Chapter Six, Where are the people who come to gaze at the moon

What is your name?" interrupted the flamboyant eunuch in front of me. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was the young servant I had seen in the pear garden that day. This lad's mind truly is quite eccentric.

"Please convey my regards to the Empress Dowager." Little Sixteen performed a formal bow towards me, displaying an air of a little adult. It seems that in the future, I should take the time to properly educate her.

During the meal, everyone seemed to be performing a silent play, eating without speaking. In the vast hall, apart from the occasional announcement of dishes by the eunuchs, it was so quiet that even the sound of a hair falling to the ground could be heard. While they were not feeling uncomfortable, I was worried about indigestion. Therefore, I decided to liven up the atmosphere.

Now, however, the world has changed and people have gone their separate ways. Under the same moon, it is only I and a lone ear that remain as companions. I wonder what Xiaobai is doing now. Is she still enjoying the moonlight by the lake with the elders? That day, upon hearing the mournful sound of the flute, I realized that I had spent the entire day waiting for Xiaobai to bid me farewell, yet I never got to see her in the end, only the lingering notes of the flute accompanied me as I departed. Reflecting on this, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of sorrow. I picked up the violin made by Master Fang and slowly began to play "Butterfly Lovers" from Liang Zhu. The sound of the violin is faint, carrying my longing far away.

As soon as the chief eunuch saw me put down my teacup, he loudly announced outside the hall: "Serve the food!" The palace maids, who had been waiting outside, then entered in a line carrying the dishes. At the banquet, I also saw a person, namely the Sixteenth Prince, who is said to be the emperor's most favored son. He is only six years old this year, and his mother, Consort Lan Yi, died during childbirth. To commemorate this favored consort, the emperor named the Sixteenth Prince "Lan Mao." The Sixteenth Prince has grown up following the Empress and is particularly close to the Fourth Prince, known as the 'Raccoon.' Aside from spending time in the Empress's Fengyi Palace, he spends most of his time in the Raccoon's Eastern Palace.

After that, the raccoon cat and I took our seats as the Crown Princess, receiving congratulations from other princes and princesses. At that moment, I once again met those gentle eyes, and upon hearing the eunuch calling out names, I realized that he was the current Third Prince, Lord Yu Jing—Zhao Cai Mao! In this generation of the royal family, it is the turn of the "Mao" character. Unlike ordinary families, the royal family places this fixed character at the end of the name, not in the middle, so all these princes are named "Zhao" something "Mao." However, this "Zhao Cai Mao" sounds just like "Fortune Cat," and looking at his smiling face, he indeed resembles a Fortune Cat.

What are you thinking about? You're about to drool, let me, Lord Rong, help you wipe it off! I reached out and pinched the cheek of the Sprite beside me. This little girl has been lost in thought for half a day while holding my earrings, not knowing what she is pondering.

These two wine cups, although both carved from solid jade, are quite different in appearance. One of them is adorned with intricately carved nine-tailed divine dragons, each displaying various expressions of majesty and fury, vividly brought to life. The walls of the cup are as thin as a cicada's wing, translucent and crystal-clear. When wine is poured into the cup, it can only be filled to seven-tenths of its capacity, as any attempt to pour more will result in the wine seeping out through a finely carved half-circle of tiny holes at that level. The walls of the cup are as thin as a cicada's wing, translucent and crystal-clear. When wine is poured into the cup, it can only be filled to seven-tenths of its capacity, as any attempt to pour more will result in the wine seeping out through a finely carved half-circle of tiny holes at that level.

Enough, enough, enough! I shall not lower myself to the level of a group of ancient individuals. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my anger

"Oh? What does the Crown Princess mean by this?" The Emperor looked at me with a serious expression

I have finally come to understand what it means to accompany a ruler is like accompanying a tiger, even having a drink is so troublesome. It seems that the Emperor had long planned to give me a warning today

From this day forth, I bestow upon you the new name 'Wang Laoji'! I am filled with anger that has nowhere to go, and this foolish boy has thrown himself into the line of fire.

After the lengthy ceremony, the old emperor finally allowed us to return, feeling satisfied. It felt just like finishing a tedious "Moral Education" class at university, leaving me dizzy and disoriented! I haven't even had breakfast yet, how hungry I am.

