The night deepened, yet the banquet’s atmosphere only grew more lively, fueled by the revelry. Feng Yinwan had also imbibed her fair share of wine.
As the second watch arrived, a eunuch quietly entered the hall. He whispered something into the Emperor’s ear, causing the Emperor’s expression to shift subtly. He glanced down at the assembled officials, his brow furrowed.
A moment later, he turned to the Empress Dowager. “It is getting late. Mother, your injuries have not yet healed. You should return to your palace to rest.”
The Empress Dowager, feeling weary herself and knowing the banquet would drag on, nodded and rose. Her gaze drifted towards Feng Yinwan, and as she was about to speak, the Emperor interjected.
“Prince Mo’s Consort has only just reunited with her father. Mother, please allow her a little more time.”
The Empress Dowager agreed, retracted her gaze, and nodded again. “Very well, then I shall take my leave.”
With her departure, the Emperor turned his attention to Ye Tingyun on the other side. “Yun’er, your mother’s health is frail. She should not linger. Go and escort her back to the palace.”
Having sat at the banquet for so long, Consort Li’s complexion was already showing signs of discomfort. Ye Tingyun, who had intended to speak with Feng Yinwan, could only nod in response.
As Ye Tingyun accompanied Consort Li away, the Emperor’s expression darkened once more. His gaze lingered for a moment before he turned to a eunuch beside him and issued a quiet command.
Since her transmigration, Feng Yinwan had rarely experienced such a moment of ease.
After the banquet, the officials began to disperse. Feng Jingyuan gently supported her as she rose, and she was about to wave him off, saying it was nothing, when a eunuch suddenly appeared before them.
The eunuch stepped forward, blocking their path, and smiled. “The Emperor wishes to speak with General Zhenguo and Young Master Feng. It may take some time. Perhaps the Consort could return to the Empress Dowager’s palace for now?”
The two looked up and saw the Emperor indeed looking their way. Perhaps due to the wine, his usual stern demeanor was somewhat softened.
Feng Yinwan shook her head lightly. “No need. I can wait outside.”
The eunuch’s smile seemed to falter, and after a brief pause, he said, “It is windy outside, and standing for too long may not be advisable. How about this, I will escort you to a side hall to wait. Would that be acceptable?”
Though her mind was clear from the wine, her reactions were not as swift as usual. Feng Jingyuan, also worried about her waiting outside, nodded. “That would indeed be more appropriate. Wan’er, you go ahead. Once His Majesty finishes, Father and I will come find you.”
The Emperor was still waiting, and Feng Yinwan did not wish to cause further delay. She nodded. “Very well.”
With that, the eunuch bowed and led her from a side door in the hall towards a smaller chamber.
A window in the corridor was not fully latched, allowing a cool breeze to seep through. Feng Yinwan raised a hand to her temple, the wine’s effect beginning to dissipate. The eunuch ahead had already opened the door to the side hall and turned to her. “There is a threshold, please watch your step.”
Feng Yinwan nodded and was about to respond when a glimpse of cold glint in her peripheral vision, seen through the window crack, made her stiffen. Why were the guards outside this hall so numerous now, when she distinctly remembered few guarding the Rui Lin Hall before the banquet?
As she pondered this, the eunuch spoke again, “Consort, what is it?”
Feng Yinwan’s brow furrowed. “What did you call me?” She knew the Emperor was aware of her refusal to acknowledge the title of Prince Mo’s Consort, and no one in the palace had addressed her as such these past few days. How could this eunuch be so disrespectful of protocol?
She looked up, only to find the eunuch had silently moved behind her. Without a word, he forcefully shoved her into the side hall.