The following evening.
It had been quite some time since Su Tiyue last saw her father and mother.
They were always worried about how she was faring in the palace, and every time they met, they couldn’t help but ask a few more questions. Her father, in particular, was concerned that Su Tiyue might be bullied or that her clumsy nature might land her in trouble. He would repeatedly remind her to follow palace rules, observe proper etiquette, and avoid competing with others for favor.
In truth, Su Tiyue had become much more restrained since entering the palace.
To keep them from worrying, she had deliberately dressed more elegantly and spiritedly than usual today.
She wore a goose-yellow silk gown with a pale purple brocade outer robe. Her hair was styled in a high, flowing bun, adorned with a tasseled gold hairpin that swayed gracefully with every step, making her look as delicate and lovely as a celestial fairy.
When Su Tiyue arrived at the Hall of Radiance, the banquet had not yet begun. Standing on the steps near the side door, she stood on tiptoe, gazing into the distance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the family she had been longing for day and night.
Tonight’s banquet was indeed grand. The dignitaries, officials, and generals of Yong’an City had arrived with their families in tow.
The usually quiet and solemn palace suddenly felt lively and bustling.
Even the winter chill seemed less biting, replaced by a warm, human touch.
Amidst the clamor, Su Tiyue was filled with anticipation and joy.
Finally, after waiting eagerly, she spotted the two familiar figures.
Holding up the hem of her skirt, Su Tiyue beamed as she hurried down the steps to greet them.
The weather was splendid today, and the sun had not yet set. The ground was covered in a blanket of white, and the wide, tidy official road was filled with people leisurely making their way toward the Hall of Radiance. Only Su Tiyue moved hurriedly, rushing against the flow of the crowd, with Liu Wan and Qing Wu chasing after her.
A gentle breeze swept by, lifting the edges of her goose-yellow skirt and tousling the stray hairs at her forehead, yet she remained radiant and captivating.
She ran over with a smile, stepping between the two, linking arms with each of them. Her lips curved slightly upward as she spoke, though her words were inaudible… Moments later, all three were laughing heartily.
The young woman’s laughter made her eyes crinkle into crescent moons.
Her steps were light and graceful, and the tasseled hairpin in her hair chimed softly with every movement, step by step…
Xiao Heye stood on the high corridor, idly toying with his jade thumb ring. He turned his head slightly, quietly observing the scene, his heart as calm as still water.
It was at this moment that Li Xun approached and said, “Supervisor, everyone has arrived. Shall we begin the banquet?”
Xiao Heye withdrew his gaze and glanced at Li Xun. “Where is the Emperor?”
Li Xun replied, “His Majesty is in high spirits today. Consort Ji is accompanying him in the main hall, and he is already quite intoxicated.”
“Hmph, high spirits?” Xiao Heye sneered. “It seems the Emperor truly dotes on his Crown Prince. And the Empress?”
“Reporting to the Supervisor, the Empress and the Crown Prince have also arrived.”
Xiao Heye turned and walked inside, remarking casually, “Let’s go and see our great Emperor of Beiliang…”
Once the banquet began, the main hall was filled with music, dance, and the clinking of wine cups. The Emperor, who had always enjoyed such lively atmospheres, sat with Consort Ji on his left and Wan Pin on his right, his eyes constantly fixed on the dancers performing below, thoroughly enjoying himself.
The Emperor enjoyed himself above, while those below also laughed and chatted merrily.
There were insincere greetings, as well as hypocritical praises.
Young palace maids and eunuchs weaved through the crowd, busy refilling wine and adding dishes.
Su Tiyue sat with her father Su Sui and her mother Yang Wanzhi in a relatively secluded corner of the grand hall, the three of them chatting and laughing. Liu Wan and Qing Wu stood to the side, exchanging a smile.
When their mistress was happy, the two young maids naturally felt the same.
Su Sui took a small sip of the fruit wine in his cup—sweet and mellow. Knowing that Su Tiyue had loved sweets since childhood, he offered her half a cup, saying, “Yue’er, this wine is quite good. You’ll surely like it. Come, have a taste?”
Yang Wanzhi gently patted Su Sui’s hand beside her and said softly, “What business does a young lady have drinking wine? Besides, Yue’er is still young. Don’t always spoil her.”
A happy smile spread across Su Tiyue’s face. It had been a long time since the family had sat together like this, eating and chatting. The feeling was warm and fulfilling.