"Your Majesty, I am called Fu Shun." Indeed, the name is quite unconventional

It was previously heard that the Third Prince and the Tabby Cat were both born of the Empress, with the Third Prince being two years older than the Tabby Cat. However, the Emperor believes that the Third Prince's methods are ruthless and that he possesses a heavy aura of bloodshed, making him more suitable for the battlefield. In contrast, the Fourth Prince, the Tabby Cat, is reserved, knows when to advance and retreat, and is adept at political maneuvering, making him more suitable for the court. Therefore, the Tabby Cat was appointed as the Crown Prince, while the Third Prince was tasked with commanding the troops. The military power is divided into three parts: one part is in the hands of the Third Prince, another part is held by the Right Chancellor Pan Xingye, and the last part is with the Minister of War Ji Yuanzheng. However, I cannot see how this Lucky Cat is ruthless; he clearly presents a demeanor of a gentle scholar.

"Sister-in-law, you are truly talented. No wonder Father has awarded you the legendary dragon and phoenix jade cups." This little Sixteen speaks with an air of royalty, yet I can't help but sense a hint of jealousy. Later, I learned that this little Sixteen has a great fondness for those cups and had asked the Emperor for them multiple times in the past, but the Emperor never consented. Today, seeing the cups in my possession, she couldn't help but feel envious. Alas, what a child! It's just two broken cups, yet she treasures them as if they were something extraordinary. Later, I learned that this little Sixteen has a great fondness for those cups and had asked the Emperor for them multiple times in the past, but the Emperor never consented. Today, seeing the cups in my possession, she couldn't help but feel envious. Alas, what a child! It's just two broken cups, yet she treasures them as if they were something extraordinary.

Of course, everyone on Earth knows that my marriage to the raccoon is a typical political marriage. Although my father holds no military power, he controls the two major lifelines of politics and commerce in the Xiangze Kingdom. When the emperor arranged this betrothal for me, it was undoubtedly out of fear that my father's immense power would overshadow everything, and that one day the throne would change hands to the Yun family. This marriage decree not only serves to control my father's power but also allows the Yun family to be utilized by the Zhao family, demonstrating great cunning. The raccoon has taken advantage of this situation; marrying me undoubtedly solidifies his position as the crown prince. Two months ago, he had all the fragrant flowers of the Eastern Palace removed. Is it really out of consideration for my pollen allergy? It is well known that the Left Chancellor Yun Shuixin dotes on his six daughters, and the raccoon’s efforts are likely aimed at winning over my father to strengthen his own position as crown prince. However, having never eaten pork, how could I not have seen a pig run? Having been influenced by palace dramas since childhood, how could I possibly fall into this gentle trap?

Uh... today marks the one hundredth anniversary of Pavlov's birth. I insist on playing dumb with you, hm!

The raccoon glanced at me and did not comment: "What a joke, my beloved consort, do share it with me."

The minister's daughter-in-law believes that the journey is one of ascending from the bottom to the top. This jade staircase is steep and long, akin to the founding emperor's struggle to establish the nation. Although the momentum is like a hot knife through butter, the path is fraught with hardships and bitterness, with heavy responsibilities and a long way to go. The closer one gets to the summit, the more arduous the steps become, necessitating a steady and cautious approach. Upon reaching this highest pinnacle and looking back, one sees a vast expanse, and a sense of exhilaration washes over the entire being, much like surveying the realm after pacifying the world—broad and flat, with an open heart and mind. After this discourse, a glimmer of surprise and admiration flashed in the eyes of the nearby raccoon.

Xiao Shiliu finally broke down and fled in desperation

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but break into a smile. Just then, I felt a sharp pain in my hand, and turning my head, I saw a flicker of displeasure flash across the raccoon cat's face as it pinched my palm. I shot him a fierce glare, but to my surprise, he raised an eyebrow and smiled back at me.

