Two

As soon as she finished speaking, a rumbling sound suddenly erupted from high above, and a firework burst forth in a dazzling display.

The medical officials in the Imperial Medical Department operate independently; thus, the information circulating within the palace may not necessarily be true. He gently brushed the strands of hair by her ear, the smooth texture akin to fine silk. Moreover, during this period, she has been feeling disheartened and preoccupied, so it is only natural that she remains unaware of the situation. In a little while, the palace will surely hold grand celebrations for this joyous event in the Eastern Palace.

Suddenly, a voice that sounded like ice crystals echoed from behind. Cheng Haitang raised her head in confusion, only to find that the maid beside her had long since disappeared, replaced by a young female official dressed in a royal blue palace gown

We, the ministers, pay our respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess

The festival was well organized, but the palace bureau is also responsible for tending to the flowers and plants throughout the palace. Just like this water plum, which withers so quickly, it is likely that the spring orchid will not last much longer either. As a female official, you should assign someone suitable to take good care of them.

Early that day, Li Xinhua, the head of the kitchen in one of the four departments of the Imperial Kitchen, led all the maids who had changed into newly made palace garments to wait in the corridor in front of the Eastern Palace. When the twelve red lacquer palace doors, adorned with gilded studs, slowly opened, a palace maid from the inner hall came out to convey the decree of His Highness the Crown Prince, allowing the palace attendants from various departments to enter the hall to prepare for the kitchen deity ceremony

However, as soon as she returned to the palace, the Zhaoyang Palace suddenly issued an edict, dispatching the Jin Wang to head north to investigate the previous incident of the mob unrest. The matter arose unexpectedly and the situation was urgent, prompting the twelve guards of the Linhua Palace to travel overnight, accompanying the Jin Wang without pause to Linfen

Shaoguang understood that she was still thinking about what had just happened in the Jing Mountain Pavilion, yet she did not speak. After escorting the two of them to the pavilion in front of Guangxiang, she returned the cloak to Honglu's hands.

As the light of the moment rises, a man in a dark-colored brocade robe stands at the far end of the pavilion bridge corridor, purple petals fluttering like rain, falling on his shoulders, in his hair, and on the lapels of his robe, enveloping the aura of somberness and severity in a layer of pure, ethereal radiance

The two factions have clearly defined their lines, and the pavilion bridge beneath our feet is the necessary path to reach the Jing Mountain Pavilion. As time passes and the ceremony is completed, it is only natural to yield the way, watching to see whether His Highness, the noble Prince of Jin, will pass through here.

It is referring to the side consort of the Eastern Palace, Cheng Haitang

Miss Shao, I ... ...

At this moment, the Jing Shan Pavilion was already filled with court officials, while the relatives were accommodated in the Yao Xue Pavilion. Conversations and laughter flowed continuously in both venues. It had been a long time since the palace had been this lively. This banquet for the officials was organized entirely by the Crown Prince and his wife, and neither the Empress Dowager nor the Emperor attended, which made the atmosphere much more relaxed.

At the hour of Shen, the palace servants from the kitchen carried a red lacquer tray to the East Palace, which contained offerings for the kitchen god such as sugar and baked goods, along with meals including sweet cakes, fried dough, and tofu soup. Some offerings were presented in three-tiered lacquered wooden food boxes carried by two people, filled with various sacrificial fruits: red balls, white balls, sesame balls, oil cakes, golden sugar, foot bone candy, white and black cut sweets, totaling eight colors and sixteen varieties. Additionally, there were twelve types of hot and cold dishes: Dongpo pork, white cut meat, phoenix cups, and chrysanthemum-stuffed hocks. The largest food box was carried by four men and was to be delivered at dusk. It was hoisted by eunuchs from the kitchen department using thick ropes, with a three-foot square carved rosewood food box secured in the middle, containing a yellow goat for the kitchen god's offering. The four eunuchs worked together to lift it over the threshold of the main hall of the Fuyang Palace, and only after they had steadied themselves in front of the offering table did they carefully place the food box on the ground.

Following the old calendar, the preparations in the palace began with the Kitchen God Festival on the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month and continued until the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. During this period, not only were there offerings to deities and Buddhas, but also celebrations to welcome good fortune and prayers for a bountiful year. The Ministry of Rites, which oversees ceremonies, sacrifices, and tribute, had reported all necessary preparations and details to Mingguang Palace several months in advance. After the Empress Dowager reviewed the documents, they were submitted to Zhaoyang Palace for imperial approval, after which preparations commenced in various parts of the palace.

