All eyes immediately fell upon Feng Yexuan.
Chu Feiyan's heart tightened in an instant. Her eyes were not just red and her nose was not just red; her entire face had turned completely crimson.
She dared not look directly at Feng Yexuan, only daring to use her peripheral vision to quietly observe his movements.
Would Prince Xuan truly announce to everyone that he intended to propose to her?
Chu Qianli seemed unconcerned, lowering her eyelids and sipping her tea.
Queen Mother Ling also watched Feng Yexuan, waiting for his reply.
Since the Empress Dowager had asked, Feng Yexuan could not afford to be as indifferent as he might be to others.
He put down his cup, looked at the Empress Dowager on the high seat, and said calmly, "If this king were to propose to Princess Feiyan, I would naturally discuss it with Prince Yu first. Why is the Empress Dowager so anxious?"
A wave of disappointment washed over the crowd.
This answer was no answer at all.
Whether it was a denial or an acknowledgment, a clear stance should have been given.
It was uncertain if the Empress Dowager would be angered by such a perfunctory response.
Chu Qianli picked up her cup and continued to drink her tea, as if oblivious to everything around her.
The Empress Dowager paused for a moment before smiling faintly, "Very well, very well. For such matters, one must first consult Feiyan's father. It is I who was too hasty, getting ahead of myself."
"Come, everyone, please help yourselves."
The Empress Dowager raised her cup.
Everyone quickly raised their cups, preparing to stand.
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, "No need, please be at ease!"
Only then did everyone return to their seats, continuing to drink tea and wine.
The Empress Dowager's gaze finally settled on Chu Feiyan.
Chu Feiyan still kept her head bowed, rubbing the corners of her eyes, but her expression remained unchanged, and she spoke no words, remaining quiet.
She appeared somewhat pitiful.
The Empress Dowager's pity for her returned instantly.
After all, she was a child she had watched grow up.
Although she had made a mistake this time and wrongly accused Chu Qianqian, regardless, the affection built over so many years was far greater than that for Chu Qianqian, whom she rarely saw.
"Feiyan, come to my side," the Empress Dowager couldn't help but say.
Chu Feiyan started, and a hint of a smile finally flickered in her eyes.
But when she looked up to meet the Empress Dowager's gaze, she still appeared cautious.
She quickly stood up and walked to the Empress Dowager's side with careful, hesitant steps, as if unsure, and dared not sit down.
The Empress Dowager's heart softened further, and she sighed helplessly, "I believe you know your mistake. Sit down, and do not act like this again in the future."
"Feiyan understands," Chu Feiyan said, sitting down beside the Empress Dowager, finally beaming with joy. "Imperial Grandmother, Feiyan will be good from now on. Please don't ignore Feiyan."
"How could I ignore you? Am I not finding the most outstanding husband for you?"
Although the Empress Dowager's voice was not loud, those sitting several rows in front could hear it clearly.
Chu Feiyan's face immediately flushed, and she dared not say more.
Chu Qianqian drooped her shoulders, perpetually overlooked, and could only sit to the side, not daring to utter a sound.
These two girls vying for favor, Chu Qianqian had lost before the competition even began.
Chu Qianli was also helpless. Sometimes, one truly needed to employ certain tactics.
But it was clear that Chu Qianqian was still too inexperienced.
Suddenly, she felt a gaze fall upon her.
Chu Qianli immediately looked up. As she met the Empress Dowager's sharp eyes, she knew.
The reckoning was coming.
Now that the Empress Dowager was doting on Chu Feiyan again and felt she owed Chu Qianqian, she, the instigator, was naturally the villain in the Empress Dowager's eyes.