This humble servant requests the Crown Princess to accept this tea

"Your Highness, this instrument is called a violin. I happened to come across a diagram while flipping through books at home, and thus I had someone make one based on it." Lying is my forte

From now on, whenever Xiao Shiliu hears that I am going to tell a story or a joke, he immediately goes on high alert. If it happens during mealtime, he will directly and solemnly say, "One should not speak while eating, nor talk while sleeping," leaving me at a loss for words. Seeing me in a predicament, the expression on the raccoon cat's face suggests he is secretly amused. It makes my teeth itch.

"What kind of person is the octopod coward?" The blue cat asked me with some curiosity, finally dropping the serious demeanor of royalty and revealing an expression more befitting his age.

The son (daughter-in-law) obeys the command! I will surely engrave the teachings of Father Emperor in my heart! Father Emperor is wise! Beneath the hall, a multitude of people knelt down.

I, the humble servant, dare to make a comparison with the jade steps before this hall

I let out a "hum" and took everyone along with me. Along the way, I made a discovery: the Crown Prince's East Palace did not cultivate fragrant flowers, but was instead filled with various evergreen plants throughout the garden. Upon inquiring with the palace maid beside me, I learned that this had been ordered by the raccoon cat two months prior. Many years later, those who vehemently opposed and criticized me, the corrupt Confucians, published a book titled "A Painful Enumeration of the Eighteen Sins of the Yun Clan," which they distributed widely. One passage described me as follows: "Yun, a calamity to the nation, a demoness in form, cunning and deceitful, fond of poison, inherently jealous, could not tolerate the beauty and fragrance of flowers, ordering them all to be cut down, leaving only a dismal green in the East Palace." Many years later, those who vehemently opposed and criticized me, the corrupt Confucians, published a book titled "A Painful Enumeration of the Eighteen Sins of the Yun Clan," which they distributed widely. One passage described me as follows: "Yun, a calamity to the nation, a demoness in form, cunning and deceitful, fond of poison, inherently jealous, could not tolerate the beauty and fragrance of flowers, ordering them all to be cut down, leaving only a dismal green in the East Palace."

Looking at the raccoon nearby, after Ji'e stepped over the threshold, she did not even spare a glance, not even a sidelong glance, lingering on her for half a second, cold and aloof, as if she were invisible. Although Ji'e is a dignified and graceful person, her eyes still involuntarily drifted towards the raccoon. I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for Ji'e, just as my father said, "In the imperial family, there is no true affection." For them, most marriages are politically motivated. The raccoon's purpose in marrying Ji'e is nothing more than to gain a share of the military power held by Ji Yuanzheng. With a brother like the fortune cat holding significant military strength, if the raccoon does not take the initiative, the position of crown prince will surely be like sitting on pins and needles. I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for Ji'e, just as my father said, "In the imperial family, there is no true affection." For them, most marriages are politically motivated. The raccoon's purpose in marrying Ji'e is nothing more than to gain a share of the military power held by Ji Yuanzheng. With a brother like the fortune cat holding significant military strength, if the raccoon does not take the initiative, the position of crown prince will surely be like sitting on pins and needles.

The moon on the fifteenth is round on the sixteenth. Sitting in the Moon Viewing Pavilion by the lotus pond in the Eastern Palace, I looked up at the moon in the sky, holding one ear, my thoughts drifting far away. I still remember that Mid-Autumn Festival when the family gathered at the water pavilion by the Yuan Lake to enjoy tea and admire the moon. Little Bai saw the moon rise and happily took my hand, saying: "Rong'er, quickly look, this moon is both round and bright, just as beautiful as your face." The surface of the moon is pockmarked; what is there to admire? Little Bai actually dared to compare me to a pancake face. At that moment, I angrily shook off Little Bai's hand and glared at him. Little Bai, feeling wronged and confused, became quite aggrieved, and from then on, every Mid-Autumn Festival when we watched the moon, he kept silent, fearing that he might inadvertently upset me. There were also my father, aunt, and Master Fang, who always watched us with smiles as Little Bai and I played and joked, creating a warm and harmonious family atmosphere.

Hehe, today is a good day, so why not let me tell everyone a joke!

Alone on the riverside tower, I ponder in a vague reverie; the moonlight is like water, and the water is like the sky. Where are the people who came to admire the moon? The scenery faintly resembles that of last year. Moved by the scene, I softly recite the lines of Zhao Jiao.

