No matter where she went, people made way for her. It was unclear if it was out of fear of annoying her, or because her belly was now a bit prominent.
In contrast, Song Chaoyu was surrounded by many people.
They came to congratulate Song Chaoyu on her pregnancy, and the group chatted animatedly.
Song Yanjiao also wanted to chime in, but found she had no opportunity.
As soon as she approached Song Chaoyu, someone said to her, "Oh my, Princess Ning, you must be careful! Your body is so precious now, don't crowd into places with so many people! Otherwise, if you hurt yourself or the child in your belly, how can we explain to the Ning King's manor? Hurry and go sit in your seat!"
These words sounded pleasant, but how could Song Yanjiao not know that they simply didn't want her near?
Looking at Song Chaoyu, a hint of jealousy flickered in her eyes.
—
According to custom, Song Yanjiao and Song Chaoyu's seats were very close.
After all, one was the Princess of Ning, and the other was the Princess of Chang.
As the banquet was about to begin, Song Chaoyu finally returned to her seat.
Then she heard Song Yanjiao speak to her with biting sarcasm, "Oh, my sister is so different from before! Are you a celebrity in the capital now? To have so many noble ladies surrounding you, you must be very happy and proud!"
"My sister dares not."
With others listening to their conversation, Song Chaoyu simply smiled slightly, appearing unfazed by praise or criticism. "If we're talking about people in the capital, how can I compare to my sister? My sister is truly enjoying blessings in the Ning King's manor. The King dotes on my sister and doesn't let her do anything. Seeing that my sister has even gained weight, it's clear how well she's cared for in the manor. I am truly far behind!"
These words struck Song Yanjiao's two sore spots: losing control of the household and her changing figure!
It made Song Yanjiao furious, yet she couldn't directly vent her anger at Song Chaoyu. She could only mutter, "You've become quite eloquent now! Just you wait, you'll have a reckoning soon!"
This single sentence made Song Chaoyu realize that the Ning King's manor seemed to have a connection with the Southern Kingdom.
Today, no matter what, she had to be cautious.
A moment later, a eunuch announced, "The Emperor arrives—The Empress arrives—" and silence fell upon the hall.
Everyone rose to greet them. The Emperor smiled and told everyone to rise, even glancing specifically towards Song Chaoyu. It was unclear if he was looking at Song Yanjiao or Song Chaoyu.
As everyone sat down, a eunuch's voice announced from outside, "The envoys from the Southern Kingdom arrive—"
From outside, the envoys from the Southern Kingdom slowly entered.
Seeing their considerable retinue, Song Chaoyu carefully identified them.
Others might not recognize the people from the Southern Kingdom, but Mu Changxi certainly would.
Therefore, the leader of this envoy team was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Southern Kingdom, named "Qiu Hai," as Luo Yunshu knew.
This Qiu Hai was quite extraordinary.
His family had served in the court since the founding of the Southern Kingdom. He was rumored to be very cunning, yet unassailable.
However, when Mu Changxi first arrived in the Southern Kingdom, Qiu Hai strongly opposed the good relations between the two countries and had always been a "pro-war faction."
Thus, Qiu Hai strongly disliked Mu Changxi.
It could even be said that the incident where the Prince of Chang broke his leg in the Southern Kingdom was instigated by Qiu Hai from behind the scenes.
Therefore, the Southern Kingdom sending him this time made their attitude very subtle.
And following behind him were two people who looked exactly alike!
Song Chaoyu had heard Mu Changxi mention them. These two were the twin princes of the Southern Kingdom's Prince Shi.
They were twins, almost identical in appearance and even in their daily preferences.
If one hadn't grown up with them, even their parents sometimes couldn't tell them apart.
When the Prince of Chang was in the Southern Kingdom, he had a very good relationship with them, to the point where it was almost like brothers.
Given their status, they shouldn't have come.
Their arrival in Da Yue this time gave Song Chaoyu a sense of unease.
It felt as if everything... was aimed at Mu Changxi.
Fortunately, Mu Changxi was not present at this palace banquet today.
They were ostensibly here for the wedding of Princess Ti Le and the Prince of Wen. The wedding had been postponed for a long time due to the disaster, and it was finally about to take place.
Song Chaoyu could feel that although this palace banquet had nothing to do with her, even as she sat there, the envoys from the Southern Kingdom kept looking in her direction.
Seeing Song Chaoyu's continued composure, Song Yanjiao impatiently sneered at her, "Just you wait! We already know your secret! Today, you'll have a hard time!"
Song Chaoyu tilted her head and glanced at Song Yanjiao, returning her sneer.
Seeing that Song Yanjiao didn't seem to care at all, Song Yanjiao became even more enraged.
She turned and tugged at Mu Hansu, who was sitting beside her, drinking wine in silence.
Mu Hansu turned and glared at her, "What are you so anxious about?"
Then, bypassing Song Yanjiao, Mu Hansu's stern gaze also fell upon Song Chaoyu, "Your Prince Chang's manor is now assisting the Crown Prince and opposing our Ning King's manor daily. Even if you are the sister of the Princess, I fear I must be impolite! I apologize in advance, sister!"
Song Chaoyu's heart tightened, naturally sensing that something was amiss!
Before she could speak, Mu Hansu stood up on his own and cupped his hands to the Emperor, "Father, your son has a suggestion."
The Emperor looked at the Prince of Ning with a rather gentle expression, "What suggestion? Your suggestions have always been good, just say it."
The Prince of Ning smiled and nodded at the envoys from the Southern Kingdom, "Your son has heard that Prince Chang's brother had very good relationships with all of you when he was in the Southern Kingdom! Especially with the two princes of Prince Shi, their friendship dates back to childhood. Your son thought, since the envoys from the Southern Kingdom are all here, why not invite Prince Chang as well? Perhaps it would be beneficial for his current illness!"
Truly disgusting!
Song Chaoyu frowned and also stood up, refuting Mu Hansu without mercy, "Our Prince is currently bedridden and I fear he cannot come here."
"What does that matter?"
The Prince of Ning appeared indifferent, "The weather outside is not cold, just have someone carry him over in a carriage. Perhaps hearing the voices of his childhood companions might truly benefit him!"
Originally, this was just the Prince of Ning saying it, not something that should be done.
Unexpectedly, one of the princes of Prince Shi from the Southern Kingdom followed Mu Hansu's words and said, "Yes, we also wish to see Prince Chang. We heard his old illness has relapsed, and we have been very worried during our journey!"