Chapter 1871 - 1809: Realization
Chapter 1871: Chapter 1809: Realization
It is often said where there are women, there is conflict. This saying hasn’t proved wrong once, and tonight’s Imperial Banquet showed Wufu what true women’s rivalry is, what Empress Dowager Mo meant by needing to savor each word by dissecting it into finer details.
The words these people exchanged were laced with sarcasm, and some remarks bore countless implications; even a mere suggestion of an engagement between families was a signal.
Wufu considered herself invisible, sitting quietly and obediently among them, listening to their exchanges of flattery and barbs, absorbing a wealth of information.
After all, she was a part of the inner court as well, and receiving this information could only do her good, not harm.
But for her to stay quietly on the sidelines as she wished was unlikely, considering that both the Noble Consort and Virtuous Consort competed to praise her to the heavens in front of Empress Dowager Mo, making her doubt whether they were indeed talking about her. Truly, when it comes to gaining power, nothing is beneath them.
Would they still commend her as such if she had not won the favor of Ah Jiu and Empress Dowager Mo?
Ah, reality is indeed harsh!
When the time for the Imperial Banquet arrived, Wufu followed Empress Dowager Mo to the palace where the banquet was held.
"Among the kin, old Ninth truly dotes on his wife, not even keeping a concubine in the rear court for years." While waiting for Empress Dowager Mo to change, Empress Song covered her mouth with a handkerchief and lightly chuckled at Wufu, "So, Princess Consort of Jin, the wine prepared for tonight’s banquet is quite good, do be careful not to overindulge. If you get drunk, old Ninth might fault me."
"Thank you for your reminder, Your Majesty, I will certainly remember," Wufu replied with a smile. "The Prince maintains his purity out of respect and self-regard."
"Indeed, old Ninth is certainly endearing." So admirable, I just want to see it ruined.
Wufu glanced at her, feeling troubled for no apparent reason.
Empress Song said no more, seeing Empress Dowager Mo emerge from the cleansing room, she smiled and said, "Royal Mother is here, let us go." She stepped forward first.
Wufu followed, looking at the back of Empress Song ahead, her brow furrowing slightly, almost imperceptibly.
The Taihe Palace, the venue of the Imperial Banquet, had Bronze Crane and Turtle Tripods placed before the imperial throne.
The vast hall was divided by screens into sections for men and women, with the highest seats reserved for the Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress.
Wufu sat at her place, scanning her surroundings, sensing someone from beyond the screen watching her side. That familiar sensation brought a slight curve to her lips.
The Inner Servant announced, and the officials rose, shouting thrice, "Long live", their voices echoing thunderously.
"Rise," the Emperor Yan, clad in the bright yellow Dragon Robe, raised his hand with majesty.
Wufu sat down, watching Emperor Yan on the dragon throne expressively reciting gratitude to his ancestors, thanking heaven, and speaking passionately about the grand development of future Beiyan, stirring emotions and drawing shouts of "Long live."
Wufu slightly lowered her head, thinking that, except for the emperor’s twisted darkness, he had indeed governed the country well, certainly better than Nanyue.
Alas...
After his speech, Emperor Yan approached Empress Dowager Mo and knelt, speaking emotionally of her nurturing grace.
Wufu couldn’t help but slightly raise her head to look over, catching a glimpse of the cold smile at the corner of Empress Song’s lips and her subtly clenched hand, causing Wufu’s pupils to narrow and her heart to pound fiercely.
The Empress, what does her subtle expression signify?
Wufu wanted to observe further, but Empress Song had already reverted to her usual dignified and graceful demeanor, as if what Wufu saw moments ago was merely an illusion.
There was no mistaking it; Empress Song truly felt disdain.
After Emperor Yan and Empress Dowager Mo exchanged expressions of affection between a loving mother and son and raised a toast, music filled the air, and the Imperial Banquet began.