By the left hand of Emperor Changsun, there was another woman. This woman was enchantingly alluring, radiant and dazzling, dressed boldly in a bandeau dress that perfectly showcased her curvaceous figure.
Her delicate and beautiful face bore a striking resemblance to Changsun Yin, suggesting she must be the imperial concubine of the Qingluo Kingdom, Changsun Yin's birth mother.
At this moment, Changsun Yin stood beside his imperial concubine, one hand supporting her, the other raised as he scanned the entire banquet. Amidst hundreds of guests, his eyes immediately locked onto a woman with a cold, stunning beauty. A chilling, soulless smile touched his lips. Who was this woman?
Qingyao, along with the others, rose to bow and pay respects. Changsun Zhu had already approached the Emperor and Empress, his voice clear and resonant, "Your Imperial Son pays his respects to Father Emperor, Mother Empress."
"Zhu'er has arrived, rise quickly," Emperor Changsun said affectionately. His voice betrayed his deep fondness for this son.
After the Emperor, Empress, and Imperial Concubine were seated, the guests were permitted to rise and return to their seats.
The moonlight was soft, the lake shimmered. The banquet officially began. Changsun Zhu sat beside Mu Qingyao, his demeanor as gentle and refined as jade. This drew the scrutiny of Emperor Changsun and Empress Changsun.
They exchanged glances. Who was this woman? Why had Zhu'er brought her to the palace banquet? Shen Xuxue always attended these banquets. Today, there was someone else. Could this woman be Zhu'er's beloved?
Emperor Changsun subtly observed Mu Qingyao.
Dancers gracefully came forward to perform. For a time, songs and dances filled the air, creating an atmosphere of peace, momentarily concealing the undercurrents of turmoil.
The Qingluo Kingdom's royal family had three princes: Crown Prince Changsun Zhu, Prince Yin Changsun Yin, and another prince who had not yet been enfeoffed as king, currently sixteen years old, seated below Changsun Yin.
Changsun Zhu was born to the Empress and, being intelligent from a young age, was made Crown Prince at fifteen.
Changsun Yin was no less capable, enfeoffed as a prince at sixteen. Within the court, there were two factions engaged in covert struggles: the Crown Prince's faction and the Prince's faction.
Emperor Changsun was shrewd and wise. How could he not be aware of these people's intentions? However, the two factions had remained relatively peaceful until now, so he did not intervene in their minor schemes. But it seemed the waters were becoming murkier, and it was time for a clear-out.
Emperor Changsun pondered, his gaze once again falling upon the woman who remained composed and unperturbed, her attention focused on savoring the delicacies and appreciating the palace's entertainment.
At such a grand occasion, she could remain unfazed. Was it ignorance, or was she exceptionally wise?
The banquet continued. Today's banquet was Imperial Concubine Chen's birthday celebration. As the ministers intended to make their moves, the banquet paused midway. Everyone presented their birthday gifts, and Changsun Zhu also offered a generous one.
It was not yet time for a confrontation, so he naturally would not offend Imperial Concubine Chen.
Moreover, he had a more important matter today. Changsun Zhu's lips curved into a smile, his gentle eyes looking towards Qingyao beside him.
She appeared calm and collected, completely unswayed by anyone. Her presence and boldness were truly worthy of the woman he fancied. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became.
After the gift presentation, there was a brief lull. Changsun Zhu was about to speak, requesting the Emperor and Empress to bestow a marriage upon him and Qingyao, but an unexpected event occurred.
Changsun Yin rose first, respectfully looking towards Emperor Changsun and Empress Changsun at the head of the table, and slowly spoke.
"Father Emperor, have not the people of our Qingluo Kingdom always wished to know the whereabouts of the renowned Empress of Great Xian? In fact, she is also present at the banquet today."
Upon these words, the banquet erupted in an unprecedented fervor. Ministers began to discuss amongst themselves, looking around.
How had the Empress of Great Xian come to the Qingluo Kingdom? Many gazes fell upon Mu Qingyao. Could the woman the Crown Prince brought be the Empress of Great Xian?
This woman was indeed extraordinary. At such a solemn occasion, she seemed as if nothing were amiss. That calm and composed demeanor was not something an ordinary person could achieve. Could she truly be the Empress of Great Xian who had divorced the Emperor?
The entire banquet buzzed with discussion.
Changsun Zhu's face darkened. He glared fiercely at Changsun Yin.
How had he known Qingyao was the Empress of Xian Yue? His gaze swept towards Changsun Yin's side, and he immediately understood. Standing beside Changsun Yin was a minister, the very envoy who had visited Xian Yue for the first time. He recognized Qingyao. He had forgotten such an important matter.
Changsun Zhu abruptly stood up. The banquet immediately fell silent, so quiet that the drop of a pin could be heard. Everyone held their breath, unsure of what action Crown Prince Changsun Zhu would take.
However, Mu Qingyao stood up first, her voice, as gentle as water, softly speaking.
"Yes, I am Mu Qingyao, the Empress of Xian Yue."
"But not anymore," Changsun Zhu interjected with finality. He knew her intentions. His expression grew cold as he slowly said, "I request Father Emperor and Mother Empress to bestow a marriage upon us."
As Changsun Zhu spoke, the entire banquet erupted, reaching a tremendous climax.
Emperor Changsun's expression on his throne turned somewhat grim. His dark eyes were profound. How could the Crown Prince do such a foolish thing? This woman was the Empress of Xian Yue. Although there was talk of her divorcing the Emperor, that required the Emperor's consent. How could he be so reckless?
Imperial Concubine Chen, beside the Emperor, immediately seized the opportunity and said charmingly, "The Crown Prince is indeed the Crown Prince, unlike others."
The Empress, hearing her instigating words, her expression soured. She looked coldly at her son.
What was wrong with Zhu'er? Many in the court supported Prince Yin. Did he not know this? If things went wrong, not only could the position of Crown Prince be abolished, but many ministers could also be implicated.
"Zhu'er, sit down. Do not act impulsively."
But Changsun Zhu was resolute, speaking unyieldingly, "I request Father Emperor, Mother Empress, to bestow a marriage."
The banquet once again fell into silence. This time, no one dared to speak. Emperor Changsun's expression was extremely grim. His piercing gaze swept towards Mu Qingyao.
What was so special about this woman that Zhu'er would disregard his future for her? Women were truly the cause of all troubles.
Mu Qingyao cast a cold glance at Changsun Zhu, then finally raised her eyes to look at Emperor Changsun on his throne.
"Does Qingluo intend to declare open war on Xian Yue? Although I have left Xian Yue, if the Emperor of Xian Yue learns that I am currently in the Qingluo Kingdom, war is likely to break out. Qingluo is perhaps the nation among the seven kingdoms that least wishes for war. Therefore, I ask Crown Prince Changsun to think thrice before acting."
Upon her words, the entire hall was shocked.
This woman possessed such a sharp mind! In such a short appearance, she had seen through the Qingluo Kingdom so thoroughly. XXS Yi Er
Indeed, Qingluo was the nation least willing to go to war now. This was because internal strife had not been resolved, the two factions were locked in conflict, and the court was rife with discord, causing the common people immense suffering. Could such a nation dare to go to war?