I do not wish to witness the affectionate scene between those two individuals

After the festival, there is always a round of rewards and punishments, the extent of which depends on the capabilities of those seeking rewards. Since this decree has been issued by the Prince of Jin, although it is the first time, it is undoubtedly expected to be generous. Fortunately, there are no vacant positions in the Imperial Garment Bureau; otherwise, the competition for ranks after the festival would likely disturb many people

Your Highness has just come from the Zhaoyang Palace

The servant offers greetings to His Highness, the Second Prince

The azure waves of the lake beneath the pavilion bridge stirred with a layer of ripples, and within the subtly undulating water patterns, the pure white moonlight shimmered like silver. He extended his hand and gently plucked a purple petal that had fallen into her hair bun

As time gently lowered its eyelashes, it softly said: "During Your Highness's absence from the palace, the court has remained peaceful."

The so-called spring sword orchid, metaphorically referring to a person, is precisely about the Eastern Palace

Chuluan Hall, the place she has always yearned for

Thus, all the palace attendants who accompanied to pray for blessings realized that the confrontation between Mingguang Palace and Linhua Palace was inevitable. As long as they remained in the palace, regardless of how they tried to blend in with the light and avoid its brilliance, they would likely be unable to escape conflict

In the ears, the gentle and rich voice of a man continuously resonates, and even if one does not wish to listen, each word and phrase still floats into the ears with unparalleled clarity

Hong Luo bit her lip and nodded with a choked voice

Yang Guang expressed some appreciation for her ability to read between the lines. Gazing at the moonlight, he remarked on the golden lotus that shimmered and bloomed at her brow, saying: "The Emperor is also very pleased with the situation in the palace. In a few days, await your rewards."

Shaoguang gazed into those unfathomable eyes, and after a moment, gently nodded, "The servant will take good care of the Empress and her child."

Most of the pavilions and towers in the palace are built by the lake, with a misty vapor rising up, enveloping those palaces in a faint dampness. The vermilion palace walls, the azure glazed tiles, and the winding, graceful corridors all become elusive and surreal. Outside the Hall of Spring Washing, there lies a bright, mirror-like lake, its surface shimmering under the moonlight, resembling a layer of shattered gold scattered across the water.

What does Your Highness require of this servant

Time held hands and gracefully bowed in a gesture of respect

Night quietly descends, and the households in Daxing City light their lamps, beginning the celebration of the Kitchen God Festival.

The clear light of the moon illuminated that exquisitely enchanting face, as well as a pair of black eyes resembling inkstones. Through the gently flowing smoke of the sleeves, the man's gaze was profound; within the traditionally deep and cold depths of his eyes, the shimmering reflections of the lake danced, mirroring a faint sapphire silhouette, vague and ethereal.

At the end of one's rope, a glimmer of hope

In Langfang, the palace gate officials personally supervised and tiptoed to take a look, unable to refrain from exclaiming their admiration

He turned around, and a captivating smile burst forth from the depths of his profound eyes. At that very moment, dozens of flames suddenly soared into the sky, illuminating the originally pitch-black night as bright as day

Miss Shao

The palace maids from the kitchen and the eunuchs from the Eastern Palace's dining bureau approached together, diligently serving dishes to the officials present. At the main table, the Crown Prince and his wife were attended to by Shangshijujing's head, Shang Jinping, who stood to one side personally supervising the service. At this moment, Li Xinhua from the kitchen also held silver chopsticks and a soup spoon, transferring the dishes from the intricately carved silver plates to the small dishes in front of the Crown Prince and his wife.

On the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, the sequence of the New Year festivities begins from this point onward

She knew that since returning to the palace, His Highness the Crown Prince felt both guilty and sad upon learning of Shen Yunying's miscarriage, even venting his anger on her, who had left the palace alongside Shen Yunying. In his desire to make amends to Shen Yunying, the Crown Prince was inseparable from her, appearing together at all times, their intimacy difficult to distinguish. Moreover, the Empress Dowager issued an edict, promoting her to the position of the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace.

When one is already preoccupied with matters within their own sphere, there is little leisure to provoke external disputes. Since the preparations for the New Year began, both the female officials and the maids in the palace have been particularly tranquil. Moreover, it is only during this time that the petty and self-serving eunuchs of the inner court and the six ministries can set aside their prejudices and genuinely work together with a shared purpose.

