On this day, the empress dowager hosted a banquet for Consort Chun in the Imperial Garden. The entire imperial palace celebrated, and the atmosphere was full of vitality.
Consort Chun had dressed herself to the nines. In the past, she had always followed Noble Consort Li around like an obedient dog, but things were different now.
She was currently enjoying the height of her success. Even the red palace attire she wore was anything but understated; had the shade been any more vivid, it would have rivaled the empress’s.
Unfortunately, Consort Chun lacked the bearing to carry such a rich color and noble grandeur, giving her an faintly provincial air.
Her five-month pregnancy was beginning to show. Since she carried the emperor’s first child, the empress dowager valued her greatly and naturally did not care that her attire exceeded the proper limits.
By comparison, Jiang Yiyun and Jia Yinger were outstanding among the consorts: one was peerlessly aloof, while the other was gentle and dignified.
Jiang Yiyun’s attire today was exceptionally elegant and understated. Her aquamarine silk palace attire was accented with two jeweled hair ornaments. Though she had made no deliberate effort, she still seemed to shimmer with beauty.
Jia Yinger continued her usual style of noble bearing. Her pink palace attire was splendid without being gaudy. She had always shown the empress respect in front of outsiders; even when displaying her identity, she would at most embroider a few peonies onto her clothes.
“Emperor…” Consort Chun leaned to one side, pretending to feel unwell as she rested against Chu Yinheng’s shoulder.
“Take good care of her, and be careful.” The son of heaven had spoken, so who would dare neglect her? The servants crowded tightly around Consort Chun, afraid that something might happen.
Chu Yinheng did not seem to truly dote on Consort Chun. Otherwise, he would have held her directly instead of letting the servants surround her while he himself maintained a slight distance.
On the other side, Jia Yinger’s expression revealed nothing, but in her inner heart she hated Consort Chun to death, tightly clutching her handkerchief inside her sleeve.
Yet one person among everyone was different. That person was clad in luxurious finery, with outstanding features and a handsome, refined bearing.
He seemed like a figure from a painting, possessing an air of pure elegance. His cold eyes swept over everyone before he lowered his head and calmly drank tea, as though cut off from the world.
This person was Chu Yinheng’s brother, named Chu Yexuan.
This imperial prince rarely moved about the imperial palace and did not like dealing with people from within it.
Three years ago, he left the palace to travel afar and only returned to the imperial palace a few days ago.
His bearing and appearance inspired admiration in everyone present. His looks were no less than Chu Yinheng’s and were even superior in some respects. This imperial prince had now been granted the title of Prince Xuan.
Chu Yexuan had been greatly missed by the empress dowager. It was said that when he returned to the imperial palace, she had wept tears of joy.
However, he disliked overly lively gatherings, so the empress dowager had held only a simple family banquet. The only consort in attendance was Jia Yinger, while Jiang Yiyun was absent, showing that Jiang Yiyun was a dispensable person in the imperial palace.
Today, court officials and nobles had all come to celebrate. It was also an opportunity for the Noble Ladies, because the handsome and distinguished Fifth Prince Chu Yexuan was still unmarried.
Not only Chu Yexuan, but many talented young men were present as well. They had ostensibly come to celebrate Consort Chun, but in truth, each harbored their own designs.
“Prince Bianjian has arrived!”
The sharp voice of the junior eunuch directly awakened everyone, who had still been immersed in the warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Gu Hanjue approached with a graceful stroll, moving at an unhurried and composed pace.
His embroidered uniform was layered with intricate yet orderly embroidered insignia, while his attire was splendid without losing its elegance.
He was clearly smiling, with a refined and courteous demeanor, yet he radiated an overwhelming aura pressure.
Everyone knelt and performed a grand ceremony upon seeing him. His imposing manner was practically equal to the emperor’s.
On the surface, Gu Hanjue’s factional power occupied nearly half of the imperial court. As for what lay beneath the surface, however, that was difficult to say.
His arrival changed everyone’s expressions. Some looked solemn, while others appeared triumphant. The two factions were immediately distinguishable, though it was impossible to tell which side those who showed no reaction belonged to.
