow older day by day."
"Yes, parents' hearts are always full of love and worry." The Empress instructed the palace maids to remove the things and followed up on his words, "Fortunately, Princess Heyue is there to comfort them now, otherwise, who knows what situation the old couple would be in."
Thinking about the previous situation of the Duke and his wife, and then thinking about the present, she felt terrible.
Upon hearing these words, His Majesty couldn't help but think of the past.
Back then, the Duke of Zhenguo almost broke his leg while trying to help him ascend to the throne. Now, he sits in a position above thousands of people, yet he has never sought any benefit for the Duke.
He pondered for a moment, then said, "The Duke of Zhenguo's fiftieth birthday is coming soon. Over the years, he has worked hard for the common people. Now, I want to hold a grand celebration for him to reward him."
"Your Majesty is right. This will set an example for all the officials in the land." The Empress's expression shifted slightly.
Looking at her agreeable manner, the Emperor felt a slight displeasure and even found her quite boring. His expression turned icy: "Then what does the Empress think we should do to make this a grand affair?"
Upon hearing this, the Empress could hardly believe her ears. Usually, such matters were entrusted to Consort Min, but she never expected that it would be her turn today. After pondering for a moment, she suddenly thought of a brilliant idea: "In my humble opinion, there is a perfect candidate."
"Oh? What are your thoughts, Empress?" The Emperor suddenly became interested.
The Empress continued, "I think no one can do it as well as Xu Yuehuai. She is not only the daughter of a government official, but also clever and resourceful, and she has excellent cooking skills. With her here, she will surely make this banquet a beautiful success."
After a moment's thought, the Emperor also felt that Xu Yuehuai was the most suitable candidate, and nodded in agreement.
After resting briefly at Fengyi Palace, the Emperor went to Ganqing Palace to handle state affairs, and the Empress summoned Xu Yuehuai.
"The Duke of Zhenguo will be celebrating his fiftieth birthday next month. Are you aware of that?" The Empress did not intend to beat around the bush.
Moreover, judging from Xu Yuehuai's temperament, he seemed to be a straightforward and outspoken person.
Xu Yuehua nodded. Although she didn't know what the Empress meant by asking this question suddenly, she still answered truthfully: "As the goddaughter of my father, the Duke of Zhenguo, I naturally remember."
"Very good." The Empress was increasingly pleased with Xu Yuehuai, finding her both intelligent and capable, and perhaps she could become her right-hand woman in the future. "His Majesty cherishes the contributions that the Duke of Zhenguo has made to the country and the nation over the years, and has specially instructed me to hold a grand celebration for the Duke of Zhenguo's fiftieth birthday."
Xu Yuehuai nodded and listened, still not understanding the Empress's meaning.
"After much thought, I think you are the most suitable. I will entrust you with handling all the affairs of this banquet," the Empress said with a smile.
Xu Yuehuai pondered for a moment, then understood the Empress's meaning and was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Although the Empress's favor was merely a convenient gesture, it was, for her, a way to repay the kindness of the Duke and his wife. The Empress looked at her with great satisfaction.
She now walks on thin ice in the harem, and is inferior to Consort Min in every way. She originally thought that as long as the Crown Prince could return, she could get everything back to normal, but now it seems that she has to rely on those high-ranking officials and nobles.
The Duke of Zhenguo and his wife were the best candidates.
"Since this is for the Duke of Zhenguo's birthday banquet, you should stay in Fengyi Palace for the next few days. This will make things much more convenient for you," the Empress continued.
She knew that Zhao Min and A Qi were not good people and might keep making things difficult for Xu Yuehuai, so it was more comfortable for her to stay in Fengyi Palace.
This was naturally what Xu Yuehuai was worried about as well.
However, now that the Empress has spoken, she is naturally relieved.
...
Now, on this second day in the imperial court...
Just when everyone thought the court session was about to end, the Emperor suddenly called out to the Duke of Zhenguo.
"Your Majesty." The Duke of Zhenguo immediately stood in the center of the hall.
The Emperor, beaming, said, "You're not young anymore. I was thinking that your birthday is coming up soon, and I'll hold a grand celebration for you in the palace."
"Your Majesty..." The Duke of Zhenguo's words were tinged with fear, "My wife has already started making arrangements at home, so there's no need for the noble ladies in the palace to worry about it for me."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately waved his hand and said, "I have entrusted this matter to Princess Heyue. I believe it will be in accordance with the wishes of you two."
Upon hearing this, the Duke of Zhenguo was completely stunned. He never expected that the Emperor would invite Xu Yuehuai to organize his birthday banquet.
Even though he knows Xu Yuehuai is not his biological daughter, he still treats her as his own.
With Xu Yuehuai helping to organize things, he was naturally happy.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Upon receiving the news, he was naturally overjoyed and left the palace.
...
Since returning from the palace, the Duke of Zhenguo has been beaming with joy.
He had just returned to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion when he remembered that his wife was still worried about this matter, so he decided to go and tell his wife about the birthday banquet immediately.
"Madam." The Duke of Zhenguo pushed open the door and entered, and sure enough, he saw his wife worrying about this matter.
"Hmm?" Hearing the call, the lady hurriedly looked up and responded, but her face still showed worry. "Master, do you think these banquet guest lists are usable?"
"No need, no need." The Duke of Zhenguo said with a face full of joy and even a hint of pride, "Madam, His Majesty just told me that he wants A-Yue to help me prepare for my birthday banquet."
The Duchess of Zhenguo was very happy to hear this, but she soon became worried again.
“Ah Yue, she has never prepared a banquet before, I’m afraid she won’t be able to handle it.” She sighed again as she spoke, “Our Ah Yue is really unlucky, she has always had to suffer like this, and now she has to suffer from the palace’s scheming. She is really unlucky.”
"What should we do then? I didn't think that much about it at the time." The Duke of Zhenguo also began to worry after hearing this.
He had finally found such a caring daughter as Xu Yuehuai, so naturally he didn't want anything to happen to her.
Not to mention, it was because of his own accident.
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