She intimately wrapped her arm around Yang Wanzhi’s and said in a sweet, coquettish tone, “Mother, Yue’er is already married. I’m no longer a child.”
It was just an offhand remark… but when Su Sui and Yang Wanzhi heard it, their smiles froze, and a faint shadow seemed to fall over their faces.
They knew all too well what kind of person Su Tiyue had married, yet they had been powerless to stop the marriage.
In this world, there are always things beyond one’s control.
Realizing she had said the wrong thing, Su Tiyue felt a pang of regret, and her eyes dimmed.
Yang Wanzhi paused for a moment, then reached out to pick up a slice of meat and placed it in Su Tiyue’s bowl, breaking the delicate atmosphere. She said, “Yue’er, eat more meat. I couldn’t help but notice you look thinner than last time.”
Su Tiyue nodded and said, “Alright.”
Su Sui also raised his wine cup, deliberately shaking it in front of her. “Yue’er, would you like a drink?”
“I would,” Su Tiyue replied, her lips curving as she reached for the cup. Seeing this, Liu Wan quickly intervened, “Master, Her Ladyship has a poor tolerance for alcohol. Perhaps it’s best not to drink today.”
“Your Ladyship, what do you think?” Liu Wan turned and whispered, seeking Su Tiyue’s opinion.
Su Tiyue was startled, suddenly remembering that critical matter. If not for her overindulgence at the last banquet…
“That’s right, Liu Wan is correct. Father, I’d better not drink this wine.”
Su Tiyue poured herself a cup of tea, cradling it with both hands, a smile on her face. “Your daughter offers tea in place of wine, toasting to Father and Mother. May you both enjoy good health, abundant wealth, and smooth sailing in all matters.”
“You clever little money-grubber, isn’t the family fortune enough for you?” Yang Wanzhi playfully tapped her daughter’s forehead with her index finger, speaking with affection. Then, covering her mouth with a light hand, she beamed brightly.
Su Tiyue blinked mischievously and asked, “Mother, are Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, and Second Brother all well?”
Yang Wanzhi nodded. “Your elder brother’s letters arrive punctually every month. He is doing well at the border. Your sister-in-law manages the household with great skill, keeping everything in perfect order.”
“Ah…” Yang Wanzhi sighed and continued, “Your second brother is still the same as ever, never staying home, always running off to fool around. Even your father has given up trying to discipline him now.”
Hearing this, Su Tiyue furrowed her brows, opened her mouth slightly, and gently tugged at Su Sui’s sleeve. She spoke earnestly and seriously, “Father, Second Brother just lacks someone to keep him in check. I think we should find him a suitable woman. Once he settles down and starts a family, perhaps he’ll become more stable. If that doesn’t work, Father, you could send him to the military camp—let him endure some hardship and toughen up. It would do him good. If you continue to ignore Second Brother like this, I’m afraid things won’t turn out well.”
Su Tiyue paused briefly before continuing, “Lately, Yong’an City hasn’t been very peaceful either. Second Brother often roams around outside, and I worry something might happen to him…”
Yang Wanzhi also nodded in agreement, “Yue’er is right, Master. You really should discipline our second son properly and not let him do as he pleases.”
“Ah, Madam, haven’t I disciplined this rebellious son enough already?” Su Sui looked innocent. “Alright, alright, I understand. I’ll handle this matter.”
“Father, let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s talk about something happier.” Su Tiyue stretched out her arm, refilled the wine cup in front of Su Sui, and said with a mischievous look, “Next month is my birthday. What birthday gift do you plan to give me?”
“Is that so? How come Father doesn’t remember Yue’er’s birthday? Isn’t it still early?” Su Sui teased her on purpose.
“Father… how could you do this?” She frowned, pretending to be angry.
Su Sui smiled and asked her, “Then what does Yue’er want?”
“Daughter wants mountains of gold and silver. Is that okay, Father?”
“Tsk, you little money-grubber, such a little money-grubber.” Su Sui smiled and glanced at Yang Wanzhi. As he laughed, tears unconsciously moistened the corners of his eyes.
Past the age of fifty, with his wife and daughter by his side—it truly felt wonderful.
The whole family gathered together, chatting and laughing—it truly felt wonderful.
And Yue’er was still that innocent, cheerful little girl—that also felt wonderful.
Perhaps these simple, ordinary joys only become truly precious after experiencing loss and helplessness.