These words were the second time the Princess Consort had said them to Chu Qianli.
Before, Chu Qianli hadn't taken them to heart, thinking she was just joking.
But now that she said it like this, she had to face the issue squarely!
The Princess Consort was not joking!
"But why doesn't the Emperor host the banquet himself?" she couldn't help but ask.
The Princess Consort said in an even quieter voice, "The Emperor is not interested in this... Do you think it's abrupt that Prince Xuan and Prince He are here?"
"Is it to find an excuse to get the Emperor involved?" Chu Qianli's eyes widened.
Was this the Empress Dowager's true intention?
It seemed that this Empress Dowager would stop at nothing to select a consort for the Emperor.
No wonder there were so many young ladies at the banquet, looking at them, each one was delicate and beautiful.
Where did the royal family get so many princesses? These young ladies were basically the daughters of nobles.
There were even those from lower ranks, sitting at the back, who might not necessarily be imperial princesses.
Perhaps, even beauties from among the common folk were not spared.
The Emperor was already in his thirties and still had no harem, which truly made the Empress Dowager anxious!
The Empress Dowager had arrived, but this time, she was not with Chu Feiyan.
Accompanying the Empress Dowager was Princess Qianqian, which caused much confusion among many present.
Could it be that from now on, Princess Qianqian was the one favored?
No wonder it seemed like Princess Feiyan was crying earlier; did this mean Princess Feiyan had fallen out of favor?
The guests at the back could not see the situation in front. Due to the distance, no one knew if the princesses were crying or laughing.
It was only when the people in front gradually passed down the news that they learned about it.
"Everyone, please rise." After the Empress Dowager was seated, her gaze immediately fell on Feng Yexuan.
"Xuan'er, you haven't visited Nanming to see this old woman for a long time!"
These words made Chu Qianli's heart stir slightly.
Feng Yexuan and the Empress Dowager seemed to have a good and familiar relationship.
Feng Yexuan also called Prince Jing his martial uncle, and Prince Jing was the Empress Dowager's youngest son...
Was it possible that Feng Yexuan also had a relationship with the Nanming Emperor?
Feng Yexuan, who had been frosty just moments ago, finally showed a hint of warmth in his eyes upon seeing the Empress Dowager.
"Empress Dowager, it has been a long time. Are you in good health?"
Feng Qihhe, standing beside them, had a deep gaze.
Was Feng Yexuan's good relationship with the Empress Dowager due to Prince Jing?
The assassination attempt on Prince Jing this time had finally revealed the relationship between Feng Yexuan and Prince Jing.
But it turned out that Feng Yexuan was also so close to the Empress Dowager.
Then, on whose side was Feng Yexuan truly here?
Was he here to win over Prince Yu, or was he standing with the Emperor?
Even Feng Qihhe could not figure this out now.
"This old woman's health is robust, and I am very well."
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Feng Yexuan, the Empress Dowager then looked at Feng Qihhe and smiled, "Prince He, I haven't seen you for a long time either."
Although her attitude was equally cordial, the casualness with which she spoke to Feng Yexuan was somewhat lacking.
It was clearly evident that the Empress Dowager's relationship with Feng Yexuan was deeper.
Feng Qihhe smiled and said, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your concern. I have come this time to propose marriage to Princess Feiyan on behalf of Prince Yu. I must rely on your care, Empress Dowager."
Prince He wanted to propose to Princess Feiyan?
The Empress Dowager habitually looked at wet nurse Dian. Wet nurse Dian smiled, "Your Highness is asking the Empress Dowager if she likes him as her grandson-in-law!"
The Empress Dowager's eyes flickered slightly, and then she looked at Feng Qihhe again, smiling, "After all, this is a matter for Prince Yu's manor. It still depends on Prince Yu and Feiyan to make their own decisions. I naturally do not object."
However, wet nurse Dian suddenly said, "This servant has heard that Prince Xuan and Princess Feiyan also have an unusual relationship."
"Really?" The Empress Dowager looked at Feng Yexuan with some surprise, "Xuan'er, you aren't... also here to propose, are you?"