"Thanks to Your Highness's grace, I have rested quite well—" Remembering yesterday's incident with the veil and the mortuary, I felt a surge of anger, and replied through gritted teeth, "Very well," with the words drawn out for a long time.

It seems this old man enjoys playing "I guess, I guess, I guess, guess, guess." I was startled and knelt before the dragon throne. "I, the minister's daughter-in-law, thank Your Majesty for your teachings! I will certainly restrain my arrogance and impatience, and be more cautious in my words and actions from now on!"

"Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! The Crown Princess is indeed both talented and beautiful! My son is truly fortunate to have such a good wife!" The Emperor chuckled heartily while stroking his beard. Isn't this obvious? In this grand modern era, anyone who marries me is simply reaching for the stars. "This jade staircase in front of the Chaohua Hall was personally designed by me, yet no one has ever understood its profound meaning. I thought my efforts would go unrecognized, but today the Crown Princess has articulated it! I am greatly pleased!" The old Emperor appeared as if he could rest in peace with a smile in the afterlife, utterly delighted. The Empress smiled and nodded at me in agreement. The princes beside us looked at me with admiration, while they gazed at the raccoon cat with envy. The princesses, who had been secretly waiting for me to embarrass myself when the Emperor asked, now showed signs of jealousy, except for one person who continued to smile gently, appearing to understand everything.

Thinking of this, I cannot help but admire the meticulousness of the raccoon cat's thoughts. The imperial marriage granted by the emperor undoubtedly gave the raccoon cat a significant advantage, but it also left him with a lingering consequence: there is a rule established by his ancestors in the Kingdom of Xiangze that if the legitimate wife has not yet entered the household, the prince's concubines cannot conceive or give birth. The raccoon cat is a full ten years younger than me, and the other younger princes have already branched out and flourished, leaving the raccoon cat without a single child. Unable to strengthen his power through offspring like the other princes, the raccoon cat turned to his brothers for support. The other princes were difficult to approach, but there was this young Sixteen, who had followed the empress since childhood and was deeply favored by the emperor. Their bond had been nurtured from a young age, and he would surely be of use to the raccoon cat in the future. No wonder the emperor said the raccoon cat was skilled in political strategy; I see he was practically born for the struggles of the court. Today, during the audience ceremony, Young Sixteen did not attend due to catching a cold and fearing he might infect the emperor, so the raccoon cat summoned him to participate in the newlywed dragon and phoenix banquet set up within the Eastern Palace, which clearly shows the raccoon cat's deep investment in Young Sixteen.

Once upon a time, by the roadside, there was a little dog... before the story could begin, Xiao Shiliu anxiously interjected: "Empress, please tell a historical story instead."

As I ascended the steps, I could only feel that the stone stairs were narrow, high, steep, and long. Upon reaching the entrance of the hall, my calves felt somewhat sore. Standing at the top and turning around to look back, I could not see the layers of steps. It turned out that the design, being both narrow and high, was concealed beneath the platform, and when I looked back, it appeared as if I was on level ground.

After finishing my words, I noticed the blue cat looking at me with a gaze that seemed to say, "Are you from Mars?" Ji'e appeared to be completely bewildered, gazing at me in surprise. Only the raccoon cat let out a few dry laughs, as if trying to cooperate, but in reality, it shot me a glance with the expression of a cat observing a mouse in its final struggles, then buried its head and continued eating. Seeing the raccoon cat laugh, Ji'e seemed quite taken aback. Only the raccoon cat let out a few dry laughs, as if trying to cooperate, but in reality, it shot me a glance with the expression of a cat observing a mouse in its final struggles, then buried its head and continued eating. Seeing the raccoon cat laugh, Ji'e seemed quite taken aback.

Of course, this exquisite beauty of hers is only evident when she remains quiet and does not tease others, Sprite couldn't help but add in her heart. However, she realized that this probability is almost zero. The people of the Yun residence have a complicated relationship with the sixth young lady, filled with both love and hate. Now they have escaped from their suffering, yet it is only themselves and Qixi who continue to endure.

