The gentle ripples of the pond reflected the leisurely clouds, as years turned and seasons shifted, how many autumns had passed. Whether it was autumn or not, the biting winter wind was quite chilling.
Time flew by, and the end of the year arrived. Old greetings faded, new ones emerged, today yielding to tomorrow. It was New Year's Eve, and civil and military officials gathered to enjoy this prosperous era with His Majesty.
Within the grand hall, the sounds of music and silk strings were ceaseless, and goblets clinked amidst the feasting. The officials raised their cups, conversing cheerfully, a scene of harmonious joy. Such a spectacle of peace and prosperity was not common during Yu Jingchen's reign.
Aside from essential banquets, he never arranged any private gatherings, and even banquets in the harem were rare. This was partly because Yu Jingchen disliked them, and partly because there was no Empress yet. The former Consort Wen also did not host such events, as she disliked interacting with people and was not fond of lively occasions.
Most of the ministers had arrived. Nan Su's position was at the head of the military officials, the most esteemed seat among the courtiers. The imperial consorts of rank or higher were also seated according to their positions.
In the center was the Emperor. As there was no Empress, the Empress Dowager's seat was next to the imperial throne, separated by a slight distance. Following that were the four noble consorts. The Gui Fei was closest to Yu Jingchen's seat, being the foremost of the four and responsible for this banquet.
Now that most people were present, only Yu Jingchen, the Empress Dowager, and the four noble consorts were missing. Xian Fei was under house arrest and thus could not attend. (She was the foolish person who had spoken sarcastically to Nan Zhiyun in front of the Empress Dowager earlier.)
De Fei and Gui Fei were the first to arrive, accompanied by the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess appeared much more subdued. Most of the consorts in the harem envied De Fei, as she had gained a child for no apparent reason. Even if it were not a prince, it was still His Majesty's child.
Currently, His Majesty's lineage was thin. Since his ascension, no one in the harem had been pregnant, and now he favored Shu Fei exclusively. For them to have a child would be as difficult as reaching the heavens. Therefore, even a princess would be welcome.
Previously, it was heard that the Eldest Princess had been severely beaten by De Fei shortly after visiting her. They thought His Majesty would be angry, but unexpectedly, De Fei had reaped such a great benefit.
They truly couldn't understand why De Fei deserved it. If it weren't for Yan Gui Fei, she might have long since lost her position as a palace consort. With her disposition and intellect, could she survive in the palace relying solely on herself? If she truly relied on herself, she would have lost her life multiple times over. (Yan Gui Fei is the current Gui Fei; her name is Yan Qing. She is named this way to distinguish her from the previous Consort Wen, who was also a Gui Fei.)
Yu Jingchen arrived shortly after.
"His Majesty has arrived—!" Xing Lai announced loudly.
Everyone rose to their feet. As Yu Jingchen appeared, a chorus of voices exclaimed, "Greetings to His Majesty!"
After Yu Jingchen took his place at the head of the table, he looked down and said, "Rise, everyone. Today is the New Year banquet; there is no need to be overly restrained." Of course, this was merely a formality; who would dare take it seriously?
Yu Jingchen had originally intended to go with Nan Zhiyun, but the Empress Dowager had called her away first, so he had to proceed alone.
The Empress Dowager and Nan Zhiyun had not yet arrived, and naturally, no one dared to comment. However… there were various speculations recently about Yu Jingchen's attitude towards the Nan family, and people were no longer certain of its implications.
"The Empress Dowager has arrived, and Consort Shu has arrived!" Finally, they were here.
The Empress Dowager wore a black phoenix robe today, adorned with patterns embroidered in gold thread, exuding grace and majesty, bestowing a sense of authority. Nan Zhiyun beside her wore a purple palace gown, noble and elegant, specially prepared for her by the Empress Dowager.
"Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun curtsied.
Nan Su, ever since Nan Zhiyun appeared, had been watching his daughter. He had only seen her that one time since her return and missed her greatly.
Besides him, there was Luo Yuncheng. The Eldest Princess Chang Le had been punished last time and therefore did not attend the New Year's Eve banquet today.
Nan Zhiyun was pulled by the Empress Dowager to sit beside her. Her favoritism was always blatant, and no one would seek trouble for themselves. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
During the banquet, Yu Jingchen's attention was constantly drawn to Nan Zhiyun. Seeing her sitting obediently beside the Empress Dowager, she looked like a child brought along by an adult, somewhat naive, a little reserved and nervous, but also curious and excited.
He watched as she secretly took sips of wine and ate more of the things she liked, like a little hamster stealing food. After eating, she would glance around, as if afraid of being seen by others, acting like a thief.
Seeing this, Yu Jingchen couldn't help but curve his lips. He then picked up his cup and took a sip of wine, concealing his smile. However, as Yu Jingchen was the Emperor, many people were watching him, so some did notice.
But… seeing Yu Jingchen smile was like seeing the King of Hell not claiming someone, because… it was an unbelievable sight! Yu Jingchen smiling? They had only ever seen his cold smiles and forced smiles; never such a gentle expression.
Nan Zhiyun was still chewing something in her mouth, though her movements were subtle. While observing her surroundings, she accidentally caught Yu Jingchen's gaze. In that instant, her chewing stopped, which was quite awkward.
Yu Jingchen raised an eyebrow. Nan Zhiyun averted her gaze. Yu Jingchen then called for Xing Lai.
"Take these to Consort Shu. She seems to like them," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes," Xing Lai had already observed this and knew.
Xing Lai brought a plate of kumquats and grapes. They were sour and sweet, and Nan Zhiyun particularly liked the taste.
"Consort Shu, His Majesty said you like these and asked me to bring them to you," Xing Lai said. Nan Zhiyun glanced at Yu Jingchen, but he was no longer looking at her.
"Then this humble consort thanks His Majesty," Nan Zhiyun replied. The people below saw this scene and found it incredible. Was His Majesty so concerned about Consort Shu now?
The Empress Dowager said nothing further. At such a grand banquet, she had no intention of offending Yu Jingchen.
After Xing Lai withdrew, Nan Zhiyun began to eat them herself. Everyone else was watching the歌舞 (song and dance performance). Who would be watching her? So gradually, she became more at ease and continued to peel the kumquats and grapes.
She liked to eat grapes but truly disliked their skins, so she had been struggling with them for a while.
Luo Yuncheng below had been paying attention to Nan Zhiyun. Seeing her adorable side made him chuckle. Yu Jingchen noticed Luo Yuncheng's movement, and his expression darkened slightly.
"Prince Yuncheng, what do you think of this song and dance performance?" Yu Jingchen asked without warning. Luo Yuncheng had not paid close attention to the performance and casually replied, "The song and dance in the palace is naturally quite good."
"Prince Yuncheng, do you plan to leave after returning this time?" Yu Jingchen asked him.
"I do not plan to leave after returning this time. Thank you for Your Majesty's concern," Luo Yuncheng replied, neither arrogant nor humble, his face showing no disturbance.