——
The banquet is about to begin.
Shen Tangning sat in her seat, her gaze falling on her wrist for the third time, looking slightly absent-minded.
She felt that her aunt seemed a little strange today, and she talked to her about many things from the past.
That was fine, but when she saw her off, Aunt Wenlan seemed a little absent-minded. Even someone as composed as her almost tripped over the threshold.
She couldn't explain it, only slightly frowning, when the sound outside suddenly interrupted her thoughts.
The host of the palace banquet has arrived—
Emperor Chongde walked ahead, followed a few steps by Consort Rou, who was now showing signs of pregnancy. She gently placed her hand on her slightly protruding belly, her figure still slender and graceful.
She was pregnant and favored by the emperor, and today's palace banquet was set up for her. Even Consort Li had to avoid her and stay slightly behind her, maintaining a distance that was barely noticeable.
Shen Tangning averted her gaze and knelt down to pay her respects along with everyone else. Thanks to Chi Yan, she was seated relatively close to the front.
As the light pink skirt passed by her, she caught a faint whiff of its fragrance.
As she rose with the others, she slowly raised her eyes to look at Consort Rou, who was sitting next to Emperor Chongde.
Pregnant women should avoid using incense. In the harem, incense is the easiest place for people to tamper with it. Did Consort Rou not know this, or did she think it didn't matter?
Composing himself and sitting back down, Emperor Chongde's expression softened, and he seemed to be in a good mood: "I appreciate that you, my dear ministers, have taken time out of your busy schedules to attend this banquet..."
It was still the same old clichés, but the audience was very enthusiastic. Only Shen Tangning was absent-minded. Her gaze swept across the room, but she looked away without finding anything.
Once the banquet began, the tense atmosphere relaxed considerably.
The table was laden with exquisite dishes, but she had little appetite. However, not touching the food at all would make her seem out of place, so she slowly picked at her chopsticks a few times.
The lady sitting next to her was the wife of the Minister of Rites, who couldn't help but ask with concern, "Is Mrs. Chi feeling unwell?"
Shen Tangning smiled subtly: "I caught a chill a couple of days ago and my appetite hasn't been very good. Thank you for your concern, Madam Liang."
Her gaze drifted unintentionally to a certain spot, then suddenly paused.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to chat with Madam Liang, she squinted and looked over. The girl sitting at the back was preoccupied with her own thoughts, glancing in the opposite direction from time to time, her eyes revealing a nervousness and shyness that she herself was unaware of.
That person was Pei Mingzhu.
She casually followed the other person's gaze and discovered that the person she was secretly watching was... the Fourth Prince?
Indeed, Yan Jue also attended the banquet today, which was a rare occasion for him. He looked quite well and was listening to what the people next to him were saying. He occasionally curled the corners of his lips, and his sickly appearance had dissipated considerably.
The other person was perceptive and seemed about to look up, but Shen Tangning had already looked away in time, turned her head to look at Madam Liang, and smiled: "What did you just say?"
Madam Liang exclaimed "Ah," seemingly somewhat puzzled, but still repeated, "Young Madam Chi can try this soup; it will warm your stomach and make you feel better."
Noticing that gaze had disappeared, Shen Tangning thanked him softly and lowered her eyes to hide the darkness within them.
Pei Mingzhu and the Fourth Prince seem to have no connection whatsoever?
A crisp cracking sound shattered the harmonious atmosphere. Everyone looked in astonishment and saw Consort Rou clutching her lower abdomen, her face deathly pale. Her skirt was stained with bloodstains, which were glaringly obvious.
Shen Tangning frowned; what was bound to happen had finally happened.
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