Jun Ning thought of something, tugged at Tao Yanzhen’s sleeve, and teased: “So long as it’s not Prince Jing, you’ll agree, Brother?”
Tao Yanzhen eyed his sister suspiciously. They had grown up together, and he could usually read her thoughts with a single glance. But now, after only a few days, he found her completely inscrutable.
“His Highness Prince Xuan arrives!”
With the eunuch’s announcement, Jun Ning instantly turned her gaze toward the palace doors. Before long, Xiao Moyuan entered, supported by Cang Ying. He looked just as he had the first time she saw him—dressed in white, back straight, half his face covered by a mask, the exposed skin pale with a sickly hue.
The crowd offered a perfunctory bow before turning back to their conversations. Since he could not see, few truly respected him.
Xiao Moyuan rarely attended such banquets, and the Emperor never blamed him for it. His presence today was unusual—was it meant to make him a spectacle?
Jun Ning’s eyes darkened. Xiao Moyuan could not see, but he could hear. The whispers around him seemed not to bother him; his expression revealed no joy or anger.
“Ah Ning, don’t tell me he’s the one you mean?”
Tao Yanzhen’s voice suddenly sounded in her ear. Jun Ning turned to see her brother leaning close, following her gaze.
She nodded. Since she intended to request the Emperor’s decree to marry Xiao Moyuan today, her brother would learn of it sooner or later. Better to admit it now.
Tao Yanzhen stroked his chin, then looked across the hall at Wen Jing, the young Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. After a moment, he nodded. “Though only a fourth‑rank official, he’s young and capable. He has prospects for promotion. He could just barely be worthy of our Ah Ning.”
Jun Ning: “…” Who was he talking about?
Before she could explain, a line of eunuchs and palace maids entered, bowing as they filed in. From the grand display, it was clear the Emperor and his consorts were arriving.
Everyone quickly returned to their seats. The Hall of Supreme Harmony fell silent.
“His Majesty arrives!”
The eunuch’s shrill voice rang out again, and all present knelt together, calling: “Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!”
With the eunuch’s cry, Emperor Yongchu entered, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, his steps steady as he approached the foremost dragon throne in the hall.
Once the Emperor was seated, the consorts also took their places.
Jun Ning quietly lifted her gaze. It was now the forty‑third year of Yongchu’s reign. The Emperor was in his prime, though a few strands of gray had appeared at his temples; his body remained strong. Yet who could have imagined that four years later, Emperor Yongchu would be killed by his own son in collusion with a consort?
Today, the Emperor seemed in good spirits. After surveying the hall, he said: “All of you may rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Zhao De, bring the feast.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Zhao De answered respectfully, flicked his horsetail whisk, and turned to shout: “Serve—the—banquet!”
Palace attendants, given permission, began placing dishes upon the tables.
The Emperor raised his wine cup and declared: “I have reigned for decades. Now our Bei State is prosperous and at peace, thanks to the efforts of my loyal ministers. Today, at this summer banquet, let us share in this flourishing age. I drink this cup in honor of you all!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The assembly lifted their cups and drank with the Emperor.
Music of pipes and strings filled the hall, and dancers swayed their slender waists as they performed. The Emperor sat upon his grand throne, his long eyes half‑closed, occasionally exchanging words with the consorts beside him.
Jun Ning could not hear what they said, but she clearly saw Consort Yan Zhuang glance in her direction from time to time.
When Jun Ning met her gaze, Consort Yan Zhuang gave her a gentle smile.
After Xiao Yunjie was released from the Cold Palace, he was raised in Consort Yan Zhuang’s quarters. Since she had borne only a princess and no sons, she placed all her hopes on him.
Jun Ning didn’t need to think twice—Consort Yan Zhuang clearly intended to match her with Xiao Yunjie.
In her previous life, Jun Qingnian’s interference had prevented them from succeeding. This time, Jun Ning was determined to sever that bond herself. As she pondered, several ministers eagerly stepped forward, smiling as they declared that their daughters had been practicing for days, hoping to perform before His Majesty.
The Emperor stroked his beard and looked toward Consort De, seated at his right. With the Empress long deceased, Consort De managed the six palaces. Seeing the Emperor’s gaze, she smiled warmly and said: “The young ladies of the capital are all talented. Since they have prepared, why not grant them the chance to display their skills?”
The Emperor already had the idea in mind, but at a banquet, such matters were best raised by a consort.
As expected, once Consort De spoke, the Emperor nodded. “Since Consort De agrees, I shall allow it.”
“Since it is a performance, why not offer the young ladies a prize?” Consort Yan Zhuang, seated on the Emperor’s left, suggested.
“Oh? And what prize do you propose?” The Emperor wiped his hands, his expression full of interest.
“Perhaps…” Consort Yan Zhuang thought for a moment before replying: “Let the applause within the hall decide. Whichever young lady receives the loudest applause may request a reward from Your Majesty. What does Your Majesty think?”
Her words, of course, carried purpose. No matter which girl won, she would remember that the opportunity came from Consort Yan Zhuang, and gratitude would follow. It was a chance to win favor.
“That sounds amusing. Let it be as Consort Yan Zhuang says.”
At this, the young ladies in the hall were both startled and delighted. This was a rare chance to ask the Emperor for a reward—something money could never buy.
“Your Majesty, I am Shen Qingtang, legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor. I humbly offer a dance, praying for our Bei State’s prosperity and everlasting glory.”
Shen Qingtang knelt on the floor. Her final words pleased the Emperor greatly, and he agreed without hesitation.
The music of pipes and strings began. Shen Qingtang lowered her head beneath her flowing sleeves, then suddenly rose as the melody shifted. Her arms spread wide, the long sleeves unfurled, revealing her delicate face. She lightly rose on tiptoe, her steps agile as she leapt forward and back—it was as if a lotus had just emerged from water.
Jun Ning leaned on the table, chin resting in her hand, watching Shen Qingtang’s dazzling dance in the center of the hall with quiet amusement.
When the dance ended, everyone looked to the Emperor’s expression, then followed with applause. The clapping was loud, and Consort Yan Zhuang praised her especially.
The next few young ladies each displayed their talents. They received applause, but compared to Shen Qingtang, their performances seemed far less impressive.
“Second Sister, aren’t you going to perform?” Jun Qingnian, seated behind Jun Ning, grew impatient when she saw Jun Ning making no move.
Jun Ning turned her head slightly, watching Jun Qingnian’s anxious expression with interest.