Just now, Cheng Haitang had consumed quite a bit of strong liquor; if she is truly pregnant...

Yang Guang raised the corners of his lips, looking at the faint glimmer of brightness hidden in her gaze

As the light of youth dimmed, she lowered her gaze and performed a courtesy, saying, "This servant, on behalf of the officials of the treasure chamber, expresses gratitude for Your Highness's kind words"

Her red-rimmed eyes were already swollen, and she choked out a call. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, she was gently prodded from behind.

It is almost the beginning of winter, and it is no longer the season suitable for orchids

Having said that, I stumbled to my feet, nearly falling over, and the cloak on my shoulder slipped off as well

Drinking excessively harms the body; it would be better for you, Your Highness, to eat some nut cakes to cushion it.

vitality

Time is indeed perplexing, yet just a few days ago, the personnel from the Imperial Medical Office had examined the pulse of each palace, and there had been no rumors circulating through the palace corridors.

Such an obvious principle, even a maid would understand it, yet the Prince of Jin would not fail to consider it

Moments later, Hong Luo returned with the cloak, saw Shao Guang, and gratefully nodded to her, then gently draped the cloak over Cheng Haitang's shoulders

Your Highness, the Prince of Jin

One cannot help but recall the recent promotion of Jin Se to the head of the wardrobe department. Taking advantage of the internal chaos, she secured her position early on, which can only be described as exceedingly wise

Holding it with both hands was evidently strenuous, while Li Xinhua handled the chopsticks effortlessly with one hand. The series of movements was both skilled and elegant, with every gesture exuding a regal air of grace and composure.

Within the vast palace city, the six departments of the court were also in the final stages of preparation. According to the old calendar customs, the person performing the kitchen god ceremony must kneel before the statue of the kitchen god, offering a yellow goat and pouring wine as a sacrifice. However, since the officiant was the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, a member of the royal family, he was not required to perform the kneeling ritual; instead, he merely knelt on a lotus cushion, and then a palace maid presented the wine, which was sprinkled on the ground to signify the completion of the sacrificial rite. Meanwhile, Shen Yunying waited in the side hall until the kitchen god ceremony concluded, after which she was guided by the leading eunuch to join the Crown Prince at the Jing Shan Pavilion to preside over the banquet.

At this hour, those who can move freely within the palace are either the palace maids and eunuchs of the inner court or the royal guards responsible for patrolling. Shaoguang reached to unfasten the insignia representing the Clothing Bureau from his belt, but suddenly heard the footsteps come to an abrupt halt, as if he had encountered someone head-on. A moment later, a resounding voice of salutation echoed.

In this world, amidst the mortal realm, how lonely would I be without you...

It is necessary to calm down and think carefully, to consider how to conduct oneself in the future, and to contemplate how to continue to reside steadily in the Eastern Palace. Rather than acting recklessly like Hong Luo, attempting to strike a stone with an egg, and overestimating one's own capabilities

Hong Luo turned back, only to find Shao Guang looking at her expressionlessly, not uttering a word

Time glanced in that direction and then stood beside Cheng Haitang, no longer speaking

Your Highness

At two o'clock, Shang Jinping, dressed in a brown robe with embroidered borders, led a grand procession of palace maids from the Imperial Kitchen. This imposing entourage, ranked at the top of the Six Ministries and Twenty-Four Departments, was indeed eye-catching

Cheng Haitang spoke in a voice that could only be heard by two people, then raised her wine glass and drank it all in one go, her smile revealing a hint of despair

The sound of drums first echoed in the palace city, serving as a signal for the street drums throughout the entire imperial city to sound in succession. The Chief of the Imperial Guards was responsible for the curfew, while the night watchmen called out to prohibit nighttime activities. The various city gates, both large and small, closed one after another in response to the drumbeats

Shen Yunying now not only legitimately resides within, becoming half of the head of the inner palace, but also effortlessly occupies the entire person and heart of the Crown Prince

At this moment, as the hour of You arrives, the outside of the vermilion palace has already become lively

There was no time for her to think further, as he had already stepped onto the corridor. When he reached her, he immediately blocked out a large portion of the light. "Speaking of which, the successful organization of this palace banquet should earn the Eastern Palace a proper reward for you female officials. It has only been two months since your return, yet all the arrangements for the annual memorial ceremony have been made so thoroughly and efficiently."

