Behind the Yunshui Hall are two rows of side halls, which were specially used by the women to change clothes and rest.
Song Tingyue pushed open a door, and Xia Mama was standing inside, with the gold birdcage next to her.
The black cloth covering the cage had been removed, and the white-feathered bird inside was curled up quietly in a corner with its wings closed, as if it were asleep.
It has grown bigger than last month; Granny Xia has taken very good care of it.
Its eyes are closed as it sleeps peacefully, looking rather docile, like an ordinary bird, showing no sign of aggression.
"The princess has taken such good care of this white sparrow; its feathers are glossy and smooth."
Jiang Wan blinked and stepped forward, sighed, and then pretended to touch the bird's feathers.
This action startled Granny Xia.
As the eagle grew, it became increasingly ferocious. To keep it calm before the banquet, she deliberately added some sleeping powder.
If we were to wake it up now, who knows what trouble it would cause.
In a moment of panic, Granny Xia grabbed Jiang Wan's wrist.
Only after making the move did I realize that I had acted rashly.
Song Tingyue then pretended to scold him, and said to Jiang Wan, "This servant is someone I brought from Donglai. He doesn't know much about the rules in the capital. Please forgive him."
"It's alright." Jiang Wan blinked. "I just thought it was cute and wanted to touch it."
Looking at her clueless eyes, Song Tingyue smiled and said, "It's not just cute, but you'll definitely understand how amazing it is."
She turned around and gave the order.
"Granny Xia, you offended A-Wan just now. Why don't you pour a cup of tea to apologize?"
Granny Xia turned and left, bringing out a cup of tea from behind the screen: "Madam Jiang, please have some."
Jiang Wan raised her cup, touched it to her lips, but did not take a bite.
Song Tingyue noticed her caution but didn't point it out: "I think the sparrow is sleeping very well, so let's not wake it. The banquet is about to begin, let's go back."
Jiang Wan turned around, her expression calm, pretending not to notice the strange fragrance lingering around her.
After returning to the palace, Lady Wang and Ji Shiyi approached her.
The gifts carried by the maid behind Ji Shiyi were clearly bestowed by Consort Yun, Pei Feng's mother.
She looked dejected, and Wang's face also showed signs of worry.
"A-Wan, you said today would be the turning point for the marriage, but now everything seems so calm..."
"Don't worry, Aunt."
Jiang Wan leaned closer and whispered a few words in her ear.
Wang's eyes gradually widened.
"Be extra careful tonight. If your cousin wants to go out to change, you'd better go with her. Also, remember to bring a few more maids and guards with you. Don't let her go out alone."
Having seen many tricks used in the household, Wang nodded emphatically upon hearing this.
Just then, a eunuch came to report that Emperor Jingyuan had arrived.
Emperor Jingyuan held the Empress's hand with one hand, followed by two imperial concubines and several lower-ranking concubines.
Among the princes, Pei Xuan was in the lead, followed by Pei Feng and others.
Everyone bowed and returned to their seats.
Jiang Wan looked up and saw a servant boy serving wine and dishes following behind Pei Xuan. He looked familiar; it was his beast-taming bodyguard.
Today's palace banquet is not something she can bring along a gardener, so she can only ask Pei Xuan to bring the person in.
The servant stood respectfully behind Pei Xuan, and nodded slightly to Jiang Wan across the crowd.
As the banquet began, eunuchs filed in, bringing out a variety of exquisite dishes.
After Emperor Jingyuan uttered a few auspicious words, he presented dishes to the ministers who had made great contributions throughout the year, which was an important part of the New Year's banquet.
Of the more than one hundred officials, only ten would receive a special dish each year, which represented the emperor's favor.
Surprisingly, Song Yu was also among those receiving the imperial favor this year.
Emperor Jingyuan praised his righteous act of saving people during the snow disaster and rewarded him with a dish of hibiscus crab.
Jiang Wan was slightly surprised. Song Yu was so young and didn't even have an official title, yet he received such an honor.
It's truly the envy of everyone.
She looked up and saw the Empress smiling at her with her eyebrows arched.
She immediately understood. Song Yu had saved Pei Tang on the mountain, and the Empress must have remembered this kindness to bestow this dish upon her.
Jiang Wan's heart softened, and she bowed to the Empress.
The Empress is gentle and kind; she is an excellent person.
After the food was served, the court officials were free to move around and drink freely.
Many people, hearing the news, came to drink and chat with Song Yu.
As Jiang Wan ate with her head down, she could always feel a fervent gaze passing through the crowd and landing on her side.
She looked up and saw it was Pei Feng.
Pei Feng was certainly not looking at her.
In his eyes, only Song Tingyue, who had abandoned her heavy makeup and fancy clothes and was dressed simply, was the only one.
But Song Tingyue looked hesitant; she had something on her mind, and she didn't touch any of the food in her bowl.
Today's move is extremely risky for her.
A woman's reputation is of paramount importance. If something unexpected happens... Pei Feng will be fine, but her life will be completely ruined.
Even if Pei Jin achieves great success, she will still be a woman of moral depravity.
Humans are selfish.
When it comes to the moment of self-sacrifice, it's inevitable to feel some hesitation.
"Princess, this roasted foie gras is quite good."
Jiang Wan suddenly spoke, interrupting her thoughts.
Song Tingyue composed herself, glanced at the foie gras, and said warily, "Thank you, but I don't eat offal."
Like Jiang Wan, she was also constantly on guard against the other party, fearing that she might accidentally fall into a trap.
Jiang Wan smiled nonchalantly, put the foie gras in her mouth, and then tilted her head back to drink a glass of wine.
He emptied the wine jug and gestured to the eunuch to refill it.
Behind her, Song Yu couldn't help but say, "Mother, don't drink too much. You've never been a good drinker."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com