The crescent moon, like a hook, reflected on the clear lake surface, shimmering. Fallen blossoms floated on the water, willow branches gently swayed, brushing the surface and stirring ripples. Brilliant lights illuminated the shore, with rows upon rows of palace lanterns hanging.
Palace maids and eunuchs bustled about, arranging the banquet scene. Fresh flowers and fruits were placed on low tables, and a platform was erected in the open space in the middle.
A butterfly-shaped palace lantern was hung in the center of the platform, illuminating the entire area as bright as day, yet veiled by a layer of elegant gauze.
As Liu Liu, the Empress of the Tianfeng Dynasty, this grand banquet naturally would not omit her. The Emperor dispatched Xiao Wanzi to inform her to attend.
Liu Liu was not a woman who took things lightly. Even with the conflict between her and the Emperor, it was not the time to be difficult. Therefore, she instructed Xiao Wanzi to return and inform them that she would attend the banquet.
Those in Huaqing Palace were all delighted to hear this, for if their mistress attended, they, as servants, could also catch a glimpse of the excitement.
Even if they could only stand at the periphery, they could still see the Princess of the Yuehua Kingdom. They had heard that the princess was exceptionally beautiful, talented, and intelligent, and some of them found it hard to believe. Could she truly be more beautiful and accomplished than Concubine Shu and Concubine De?
Cui'er meticulously dressed her mistress. Liu Liu wore a dark blue long skirt, its hem adorned with small, round rose crystal stones that sparkled in the night, exuding a noble royal aura. Her hair was styled in a simple cloud bun.
Cui'er intended to select a luxurious accessory, but Liu Liu stopped her. She simply picked a paper plum blossom and pinned it to her temple, exuding a graceful elegance. The young maids beside her pursed their lips and smiled.
"The simpler the clothes and accessories on Madam, the more they reveal her charm."
Liu Liu glanced at the bronze mirror and said faintly, "You girls are becoming more adept at flattery. Shall we go? If we don't leave soon, the banquet will begin."
By the time Liu Liu arrived at Chengming Hall, the princes, ministers, and their consorts had all arrived. They gathered in groups, chatting animatedly and occasionally letting out soft laughter, offering each other compliments.
The atmosphere in the hall was extremely harmonious. Concubine Shu and Concubine De were particularly the center of attention among the ladies, with flattering words constantly exchanged, eliciting pleased smiles from Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing.
The unmarried princes and ministers were beaming, appearing dashing and refined. Despite it being early autumn, many held perfumed fans, fanning themselves with an air of self-importance.
The moment Liu Liu stepped into Chengming Hall, sharp-eyed young eunuchs cried out, "Empress Majesty arrives."
All eyes turned towards her, and then some people approached with smiles, offering polite greetings with feigned warmth, but with a hint of disdain in their eyes.
Everyone knew that she was out of favor in the palace. If not for the Empress Dowager's and the Prime Minister's protection, she would have likely been sent to the cold palace long ago.
Liu Liu, not fully understanding the thoughts of those around her, simply nodded indifferently as a greeting. Fortunately, her face was covered by a layer of gauze; otherwise, these gossipy women would likely have compared her appearance.
Seeing Liu Liu's aloofness, the others returned to their respective places, no longer engaging with her. Liu Liu, leading her young maids, chose a quiet spot to sit, her gaze casually surveying Chengming Hall.
She saw that Feng Lie and Jin Shaoyuan had both arrived and were mingling with the civil and military officials. Feng Lie glanced over from afar, a smile on his lips. Liu Liu merely nodded and then looked elsewhere, causing Feng Lie a moment of disappointment and a subsequent decline in his mood.
"Your Majesty, please have some tea." Cui'er poured tea and offered it. Liu Liu nodded and continued to observe Chengming Hall. A lake lay before the hall, lined with weeping willows. It was early autumn.
The slender willows were tinged with golden threads, like ten thousand golden strands, truly a beautiful sight. The moonlight, like water, poured down, casting its glow upon the lake. Fallen blossoms drifted, and the moon's reflection lay slanted, swaying gently.
