Chapter 246: Chapter 246 Eating Reunion Dinner
Sure enough, many little eunuchs soon appeared behind him.
They all held the Babao Food Lunchbox and served dishes one by one on the tables of the concubines.
But no matter how exquisite the items, they were not noticed by everyone at this moment.
They had long awaited the Emperor’s return, praying for it day and night.
Yet they hardly got to see him.
What should have been a joyful New Year’s Eve banquet turned out to be...
Many people secretly blamed Princess Consort Yi; if not for her inappropriate words in the morning angering the Emperor, he wouldn’t have left them like this.
But angry as they were, no one dared to show it.
The authority of Princess Consort Yi was not something they could easily challenge.
If unsatisfied, they better be ready to face death.
But who would find life boring enough to risk it?
So, they could only suppress their anger without saying a word.
Princess Consort Yi’s expression looked awkward, yet she had to pretend to be calm.
Beside her, Princess Consort Ying was also unhappy, so she asked a question:
"Mr. Dong, didn’t our noble consort sister go to invite the Emperor? Why hasn’t she returned?"
This question reminded everyone of Lin Wanyi.
But Dong Yuzhong, who had served the Emperor for many years and seen all kinds of situations, immediately started acting.
He sighed and said.
"The Noble Consort went at the wrong time, as the Emperor was troubled by state affairs. So... she was simply asked to return to the palace first."
Dong Yuzhong’s tactful words made everyone unanimously feel that asking her to return must have been after a scolding, and she felt too ashamed to return.
Some even speculated she was put under house arrest by the Emperor!
Thinking of this, Chu Daying’s face couldn’t hide her excitement.
Others directed their anger at the Emperor’s absence onto this matter.
They immediately felt she deserved it!
Who let her be so prominent? She should learn what happens when one’s virtues do not match their status.
Princess Consort Ying said with a troubled face.
"Alas, it’s all my fault. If I hadn’t suggested our noble consort sister go, it wouldn’t have ended up like this..."
Her words had just ended when Mu Changzai immediately comforted her.
"Don’t worry, Your Highness. Today is the New Year’s Eve banquet; we should all be happy. Otherwise, what will happen if our luck is affected next year?"
As soon as she spoke, everyone found it quite reasonable.
Especially since the Emperor mentioned the five-yearly selection, which benefits everyone.
Everyone hoped to have good luck and be noticed by the Emperor, possibly rising to prominence like Lin Wanyi!
Therefore, everyone wore smiles on their faces.
"Well, since that’s the case, let our sisters celebrate, and let’s dedicate the first toast of this New Year’s Eve banquet to the Emperor and Da Wei."
Once Princess Consort Yi spoke, the other concubines naturally followed suit.
Thus, even without the Emperor, their meal was filled with laughter and joy.
Inside the palace, it was warm; outside, it was no less lively.
Every household had closed their doors early, joyfully preparing many dishes for this reunion day.
The Dong Family was like this, and so was the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
In the Prime Minister’s Mansion, without the involvement of the main house, this reunion meal was the most relaxing for Princess Rongkang.
The table was filled with auspicious and festive dishes.
And today, besides Second Old Master Lin and Second Madam, Mrs. Wang, also present was Lin Guangzhi, who had returned from studying at the Imperial College.
He, now aged 18 or so, appeared immature.
Still clinging to Princess Rongkang, he sought rewards like in his childhood.
Princess Rongkang cherished this grandson dearly.
She naturally couldn’t tolerate any mistakes from him.
However, seeing him like this made Prime Minister Lin feel that too much grandmotherly affection spoils the grandson.
So he asked.
"You’ve been studying at the Imperial College for five or six years. Why haven’t you earned a title yet? Are you wasting time playing around?"
Prime Minister Lin, having spent most of these years outside the Capital City, knew little about his grandsons’ affairs.
His words caused Lin Guangzhi’s expression to sour.
He awkwardly said.
"No need for Grandfather’s concern. I’ve been in poor health, always falling ill near exams. Those questions I knew how to answer, but the results... so that’s why..."
His stammering words were obviously untrue.
Prime Minister Lin had never had high hopes for this grandson, who never seemed promising.
Thus, he wasn’t too disappointed.
However, Mr. Lin was more in line with Prime Minister Lin’s expectations.
Not too old, not even forty, and already Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
In time, he might even take over the position of Prime Minister.
Therefore, having an unpromising grandson didn’t matter much; as long as he could ensure a legitimate grandson for the Lin Family, he would retire from court and personally nurture him.
For sure, this would secure the Lin Family for generations!
So he said to Mr. Lin and Second Madam.
"If Guangzhi’s studies continue like this, he should stop wasting time at the Imperial College and find an easy job. As his parents, you should consider his future. After all, he’ll soon be nineteen by the next lunar year; if you delay, he might miss a good match."
Hearing this, Princess Rongkang laughed.
"Don’t worry, Prime Minister. It’s just that Guangzhi has been a bit weak. With proper care, he will surely succeed. Moreover, this marriage matter is carefully considered. Several madams have sent word, and they are quite satisfied with Guangzhi. I’m just taking my time in watching."
Upon hearing Princess Rongkang’s words, Prime Minister Lin simply acknowledged.
He wasn’t very worried about the marriage prospects.
From her choice of a daughter-in-law, it could be seen that the potential granddaughter-in-law was likely to come from a good family and be easily managed.
Thus, he said nothing further.
Aunt Guo, observing Lin Guangzhi as the only male grandchild of the family receiving such attention, couldn’t help but sneer inside.
As a concubine, she could only serve by standing.
Though her daughter sat among them for the meal, no one paid any special attention to her.
Except for Mr. Lin occasionally serving her some food, everyone treated her as if she were invisible.
Such resentment was impossible for her to swallow.
So she seized the moment when everyone was chatting and suddenly pretended to be dizzy and unsteady, collapsing to the ground.
Mr. Lin, already favoring Aunt Guo, immediately stepped forward to help her up when he saw her this way.
Worriedly he asked.
"What’s wrong? Why did you suddenly faint?"
Aunt Guo, appearing weak and helpless, innocently said.
"I don’t know why, but I’ve been feeling listless these days and often experience severe chest tightness."
Her symptoms, to Mr. Lin, sounded like exhaustion.
But to Princess Rongkang and Second Madam, Mrs. Wang, they suddenly had a different implication.
"Could it be you’re pregnant?"