"Hahaha! Your Highness, the Crown Princess, this pair of cups was crafted by the skilled artisans of the previous dynasty under the orders of the late Emperor. Today, I bestow upon you this dragon and phoenix luminous jade cup." The Emperor raised the wine cup and drank the wine in it in one go.

"Oh? Crown Princess, please tell us more." The emperor leaned slightly forward with interest, while the empress looked at me with a dignified yet kind expression. I suddenly realized that the cat's eyes were entirely inherited from the empress, with a charming allure.

"Your humble servant (the daughter-in-law) thanks the Father Emperor and Mother Empress!" I stood up together with the raccoon cat, and according to the royal etiquette that my aunt had repeatedly instructed, I slightly lowered my head, furrowed my brows, and assumed the demeanor of a refined young lady. "I just saw the Crown Princess glance back at the steps from the entrance of the hall; I wonder what her opinion of this Morning Splendor Hall's jade steps is?"

Another jade cup is engraved with nine phoenixes, some soaring in the air while others stroll leisurely, each displaying a different charm, harmonizing beautifully with the amber fine wine within the cup. However, the cup's opening is wide and slightly flared, preventing the wine from being filled to the brim.

"What a fine day it is today?" the raccoon cat lazily asked, seemingly unaware of the situation. Isn't this a case of asking when one already knows the answer? I certainly cannot say that today is a joyous occasion for both of us.

I, the humble daughter-in-law, express my gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor for your great kindness

The meals in the court of Xiangze Country are predominantly sweet and rich, and I usually detest sweets the most, always feeling overwhelmed by their cloying nature. Although there are many dishes, I only see one that suits my taste—"Golden Silk Crispy Sparrow." This delicacy is made from minced sparrow meat, with a slightly salty and spicy flavor that perfectly aligns with my preferences. However, the royal family has a rather peculiar rule: even for dishes that one enjoys immensely, one must strictly adhere to the family rule of "no more than three spoonfuls of each dish," and diners cannot show their preferences for any food. Watching a full plate of delicious food without being able to eat it, I cursed inwardly and could only begrudgingly take a couple of bites of plain rice. However, the royal family has a rather peculiar rule: even for dishes that one enjoys immensely, one must strictly adhere to the family rule of "no more than three spoonfuls of each dish," and diners cannot show their preferences for any food. Watching a full plate of delicious food without being able to eat it, I cursed inwardly and could only begrudgingly take a couple of bites of plain rice

"My son, quickly rise!" The Emperor extended his hand to offer support.

In order to conceal my unease, I reached out to take some snacks from the stone table, only to unexpectedly discover that in addition to the mooncakes, there were actually two plates of "Golden Silk Crispy Sparrows".

Once upon a time, there was a man who was walking along the roadside. As he walked, suddenly, he fainted. Having said that, I waited with full confidence.

Later, I made a discovery: every dish that I love to eat is always divided into two plates by the imperial chef during meals. This way, I can finally have a few bites and no longer have to eat plain rice all the time. Gradually, it seems that the dishes have all been changed to a salty and spicy style that suits my taste.

The daughter-in-law respectfully offers a toast to the Emperor and Empress! Wishing the Emperor and Empress longevity and blessings for their descendants! I raised the cup to my forehead, stepped up the golden steps, and respectfully presented the wine to the Emperor and Empress. The Empress took a light sip of the wine, then set the cup down and ordered the palace maids to bring forth the various jewels and silks that had been prepared in advance to bestow upon me. I expressed my gratitude, but I noticed that the Emperor was merely gazing at the cup, having not tasted a single drop of wine, his expression solemn: "What does the Crown Princess think this wine cup is for?" The wine cup is supposed to be used for holding wine, yet those present in the hall were perplexed, secretly pondering the meaning behind it. I expressed my gratitude, but I noticed that the Emperor was merely gazing at the cup, having not tasted a single drop of wine, his expression solemn: "What does the Crown Princess think this wine cup is for?" The wine cup is supposed to be used for holding wine, yet those present in the hall were perplexed, secretly pondering the meaning behind it.

As I stepped into the front hall of the Ziyuan, I beheld a raccoon cat adorned in a bright red ceremonial robe, with a deep crimson dragon embroidered in dark silk leaping across it. The golden crown harmonized beautifully with the solemn red, further accentuating the noble and proud aura of royalty. When the raccoon cat first caught sight of me, a fleeting look of astonishment flickered in its eyes, though it was but a moment, I managed to capture it.

