It would likely not be believed by many if this were spoken aloud, and instead of being considered mad, they would be burned alive as monsters.
Images of being burned to death and immersion in a pig cage from television dramas flashed through her mind. Feng Jin shivered uncontrollably, shook her head vigorously, and cast these thoughts aside. She took a deep breath and steadied her nerves.
“What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?” Ling Mohan asked immediately, noticing Feng Jin’s pale complexion.
“It’s nothing, I’m just a bit tired. Let’s go to the banquet. It’s best not to be caught off guard by leaving privately again.”
Feng Jin casually made up an excuse and walked forward.
She would find a suitable opportunity to explain everything to Ling Mohan.
The banquet was filled with song and dance, painting a picture of a prosperous era. Emperor Xuanwen, upon learning of the gunpowder development, was in high spirits. He drank several cups of wine, and his smile never faded.
“Your Majesty, you seem to be in good spirits today. Is there any happy occasion?” The Empress, having been married to Emperor Xuanwen since their youth, understood him very well.
“I am naturally delighted to see the peace and prosperity of the Eastern Chu, and that Chen Yi’s health appears to be much improved.”
Emperor Xuanwen’s eyes, even with their wrinkles, were filled with smiles, and he found everyone pleasing to look at.
“It makes me very happy to see Your Majesty in such high spirits. My niece has rehearsed a song and dance, perhaps she can perform it to entertain Your Majesty.”
“Very well, approved.”
The Empress had accurately gauged Emperor Xuanwen’s good mood and knew that as long as her requests were not excessive, they would be granted. The outcome now depended on whether Liu Menghan’s performance could please His Majesty.
Liu Menghan, dressed in a moon-white dancing skirt, gracefully emerged and began to dance to the flowing melody of the zither.
She had rehearsed this dance for over a month, waiting for this moment to make a stunning debut. This was her only opportunity.
After the dance, everyone present slowly emerged from its enchantment, all offering praise.
“Excellent, truly excellent! Guards, bestow rewards!”
Emperor Xuanwen said with great approval, his gaze falling on the Empress, “The Empress has taught well.”
“Your Majesty is too kind. It is her good fortune to be able to elicit a smile from Your Majesty. Han’er, step forward and speak.”
With permission granted, Liu Menghan stepped forward and bowed, “This humble daughter greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years.”
“She is knowledgeable and virtuous, gentle and obedient. Excellent… it is not easy for the Liu family to raise a daughter like you.”
Although Emperor Xuanwen’s words sounded like praise, they were filled with deep mockery.
He was mocking the Liu family for their arrogance, belligerence, lack of virtue, and incompetence. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
The Empress’s expression changed abruptly, but she quickly regained her composure, maintaining a smile.
“Your Majesty, you speak as if they are all the same. Is not the Empress also a daughter of the Liu family? The Empress’s virtue and obedience are evident to all. I believe this young lady is truly like the Empress, steadfast, virtuous, gentle, and modest.”
The Imperial Consort wore a knowing smile and looked at the Empress with deep provocation in her eyes.
“My sister speaks wisely…” The Empress’s lips pressed tightly together, her hands clenched into fists beneath her sleeves, yet her face remained graced with a gentle smile.
“The Empress is indeed gentle and virtuous,” Emperor Xuanwen murmured, raising his wine cup and taking a sip.
The Empress took a deep breath, refusing to let anger cloud her reason. She had not forgotten her true objective and said with a smile, “Your Majesty, Yanxi and Han’er look so well-matched standing together, a match made in heaven. These two children have had feelings for each other for a long time. Your Majesty must not delay their marriage. Perhaps it would be best to bestow the marriage upon them soon.”
“As the saying goes, a man establishes himself after marriage. Yanxi, after marriage, can also settle down and better serve Your Majesty and be loyal to the Eastern Chu.”
As the Empress finished speaking, she cast a warning glance at Chu Yanxi, signaling him to step forward quickly.
Chu Yanxi struggled internally for a long time. His clenched fists slowly loosened, he took a deep breath, and with a gentle smile on his lips, stepped forward and knelt. “Father Emperor, this son is fond of the Liu family’s daughter. I beg Father Emperor to bestow the marriage.”
“Your Majesty, you must not ruin the children’s marriage,” the Empress reminded him from the side.
Emperor Xuanwen tapped his fingers on the table twice and said in a deep voice, “The Lady Liu is bestowed in marriage to the Third Prince Chu Yanxi. Order the Ministry of Revenue to prepare the wedding…”
“This son (this humble daughter) thanks Your Majesty. Long live His Majesty!”
Chu Yanxi and Liu Menghan knelt together, speaking in unison.
The Empress was the happiest that their marriage was settled, finally having chosen a daughter-in-law she was satisfied with.
“You may all rise!” Emperor Xuanwen waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the individuals before finally resting on the Empress.
“Your Majesty, I offer you this cup.” The Empress raised her wine cup and drank it down.
“Your Majesty, why do you drink with the Empress and not attend to me?” The Imperial Consort would not miss any opportunity to engage Emperor Xuanwen, refusing to let him be alone with the Empress.
“Very well, I shall drink with my beloved consort.”
The Empress glared hatefully at the Imperial Consort, as if she could pierce through her.
What a slut, she can’t stand a day without bothering His Majesty.
Feng Jin, seated below, cautiously observed the movements of the three people in the high seats.
People say three women make a lot of noise, but in her opinion, the Empress and the Imperial Consort together were a major palace drama. Their back-and-forth was like a battlefield, and Emperor Xuanwen was to be pitied, caught in the middle, in a difficult position, having to cater to both of them. It was truly not easy!
It seemed Emperor Xuanwen was also a skilled actor, and these three should put on a good show.
Feng Jin watched with an expression of relishing gossip, quietly awaiting the unfolding drama.
“Drink some soup, don’t always eat hard food.” Ling Mohan placed a bowl of hot soup in front of Feng Jin.
“The Third Prince isn’t happy about marrying, look at his face, as if someone owes him money.”
Feng Jin’s focus was always peculiar.
“He really is. Look at his dejected face, it’s practically written on it that he dislikes Liu Menghan.” Lin Yuwei chimed in from the side.
“The Third Prince has always favored Feng Ruoyan. Now, the woman he loves can only be a concubine, yet he has to marry a woman he doesn’t love as his principal wife, and even pretend to be affectionate. Anyone would feel bad in this situation.”
Feng Jin now felt a bit of pity for Chu Yanxi. As a prince, he had to force a smile and appease a woman he did not love.
Moreover, Feng Ruoyan, whom he thought was the love of his life, only wanted to step on him to become Empress.
Thinking about it now, the Third Prince was truly quite pitiful.
“Sister Feng Jin, your words make it sound like you’re treating the Third Prince like a male courtesan in a brothel, selling his smiles,” Lin Yuwei felt increasingly that something was amiss.
“Teach a student how to learn.”
Ling Mohan’s expression gradually darkened as he listened to their conversation.