Chapter 533: Chapter 534, Send someone to check
"Mother, your son understands," Prince Yanjun uttered calmly, extending his hand to help the Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo rise. "Mother, the imperial cousin will soon be here; let’s go to the hall to wait for him!"
Having lived for decades, the Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo was well aware of Chu Yu’s little schemes.
She nodded with a smile.
Looking at her robust son, she thought that even if she were to pass away, her life would have been worthwhile.
Today’s trip to the Imperial Palace was to ask the Emperor for that little mountain.
With that mountain, Yun Jinnian would have a fine place to cultivate medicinal herbs.
In the hall, her daughters-in-law were also beaming and respectful, and as for her granddaughters, they need not be mentioned. Yuwen Ming stood gracefully to the side and, with a smile, stepped forward to hold her arm. "Grandmother!"
The Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo nodded. "Hmm, the imperial children will arrive soon; let’s sit and wait!"
No sooner had she finished speaking than Chu Yu’s laughter could be heard at the entrance. "Aunt!"
As his voice faded, Chu Yu entered with a hearty laugh, striding confidently.
He extended his hand toward Princess Jinfeng, who was clad in splendid attire.
"I pay my respects to my aunt!" Chu Yu bowed with a clasped fist, while Princess Jinfeng curtsied respectfully.
The Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo smiled warmly, "No need for such formalities!"
After exchanging greetings, Chu Yu asked, "Is Miss Yun the Fourth not here?"
"She is unwell and has already sent a maid to inform us earlier; she will not be coming to the palace. Let us proceed!"
Chu Yu had a grasp of the situation and did not inquire further.
Princess Jinfeng, unaware of the details, thought Yun Jinnian was angry with her.
She stole a glance at Chu Yu and, seeing that he appeared unperturbed, felt slightly relieved.
The party left the premises, swaying their way toward the Imperial Palace.
Today’s Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet would undoubtedly see the Emperor bestow several matrimonial matches, which may seem impulsive but were long calculated by the Emperor to seek the greatest benefit for himself.
Throughout history, few could match the current Emperor’s level of calculation.
The palace banquet was to be held in the morning, with lunch served in the palace. Afterwards, attendees would leave the palace and return home for a reunion dinner with their families.
This time, officials of the Fifth Rank and above, along with their families, were permitted to enter the palace. The palace gates were already crowded, but fortunately, there were many eunuchs and Palace Maids, and guards directed the carriages to park orderly while eunuchs and Palace Maids escorted people to the Imperial Garden.
The Imperial Garden had long been set with long tables according to rank and title, with the most noble and distinguished families seated closer to the Emperor.
Adjacent to the Emperor were two chairs, respectively for the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Next to the Empress Dowager were several Imperial Concubines who had given birth to princesses. The princesses had long since married off, and the Imperial Concubines remained in the palace to live out their days in tranquility, always keeping to themselves and never meddling in gossip. Beside the Empress sat the Noble Consort, followed by the Virtuous and Virtue Four Consorts, as well as a dozen favored concubines.
To the left of the Emperor sat the entire family of Prince Zhongqin. Below him sat Chu Yu, Princess Jinfeng, and then the dukes, marquesses, and earls, seated according to their titles.
Next to the Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo were princes and their families, followed by princesses, their husbands, and children.
After everyone had taken their seats, the ranks following Chu Yu were of military officers of the First Rank and below, whereas next to the Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo were civil officials of the First Rank and below.
A casual count in the Imperial Garden would reveal at least a few thousand people. Although it was a bit crowded, no one dared to make a noise.
Seated on the Dragon Throne, the Emperor’s gaze swept over the crowd below but did not find Yun Jinnian.
His brows furrowed slightly as he turned to Eunuch Hai, who immediately understood the cue, quietly withdrew, and promptly dispatched someone to investigate.
"Come, my loyal subjects, a toast!"
"To the Emperor!"
The Emperor cheerfully drank the wine in his cup, then paid his respects to the Empress Dowager and several Imperial Concubines before clinking glasses with the Empress, sensing her distracted mind, but without understanding why, he did not pay it any mind.
An Empress without a child...