The move to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys immediately stabilized the somewhat chaotic court.
The ministers looked at Situ Yan with awe. They finally realized that the monarch before them was different from the benevolent Emperor Changwu. Who would have thought that he would execute thirteen officials in one go, without even giving them a chance to beg for mercy?
The deeply rooted Cao State Duke’s mansion was tottering. From having numerous proteges, it became deserted. Many who had once prided themselves on being his proteges now actively distanced themselves, fearing being labeled as part of the former Crown Prince's faction. As for the former Crown Prince himself, even if he announced his recovery and left his residence, people would still avoid him as if he were a plague.
What if the Emperor took offense and used some trivial matter to have them beheaded? Where would they find justice?
The Emperor had ascended the throne, so it was best to cling to his coattails.
The tense atmosphere lingered until the end of the year. As officials from various regions returned to the capital for their annual reports, Situ Yan became even busier.
Lu Nianfu also began preparing for the palace banquet.
In previous years, the palace banquets were hosted by Empress Fu, and minor matters were handled by the wet nurses from Changning Palace. However, these wet nurses had accompanied her to the temporary palace, leaving Lu Nianfu somewhat flustered. Fortunately, there were established procedures for all large and small banquets in the palace. She found the account books from previous years and asked Li Wang to recommend two experienced wet nurses.
Although she was a little unfamiliar with the tasks, the items for the palace banquet were prepared one by one.
Lu Nianfu personally inquired about every detail, fearing mistakes, and was even busier than Situ Yan.
The second child was fine; the infant had food and sleep, and it didn't matter much if he didn't see his mother occasionally. Yao'er, however, was not. He was at an age where he craved attention and often sat by the door with his chin propped in his hands, waiting when he couldn't see his parents, which made wet nurse Xu and the two maids heartbroken.
Lu Nianfu had no choice but to bring the tag-along with her wherever she went.
At night, after Lu Nianfu had settled Yao'er, she returned to the bedchamber. Situ Yan was already lying down in his sleeping robe.
The imperial yellow color looked quite dazzling. Initially, she found it difficult to get used to, but now she had become accustomed to it. Situ Yan waved away Qingmiao, who had come to serve him, and personally helped Lu Nianfu take off her outer robe. "It's just a palace banquet. Let the people below worry about it. You've been so tired these past few days."
"That won't do! This is the first palace banquet I'm hosting as Empress. If anything goes wrong, won't I be laughed at for a lifetime?"
"Who would dare? I'll have their tongues cut out."
Lu Nianfu felt comforted by his words. She hugged his arm and said, "You know, for so many years, no one has ever looked down on me, a merchant's daughter. I have to show them what I'm capable of."
Situ Yan's eyes widened. "You're not capable enough? Tsk, out of all the women in the capital, how many can make money like you?"
"Alas, after so many years in the capital, you still don't know their ways? How can such vulgar things like money be spoken of? They value elegance, don't you know about playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"
Situ Yan scoffed. "Only if they reach the pinnacle of those arts are they worth mentioning. What's the point of all of them being half-baked and showing off?"
"It's not necessarily only half-baked. Look at Mingyue Tower; they still choose their top courtesans based on this every Mid-Autumn Festival."
"Exactly. Courtesans in those establishments, after learning, can at least make a living. What's the use of these noble ladies in the capital learning them?"
"They can use it to win your favor, Your Majesty."
Situ Yan: "...What do you mean?"
"At the palace banquet, many noble ladies have signed up to perform, hoping to entertain you and the officials. Your Majesty should watch them carefully; perhaps you'll find someone you like?"
"Why do I hear a hint of sourness in your words? Is the Empress jealous?"
"Bah, you're flattering yourself."
Situ Yan playfully twirled a strand of her hair. "If my lady serves me well tonight, I'll order them not to perform."
"Don't even think about it. Without them, wouldn't we have to spend money to hire dancers and singers from entertainment districts?"
On the principle of saving money, Situ Yan immediately dismissed the idea.
Lu Nianfu smiled. "There are also music academies in the palace, but my father didn't have a taste for it, so they've become somewhat neglected. However, the Empress replenishes them with fresh faces every year. If Your Majesty sees any beautiful young women in the palace, they are likely from the music academies. Besides entertaining at various palace banquets, the Emperor and Empress occasionally bestow them upon ministers."
Situ Yan nodded, indicating he understood. "You said, should I select a couple for Changdong? He's already thirty, how can he not have a woman to serve him?"
"Your Majesty, stop worrying about such things. If Lord Meng wanted to get married, countless young ladies would be lining up for him to choose from."
He was the Minister of Dali Temple, thirty years old, and had a close relationship with the Emperor. Anyone with eyes could see that his future achievements would be considerable. Forget about a principal wife; even for a concubine, there were plenty of families eager to offer their daughters.
Unfortunately, Lord Meng had no interest.
As the couple chatted, Situ Yan became restless. "The night is long, and talking about others is so boring. Fu'er, do you miss your husband?"
Lu Nianfu's breathing quickened slightly. She reached out to push away his mischievous hand. "Be serious. You have morning court tomorrow."
Situ Yan's eyes lit up, and he teased, "Fu'er, have you learned some great skill from the wet nurses at the music academy? You actually dare to boast that you can make your husband unable to get out of bed?"
"When did I boast about that? I didn't mean it that way..."
Situ Yan's smile became more pronounced. He rolled over and covered her, sealing her unsaid words with a kiss.
The couple had been busy for some time and hadn't been intimate for days. Now, with passion ignited, the air in the vast dragon bed instantly became heated. Clothes were shed one by one, and the gauze curtains were lowered, obscuring the erotic scene in the room.