The matter of the betrothal reached Emperor Qi's ears, and he was quite satisfied with the attitudes of both parties.
If nothing else, this kind of relationship, outwardly cordial yet inwardly mutually exclusive, was what Emperor Qi considered most stable.
If they were truly preparing for the wedding with joyous celebration, it would instead make him worried.
This way was the best.
In the palace, preparations were underway for Consort Xian's birthday banquet.
This was the first time she had held a grand birthday celebration since entering the palace. Not only that, but the Emperor had also let it be known that he would officially confer upon her the title of Noble Consort at the banquet. Such honor was a reward for her past hardships.
Consort Liu remained as usual, appearing anxious. She specifically went to see the Empress, expressing her lack of virtue and ability, fearing she could not bear such a heavy responsibility. The Empress felt much more at ease seeing her demeanor.
The position of Noble Consort was not one anyone could attain. If Consort Liu were to rise, she posed no threat to the Empress.
What if the Sixth Prince was enfeoffed as a prince? Their mother and son had weak foundations in the court.
Therefore, the Empress did not feel they would threaten the Crown Prince's position at all.
The Crown Princess sat respectfully below, watching Consort Liu's departing back, and couldn't help but say,
"Mother Empress, this Consort Liu is truly lucky. Though her beauty has faded with age, she has climbed to the position of Noble Consort. If her maternal family had more influence, she might have been promoted further."
"Her ascension is better than anyone else's. For so many years, I have been able to control her like an ant. It is of no consequence."
The Crown Princess nodded. "That is true. Mother Empress has governed the harem for many years. Now that the Wei clan is gone, Consort Liu is timid, Consort Shu merely relies on her beauty, and the others are not worth mentioning."
The Empress also took a deep breath. She had to admit that after so many years of resentment and grievances, she felt much more comfortable since Consort Wei was executed.
Especially since the Crown Prince's position was secured, and they had also secretly manipulated Emperor Qi.
In just two to three years, when he passed away, she would become the Empress Dowager. At that time, no one in this world would be able to threaten her, nor would anyone interfere with the development of the Pang family.
Thinking of this, even her gaze towards the Emperor improved.
"The imperial physician says your fetal pulse is steady and strong, and it appears to be another prince. You must rest more and protect it well until its birth."
"Mother Empress, please rest assured. Your daughter-in-law is being careful in all matters, but..."
"But what?"
"But a few days ago, His Highness the Crown Prince mentioned Miss Wen from outside to your daughter-in-law. I fear, I fear she is far along and he wishes to bring her back to the residence to care for her together."
"Hmph, does she deserve it? Be careful not to tarnish the Crown Prince's reputation."
Her eyes narrowed, and a sharp glint emanated from them.
In these years, she had dealt with other imperial consorts and their children, so she did not feel any guilt about dealing with Wen Yuwei.
"Just relax. As long as I am here, no one can shake your position."
"Thank you, Mother Empress."
The Crown Princess was filial and respectful towards the Empress. Over the years, although they did not live together, she never neglected her duties and courtesies. Therefore, the Empress also protected her greatly, and their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship was quite good.
While the palace was bustling with preparations for Consort Liu's birthday banquet, the private residence of Prince Ding near Fahua Temple was also lively.
The twenty-fifth of September was Prince Ding's twenty-seventh birthday. At this age, he was still unmarried, which was considered a rare occurrence in the Great Jin.
However, he was unusually happy at the moment, all because of the person before him.
If Prince Ding's birthday were to be celebrated grandly, it would be much more lively than Consort Liu's.
But he and Feng Jinyao did not want to make a fuss, so they only invited a few people to celebrate a simple birthday at the private residence.
The Feng family, the Bai family, the Xu family, as well as Divine Doctor Zhang and Aunt Zhang, arrived in small groups, using the excuse of visiting Fahua Temple for incense. Under the cover and guidance of Prince Ding's guards, they came to the private residence.
Bai Siruo was accompanied by Xiao Muqian. The couple seemed inseparable since their marriage, always appearing as a pair wherever they went.
She had never been here before, so she was naturally amazed by everything.
This private residence was completely different from Prince Ding's mansion. If Prince Ding's mansion was a cold ice cellar, this place was a warm house in spring.
In late September, the vegetation in the Eastern Capital had already begun to wither and turn yellow. In another month, it would become bare, enduring the severe cold and waiting for new sprouts next year.
Yet, this residence was still full of greenery, with flowers budding, making it hard to believe.
"This residence is too comfortable. I say, Imperial Uncle really knows how to enjoy himself. In all my life, I never knew there was such a heavenly realm in the Eastern Capital."
Bai Siruo's words were not wrong. Xiao Muqian did not grow up in the capital, so his knowledge was not extensive.
However, Su Cheng and Feng Jinlin fully agreed with her.
The marriage between Xu Mingyue and Feng Jinlin was also approaching. According to etiquette, they should not be meeting at this time.
But with the elders present today, it was not a problem.
Su Cheng deliberately wanted to tease Feng Jinlin, and without any discernment, he constantly followed him around, making it impossible for him to find an opportunity to speak more with Xu Mingyue.
Seeing his frustrated look, Su Cheng felt incredibly pleased.
Who told you, young man, to be so insincere? I, your elder brother, don't even have a partner yet, and you're arranging things so quickly.
Everyone present today was close family, so Xiao Tingyi did not restrain his genuine affection for Feng Jinyao.
He would ask if she was cold, then if she was hungry, and then if she was thirsty.
The relatives and friends present were all covering their mouths and chuckling. He was thick-skinned and unafraid of laughter, but it made Feng Jinyao a little shy. Her slightly flushed cheeks looked even more captivating in his eyes.
"Ah Yao, I am very happy."
"Today is Your Highness's birthday, so of course, you should be happy."
"Not just today, but every day forward with you, I will be happy."
If these sweet words were spoken by someone else, they would surely sound cheesy, but coming from Prince Ding, they were a genuine expression of emotion.
The feast today was prepared by Aunt Zhang and her staff. When she served Consort Min in the palace, she had also managed imperial banquets, so this birthday banquet was no challenge for her.
Inside the private residence, there was a room shaped like a stone boat.
When Aunt Zhang led everyone over, they were all somewhat surprised.
Xiao Tingyi, for the first time, explained, "This place was originally a large boulder. Moving it would have been time-consuming and laborious, so I had people carve this boulder into the bottom of a boat and build a pavilion on top. We also channeled live springs from the mountains into the pond and planted green lotuses, making it quite elegant." He said it lightly, but those present were all worldly individuals.
If Prince Ding's private assets were not so abundant, how could there be such a lifelike stone boat?
Thinking of the betrothal gifts he had sent, Feng Hai's mouth twitched. He had to admit that his daughter was marrying into an exceptionally wealthy family.