The night after the imperial decree was issued, the palace was brightly lit for a grand banquet.
Officials ranked fifth or higher, along with their families, entered the palace gates to attend the feast.
As the host of this banquet, Xiao Wangye, accompanied by Ye Qingcheng, arrived at the palace early and first proceeded to the Grand Consort's palace to bid farewell.
The Grand Consort, who lived deep within the inner palace, had also learned of Xiao Wangye's impending dispatch to his fiefdom. Although saddened in her heart, she showed no outward emotion.
She was also pleased that Xiao Wangye could escape the control of the young emperor, so she tried her best to appear unconcerned.
How could the two of them not see through this? Yet, they did not expose her, and instead chatted about everyday matters.
Only when someone from the banquet came to hurry them did they reluctantly leave the Grand Consort's palace and head to the main hall.
"Don't worry, we'll have the chance to visit Mother again," Ye Qingcheng whispered into Xiao Wangye's ear, trying to comfort him as she noticed the hidden sadness in his eyes.
Glancing back at her, Xiao Wangye remained silent, merely offering a soft hum.
Upon arriving at the banquet, Xiao Wangye put away his dejected demeanor and assumed a dignified air.
This banquet was a send-off for Xiao Wangye, and he was undoubtedly the focus of the event.
Seated at the head table, the young emperor raised his wine goblet and, in front of all the civil and military officials, praised him with a smile:
"Ninth Royal Brother, you have always been the most intelligent and astute among us brothers. I believe you will surely be capable of great responsibilities in the future!"
Facing the words of praise, Xiao Wangye also stood up, holding his goblet and looking at the emperor.
"Your Majesty flatters me. Your Royal Brother is dull and cannot compare to Your Majesty's wisdom and might."
"Alas, you mustn't say that. I have seen your intelligence and resourcefulness with my own eyes! You must resolve the troubles in your fiefdom with utmost care. I shall await your good news in the capital!"
Listening to the insincere commendation, Xiao Wangye did not yield, responding in kind. They truly appeared to be brothers who cared for each other.
As they exchanged pleasantries, the young emperor repeatedly expressed his favor towards Xiao Wangye before the assembled officials. What his intentions were, Ye Qingcheng had no idea.
They chattered back and forth, and wine was poured glass after glass, filling their stomachs. In a short while, flushed faces were visible among the banquet guests, indicating their intoxication.
Xiao Wangye, while drinking, subtly glanced towards a young eunuch standing by the emperor's side. The eunuch understood his unspoken message, and they exchanged a look, everything understood without a word.
After several rounds of wine, the young emperor's face was flushed, clearly having drunk too much and showing signs of intoxication.
"Everyone, please continue to eat and drink. I... I am a little tired and will retire first."
Feeling a slight dizziness, the young emperor stood up, supported by a young eunuch beside him, and left the banquet hall.
At this moment, Xiao Wangye's gaze shifted to a particular spot, which was now empty.
With the highest-ranking person, the Emperor, making an exit, the ministers at the banquet soon dispersed, returning to their respective residences.
That night, some rejoiced, some grieved, and some families lost their daughters.
The next morning, as Ye Qingcheng arrived at the medical clinic, she heard a piece of explosive news.
The legitimate daughter of Minister Liu of the Ministry of Revenue, Xiao Xiaoyu, had, overnight, become the Emperor's Zhaoyi!
This news quickly spread throughout the capital, astonishing many.
The daughter of a minor official, without undergoing the traditional imperial selection, and without any recommendation from a powerful minister, had suddenly been conferred the title of Zhaoyi overnight.
The story behind this was thought-provoking.
This event was even more surprising than Ye Yunli entering the palace and being granted the title of Consort Li, for her maternal family was of considerable standing, and she had a cousin who was a princess. Her entry into the palace could be considered well-deserved.
However, Xiao Xiaoyu was merely the legitimate daughter of a minister, and in herself, she was unknown and unremarkable.
In comparison, no one would believe there was no trickery involved.
"Did you hear? Miss Liu has been made Zhaoyi!"
Upon hearing such momentous news, Ye Qingcheng could no longer concern herself with the clinic and immediately returned to the prince's mansion to complain to Xiao Wangye.
Xiao Wangye, who was packing in his study, looked up at her hurried demeanor and smiled faintly, offering no reply.
Ye Qingcheng, who had not seen him smile in a long time, was once again struck by his appearance but quickly regained her composure.
"Don't you find this strange? How can someone be made Zhaoyi so casually!"
The more she thought about it, the more something felt amiss. She had met Xiao Xiaoyu a few times. In terms of looks alone, she was considered attractive among ordinary women.
But the young emperor, as the ruler of a nation, had seen countless beauties. There was the dignified and virtuous Empress, the enchanting Imperial Consort Yun, and even Ye Qingcheng's cousin, Ye Yunli, who was also exceptionally beautiful, a gentle and lovely young lady from a good family.
Compared to them, Xiao Xiaoyu was indeed somewhat inferior. It was unclear how she had caught the young emperor's eye.
Moreover, the conferment of Consort Li upon Lin Yunli had been the result of behind-the-scenes efforts by Imperial Consort Yun and Xiao Wangye, whose influence had helped facilitate the matter.
Ye Qingcheng could rack her brains, but she could not fathom how a mere daughter of a minister had managed to ascend to the dragon couch and be made Zhaoyi.
Seeing her utterly bewildered expression, Xiao Wangye raised an eyebrow, showing no intention of discussing or explaining.
According to the young emperor's decree, he was to depart for his fiefdom that very day and was currently packing his belongings.
Seeing that Xiao Wangye was not paying attention to her, Ye Qingcheng lost interest and no longer wished to dwell on this gossip.
If it were not for Xiao Xiaoyu deliberately sending people to cause trouble at the cosmetic shop, she would not have cared about the latter being made Zhaoyi. The matter had nothing to do with her.
Xiao Wangye quickly selected the books he wanted to take with him. His gaze swept over, spotting Ye Qingcheng, who was lost in thought.
A sudden impulse struck him, and he walked over, as if guided by some unseen force, and said:
"I've heard that a strange herb grows in the fiefdom, which the locals call Xuè Jiè Zi. Its effects are quite peculiar. Would you be willing to accompany me to the fiefdom to study it?"
"Xuè Jiè Zi?"
To Ye Qingcheng's surprise, upon hearing his words, she jumped up, her eyes fixed on him with intensity.
The name of this herb was not only familiar to Ye Qingcheng but also filled her with immense surprise and excitement.
In her previous life, she had been obsessed with researching drugs, especially anti-cancer medications.
And this Xuè Jiè Zi was the most essential medicinal ingredient in the drugs she had been researching!
Since transmigrating to this world, Ye Qingcheng's greatest dream was to continue her research and develop a drug that could fight cancer as soon as possible!
"Indeed! So, do you want to come with me?"
He asked again, his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty.
However, Ye Qingcheng's eyes shone brightly, and she nodded eagerly:
"Yes! I'll go!"
Hearing her reply, Xiao Wangye's previously unsettled heart finally relaxed, and a smile involuntarily appeared at the corners of his eyes.