Chapter 27: Attending the Banquet

The moon hung high in the sky, the night warm and gentle.

Inside the room, candle flames flickered as Jiang Huaiyue leaned over the writing desk, holding a brush to write.

Qiuchan brought in a pot of hot tea. “Mistress, it’s getting late. You should rest.”

“What time is it?” Jiang Huaiyue rubbed her aching wrist and set down the brush.

Qiuchan came behind her, reaching out to massage her shoulders: “Just past the hour of Xu.”

Jiang Huaiyue blinked. Xu hour? That was a little past nine o’clock. Even after being here so long, she still couldn’t tell the time well.

For her, a night owl used to staying up late, sleeping now was really too early. But there was no other amusement alone.

“Qiuchan, did you read the book I brought back yesterday? What do you think?” Jiang Huaiyue asked aloud.

Since she was stuck in the mansion day and night with nothing else to do, she thought of writing novels. If she could earn a little income, it would help Wanwan.

Though Wanwan told her not to worry about money, Wanwan was new to this world, doing everything alone. Jiang Huaiyue hoped that if she could earn some money, they’d have more confidence.

Jiang Huaiyue was trained in music, so she could play instruments and in the modern world even sang online for money.

But here, playing music and singing was mostly for courtesans to entertain clients, so it wasn’t respectable.

After thinking it over, she decided writing novels was best. She would use a pen name—no one would know her true identity.

Actually, she had also thought about composing music, but ancient music notation was different from modern sheet music. Although the principles were similar, she still needed to study more before she could compose.

Qiuchan remembered the manuscript Jiang Huaiyue wrote and suddenly became interested. “Mistress, it’s very good. Does Xuenian like her master?”

Yesterday, after Jiang Huaiyue gave her the book, she read it and found it increasingly interesting. She had never read such an exciting story before.

Jiang Huaiyue smiled with a teasing glint in her eyes. “What do you think?”

The story was set in a xianxia (immortal hero) world. A female disciple was taken by a male master, made good friends, saved the world, and found love and friendship.

“Mistress, you’re teasing Qiuchan again.” Qiuchan said while sneaking a peek at the manuscript in front of Jiang Huaiyue.

Jiang Huaiyue saw her movement, reached under, and pulled out what she had written, handing it over. “Here, this is mine. Take it and read while I write a bit more.”

Qiuchan happily accepted it, excitedly saying, “You’re so kind, Mistress.”

She took the book and found a corner to read. Jiang Huaiyue shook her head with a smile, gathered her thoughts, and resumed writing.

Outside the door, Fu Yao stood straight, holding her sword. The moonlight shone on her, casting a shadow at her feet—lonely and indifferent.

——————

After many days, Jiang Huaiyue again sat in the same carriage as Pei Ji. Today was Jiang Jingchen’s birthday, and they were going to the palace banquet.

The emperor’s birthday was usually celebrated grandly, but this year the border was at war, plus droughts and disasters struck everywhere, so the celebrations were simplified.

Though simplified, it was still the emperor’s birthday, so it couldn’t be too modest.

Jiang Huaiyue was especially happy to see Wanwan there tonight—Wanwan was a general’s wife and would surely attend the banquet. Thinking of this, she couldn’t hide her joy.

Since boarding the carriage, Pei Ji had been fiddling with the chessboard in his hands. Sharp as ever, he noticed she seemed very happy today.

Suddenly recalling the painting found in Weiyang Palace, his eyes grew even more mysterious.

“Mistress seems very pleased?” he asked.

A cold male voice came from behind. Jiang Huaiyue looked up.

His gaze looked a bit frightening. She hoped she hadn’t offended him—what a lunatic.

“Today is the birthday of the emperor’s elder brother. Naturally, I’m happy for him,” she carefully chose a safe excuse.

Little did she know that this very excuse made Pei Ji’s aura grow even colder: “Is that so? The princess and His Majesty truly share deep and profound feelings.”

If the rumor spread that a younger sister was in love with her own brother, that would be another scandal recorded in Jiang Jingchen’s history after his death.

Jiang Huaiyue frowned; the phrase “deep and profound feelings” sounded so strange coming from him.

She gave an awkward smile: “It’s alright.”

That kind of fake affection—he’s been poisoning her mind, where’s the brotherly love?

The woman in front of him lowered her eyes; her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, like a butterfly about to take flight.

Every time Pei Ji thought about how her heart belonged to Jiang Jingchen, he felt both disgusted and sickened.

He rubbed the smooth, jade-like chess piece in his hand silently.

Seeing he did not respond, Jiang Huaiyue didn’t overthink it and idly fiddled with the scented sachet at her waist.

The sachet had been given to her by the doctor from Chun Tang last time. Although she wasn’t sure if it actually worked against poison, she liked it and kept carrying it.

The carriage arrived at the palace gate. Pei Ji and Jiang Huaiyue got off one after the other.

Tonight the palace was brightly lit. Officials attending the banquet entered one after another. When they saw Pei Ji get off, they all bowed respectfully.

Jiang Huaiyue curled her lips, walking beside him. Watching him with his nose in the air, she thought this man was really arrogant.

But no denying, he did have the right to be arrogant. Tonight, he wore a dark purple brocade robe, a white jade belt at his waist, and his long hair was half bound in a crown and half loose down his back.

His deep, prominent brows, sharply defined facial features, and tightly pressed crimson lips gave off an imposing aura. Walking beside him could freeze a person.

The palace banquet was held at Changqing Palace. Jiang Huaiyue felt she was benefiting from Pei Ji’s prestige, sitting in a very front seat.

On the table in front were golden platters and jade bowls, along with an array of exquisite cold dishes that looked good, though she wasn’t sure if they tasted good.

Guests gradually took their seats.

A sharp, clear voice rang out: “The Emperor has arrived!”

Jiang Huaiyue looked around and saw all the officials standing, except for her and Pei Ji, who remained seated.

All eyes turned to them. She hesitated and reluctantly stood up. Oh well, who was Pei Ji, and who was she? Better to just behave and bow respectfully.

“Greetings to His Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live forever!” everyone said in unison.

After finishing, Jiang Huaiyue secretly glanced at Pei Ji, noticing he was nonchalantly pinching his wine cup and sipping slowly, as if nothing happened.

She then looked toward her elder brother, the Emperor. She noticed clearly that after glancing at Pei Ji, his eyes sharpened fiercely, though he forced a smile for appearances.

She guessed deep down he must have wanted to kill Pei Ji right then and there.

Sometimes she wondered if Jiang Jingchen had killed Pei Ji earlier, would she be free?

But it seemed neither of them were good people.

“Be seated. Please all rise,” Jiang Jingchen suppressed the emotions in his eyes and spoke gently.