Amidst such a lively scene, Liu Liu inexplicably felt a pang of melancholy, perhaps because she felt out of place. Lost in thought, she suddenly heard a eunuch announce.
"Princess Jie Lan arrives."
The main protagonist of the evening had finally arrived. Liu Liu looked over. Princess Jie Lan was wearing a bright red silk brocade gown, and in the glow of the palace lanterns, she resembled a streak of rosy cloud, radiant and vivid.
The sea-wave patterned azure jade hairpin at her temple, adorned with pearls, seemed alive, like a delicate flower unfurling, exuding unparalleled charm. However, her face, like Liu Liu's, was covered by a layer of gauze.
But while Liu Liu wore it to conceal an unattractive face, Princess Jie Lan, rumored to be exceptionally beautiful, was said to wear it to hide her radiance.
Princess Jie Lan was followed by envoys from the Yuehua Kingdom and a line of servants, all carrying top-quality silks and brocades, which were to be presented as gifts to the Emperor.
As the procession entered Chengming Hall, the attendant from the Ministry of Rites guided Princess Jie Lan and the envoys to their seats. The others then took their assigned places.
At this moment, Liu Liu felt a bit awkward. As the Empress, she should have been seated on the high throne. However, the young eunuchs were busy attending to the guests and had forgotten about the Empress.
Furthermore, Liu Liu was occupying someone else's seat, and that person stood there, waiting, not daring to rush the Empress, so he simply stood.
This situation drew many gazes towards her. Liu Liu slowly stood up. As she hesitated, her father, Prime Minister Liu, and her brother, Liu Ting, entered Chengming Hall.
Upon seeing his sister's expression, Liu Ting immediately grew displeased. He took a step forward but was pulled back by Prime Minister Liu beside him.
Liu Ting came to his senses. Today was the day for the alliance between the two countries; naturally, it could not be a cause for ridicule from other nations. Liu Ting had to suppress his anger, his face grim as he walked to his sister's side and gently extended his hand.
"Your subject greets the Empress Majesty."
"Brother, please rise." Liu Liu breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't expected her brother to come. It must have been her father's firm instruction that compelled him.
However, thanks to his arrival, she was spared the embarrassment. Liu Ting escorted his sister to the Empress's seat before returning to his own.
Fortunately, the princes and ministers in Chengming Hall were focused on Princess Jie Lan and did not notice their small interlude.
Concubine Shu, Jin Jiali, and Concubine De, Lou Sijing, were seated below Liu Liu. Jin Jiali's expression turned somewhat unpleasant as she recalled the punishment she had received last time.
But she knew she would be at a disadvantage in a direct confrontation. She would wait for her opportunity. Gritting her teeth, she put on a pleasant smile. "This concubine greets the Empress Majesty." The two consorts spoke politely. Liu Liu, to avoid losing face in front of everyone, waved with a faint smile. "Please be seated."
"Thank you, Empress Majesty."
Just as Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing sat down, they heard a eunuch's distant call: "His Majesty arrives."
In the vast Chengming Hall, everyone rose, including Princess Jie Lan. They remained standing until the Emperor reached the high throne and sat down. He waved his hand, "Everyone, please be seated."
The guests resumed their seats. Princess Wuyang, who accompanied the Emperor, sat behind Liu Liu, while Nangong Yue found a secluded spot to sit.
Only Princess Jie Lan remained standing, bowing slightly. Her melodious voice, like that of a yellow oriole, was pleasant to hear. "Thank you to the Emperor of Tianfeng Dynasty for being willing to form a friendly alliance with our country. Jie Lan, on behalf of my father, presents the sincerity of our Yuehua."
As Princess Jie Lan finished speaking, attendants carrying bolts of silk entered. The snow-white silk was as dazzling as the snow lotuses on Mount Tianshan. Top-quality jewels also glittered. The crowd marveled. Feng Xie waved his hand, signaling the eunuchs to receive the gifts from the Yuehua Kingdom, and ordered young eunuchs to bring out the gifts bestowed upon Yuehua. The envoys had their subordinates collect them.
The banquet officially commenced. Music and dances filled the air, making the banquet lively and joyous.