Soon after, the sword was polished to a gleaming shine, and Xu Yuehuai had it placed in an exquisite gift box, ready to return to the palace.
On the way back to the Prince's Mansion, Xu Yuehuai was in an exceptionally pleasant mood.
She thought Qi Hanlin would be very happy to receive this birthday gift, which would add a festive touch to his birthday banquet.
Bei Xuan and Zhou Wan also praised the gift Xu Yuehuai had chosen, saying it was both elegant and appropriate.
When Xu Yuehuai and his party returned to the Prince's Mansion, the sun was already setting.
She told everyone that she was going to attend Qi Hanlin's birthday banquet. Then Tie Xiong said that he would take good care of the people in the Prince's Mansion and would not let the people in the shadows harm them.
A few days later, Qi Hanlin's birthday banquet arrived as scheduled. Early in the morning, Xu Yuehuai took Qi Ziang in a lavishly decorated carriage and headed towards the palace.
The maidservant was carrying a gift box containing a precious sword, which was a birthday gift that Xu Yuehuai had carefully selected for Qi Hanlin.
The majestic gates of the palace slowly opened before her. Xu Yuehuai, supported by Qi Ziang, stepped out of the carriage. Her eyes swept around, searching for any acquaintances. However, just then, a noisy commotion caught her attention.
Xu Yuehuai frowned, signaling the maid to keep an eye on Qi Ziang, while she walked towards the direction of the sound.
Passing through a lush garden, she saw in a corner that Xiao Lian was being held down on the ground by several palace maids. Her clothes were disheveled, and she had many injuries on her body. She was struggling in agony.
Xiao Lian was the girl Qi Hanlin admired, and Xu Yuehuai naturally knew this.
Seeing this, a surge of anger welled up inside her. She strode forward and shouted, "Stop!"
The palace maids were stunned by the sudden appearance of someone. Xiao Lian's eyes flashed with surprise and gratitude when she saw Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai knelt down, helped Xiaolian up, and asked with concern, "Xiaolian, are you alright?"
Xiao Lian shook her head, tears welling in her eyes, and said, "Your Highness, I'm fine, it's just them..."
Xu Yuehuai gave the palace maids a cold glance, and they immediately lowered their heads, not daring to meet her gaze.
Xu Yuehuai knew that this matter could not be left unresolved; she had to seek justice for Xiaolian.
She stood up and said coldly to the senior palace maids, "Do you know your crime?"
The palace maids looked at each other, and one of them mustered up her courage and said, "Your Highness, we know we were wrong. Please forgive us."
Xu Yuehuai remained unmoved. She turned to Xiaolian and asked, "Xiaolian, how do you plan to handle this?"
Xiao Lian bit her lip, a determined glint in her eyes: "Your Highness, I want them to apologize to me."
Xu Yuehua nodded, then turned to the palace maids and said, "Did you hear that? Xiaolian wants you to apologize."
The palace maids looked at each other, but in the end they succumbed to Xu Yuehuai's authority and walked up to Xiaolian one by one, bowing their heads and apologizing.
"I'm sorry, it's all our fault!"
"It's our fault!"
"We'll never do it again, please let us go!"
Although Xiaolian still felt wronged, she stopped pursuing the matter after seeing their apologetic attitude.
Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai was pleased. She helped Xiaolian up and said softly, "Xiaolian, go and tidy yourself up first. I'll wait for you here."
Xiaolian nodded gratefully and turned to leave.
Xu Yuehuai stood still, her sharp gaze sweeping over the palace maids, warning them not to do it again.
Soon, Xiaolian reappeared before Xu Yuehuai. Although her face was still somewhat pale, she had tidied her appearance.
She bowed deeply to Xu Yuehuai: "Your Highness, thank you."
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly and helped Xiaolian up: "Xiaolian, you don't need to thank me. I just did what I should do. In the future, you must be careful in the palace and don't get hurt again."
Xiaolian nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude and respect. She knew that she was saved today entirely thanks to Xu Yuehuai's help. She secretly vowed to be more careful in the future and never give anyone the chance to bully her again.
Seeing that Xiaolian had recovered, Xu Yuehuai led her and Qi Ziang to the birthday banquet venue.
She knew that although today's matter was resolved, similar incidents were likely to occur frequently within the palace. She was determined to fight for more dignity and rights for herself and those around her, and to make the world a more fair and just place.
Qi Hanlin's birthday banquet was undoubtedly a grand celebration. Sunlight streamed through the exquisitely carved window frames, illuminating the courtyard and creating a magnificent golden spectacle.
Xu Yuehuai and her son Qi Ziang slowly entered the hall of the birthday banquet, and their arrival immediately attracted the attention of those around them.
Xu Yuehuai was dressed in a magnificent purple gown, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like a blooming peony. A polite smile graced her face, making her elegant and dignified.
Qi Ziang, on the other hand, was dressed in an exquisite brocade robe, his expression revealing both youthful vigor and naivety.
The officials stepped forward and bowed respectfully, addressing the Regent's Wife and the Crown Prince with greetings.
Xu Yuehua nodded slightly, her voice gentle yet firm: "There's no need for such formality."
She knew that these officials were not really there to pay their respects, but rather to get the latest news about the battle between the Three Kingdoms Alliance and the Dark Moon Kingdom.
Xu Yuehuai waved his hand gently, indicating that the officials did not need to be so formal.
She smiled and said, "Today is His Majesty's birthday banquet, and we should celebrate together for His Majesty. At the same time, this is also a celebration of the victory of our three-nation alliance."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations on the Regent's victory!"
"This is wonderful!"
"Our allied forces of the three countries have won!"
Xu Yuehuai's words were like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling the tense atmosphere. Upon hearing this, the officials' faces lit up with joy, and they echoed his words in unison, instantly making the atmosphere lively.
The banquet hall was brightly lit, as if it were daytime. The magnificent decorations, gleaming with gold and jade, shone even more brilliantly under the lights.
A faint fragrance permeated the air, a unique blend of agarwood and ambergris, refreshing and invigorating. Laughter and cheerful voices echoed within the hall, like a beautiful symphony playing a melody of joy and peace.
Xu Yuehuai wore a magnificent purple gown, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like a blooming purple peony. Her face radiated a composed and confident smile, her bright eyes seemingly able to see into people's hearts. Every smile, every movement exuded elegance and poise, inspiring respect in all who beheld her.
Her demeanor exuded an innate nobility, like a dazzling pearl shining brightly in the crowd.
Qi Ziang, on the other hand, had a mature appearance for his age. He wore a dark blue robe with an exquisite jade belt around his waist, which made him look both dignified and youthful.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com