Ye Qingcheng was very grateful to Master Su for teaching her how to cultivate internal energy.
During breaks from her martial arts practice, she went to her alchemy room to refine some medicinal pills for Master Su.
These were made using medicinal herbs that Chu Xiu said were good for martial artists, combined with her own research and developed formulations.
After taking a few pills, Master Su's physical condition improved significantly. Previously, she had suffered from various internal injuries and ailments due to her martial arts practice.
After Ye Qingcheng's care and recuperation during this period, her ailments had greatly diminished.
Master Su became even more dedicated to teaching Ye Qingcheng.
"Your Highness," one day the old steward arrived at Ye Qingcheng's courtyard.
Ye Qingcheng immediately stopped her learning session with Master Su. "Steward, what is it?"
"Your Highness, an invitation has arrived from the palace. It states that His Majesty will be hosting a banquet tomorrow evening and requests that both the Prince and Your Highness attend."
Ye Qingcheng was perplexed. Why would there be a banquet all of a sudden?
"Steward, do you know the main purpose of this banquet?"
"This old servant does not know." The old steward took out the invitation and handed it to Ye Qingcheng.
After watching the old steward leave, Ye Qingcheng turned to Master Su and said, "Master Su, let's continue our training. I will have a day off tomorrow as I have an engagement."
"Very well, Your Highness."
The next day arrived quickly. Ye Qingcheng felt a sense of unease about this upcoming palace banquet. She wondered about the Emperor's true purpose for holding it.
Could it be a trap? Although the Emperor seemed to trust Xiao Wangye, others in the court might not feel the same.
She would need to be extra vigilant today. Ye Qingcheng sighed, admitting that being a princess consort was far from easy.
Bi Xi laid out several magnificent dresses before Ye Qingcheng, while Huang Li also assisted with her hairstyle.
Bi Xi had largely recovered and Ye Qingcheng wanted her to rest for a while longer. However, Bi Xi was too restless to stay idle, so Ye Qingcheng could only assign her less strenuous tasks.
Regarding the jade slip, Xiao Wangye had not given her a definitive answer, only stating that he would handle it himself. It seemed that many matters were involved.
In the evening, Xiao Wangye waited for Ye Qingcheng at the entrance.
His leg ailment had improved considerably during this period. He could stand and walk for short periods without major issues, though riding a horse or running was still difficult.
Ye Qingcheng emerged with Bi Xi and seeing Xiao Wangye waiting for her, she immediately walked over.
"Let's go." Xiao Wangye got into the carriage and then reached out to Ye Qingcheng, who was dressed in her elaborate attire.
With his assistance, Ye Qingcheng boarded the carriage. Bi Xi and Xiao Si sat outside the carriage.
Their relationship had indeed eased considerably during this time. However, they remained silent when in each other's private company.
Amidst this somewhat awkward silence, the coachman, with keen awareness, hastened the pace by flicking the reins.
Shortly, they arrived at the palace gates, where numerous carriages belonging to nobles and officials were already parked. The entire street in front of the palace seemed to be almost entirely occupied.
Many people rushed forward to pay their respects upon seeing Xiao Wangye's arrival.
They had expected him to walk in on his own, having heard that his leg ailment had improved. To their surprise, Xiao Si produced a wheelchair from behind.
Xiao Wangye settled himself into the wheelchair with an unhurried grace, completely ignoring the gazes of the officials.
"Your Highness's leg ailment has improved significantly. This is truly cause for celebration," remarked an official with a greying beard, stroking it.
"Indeed, and with the autumn hunt approaching, Your Highness should be able to participate."
Autumn hunt? Ye Qingcheng lowered her gaze, remaining silent beside them, minimizing her presence.
They proceeded into the brilliantly illuminated Imperial City as they spoke.
At the palace banquet, there was no segregation of men and women. Ye Qingcheng sat in a seat slightly behind Xiao Wangye, observing that the female attendees were seated according to their husbands.
Xiao Wangye occupied the first seat on the lower side.
Xiao Wangyan was seated in the fourth position on the lower side. Having heard recently that Xiao Wangye's leg ailment had greatly improved, he felt an overwhelming urge to confirm it.
He had always resented his outstanding elder brother. Ever since his return, his own long-held acclaim had been usurped by him.
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Ultimately, he had become the Regent. Meanwhile, relying on his parents, Xiao Wangyan held only the title of Prince.
Fortunately, Xiao Wangye's injury had rendered him lame, creating a crack in his otherwise perfect facade, and allowing his inner resentment an outlet.
However, the recent reports of his leg ailment nearing recovery were difficult for Xiao Wangyan to accept.
Thankfully, seeing Xiao Wangye still in his wheelchair today brought a slight measure of peace to his unsettled feelings.
Ye Qingcheng observed Xiao Wangyan's demeanor with keen insight; this was a younger brother overshadowed by the brilliance of his elder.
Once all the guests had arrived, the Emperor and Empress made their appearance.
Everyone rose to pay their respects, with Xiao Wangye bowing from his wheelchair. The Emperor gestured for them to resume their seats.
"Today's banquet is being held primarily to share a significant matter with all of you."
Observing the smile on the Emperor's face, everyone privately speculated about the joyous occasion.
"Little Huanzi, bring forth the little prince."
A prince? Everyone was startled, variously guessing which concubine had given birth. However, the Emperor's harem consisted of daughters of high officials, and there had been no recent rumors of any daughter from such families carrying the Emperor's child.
Furthermore, a pregnancy lasting ten months would surely have yielded some news. Yet, suddenly, a prince appeared.
Soon, the eunuch brought forth a swaddled infant. The Emperor took the baby and revealed the little prince for everyone to see.
A snow-white infant lay sleeping, seemingly unfazed by the multitude of gazes directed at him from below.
A moment of silence fell upon the assembly.
The elderly official with the greying beard, who had been conversing with Xiao Wangye at the entrance, stepped forward to inquire, "Your Majesty, may we know which imperial consort's son this prince is?"
The Emperor's expression shifted. "The prince's birth mother is not a concubine of the inner palace."
Oh, with so many concubines in the harem, is it not enough? He still has a child with a woman outside the palace, Ye Qingcheng mused.
Like a drop of water falling into heated oil, the guests at the banquet were struck with astonishment.
"Your Majesty, concerning the royal bloodline, we implore Your Majesty to exercise caution," another official interjected. Many influential figures began to murmur their concerns.
"I am naturally aware of whether this is a royal child," the Emperor stated, brushing aside the dissent. "Henceforth, he shall be known as my eldest prince and entrusted to the Empress for upbringing."
"This concubine shall indeed raise him with utmost care," the Empress bowed, accepting this task from the Emperor.
Ye Qingcheng subtly observed the Empress's expression. Truly befitting someone from a prominent lineage, trained as an Empress from childhood, she maintained her composure and elegance even in such a situation.
"Regent, what are your thoughts on this matter…" An official approached Xiao Wangye, hoping he would persuade the Emperor to reconsider this unconventional action.
Xiao Wangye had remained silent since the Emperor presented the infant.
Upon hearing the question, he set down his teacup. "His Majesty has his own judgment. This is His Majesty's family affair, and I dare not interfere excessively."
"This is not merely a family matter, but also a matter of state…" Seeing that their pleas were fruitless and even the Regent would not intervene, the others reluctantly ceased their objections.
The banquet thus began with an awkward atmosphere.
Ye Qingcheng gazed at the infant in the Emperor's arms, pondering whether it was fortunate or unfortunate to be born into royalty.
However, this child, facing controversy from the moment of birth, was bound to have a challenging path ahead.