As night deepens, fog begins to rise within the palace city

It is the festive season again

Facing the brilliant fireworks filling the sky, Shaoguang raised her face, her originally pitch-black pupils illuminated in an instant with a myriad of colors, resembling a thousand kinds of dazzling glass light, harmonizing with the golden lotus on her forehead.

At 2:15 PM, the guards defending the city struck the large drum on the drum tower of Xingqing Palace

Are you not saying, Your Highness, that the Consort is pregnant

At this moment, seated in the position beneath the main seat are the remaining side consorts and concubines of the Eastern Palace, with light gauze serving as a curtain, obscuring several noble women. Only the flickering candlelight within can be faintly seen, along with a few graceful silhouettes, elegant and charming.

How, how is it you ... ...

Time slightly bowed its head, as she silently pondered his words. Once high and mighty, now fallen to the depths, his assistance at this moment was akin to providing coal in the snow. However, while such help is indeed touching, it also risks entangling oneself like a begonia in its own cocoon. What she truly needed was not a supportive ally capable of making wise decisions, but rather a calm and composed state of mind.

Yu Xizi was constantly shuttling between Cui Pei's seat and Yao Xueting, instructing the palace maids to ensure that every female guest was accounted for, while also coordinating with Li Xinhua from the kitchen. At this moment, she spotted the leading eunuch approaching with the imperial banner from a distance and hurriedly directed the palace attendants to properly seat the officials' families who had not yet taken their places.

Since returning to the palace, all my thoughts have been focused on the affairs within the palace, correct

Shaoguang paused with the hand holding the waist pendant, suddenly realizing that the team they encountered head-on was indeed the palace guards. However, the Prince of Jin was also in the palace

The supervising eunuch of the Inner Court had been waiting early at the entrance of Yongning Gate. Those officials and military ministers preparing to enter the palace to participate in the Kitchen God Festival were all dressed in official robes, exuding an air of authority. Some, having received the emperor's favor, were even granted permission to bring their family members. The Zhuque Avenue in front of Yongning Gate had lost its usual solemnity and grandeur, now bustling with richly adorned garments and vibrant attire, as carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream

In a fleeting moment, there was a sense of bewilderment, and I did not quite understand the meaning of his words. After a while, I suddenly recalled that long ago, there were indeed orchids from Jiangnan offered as tribute, one known as Hanlan and the other as Chunjian, both of which are quite rare and precious varieties. However, in the later case involving the former Crown Princess Yuanjin, the Empress Dowager, in order to commend the two side consorts of the Eastern Palace who had endured humiliation and hardship, bestowed those orchids upon Cheng Haitang and Gao Lingzhi.

Time gently pressed upon the delicate shoulders of the begonia, saying: "Your Highness seems a bit intoxicated; why not let you support her back first."

Cheng Haitang arrived a bit late, yet the seat reserved for her was the one closest to the Crown Prince. The gilded redwood table was adorned with dozens of exquisite and delectable dishes, and the maidservants attentively served the food. Cheng Haitang maintained a smiling face, yet she was unaware of what she was swallowing.

The moment of time was slightly raised, and quietly inquired

She lowered her gaze and spoke softly, "Please proceed first, Your Highness."

At that time, the country was filled with an endless atmosphere of peace and prosperity, and the wealth and elegance were beyond description

As night deepens, the time to ignite the fireworks has arrived. Beneath the pavilion bridge, the palace maids present over a thousand silk lanterns, arranged in a pleasingly scattered manner along several small paths leading to the Jing Mountain Pavilion, illuminating the faces like peach blossoms, their glow enchanting. Not far away, the fireworks rise and fall in succession, each explosion following the last, instantly filling the palace city with an indelible festive atmosphere.

At that time, Shen Yunying's miscarriage was caused by inhaling an excessive amount of fragrant turmeric. Such a dosage was sufficient to render a robust woman incapable of conceiving, let alone the pampered and privileged Consort Yun. A primary wife without offspring is equivalent to being a mere facade; thus, even a lowly concubine who becomes pregnant could easily displace her. ... If there truly exists any hope, for the Huan Chun Hall at this moment, is it not a child? ... A primary wife without offspring is equivalent to being a mere facade; thus, even a lowly concubine who becomes pregnant could easily displace her. ... If there truly exists any hope, for the Huan Chun Hall at this moment, is it not a child?

