Chapter 70
**Chapter 70: Trouble Comes Knocking at Home**
Zhaoyang eagerly opened the brocade box, revealing a beautiful gold hairpin inlaid with white jade shaped like plum blossoms. The white jade petals were intricately carved, with gemstones set in the center, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Zhaoyang's heart raced, and she couldn't help but smile broadly. She personally adorned herself with the hairpin and said cheerfully, "This princess really loves this hairpin."
Yanyunting rarely gifted her anything. Each present he gave was cherished by Zhaoyang.
Seeing her radiant smile, Yanyunting's gaze momentarily faltered. He quickly bowed and returned to the area designated for the male guests.
...
At the end of the table, Shen Wei silently observed everything.
Ugh, what a scoundrel.
He clearly has feelings for Zhaoyang, yet he can't let go of Dantai Rou, straddling two boats like a true cad.
Just as Shen Wei was mentally criticizing Yanyunting, a gentle voice floated to her ears, "Madam Shen?"
The voice was soft, and Shen Wei looked up to see Sun Qingmei, whom she hadn't seen in a long time. Since their parting at the Dongshan hunt, Shen Wei had not crossed paths with the wife of the Marquis of Southern Town.
Sun Qingmei remained as gentle and graceful as ever.
"Madam Shen, you don't look well. Are you unwell?" Sun Qingmei asked softly.
Shen Wei stood and replied, "Perhaps it's because I woke up early this morning and didn't get enough sleep. Thank you for your concern, Madam Sun."
Sun Qingmei scrutinized Shen Wei's slightly pale face, still feeling uneasy.
Just as she was about to inquire further, a young eunuch from the princess's palace announced loudly, "The Empress has arrived!"
The Empress is here!
Sun Qingmei quickly returned to her seat, joining everyone in bowing to pay their respects.
The Empress held a revered position and was also Princess Zhaoyang's biological mother. Shen Wei kept her head down while bowing, only raising it when the footsteps stopped at the main seat, and a commanding voice rang out, "Everyone, please be seated."
Only then did the guests settle down.
Shen Wei sat properly at the very end, taking a sip of citrus water to calm her nerves. The Empress, seated at the head of the table, wore her hair in an elaborate updo, exuding an extraordinary grace that bore a striking resemblance to Princess Zhaoyang.
Shen Wei took a deep breath, feeling a bit anxious. She had come to Zhaoyang's birthday banquet mainly to see the Empress.
She needed to achieve a small goal through the esteemed Empress.
The Empress's authoritative yet gentle voice resonated from the main seat, "Today is Zhaoyang's birthday, a day of good fortune. Please eat and drink freely, without restraint."
Zhaoyang obediently sat beside the Empress, her eyes sparkling with joy.
As the music began and the singing filled the air, the King of Yan and the Crown Prince were preoccupied with border affairs and could not attend Zhaoyang's birthday banquet. However, they had arranged for the music troupe to perform Zhaoyang's favorite pieces, "Golden Branch and Jade Leaf in Spring" and "Spring in the Apricot Garden."
The melodious sounds of strings and woodwinds captivated Zhaoyang.
As the music concluded, it was time to present gifts to the princess. The legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's residence gifted Zhaoyang a fine guqin; Sun Qingmei, the wife of the Marquis of Southern Town, presented her with a top-quality Shu embroidery.
The Crown Princess's two daughters, each holding a beautiful agate bracelet, scampered over to Zhaoyang.
The Crown Princess's daughter said sweetly, "Aunt Zhaoyang, this bracelet was made by Wan'er and her sister Nanzhi together. Please wear it."
Li Nanzhi tilted her little head, "Wishing Aunt Zhaoyang to always be beautiful, even more so than the flowers in spring."
The two little girls were charming and clever. Zhaoyang put on the two agate bracelets and took two pieces of pastry from the platter, smiling, "Wan'er and Nanzhi should always be beautiful too."
The little girls blushed, clutching their pastries as they returned to the Crown Princess's side.
The Empress watched with satisfaction. The Crown Princess had raised her daughters well; they were polite and unafraid in such grand occasions.
If only...
The Crown Prince was frail and could no longer father children. If the Crown Princess could have a son, he would surely be well-raised.
With the Crown Prince's time running short, the King of Yan was destined to inherit the throne.
But the Empress thought of the few sons the King of Yan had—two sons of the main wife were stifled; Liu Qiao'er’s son was physically weak and still couldn't walk at nearly two years old; and the remaining sons of the concubines, lacking the main wife's guidance, were timid as mice.
Not a single one of them was promising!
Yet, the King of Yan's household had no new pregnancies. Recently, a maid had become pregnant, but the child was fathered by a stableman, nearly turning the King of Yan into a laughingstock throughout the capital.
The Empress rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on.
After the Crown Princess's daughters presented their gifts, it was the turn of the Princess of Yan. Mama Liu, by the princess's side, presented a delicate brocade box adorned with a phoenix design.
When the box was opened, it revealed a translucent Hetian jade ruyi, pure and flawless, of considerable value.
Zhaoyang wasn't particularly fond of gold, silver, or jade, but out of courtesy, she smiled and said, "The jade ruyi is lovely. Thank you for the gift, Second Sister-in-law."
The princess let out a sigh of relief, smiling, "I'm glad the princess likes it."
Recently, the princess had been busy with her children's education and religious duties. Last night, she had asked Mama Liu to randomly select an expensive gift from the storeroom as a birthday present for the princess.
Both Zhaoyang and the princess thought it was fine. A few elderly ladies present exchanged surprised glances, but no one spoke up.
The Empress's expression darkened instantly upon seeing the jade ruyi.
She discreetly shot a glance at the princess, gripping the silk handkerchief in her hand tightly. Dantai Shuya clearly had no regard for Zhaoyang's birthday, choosing this jade ruyi instead...
The other officials' wives had selected their gifts with great care and sincerity. Only the Princess of Yan had been so perfunctory!
In front of everyone, the Empress couldn't lose her temper, so she had to suppress the anger boiling within her.
After the Princess of Yan presented her gift, it was the turn of the King of Heng. He lazily waved his hand, and a servant brought up a large box filled with popular novels from Yan Jing.
The King of Heng was always carefree and audacious, even joking in such a setting. He lazily waved his white jade fan and said, "Zhaoyang, Third Brother has brought you some interesting novels. If you don't like them, I can send you a few handsome performers to sing for you every day in the princess's palace."
The Empress's expression turned icy.
Seated in the male guest area, Yanyunting frowned slightly. The King of Heng could say such things and actually follow through.
Sending a few male performers to Zhaoyang was something the King of Heng would do. Even if the Emperor found out, he would only give a verbal reprimand and not pursue it further.
The Emperor was always lenient with the King of Heng, granting him military power and allowing him to form cliques.
Zhaoyang understood her third brother's temperament and wasn't angry. She maintained a sweet smile, "The novels are great. I can read them during my free time to pass the time. Thank you, Third Brother."
The King of Heng chuckled, then suddenly changed the subject, "Zhaoyang, I heard that a maid from Second Brother's residence once saved you. She's here at the birthday banquet today. I wonder what gift that little maid has prepared for you?"
Shen Wei, who was sipping water, froze.
Trouble comes knocking at home.
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