Chapter 939: Family Banquet

Among the younger generation, there was the Fifth Prince, Prince Zhe.

As well as Princess Consort Zhe, who married in a previous year, the Princess Hai Feng from the Western Xia Kingdom.

And there were still unmarried princes like the Sixth Master and Seventh Master.

The remaining younger ones were the Princely Heirs or other children from the Prince’s Mansions, which we won’t mention for now.

In the harem.

Concubines ranked Third Rank and above, as well as princes and princesses, were all present.

Add them all up inside and out, and the great hall was filled to capacity.

Xia Ruqing had the highest status in the harem, so she sat beside Zhao Junyao.

The Imperial Noble Consorts and Princess Consorts all sat on the Empress Dowager’s side.

In between was an open space for enjoying songs and dances or watching operas.

In the evening, as the splendid lights came on.

Flower-shaped lanterns were lit inside the great hall, with a variety of delicious dishes presented.

Intricate carvings and paintings adorned the hall, filled with the rich aroma of wine.

In a quiet corner of the hall, the palace musicians had long prepared the string and wind instruments.

Only waiting for the banquet to start, to play beautiful music for the royal family.

With everything ready, the honored guests gradually arrived.

The Emperor personally assisted the Empress Dowager in making the final entrance.

Those chatting in small groups, upon seeing the Emperor and Empress Dowager arrive, immediately stood up to greet them.

"Greetings to the Emperor, greetings to the Empress Dowager!"

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, saying, "Rise!"

Everyone thanked her and resumed their seats.

Everything was exactly the same as usual.

However, the people in the harem were a bit surprised.

After all, this was the first time the Empress Dowager appeared in front of everyone since she secluded herself.

After everyone was seated, they all unanimously looked at the Empress Dowager.

Xia Ruqing followed everyone’s gaze and looked over.

Only to see the Empress Dowager wearing a maroon court dress embroidered with phoenix flowers, and a brown-red crown set with rubies on her head.

Her attire was no different from the past.

Except her figure seemed much thinner than before.

Her complexion had also waned considerably, and the light in her eyes was almost gone.

The phrase ’a flickering candle in the wind’ came to mind vividly.

Xia Ruqing lightly shook her head, sighing inwardly.

’As they say, those who bring misfortune upon themselves cannot live, isn’t that the case here!’

’You say, the Emperor is your own son, isn’t it good to live well, why must you turn your elbow outward!’

’Now look what’s happened, you’ve scattered both your maternal and paternal families, are you happy now?!’

There was no sympathy, only sighs.

The others glanced at her a few times, too, bowed their heads, each lost in their own thoughts, likely thinking different things.

Once everyone was seated and the banquet began.

Zhao Junyao said a few words, and the Empress Dowager also spoke a few words reluctantly.

Then the banquet began.

Music played, glasses clinked.

After a few rounds of wine, those with glib tongues naturally came out to make jokes.

Thus, the atmosphere was not so stiff.

The palace banquets were still the same as ever.

The food was not good, hot when served, but now cold as ice.

The drinks weren’t good either.

No matter how fine the wine, in the cold winter it chilled to the bone, leaving the drinkers without appetite.

Moreover, everyone was still hungry.

So everyone simply put on appearances just to maintain decorum, who would really rely on this to fill their stomachs.

After eating two mouthfuls of food and drinking a little hot tea.

Xia Ruqing could no longer eat.

Feeling bored, she looked around.

The Princess Consorts and Imperial Noble Consorts who had not been seen outside the palace for a long time hadn’t changed much.

Only one person had changed so much she almost didn’t recognize her.

"Is that really Princess Hai Feng?"

Xia Ruqing asked Zi Yue quietly.

Zi Yue quickly bowed her head and nodded secretly.

"Your Ladyship, yes it is!"

Zi Yue thought for a moment and added.

"It’s said that Princess Hai Feng is already nine months pregnant, and in another month she’ll give birth!"

Xia Ruqing nodded thoughtfully.

"No wonder, I was wondering why... she looked so fat!"

Her formerly exquisite eyebrows and big eyes, now her whole face had rounded immensely.

Her entire body was bloated like a ball.

Xia Ruqing glanced a couple more times, feeling inwardly emotional.

’It looks like the Fifth Master next to her is quite considerate, serving dishes and handing handkerchiefs!’

Who said back then that they were not on good terms?

Perhaps because Hai Feng was indeed conspicuous.

The Empress Dowager, who hadn’t appeared for a long time, also asked indifferently.

"How long is the pregnancy, and why hasn’t anyone told me, coming out at night—isn’t it risky!"

The implication being.

Actually, you didn’t have to come.

Hai Feng and the Fifth Master exchanged a look, but before they could respond.

Empress Dowager Zhen beside them just laughed.

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, this child Hai Feng is already eight or nine months, the Imperial Physician says, this pregnancy is very stable, coming out for walks helps ensure a smooth delivery!"

The Empress Dowager nodded faintly, not seeming truly concerned.

But upon hearing ’the child is already eight or nine months.’

Her eyes filled with overwhelming disappointment, impossible to hide, as if about to overflow.

’Eight or nine months!’

’The child is eight or nine months along, and she didn’t even know!’

’It seems the Emperor has truly cut her off from all information!’

Now Ningshou Palace was filled with the Emperor’s people.

What she ate, when she chanted sutras, when she went to bed, every detail, whenever he wanted, he knew it all.

To cover up the disappointment.

She quickly took a sip of tea, but what entered her mouth was a full taste of bitterness.

She looked over at Consort Shih Pin sitting among the concubines.

Only to see her wearing her rightful attire of a consort without breaking decorum.

Her complexion was still quite good.

The Third Princess stood obediently at her side.

She was bowing her head, holding a small bowl, feeding the Princess.

The Third Princess obediently opened her mouth.

With one spoonful of rice, Consort Shih Pin’s eyes were filled with satisfaction.

She smiled as she fondly rubbed the Princess’s head, full of praise.

The Third Princess also smiled at her.

The Empress Dowager saw this and felt a slight stir in her heart.

’This child seems to have grown taller, looking very close to Consort Shih Pin!’

’It seems she cherishes her a lot!’

This seems not too bad.

But...

Is this really what Consort Shih Pin wanted?

She had gone through so much effort and taken such great risks to overthrow her.

Is this current life truly what she wishes for?

The Empress Dowager couldn’t understand.

But she suddenly chuckled to herself.

’Ha! What does it matter if I understand it or not?’

’What could she, an old woman under the Emperor’s house arrest, possibly expect?!’

Just take it day by day.

This battlefield of the harem no longer belonged to her.

Then, not knowing what came to her mind, her eyes suddenly brightened.

She quickly lowered her head to hide her unusual expression.

When she looked up again, it was with the same aged look as before.

"Mother, are you all right?"

The Emperor ’caringly’ asked.

The Empress Dowager ’benevolently’ smiled.

"It’s nothing, just feeling a bit weary with old age!"

Zhao Junyao smiled, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

"If Mother is tired, please go back to rest early. It’s cold, and your health has only just slightly improved!"

The Empress Dowager was slightly stunned, not expecting him to say that.

Return early?

Upon thinking, it wasn’t a bad idea—what was she sitting here for anyway? To be upset?

So she smiled and nodded.

"Indeed, you are considerate, my son!"

"In that case, I will return first; truly, I’m getting on in years and my energy is waning!"

"May you all continue to enjoy yourselves!"

The Empress Dowager rose, not forgetting to admonish once more before leaving.

Everyone dared not defy her, so they stood up to send her off with respect.