As the petals of the plum blossom gently drifted down, the fleeting moment gradually drew back its gaze, only to meet Yang Guang's eyes, reflecting the countless plum blossoms swirling in the air behind him. Those eyes, deeply imbued with mystery, seemed to have gazed at her for a long time.

I originally did not want to come

Yu Xizi watched the direction in which the three departed, and couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. When she turned back, facing the garden filled with the fragrance of peach and plum blossoms, her expression transformed into a radiant smile. She instructed the palace maids to pour wine for the slightly intoxicated officials and their families at the table.

Yang Guang saw her obediently step aside, clearly indicating that she wanted him to go first, and could not help but narrow his eyes at her

At a distance neither too far nor too near, one can sense the fragrance emanating from the smoky, ink-colored satin robe. The bright light of the palace lanterns casts a silvery glow on the embroidered silk threads of the sleeves, creating a faint halo and a subtle, refreshing scent

That spring sword has an extraordinary lineage; its death would surely be a pity, yet its life may not necessarily hold value. However, it is often in such dire straits that a glimmer of hope emerges. Just think about it...

On the road, Hong Luo gazed at the fleeting time, hesitating to speak and murmuring softly.

The time to close the palace city has arrived

Cheng Haitang raised the wine cup and swallowed it whole, only to feel an unbearable bitterness in her stomach

The water plum blossoms on the pavilion bridge wither extremely quickly; within just a few days, the purple remnants of the petals have fallen and covered the ground.

Yang Guang's lips curled into a slight arc, while the original cold and fierce aura in his eyes gradually faded. His deep black eyes were enchanting and intimidating. "Do you think this king intends to attend the banquet? The Little New Year Festival is a time for joy among the ruler and his subjects. If I were to simply pass by, would it not dampen the crown prince's spirits... This king is not so lacking in discernment."

During the festive season, everyone in the palace must dress elegantly. Today, in anticipation of the officials coming to the palace for a banquet, the palace maids in the inner court must pay special attention to their appearance. She also applied light makeup, her graceful features adorned with twin buns, revealing a full forehead and cheeks as white as snow jade. A golden floral ornament is imprinted on her forehead, with petals unfurling, resembling a blooming lotus.

A pair of chopsticks measuring three feet in length, crafted from pure silver

Since the return of the Fuying Zen Temple to the palace, the trap set by the Empress Dowager not only failed to strip the Prince of Jin of his military power but also placed her in an awkward position. By unjustly expelling the twelve guards without cause and fabricating charges, she not only could not provide an explanation but also could not offer any compensation to the Linhua Palace. Although the Empress Dowager is the master of the harem and the Mingguang Palace represents supreme imperial authority, the Prince of Jin has been responsible for defending against the Turkic invasions and has held his post in Yongzhou for many years, earning immense prestige within the military. The Empress Dowager's actions not only wronged the Prince of Jin but also offended the many soldiers who steadfastly followed him.

Go back and brew a bowl of hangover tea, for tomorrow morning I must go to Mingguang Palace to pay my respects. If I remain inebriated, it would be detrimental to be caught with a weakness.

Yang Guang's dark eyes were deep, and his cool fingers glided past her jaw. He parted his lips and succinctly stated: "Follow her, guide her, and ensure the safety of the child in her womb"

As the officials summoned to the palace arrived one after another, the eunuch in charge announced the summons. The Crown Prince and his consort once again stepped onto the palanquin, returning to the Eastern Palace's Fuyang Hall to preside over the Kitchen God Festival. The remaining officials and their family members who arrived later were guided by the regular eunuchs of the Inner Servants Bureau. In the grand Jia'an Alley within the imperial city, a moment of splendid attire unfolded, with palace maids and eunuchs bustling about.

Shaoguang sighed and reached out to stroke her arm

If one does not go to the Jing Mountain Pavilion, then why come to the pavilion bridge in front of the hall

In the night sky, the moon has risen. The lake's surface, like a bright mirror, sparkles with light. Following the long and lingering call of the eunuch announcing the event, the crown prince and princess, having completed the ritual for the kitchen god, slowly approached from the Fuyang Hall

After passing through the winding corridor in front of the hall, there is a bridge leading to the Jing Mountain Pavilion. As Shaoguang walks forward along the steps of the bridge, he suddenly hears the sound of synchronized footsteps coming from the opposite side

Cheng Haitang rubbed her brow, appearing somewhat weary, and did not move her chopsticks. She weakly said: "It is getting a bit late, that girl is afraid I might catch a chill, so she went back to fetch a cloak"

The sound of footsteps is gradually drawing closer

Why aren't you going back

The man's deep black eyes seemed to possess a soul-stirring power, gazing directly at her, causing her to fall under their spell. Shaoguang, unable to withstand such a gaze, lowered her head and said: "To Your Highness, it may seem like trivial matters, but for the female officials and maids in the inner court, it is a matter of life and death."

