Chapter 224
**Chapter 222: The Palace Banquet Begins**
Yan Yunting's gaze was almost obsessive.
From across the long corridor of the palace steps, he stared intently at the graceful figure in the distance, his heart surging with emotions.
After years apart, Zhao Yang still possessed the same exquisite beauty as before. Perhaps with age, her demeanor had gained an added grace and composure. Like a fine wine, she had only grown richer and more fragrant with the passage of time.
Yan Yunting was entranced; time was the best witness to true feelings. It was only after their separation that he realized the woman he loved most deeply had always been Zhao Yang.
However, Princess Zhao Yang looked at him with disdain, as if she had seen a ghost. She frowned, clearly unwilling to acknowledge him, and turned to walk back into the palace with Yun'er.
"Zhao Yang!" Yan Yunting stood frozen in place.
He had expected her to joyfully rush over and throw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face. But instead... she left without a backward glance?
Her lovely face even bore a hint of anger.
Yan Yunting's heart ached with confusion; he couldn't understand why Zhao Yang was treating him so coldly. Everyone in Yanjing knew that Princess Zhao Yang had devoted her heart entirely to the young master of the Yan family. During the years Yan Yunting had spent in Liangzhou, Zhao Yang had remained in her boudoir, waiting patiently, transforming from a blossoming maiden into an old maid, all for his return.
Just as Yan Yunting was lost in thought, a soft voice called from behind, "Brother Yunting."
It was Dantai Rou, accompanied only by a small maid.
On this chilly spring evening, Dantai Rou wore a thin, light purple spring gown, her makeup delicate, her figure slender. Standing in the gentle night breeze at the palace gate, she seemed as if she might be swept away at any moment.
"Rou'er, what brings you here?" Yan Yunting was somewhat surprised to see Dantai Rou.
But he quickly understood the reason for Zhao Yang's sulky departure. She must have seen Dantai Rou and, feeling jealous, turned her back on him in a huff.
This girl still hadn't changed her jealous ways.
Yan Yunting felt a warm glow in his heart; it was quite satisfying to know that Zhao Yang was jealous, which meant she still held deep feelings for him.
"I brought you a cloak since the night is chilly," Dantai Rou said, taking a cloak from her maid and handing it to the servant beside Yan Yunting.
The cloak was exquisitely made of satin, embroidered with intricate designs of cranes and lotus flowers, a labor of love that Dantai Rou had spent several sleepless nights stitching.
Yan Yunting was deeply touched.
If he could have Zhao Yang as a respected wife and Dantai Rou as a gentle concubine, he would have no regrets in this life.
"Rou'er, you are so thoughtful. I will treasure this cloak," Yan Yunting said, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
Dantai Rou looked up, her big, watery eyes meeting his. She softly asked, "Brother Yunting, you plan to ask the Emperor for Princess Zhao Yang's hand tonight, right?"
Yan Yunting did not hide his intentions and nodded, "Yes."
The Yan family was not among the top noble families in Yanjing, and Yan Yunting's official rank was not high either. He had chosen to gain experience at the border, and upon returning to the capital, he would soon be appointed as the new Minister of Rites.
With a higher rank and more power in his hands, he felt more confident about marrying the princess.
Dantai Rou's beautiful eyes glistened with tears as she offered a supportive smile, "The princess is of noble birth, and you two are a match made in heaven. I wish you all the best tonight."
Her generosity moved Yan Yunting.
"Don't worry, Rou'er. Once I marry Zhao Yang, I will definitely take you as my concubine," he reassured her.
Dantai Rou nodded obediently, her voice soft, "As long as I can stay by your side, even if it's just as a maid to wash your feet, I would be more than willing."
As night fell, Yan Yunting did not linger at the palace gate.
The night breeze rustled, and his wide red official robe billowed as he confidently stepped into the palace.
Dantai Rou, of humble origins and a girl from a minor household, was not qualified to enter the palace for the banquet. She stood at the gate, watching Yan Yunting's departing figure with deep affection until the red silhouette vanished from sight, then she turned to leave.
The tenderness on her face faded in an instant, replaced by a cold expression.
The maid beside her whispered, "Miss, do you think Lord Yan will take you as his legitimate wife?"
Dantai Rou let out a faint, cold laugh, her embroidered shoes clicking against the cold stone pavement as she replied, "As long as I can become the beloved of a powerful minister, there’s no difference between a legitimate wife and a concubine."
With that, Dantai Rou left with her maid, while the night banquet in the Da Qing palace was about to commence.
...
As the lanterns were lit and the moon rose above the willow branches, the soft glow illuminated the Qinghua Hall as bright as day.
The civil and military officials, along with noble ladies, took their seats, while graceful palace maids moved among them, serving exquisite and delicious dishes for the evening banquet.
The Emperor and the palace consorts had yet to arrive.
Among the noble ladies, Lu Yuni, the daughter of the Duke of Lu, sat elegantly, her beautiful eyes discreetly surveying the male guests across the hall. Among them, the most eye-catching were Yan Yunting and Shen Mieyue.
One was a young scholar, talented and handsome; the other was a formidable general, renowned for his military exploits.
Both were still unmarried.
Lu Yuni held a fan to her face, knowing that many noble ladies were vying for the attention of these two men. She secretly scorned the idea of marrying a minister, thinking it far better to wed the most esteemed man in Da Qing.
Recalling what Li Yuanjing had said to her in her past life—"You have a decent appearance"—Lu Yuni's lips curled into a slight smile.
If the Emperor were to see her today, perhaps he would fall for her at first sight, rekindling the fate of her past life.
Just as Lu Yuni was lost in her thoughts, the sharp voice of Gonggong Deshun rang out, "The Emperor has arrived!"
The civil and military officials, along with the noble ladies, quickly rose to their feet.
The officials knelt and bowed, shouting, "Long live the Emperor!"
Lu Yuni hurriedly lowered her head, joining the others in their reverence. The current Emperor, Li Yuanjing, was a man of both literary and martial prowess, known for his meritocratic approach, a truly formidable ruler.
With her head slightly bowed, Lu Yuni waited until she heard the deep, resonant voice say, "Rise."
Everyone stood up and took their seats in an orderly fashion.
Lu Yuni sat upright in her designated spot, her beautiful eyes secretly glancing up to catch a glimpse of the Emperor of Da Qing.
Today, Li Yuanjing wore a black and gold dragon robe, his brows sharp and cold, his dark eyes revealing no emotion. From his high seat, he exuded an authority that made it difficult for anyone to meet his gaze.
Lu Yuni's heart raced, and the corners of her lips secretly lifted; she was determined to enter the palace as a consort!
Her gaze shifted, catching sight of the Empress seated beside him. Empress Dantai Shuya hailed from a prestigious family with a long history. Perhaps due to her years of worry and toil, she appeared aged, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes evident despite the heavy makeup.
Lu Yuni paid little attention to the Empress.
The Empress was foolish, lacking virtue and capability.
In her past life, the Empress had been harmed by Lu Xuan, losing her children and "passing away" early. The Dantai family had crumbled, with the adult males either killed or exiled, and even the Empress Dowager could not provide assistance.
Lu Yuni's gaze shifted again, landing on the Shufei, Lu Xuan, seated below the Empress. Lu Xuan was dressed in splendid attire, exuding elegance and grace, like a blooming peony.
A flash of jealousy crossed Lu Yuni's eyes.
Sister, you still shine as brightly as in your past life...
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