Yan Yu finished speaking, gesturing proudly. His subordinates stepped forward, carrying a brocade box. In front of Shangguan Yao and the civil and military officials of the Eastern Qin, they opened it. Ten thousand rays of light shot out, dazzling and piercing.
The brocade box contained large luminous pearls, ten of them, each incredibly valuable. Ten such pearls together were a grand gesture.
At the banquet, someone immediately exclaimed with envy, "How beautiful!"
"Yes, indeed, the Crown Prince of Northern Yan is so generous with his gifts."
The discussions reached Yan Yu and Yan Ling. Crown Prince Yan Yu, reserved and steady, showed no reaction.
However, Yan Ling, being young and spirited, was visibly pleased by the officials' comments, a smug smile gracing her lips.
Shangguan Yao cast a stern glance, and the officials seated on both sides immediately quieted down. Wasn't this boosting the morale of others while diminishing their own prestige?
Even if the gifts from the Northern Dynasty were excellent, one shouldn't show it so brazenly and invite ridicule, should they?
Many officials quickly understood. For a moment, no one spoke. Shangguan Yao laughed heartily and gestured.
"Crown Prince Yu is thoughtful. Please be seated. Northern Yan has always been friendly with Eastern Qin. Crown Prince Yu has specifically traveled from the North for the Empress Dowager's birthday. I thank the Northern Emperor for his goodwill."
"It is my pleasure."
Yan Yu clasped his fists, smiled gently, and followed the eunuchs to the VIP seating.
Princess Yan Ling cast her gaze around, carefully assessing the importance of the men present. Her eyes finally settled on Shangguan Yao, seated high above. After much deliberation, she concluded that the Emperor of Eastern Qin was the most outstanding at tonight's banquet.
Although others were also remarkable, to match her Northern Dynasty status, no one else but the Emperor of Eastern Qin was likely qualified.
A smile played on Yan Ling's lips. She had heard that the Empress of Eastern Qin was a fool. If she were to marry the Emperor of Eastern Qin and eliminate that fool, she could take her place…
With this thought, Yan Ling's eyes, filled with a nascent affection, boldly cast towards Shangguan Yao.
Emperor Shangguan Yao, oblivious to her intentions, was solely focused on ensuring this Northern princess would take a liking to Prince Lin or Ye Wuyun present at the banquet, thereby facilitating an alliance between Eastern Qin and Northern Yan.
He never imagined that this Northern princess harbored such ambitious intentions towards him, even aspiring to become the Empress of Eastern Qin.
With a command from Shangguan Yao, the song and dance performance began. Court dancers, clad in crimson, gracefully ascended, resembling vibrant butterflies, elegant and captivating.
The banquet officially commenced. Glazed golden chalices, filled with exquisite wine, were raised in toasts amidst singing and dancing.
Some officials, holding fine wine, approached Crown Prince Yan Yu of the Northern Dynasty, toasting the Crown Prince and Princess of the Northern Dynasty. They expressed their sincere regards and took the opportunity to speak of everlasting peace between the two nations.
Shangguan Yao held a transparent glass goblet, the haithorn-red wine emitting a fragrant aroma. He slightly closed his eyes, savoring the wine, his peripheral vision observing everything below, his demeanor unchanged.
The entire banquet was unprecedentedly lively, guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. The singing and dancing grew more alluring, the music weaving a distant, lingering melody.
Just then, an abrupt sound interrupted the banquet.
"The Empress has arrived."
The jubilant banquet was instantly halted. A chilling aura permeated the hall. Emperor Shangguan Yao's expression turned cold, his pupils glowing with a faint green light. He tightly grasped the glass goblet, motionless.
A fleeting coldness crossed the Empress Dowager's charming and exquisite features. She spoke in a low voice to Eunuch Lin beside her.
"Send the Empress back."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lin An replied softly, slowly backing away from the side, intending to discreetly escort the foolish Empress away. However, someone was unwilling to let go of such a perfect opportunity.
Crown Prince Yan Yu of the Northern Dynasty leisurely raised his hand, lightly brushing his dark hair. His posture, as fluid as water, exuded an elegant nobility. His eyes flickered with a sharp, cold light as he spoke, word by word.
"It is the Empress Dowager's birthday, and the Empress has come. How can she be refused entry? If this matter reaches the ears of Prince Yun, I fear Prince Yun might harbor other thoughts. It would be best to invite the Empress to join the festivities."
With Yan Yu's words, the officials at the banquet exchanged glances, none daring to speak.
Regarding this Empress, everyone harbored a sense of fear.
Rumor had it that this fool's temperament had changed drastically recently, causing many in the palace to suffer silently. No one knew her intentions for coming this time.
If she were to become angry and unleash her madness, wouldn't it ruin the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration?
Thus, no one dared to speak.
Only Princess Yan Ling of the Northern Dynasty calmly echoed her brother's words.
"I have long heard of a foolish Empress in Eastern Qin. I have always been curious, just how foolish is she?"
As Princess Yan Ling's voice faded, the banquet grew even more frigid. The dancing maidens, bewildered by the chilling atmosphere, ceased their movements and retreated to the sides.
The officials and their families cautiously raised their heads to glance at the Emperor above. Though the Emperor's expression was displeased, he did not appear angry. He slowly drank the fine wine in his hand and gestured to a eunuch.
"Bring the Empress in."
Those who paid close attention could tell that the Emperor's final word was almost bitten out, exceptionally cold, as if a sharp, blunt instrument had brutally struck the heart.
Xiao Tingzi immediately dashed out, heading directly for the palace gates.
In front of the Thousand Autumn Hall gates, bundles of fresh flowers were arranged. Crane-shaped palace lanterns hung on either side. A line of eunuchs and palace maids stood before the gates, all cautiously observing the woman before them, dressed in resplendent robes. She was quiet, her beauty striking and flawless.
She was precisely the current Empress.
Yun Xiao surveyed the lively scene, listening to the incessant chatter in her ear.
"Empress, let's go back. This is not a place we should be. Today is the Empress Dowager's birthday. Your arrival will only displease the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. You're a fool; who would want to see you? Those people are so noble. Empress, let's go back."
After speaking, Wan Wan reached out to pull Yun Xiao. Yun Xiao flicked her hand away.
"Play."
Two short, powerful words indicated her desire to enter and play. Wan Wan's face immediately fell into a bitter expression, looking helplessly at the row of eunuchs and palace maids before her.
Those individuals eyed the fool before them with caution, simultaneously stepping back. They dared not provoke her. Foolish or not, she was an Empress, with the support of Prince Yun's mansion behind her. Their own lives were cheap.
Wan Wan quickly pretended to pull her mistress, but her movements were more akin to pushing her mistress forward. The eunuchs and palace maids, fearing the Emperor's reprimand, retreated while calling out, "Empress, Empress, please return."
A commotion ensued at the entrance. Xiao Tingzi, the Emperor's favored eunuch, emerged with several younger eunuchs. Upon seeing him, the eunuchs and palace maids blocking the Empress's path at the gate breathed a collective sigh of relief and bowed respectfully.