The people in the palace are speculating whether the Emperor's actions are intentional or unintentional, which just happens to delay the confrontation between the two palaces.

Hong Luo felt a loss of confidence, sobbing softly as she bent down to help Cheng Haitang, walking out of the pavilion. Shaoguang picked up the cloak from the ground, apologized to the side consort and the concubine beside her, and followed the two of them out of the corridor path. As they passed through the corridor, she happened to meet the gaze of Yu Xizi, who was looking over, and Shaoguang calmly nodded her head.

As the eunuch in charge announced, the prince and princess's palanquin had just arrived at Guangxiang. Yang Yong stepped down from the carriage and personally came to the Guangyang Gate of the inner palace to welcome the officials entering the palace. Shen Yunying stood beside him, her face always adorned with a dignified smile. The newlywed couple stood together, resembling a pair of purple lotus flowers blooming together, smiling broadly as they nodded in greeting to the officials.

She said softly

This ... ...

The passage of time leans against the carved railing, overlooking the Jing Mountain Pavilion from a high vantage point. Suddenly, it recalls the scene from years ago when the Empress summoned her to supervise the construction of the new silk lanterns in the palace. At that time, during the Little New Year, there were not just one or two pavilions; as night fell, the various palaces within the imperial city were adorned with golden brocade, and the fragrant candles shone brightly. Moreover, there was no curfew in the imperial city; the streets were illuminated with lights everywhere, and the sounds of drums and music filled the air. Merchants and travelers jostled against each other, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere. At that time, during the Little New Year, there were not just one or two pavilions; as night fell, the various palaces within the imperial city were adorned with golden brocade, and the fragrant candles shone brightly. Moreover, there was no curfew in the imperial city; the streets were illuminated with lights everywhere, and the sounds of drums and music filled the air. Merchants and travelers jostled against each other, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.

At the first quarter of the Dog hour, the drum on the city tower was struck once more

After Yang Guang finished speaking, he brushed past her shoulder and walked to the carved railing. In the Jing Shan Pavilion beneath the pavilion bridge and carved railing, a dazzling array of lights illuminated the scene

Amidst the myriad of flowers, the one that stands out is the most precious. Therefore, whether it is vying for favor or power, what the people in the palace yearn for in their dreams is nothing but the boundless glory that comes after standing out. No one would waste their time.

Time stood quietly before him, contemplating this news that even he, and even Hong Luo, were yet unaware of, and suddenly felt a deep sense of emotion. It seems that even the most well-informed Mingguang Palace could not match his timeliness and swiftness.

Follow the Empress and think more about her. Every word and action must be taken with caution

Hong Luo subconsciously turned her head to glance in the direction of the main seat, where a deeply affectionate couple was toasting with the ministers, engaged in lively conversation, causing her heart to feel a tinge of hesitation. At that moment, Cheng Haitang also cast a glance over, and then, with a lonely smile, she said, "It is better to leave. How could His Highness and the Crown Princess be so magnanimous as to hold a grudge? It is rather my appearance that would become bothersome if I stayed..."

As for the minor incidents that occurred previously, there is no need to mention them, for he must have already been informed.

During the banquet, the Crown Prince took a piece of roasted meat and placed it in his mouth, nodding in satisfaction afterward. Seeing this, Li Xinhua also added a piece to Shen Yunying's plate, but the latter merely pursed her lips and shook her head. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince personally picked up the silver chopsticks and placed the roasted meat in front of her. ... Shen Yunying's face instantly turned crimson, her peach blossom cheeks glowing like the dawn, appearing even more enchanting under the bright lights.

