Chapter 9

The banquet continued with cups being refilled and exchanged.

Xie Yun had already stood up and left, and Sang Yao didn’t want to stay here any longer. However, unlike Xie Yun, she could only leave after everyone else had gone.

Sang Yin put down her wine cup and looked towards the high platform where the royal family sat. Her gaze fell on the tall and handsome figure, and she sighed softly, “The Fifth Prince indeed has the appearance of a celestial being.”

The Emperor had left early, leaving only the Empress Dowager and the Empress at the top, along with a few princes.

Among them, the most outstanding figure was the Fifth Prince, Lu Ting, who was currently chatting with the ministers. With a face like jade, he exuded an incomparable nobility and ease.

In contrast, the Crown Prince, Lu Li, sitting beside him, was drinking with his head down. His cheeks were flushed, his expression dull, and when the ministers spoke to him, he could only smile awkwardly and say a few words before returning to drinking.

It was hard to imagine that someone like him could be the Crown Prince of the current dynasty.

Although Lu Li was the Empress’s second son, he was never taken seriously. His appointment as Crown Prince was simply because the royal family followed the ancient practice of succession.

Sang Yao glanced over at Lu Ting and then nodded in agreement.

Sang Yin then asked, “Yao Yao, what do you think of the Fifth Prince?”

Sang Yao had only spoken to Lu Ting twice. She had seen him less often than Xie Yun, so naturally, she didn’t know much about him.

But she didn’t particularly like Lu Ting. He had a handsome face, but his words always made her feel pressured. Of course, what she disliked the most was the way he looked at her, which always made her feel like she was naked.

Sang Yin continued casually, “Speaking of which, I’ve been in contact with the Prince quite a bit recently. It seems that he is indeed concerned about the Emperor’s worries.”

He then remembered something and looked at Sang Yao, “By the way, have you met the Prince?”

Sang Yao was puzzled, “What’s wrong, Father?”

Sang Yin recalled, “He mentioned you to me a few times, saying that you…”

At this point, the conversation took a turn, and Sang Yin suddenly realized something, pausing in his gaze towards Sang Yao.

At the same time, Sang Yao, at an inappropriate moment, remembered what Sang Yinyue had said to her.

She said the Fifth Prince wanted to take her as a concubine.

Although her father didn’t finish his sentence, Sang Yao already understood.

Sang Yin seemed temporarily unwilling to discuss this matter with her and instead talked about something else.

Sang Yao absentmindedly responded, her head down, still thinking about what Sang Yinyue had said.

Could what Sang Yinyue said be true?

But she didn’t know when she had attracted Lu Ting’s attention. Of course, this wasn’t important. She knew she had an undignified face and a not-so-proper figure, so being chosen as a concubine was not a rare occurrence.

She knew little about politics, but she understood the basics. If one day the Crown Prince Lu Li was deposed, the next heir to the throne would most likely be Lu Ting.

She was just the second daughter of a fourth-ranking official, with no title in the family. Even if Lu Ting was only a prince in the future, being his concubine wouldn’t be a loss for her.

After a few incense sticks burned, everyone left one after another, and this banquet, which had little to do with Sang Yao, came to an end.

Sang Yin had to leave early due to some sudden matter and did not leave the palace with Sang Yao. Sang Yao deliberately chose a direction with fewer people, but before she could take a few steps, she was stopped by someone.

It was a unfamiliar eunuch.

Sang Yao stopped and asked, “What’s the matter, little eunuch?”

The little eunuch smiled and said, “Miss Sang, I am from the Fifth Prince’s side.”

Sang Yao’s body stiffened imperceptibly, standing up straight without a trace. She said, “His Highness…”

The little eunuch took out a bright red jade from his sleeve and whispered, “This is a tribute from the Shu region. His Highness thought it was a perfect match for you at first sight, but he couldn’t find a chance to give it to you until today.”

Nowadays, people prefer the restrained and elegant green jade and white jade, and few people like the bright and charming red jade, as this color is somewhat associated with seduction.

This seemed like a hint, and Sang Yao hesitated to take it at first.

The little eunuch’s hand hung in the air, reminding her, “Miss Sang, this is His Highness’s intention.”

Sang Yao realized and couldn’t refuse.

She took the jade pendant and said softly, “Please thank His Highness for me.”

After the little eunuch left, Sang Yao walked alone in the quiet corridor, the jade pendant cold in her hand.

She lowered her face, feeling a bit upset.

Her life had always been simple, but she understood what she should understand.

For example, she couldn’t decide her marriage; she should find a good husband to benefit her family.

She had never tried to avoid these things. After being a Miss Sang for so many years, she should give back something.

There was nothing wrong with that. She comforted herself. The Fifth Prince had a bright future, was young, and handsome. He was much better than those who could be her father’s age.

Moreover, if the Fifth Prince really mentioned this matter, she couldn’t refuse.

Absolutely.

Under the hierarchy, the rejection of a lower-ranking person is like a provocation. While she might be fine herself, she had her father and her sister to consider. She couldn’t risk implicating them.

Sigh, so annoying.

The palace was too large. Sang Yao walked aimlessly, choosing paths with fewer people.

Not long after, she heard some muffled voices not far away. She paused and, hidden among the leaves, saw a group of people, including the Fifth Prince, Lu Ting, and the Crown Prince, Lu Li.

The atmosphere seemed tense.

Lu Ting stood with his hands behind his back, his face expressionless. Beside him stood an old eunuch, with a group of eunuchs and palace maids waiting nearby.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, Lu Li, stood in front of Lu Ting, his body bent low, his shoulders trembling slightly. He spoke in a trembling voice, “I-I didn’t mean it. Your Highness, please calm down. I’ll call the imperial physician to treat Grand Tutor Sun.”