The servant... the servant thanks the noble lady for bestowing a name. However... the servant's family does not bear the surname Wang... How dare you resist? With a single murderous glare from me, this fellow finally understood that I was angry, and immediately shut his mouth, lowering his head in deep grievance. The palace maids, who had been secretly observing me since I left, were now bewildered by my sudden anger, quickly hiding their scrutinizing gazes, bowing their heads and not daring to make a sound

Xiao Lanlan, let me tell you a story! Not wanting to talk to the raccoon, I had no choice but to take action against Xiao Shiliu.

With her hair styled in a stunning bun, a blood jade hairpin gently secured it in place, while a pink jade carved flower adorned her hair, complemented by a lotus crown. Her delicate eyebrows were lightly brushed, her vermilion lips revealed pearly teeth, and she wore a red silk ceremonial robe along with a long skirt. One could only see the reflection in the mirror of a graceful figure, bending her slender waist with delicate steps, presenting her fair wrists through the sheer fabric. Although she had grown up alongside the sixth young lady, Xue Bi was momentarily entranced by her beauty, secretly lamenting: no wonder the Yun family was so protective of the young lady, ensuring not a single drop could leak through; such beauty would stir the hearts of women, let alone men.

"Sister-in-law, why don't you tell us a historical war story?" Xiao Shiliu said with an incredibly suppressed expression

The raccoon cat nonchalantly curled its lips, leading me and a group of palace attendants in a grand procession towards the Chaohua Hall. Although I had visited the Forbidden City more than once and witnessed the royal grandeur, I was still awed by the imposing presence of this fragrant palace of the Xiangze Kingdom. A heavy crimson woolen blanket extended from the hall along the central axis of the white marble carved beast stone steps down to the Donghua Gate, luxurious and magnificent yet not gaudy. The main hall faces south, with glazed golden tiles, vermilion walls, intricately carved dragons, and a double-eaved roof. A heavy crimson woolen blanket extended from the hall along the central axis of the white marble carved beast stone steps down to the Donghua Gate, luxurious and magnificent yet not gaudy. The main hall faces south, with glazed golden tiles, vermilion walls, intricately carved dragons, and a double-eaved roof.

I, the raccoon cat, Ji'e, and the blue cat took our seats in turn. The dining procedure for this newlywed dragon and phoenix banquet is quite elaborate. First, there is ancient music accompaniment, followed by court maidens presenting white jade tea, referred to as "Tea Table Ming Xu"; next is "Zuan He Yi Pin": a dragon and phoenix gilded box with a dragon coiled around a pillar, containing assorted dried fruits, tiger skin peanuts, peculiar flavored broad beans, milk-white grapes, and snow mountain plums; then comes the "Qian Cai Wu Pin": dragon and phoenix presenting auspiciousness, Hong character shredded chicken with cucumber, Fu character melon braised pork tenderloin, Wan character spicy tripe, and Nian character mushrooms with hair vegetables; followed by "Bo Bo Si Pin": imperial yellow bean cake, sesame rolls, golden cake, and red date paste cake; then "Jiang Cai Si Pin": court-style small cucumbers, pickled black vegetables, sweet garlic, and pickled mustard greens, along with the imperial wine served by Gong'e, referred to as "Jing Feng Huan Jiang"; then comes the "Shan Tang Yi Pin": Longjing bamboo fungus; "Yu Cai San Pin": phoenix tail fish fins, red plum pearl fragrance, and Gongbao wild rabbit; and finally "Bo Bo Er Pin": golden silk crispy sparrow and ruyi rolls. In summary, it is exceedingly intricate!

"Your Highness, this is the plaque personally inscribed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for you!" A young eunuch proudly introduced the plaque to me as I looked at it, as if receiving the calligraphy of this raccoon cat was the highest honor. Truly a fool who cannot read the room. "His Highness said that in this era of peace and prosperity, he hopes that after you enter the palace, you will also enjoy peace and good fortune, hence this plaque was inscribed..."