Time lowered its voice and uttered a statement that even it found hard to believe

Do not bring up old matters, speak less and say little. Shaoguang quietly looked at her, then glanced at the already intoxicated Cheng Haitang in her arms, whose pitch-black pupils resembled a night tempered with cold frost. "Hong Luo, even if you are with the Empress, do not forget the rules of the palace"

The soft radiance of the moonlight gently falls, illuminating the path in front of the Jing Mountain Pavilion, as well as a couple arriving gracefully. Lanterns serve as guides, and a red carpet is laid out; on both sides, palace maids and eunuchs continuously bow in welcome to the two, while the white plum blossoms swaying in the breeze seem to chase after their footsteps, with the fallen petals resembling delicate waves, exuding a fragrant melody. Lanterns serve as guides, and a red carpet is laid out; on both sides, palace maids and eunuchs continuously bow in welcome to the two, while the white plum blossoms swaying in the breeze seem to chase after their footsteps, with the fallen petals resembling delicate waves, exuding a fragrant melody.

Yu Sibao is somewhat concerned about you and specifically sent a maid to check on you. Did Hong Luo not come with you, Your Highness? Shao Guang removed the cup of wine and picked up the silver chopsticks to serve her some food

The wind carries a whiff of burning, the scent of the remnants of fireworks

On the night of the Kitchen God Festival, a banquet was held at the Jing Shan Pavilion, and all the high-ranking officials in the court were invited into the palace by the Crown Prince and his wife. During this festive season of reunion, the equally esteemed Prince Jin was dispatched to investigate a case, while Prince Han, like the Empress Dowager, feigned illness and did not attend. Only the Prince of Shu and the Prince of Qin, who had been staying in the palace, attended the banquet. The Empress Dowager certainly did not wish to see anyone from Linhua Palace, and how could the Crown Prince desire Prince Jin to return to the palace and disrupt the proceedings?

The white plums in front of the Eastern Palace sway and fall in abundance, while the palace maids weave through the winding corridors, each holding trays and cups inlaid with gold and carved with jade, as well as silver adorned with floral designs. These items have been meticulously crafted by the Department of Treasures over the course of two full months, and the exquisite delicacies within the trays have been painstakingly prepared by the Department of Cuisine. The combination of both not only whets the appetite but also pleases the eye

The fleeting time spoke to one side of the red rattan, yet the gaze was fixed upon the begonia.

The once favored concubine in the Huan Chun Palace has now been discarded like an old shoe, and the situation is no longer what it used to be. Not to mention the newly appointed Crown Princess, even the Crown Prince himself, who is known for his fickleness, may not necessarily hold on to old feelings.

She suddenly recalled the time when Cheng Haitang had summoned the imperial physician to diagnose her pulse at the Fuying Zen Temple. That had been her instruction to Hong Luo, intended to create the illusion of being with child, so that Cheng Haitang could safely navigate the Empress Dowager's schemes without being implicated... Could it be...

"Go back," said Shaoguang.

In a moment of urgency, Hong Luo hurriedly grasped her hand, saying, "I am aware of my own shortcomings and lack of experience. However, if the young lady could assist the princess..."

She said softly

Once, a female official from the Si Bao Fang suddenly choked up, yet found herself at a loss for words under such gazes, lowering her head again and revealing an expression of shame

The offerings at the incense altar in the Fuyang Hall were prepared three days ago. The Kitchen God shrine is located on the east side of the main hall of Fuyang Hall, with the statue of the Kitchen God placed in the center of the hall, inscribed with "Master of the Eastern Kitchen's Fate." On either side, couplets are posted that read, "Heaven speaks of good fortune, the lower realm ensures peace." The offering table is adorned with square wax carved with cloud patterns, as thick as a wrist, with a gold incense burner on each side, and several plates of auspicious fruits, symbolizing the prayer for the Kitchen God to present earthly matters to the Jade Emperor, seeking wealth and peace.

Beside the seat are the other consorts and ladies of the Eastern Palace, all of whom have become somewhat intoxicated after several rounds of wine

The delicate petals are pinched between slender fingers, until they are crushed, cruel as it is, yet also profoundly tender.

During the banquet, the ministers rose to pay their respects, while the ladies from the inner hall gracefully performed their courtesies, and everywhere there were respectful greetings. Yang Yong, accompanied by Shen Yunying, took their seats together, smiling and gesturing for everyone to refrain from formalities.

Crown Prince Yang Yong was dressed in a dark purple brocade robe adorned with floral embroidery, secured at the waist with a jade belt hook, and embellished with small red flowers that filled the sleeves, exuding an air of wealth and joy. Shen Yunying wore a soft smoke-colored palace skirt in lotus pink, with a light purple cloud gauze draped over her arm. The wide skirt flowed gracefully behind her, and the hem was embroidered with large clusters of purple flowers that seemed to bloom anew, fluttering and blossoming with each step.