Upon entering the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Shen Tangning took her seat under the guidance of the eunuch.
She looked up and saw that Chi Yan had also taken a seat opposite her, and then she felt relieved.
As the guests gradually arrived, including several princes and princesses, Shen Tangning's gaze swept over the crowd.
The crown prince was being helped along at the front. Although it wasn't very cold yet, he had already put on a thick cloak. The dark cloak made his face look even paler, and he looked exceptionally weak.
The crown prince, with a gentle smile on his face, tilted his head and spoke to someone.
The young man in the wheelchair was thin and frail, his face showing signs of years of illness. He looked like a fragile piece of glass, with an air of indifference and detachment from the world.
This is the Fourth Prince Yan Jue. Due to congenital weakness and illness, he rarely appears in public. He can only be invited out on His Majesty's birthday.
"Your Majesty is right. Fourth Brother, you should come out and get some fresh air. You're at the prime of your life. What kind of behavior is it to stay cooped up in your prince's residence all day?"
It was Yan Xingzhou who spoke, his tone laced with teasing. Yan Jue smiled wryly and shook his head: "I'd like to, but my body is just a burden..."
His illness requires him to avoid getting cold, overexerting himself, and experiencing significant emotional fluctuations. These things may seem trivial to ordinary people, but they could be life-threatening for him.
The sixth prince pouted and ran up to the crown prince, tugging at his sleeve: "Big brother, when will you get better? I want you to play with me..."
Meeting everyone's gaze, Yan Huai chuckled, a hint of helplessness in his eyes: "Your elder brother can't play with you lately, but you can go find your third elder brother, hmm?"
Under his gentle gaze, the sixth prince obediently let go: "Okay."
Shen Tangning rose and bowed along with the others, her eyes lowered in thought:
On the surface, they appear to be brothers, but in reality, undercurrents are surging.
The Emperor and Empress arrived late, followed by Consort Li and other concubines.
As everyone performed the kneeling ceremony, Shen Tangning heard the emperor above dismiss the ceremony. She looked up and caught the emperor and empress whispering to each other, their relationship seemingly more relaxed than before.
Beneath Consort Li's glamorous makeup, however, lay an undeniable weariness and stiffness.
She understood that her son had been neglected lately, and she was being blamed as well. Consort Li was understandably anxious.
But this woman is usually so composed, she wouldn't have lost her composure like this, would she?
Shen Tangning's gaze shifted slightly, and she suddenly caught sight of a concubine sitting below the Empress, who looked somewhat unfamiliar.
She had a round face, bright and beautiful features, and a charmingly innocent appearance. She often smiled, making her seem approachable.
In such a setting, only a favored concubine could sit in such a prominent position, yet she barely remembered her.
Could it be that Consort Li fell out of favor, and by some twist of fate, she ended up benefiting someone else?
The banquet was about to begin when a voice announced from outside:
"The Princess has arrived!"
For a moment, the hall was completely silent.
Slightly surprised, everyone looked towards the entrance, where a bright and flamboyant red dress came into view.
Yan Mingyi entered the hall surrounded by people. Her makeup was carefully applied, and her clothes were exquisite and gorgeous. Her eyes were slightly upturned, and her red lips held a half-smile.
Shen Tangning's eyes lit up. Every time she met Yan Mingyi before, the other party was dressed very plainly, which made her feel inexplicably uncomfortable.
Now she understood that the eldest princess was suited to such flamboyant and gorgeous attire, and that ambition and lust for power were the best nourishment for this flower of the empire.
The crowd looked at the princess with suspicion and uncertainty, and then boldly glanced at the emperor above.
Emperor Chongde's expression was inscrutable, yet he showed little surprise.
Shen Tangning couldn't help but wonder if the two had reached some kind of agreement.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
