Perhaps it was because he was directly ignored by the Emperor, for a brief mont, He Lienuo’s expression showed a trace of awkwardness. But the Emperor had no intention to pay him any mind; this fellow actually dared to covet his daughter—what a delusion!
How could the dignified princess of Dayong go to such a barbaric place like Xiliang to beco so insignificant Prince’s Consort?
If she is to marry, she must be an Empress!
Especially now, when the only princess still unwed is the Eldest Princess Cuiwei, his legitimate firstborn daughter. As the child of the principal Empress, Cuiwei is his firstborn princess, and he cherishes her dearly—afraid she’d fall if held too hard, afraid she’d lt if spoken too softly.
This precious and noble Eldest Princess, he could never bear to send her off for a political alliance!
Empress Su, being the Old Emperor’s wife through thick and thin, could guess his sentints with just one glance.
After casting a glance at Cuiwei, whose eyes were empty and whose thoughts remained unknown, Empress Su felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. With a silent sigh, she quickly began to speak, smiling: "Your Majesty, it is a rare occasion indeed that the Crown Prince of Xiliang visits our Dayong. How could we not show him proper hospitality? I have specially arranged for a performance of song and dance to liven the atmosphere!"
Palace banquets are never more than eating, drinking, singing, and dancing. The Old Emperor nodded, a smile forming as he said to Empress Su: "The Empress always understands best."
Empress Su smiled elegantly and gracefully, imdiately gesturing for the palace attendants to arrange the performance.
Consort Shu, always on good terms with Empress Su, showed no particular reaction to this display of harmony between the Emperor and Empress.
But Consort Liu, sitting to the side, clearly couldn’t stomach it. Her almond-shaped, slanted phoenix eyes rolled hard as her lips moved soundlessly, muttering sothing under her breath.
As palace attendants finished serving the dishes, the performance began shortly thereafter. All the people present in the hall quickly put down their chopsticks, raised their heads, and began watching the show with great delight.
Scanning the faces of the crowd within the hall, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but furrow her brows slightly.
Xia Zheng, who had been paying attention to her, noticed her peculiar expression and imdiately leaned closer to ask what was troubling her.
Lin Yuan pouted before murmuring softly, "Is this the caliber of performances in the palace? I honestly don’t find them all that impressive. Why does everyone seem so delighted?"
Lin Yuan wasn’t lying. The song and dance before her felt akin to the dishes prepared by the Imperial Kitchen—it was visually dazzling and overly elaborate but lacked any substantive flavor.
And the performance?
Just as gaudy, utterly devoid of depth.
Yet there were people watching with such genuine engagent, as if captivated by sheer brilliance.
Lin Yuan couldn’t understand—it wasn’t as if these people seed so shallow; how could they enjoy sothing like this?
Beside her, Xia Zheng let out a chuckle, winked at her, and leaned in mysteriously, whispering, "Do you know why? Because, well, the imperial als are truly dreadful. Now that they have a perfectly legitimate excuse not to eat, of course they’d rather indulge in this!"
"Pfft!"
Lin Yuan nearly spat out the drink she had just taken a sip of. To avoid eating the unappetizing imperial food, these people preferred watching uninspired performances. Well, she thought, if she had to choose between the two, she would probably opt for the performance as well.
Looking around at the crowded hall filled with people who appeared thoroughly engrossed, Lin Yuan suddenly thought it was truly pitiful for anyone who had to attend these palace banquets year after year.
Empress Su was in poor health, and yet this day, she had surprisingly not departed early.
Lin Yuan wasn’t very familiar with her but could sense the occasional glance sent her way by Empress Su—a look laden with complexity, containing curiosity, scrutiny, and even an indescribable trace of resignation.
Lin Yuan was naturally perceptive. Though she had long noticed Empress Su’s gaze, she chose not to dwell on it. She assud the Empress looked at her rely due to Su Qiuyu, just as Xia Zheng had speculated. And, as expected, Su Qiuyu had not attended the banquet today.
It was better she didn’t co—it saved her so trouble.
Still, being under Empress Su’s watchful and ambiguous gaze left Lin Yuan feeling as though she were standing exposed and unclothed before the eyes of another.
Thus, when Empress Su’s gaze fell upon her once again, Lin Yuan feigned nonchalance and lifted her head slightly.
Their eyes t, but instead of anticipated hostility, the interaction was surprisingly uneventful.
Empress Su appeared montarily startled before offering a kind and approachable smile. She even nodded graciously toward Lin Yuan.
Lin Yuan blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such candor from the Empress.
But she quickly composed herself, returning the gesture with a sweet smile—a delicate and playful response.
The brief exchange of glances lasted but an instant before both won returned their attention to the performance.
Whether their interest in the performance was genuine or feigned, only they themselves would know the truth.
Reviews
All reviews (0)