Surrounded by maids and palace attendants, I stepped out of the room. Yesterday, covered by a bridal canopy, I had not yet had the chance to properly observe my new residence. Thus, I casually turned back to glance at the porch garden. It was a mistake to look, as I nearly lost my breath; there, at the top of the bright red lacquered gate, hung a black golden silk nanmu plaque, on which three large characters were inscribed in a flamboyant style— "Mortuary"

However, this little sixteen's name sounds just like "Blue Cat". Look at this little blue cat, with its round, dark eyes and tender cheeks, what a lovely child! It's a pity that it maintains a serious expression, insisting on displaying a royal demeanor. I have finally realized the purpose of my entering the palace; it turns out that heaven has sent me to save an innocent young man who is about to fall into the filthy politics.

Then what? asked the blue cat.

The minister's daughter-in-law believes that this Nine-Dragon Jade Cup should only be filled to seven-tenths full; if it is one-tenth less, it is stable, and if it is one-tenth more, it is full. The ancients said: 'Fullness invites loss, while humility brings benefits.' Your Majesty must be advising the minister's daughter-in-law to be humble and cautious, and not to be arrogant or complacent; the mouth of this Nine-Phoenix Jade Cup, the minister's daughter-in-law believes, is akin to a person's tongue. In the common folk, those who speak too much are called 'big mouths'; the wide opening of this cup is similar to those who enjoy gossiping and spreading rumors, as it is said, 'Too much talk leads to loss.' Therefore, the wine should not be filled to the brim, and Your Majesty must be using this to advise the minister's daughter-in-law to speak less and act prudently.

Once upon a time, in a previous dynasty, a small dog encountered a small cat by the roadside, and they fought over a meat bun...

Xiao Shiliu furrowed his brows in frustration, while the raccoon displayed an expression of anticipation, as if waiting to see a good show

Next, there was yet another prolonged silence. It was truly unbearable

There is no then. This is it. For the sake of the young blue cat, I will not hold it against him

Isn't it just invented by those eight-pawed cowards?" Little Sixteen blinked her eyes

"... ... Exactly." I answered somewhat sheepishly, hoping that I wouldn't be struck by lightning; if it had to happen, let it strike the raccoon instead, for I am still young. Xiao Shiliu's imagination is indeed extraordinarily rich. No wonder it is said that the greatest drawback of lying is that for every lie told, one must fabricate ten more to cover it up.

I took a sip from the gilded flying phoenix glass and casually glanced at the woman before me. She had long, elegant eyebrows and a gentle, fleeting gaze, exuding grace and leisure, adorned with golden ornaments and jade earrings, her hairpins and accessories reflecting opulence, dressed in a royal robe and silk skirt. This was Ji E, the only daughter of the Minister of War, who became a concubine at the age of sixteen. She entered the palace at fifteen, and this year she should be nineteen. Nineteen is supposed to be the most beautiful season of youth, innocent and romantic, yet the woman before me has already been married for four years. While she is indeed beautiful, she lacks a touch of the lively brilliance that should belong to her, and instead carries an air of maturity and composure that seems somewhat incongruous. From the moment she entered until she served tea, she kept her gaze straight ahead, slightly lowering her head, indicating that she has received a good education, adhering to proper decorum.

I originally intended to use this story to drive away the raccoon cat, but unexpectedly, I frightened the adorable little antique blue cat instead. The raccoon cat, however, wore an expression as if it had anticipated this outcome all along, glancing sideways at me. After sitting for a while, it finally decided to get up and leave. As it passed by me, it turned around and said: "The night is deep and the dew is heavy; my dear consort, it would be best not to linger here, lamenting the autumn and mourning the moon. If you are interested, you may come to Qilin Residence to find me; I would be very willing to hear you tell stories from the roadside." With that, it laughed wildly and departed. I felt such resentment in my heart!