Upon seeing him, the expressions of everyone present changed in their own ways. Chu Yinheng’s face turned slightly cold, carrying a hint of seriousness.
The empress dowager looked displeased, but it was inconvenient for her to show it too plainly. Jia Yinger appeared not to have changed much; she conducted herself with grace while paying her respects, though her movements were slightly stiff.
The “expression” on Jiang Yiyun’s face was the most inscrutable of all, impossible to read.
“There is no need for such elaborate formalities. Everyone, rise.” Gu Hanjue remained as refined and courteous as ever.
He swept his gaze over everyone, then said leisurely, “I came without an invitation. I hope the emperor and the empress dowager will not take offense.”
Gu Hanjue spoke lightly, but the deeper meaning behind his words sent a chill through everyone.
The empress dowager’s expression stiffened slightly. Chu Yinheng steadied his emotions and said, “beloved minister, you are overthinking it. You have taken on too many burdens. I merely do not wish for you to exhaust yourself.”
Gu Hanjue raised his brows and smiled. “Handling state affairs on the emperor’s behalf is something this seat ought to do.” His tone was calm, and he spoke with ease.
Chu Yinheng’s expression darkened as he forced out a smile. “Since beloved minister has come, take the seat of honor.”
“Thank you, emperor.” Gu Hanjue took his seat calmly.
Now that he was somewhat closer to Gu Hanjue, Chu Yinheng suddenly saw the fine sword scar around his neck clearly.
It had been left behind when Jiang Yiyun attempted the assassination of Gu Hanjue. Jiang Yiyun’s weapons had always been coated with poison. Although Gu Hanjue feared no poisonous substances, the wound would still take some time to heal.
Chu Yinheng narrowed his dark eyes slightly. “Beloved minister, your neck is…”
Gu Hanjue gently stroked the scar with his slender finger. “Recently, I provoked a little she-cat. This seat dotes on her greatly, but alas, she is always disobedient. Not long ago, she wounded this seat quite badly.”
“A little she-cat?” Everyone was utterly baffled.
But the corner of Jiang Yiyun’s mouth twitched faintly. He was clearly referring to her. The man before her appeared modest and courteous, yet he was always as shameless as a rogue.
“Ah, but this seat is exceedingly fond of this little she-cat. I had not intended to punish her, but she actually ran away without a sound, leaving me utterly heartbroken.”
“What sort of cat is she? I will have someone find her for you, or find you an even better one.”
Gu Hanjue smiled. “There is no need. She cannot bear to leave this seat. Sooner or later, she will return.”
After saying this, he took out that silk handkerchief and toyed with it, shocking everyone present.
No one knew who had been so unfortunate as to offend this ruthless and brutal Director of the Eastern Depot and be tortured so terribly, but none of them dared ask.
He was not taking it out to frighten anyone, however. He had simply grown accustomed to playing with it whenever he had nothing else to do.
As Jiang Yiyun looked at the silk handkerchief, her heart descended into utter panic, and the nightmare from that night reappeared before her.
Consort Chun stood to one side, coldly watching the exchange. When she suddenly met Gu Hanjue’s scrutinizing gaze, she was startled, lowered her head, and looked away.
Gu Hanjue spoke with a smile. “May I ask which imperial consort this is? Is today’s banquet being held for her?”
Consort Chun answered somewhat nervously, “Lord Gu, I am Consort Chun.”
“Oh? So you are Consort Chun. Dressed so luxuriously, I thought you were a noble consort. My apologies.”
The moment those words fell, Consort Chun was startled. Gu Hanjue was clearly saying that she did not know her place.
Jia Yinger pretended to be understanding and gentle. “Younger sister is pregnant and this is a joyous occasion, so it is understandable that she would dress this way.”
Gu Hanjue’s words had given her the perfect opportunity to assert dominance over Consort Chun while also leaving everyone with the impression that she was a virtuous wife.
Consort Chun could not remain standing. She lowered herself and pleaded for mercy. “Your Ladyship, your subject and consort had absolutely no such intention. I beg Your Ladyship to let me Atone for One’s Sins.”
Consort Chun knew that Jia Yinger wanted to appear magnanimous in front of others.
At that moment, Gu Hanjue said quietly, “What? Do you consider the empress dead?”