Chapter 87 New Year Banquet 1

Initially, Shu Yuwan wanted to visit Zhao Qing Qing again, feeling that there was more to explore in Zhao Qing Qing’s situation.

But now, being pregnant, it wasn’t suitable to go out again, so she had to temporarily give up the idea.

She had considered telling her mother about the pregnancy, but upon hearing news from the Shu family that her sister-in-law had given birth to a son, she decided not to mention it to her mother to avoid distracting her.

She decided to wait until the three-month mark to share the news together.

Time flew by, and over a month had passed.

The child was quite easy to handle, except for a few instances of nausea at the beginning; afterward, everything was calm, with hardly any reactions.

With no visible signs of pregnancy, it was almost impossible to tell she was expecting.

However, Shu Yuwan was extremely cautious during this time. Finally, as she approached the three-month mark and Physician Zhang confirmed the stable pulse, she breathed a sigh of relief. Having experienced childbirth before, she knew the importance of staying relaxed for the benefit of the child.

Now, as the Emperor had stopped working, they were all waiting for the New Year.

In the Palace, red lanterns were hung, and the walls were adorned with blessings in preparation for the upcoming festivities.

Shu Yuwan sent gifts to the Shu family, Prince Ning’s residence, and Marquis Yongchang’s residence for the New Year.

On the thirtieth day of the lunar month, there would be a New Year banquet in Palace. The Emperor, Palace concubines, princes, princesses, and officials of the fifth rank and above were all expected to attend.

After discussing with the Crown Prince, they decided to inform the Emperor about Shu Yuwan’ pregnancy during the New Year banquet.

Two days before the event, Shu Yuwan sent her daughter to the Shu residence.

Feeling uneasy without her daughter around, Shu Yuwan couldn’t help but feel something was missing.

Qing Dai chuckled, “Miss Palace has been sent back to the Shu residence. She was so happy to see Qing and Yuan that she completely forgot about you. You seem lost without her. I wonder if Miss Palace can’t be without you, or if you can’t be without Miss Palace.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Shu Yuwan scolded, “You’re getting bolder with your words haha.”

Qing Dai hurriedly begged for forgiveness, “I dare not.”

Shu Yuwan smiled.

For many years, she had few people around her. Her parents, siblings, and friends were not by her side. She didn’t have a husband or close friends. Even Qing Dai, Qing He, and Mother Zhao had left her later on, leaving only her daughter by her side.

In the previous life, she had even left her daughter behind, leaving her all alone.

That’s why she always wanted to be with her daughter, afraid of leaving her alone again.

Fortunately, the Shu family was still there, and her daughter not only had her but also many relatives. Her daughter’s temperament now was somewhat similar to when she was unmarried, unlike the previous life when she was always sensible, cautious, and careful.

She instructed, “After the New Year, you can go back and ask. If Wenyue wants to stay at the Shu family for a few more days, let her stay longer. If she wants to come back, bring her back early.”

“I’ll remember that.”

The next day was the New Year banquet.

The Crown Prince, accompanied Shu Yuwan, went to Chengqian palace to greet the Emperor before heading to the Hall for the banquet.

This year’s New Year banquet was noticeably quieter than in previous years.

Prince An’s family and Prince Cheng had been sent to their fiefdoms, and Zhang Guefei was under house arrest. During the banquet, the Emperor didn’t lift her house arrest.

In the Emperor’s heart, the Crown Prince had almost lost his life, all because of her. By sparing her life, the Emperor considered it a gesture of their long companionship.

Empress Shu, feeling resentful due to Prince Cheng’s departure, feigned illness and didn’t attend the banquet.

Surprisingly, among Palace concubines, only Consort Xian was present.

Additionally, Concubine Xin brought Princess Pingyi, Concubine Shen brought the five-year-old Sixth Prince, and Yue Guiren brought the four-year-old Seventh Princess.

The ministers had also arrived early with their families.

After greeting Consort Xian and others, Shu Yuwan looked towards the ministers’ seats and quickly found the Shu family’s position.

Clearly, this year, the Shu family’s seating arrangement was much closer to the front than in previous years.

Shu Yuwan thought Consort Xian was quite adept at handling situations.

Everyone has seated, and the Emperor made his grand entrance.