Good music! Good poetry! The sound of applause came from behind, and I knew without turning who it was. The raccoon cat wore an intricately designed jade pendant of a coiling dragon and dancing phoenix at its waist, porcelain white, shimmering with a faint blue light under the moonlight, accentuating the raccoon cat's graceful and tall figure, which I guessed must be the other piece of cold jade from the dragon and phoenix pendant. Perhaps it was my illusion, but I felt a hint of warmth in the gaze directed at me. Standing beside me was the blue cat, Xiao Shiliu, still maintaining a serious expression on its small face, though its eyes revealed a trace of admiration. Perhaps it was my illusion, but I felt a hint of warmth in the gaze directed at me. Standing beside me was the blue cat, Xiao Shiliu, still maintaining a serious expression on its small face, though its eyes revealed a trace of admiration. Following behind were a few eunuchs and palace maids, holding cups and plates, who, upon the raccoon cat's command, placed them properly before retreating to wait outside the pavilion.

Pavlov was a saint from a long, long time ago I kindly and patiently explained to him

"Please have the bride toast the Emperor and Empress!" announced the Chief Eunuch standing beside the Golden Throne in a loud voice. A steward eunuch dressed in a crimson ceremonial robe lifted the beaded curtain, approaching me with a vermilion lacquered tray that held a slender-necked jade pot and two white jade cups. I took the wine pot and slowly poured the amber-hued imperial flower wine into the cups.

Good. Speaking of which, in the previous dynasty, there was a little dog by the roadside... I have always been accommodating, and the needs of the audience are my own needs

"All of you, princes, listen carefully. In the future, in all your actions and dealings, you must remember the teachings of the late emperor: be humble and speak less, only then can you achieve greatness and stabilize our family's dynasty!" The emperor's expression changed, and he solemnly admonished the princes and princesses in the hall.

As early as outside the palace gates, the ceremonial eunuchs were announcing in layers. When the raccoon cat led me into the grand hall, the Emperor and Empress were already seated at the top of the hall. On both sides of the lower part of the hall stood two rows of people, both men and women. The men were all dressed in dark purple dragon-patterned robes, with golden belts at their waists; the women wore pink gauze robes adorned with crowns; some were dressed in pomegranate red ceremonial attire, with their hair lightly tied up, not wearing crowns. Judging by the scene, they were likely other princes, princesses, and unmarried princesses. At the top of the grand hall, the ridge, the hanging ridge, and the purlin were adorned with various mythical creatures, including dragons, phoenixes, lions, heavenly horses, sea horses, suanni, xiezhi, and bulls, all solemn and ancient, gazing down with majesty and dignity upon the multitude.

It seems that this girl has no intention of returning to her senses yet, still mumbling to herself. If she does not get herself properly dressed soon, I fear she will miss the audience on this first day of her marriage. I have no choice but to take matters into my own hands. I took the earrings from Xue Bi's hands and put them on her earlobes. Just then, I heard a eunuch outside reporting: "His Highness the Crown Prince is in the front hall of the Lan Zi Garden, please accompany Her Highness the Crown Princess to the Shenghua Hall for the audience!"

Ah! I absolutely detest it when, after I tell a joke, people look at me eagerly and say, "And then?" It is so damaging to my self-esteem

"My dear consort, what kind of qin is this? I have never seen it before." The catty woman casually lifted the hem of her robe and sat down.

"Did my beloved rest well yesterday?" In an instant, she returned to her usual demeanor of wicked aloofness, her tone laced with a hint of mockery

I weep, tears streaming down... Why do others reside in the poetic and picturesque "Water Cloud Pavilion," while I am unfortunate enough to live in the "Mortuary"! This dead raccoon, how could it make me sleep in the morgue for an entire night, it must have been intentional! In my heart, I indignantly cursed its ancestors for one hundred and eighty generations! A woman must not let such grievances go unavenged! Old grudges and new enmities, I will seek to settle them all in the future!

Your humble servant (the daughter-in-law) pays respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress! Long live Father Emperor for ten thousand years! Long live Mother Empress for a thousand years! I knelt down together with the raccoon cat, bowing deeply. The black marble floor shone brightly, reflecting the facial expressions of the people on both sides, which ranged from astonishment, curiosity, jealousy, envy, surprise, to speculation. Among all these expressions, only one caught my attention; it was a face resembling that of a raccoon cat, yet different from the wicked and proud demeanor typically associated with raccoon cats. This expression was gentle and open-minded, making it stand out as an anomaly among such proud royalty.