Chapter 24: The Palace Banquet

Early the next morning, the Empress sent over more than ten sets of clothing and jewelry for Mu Ling. Adding to the ones from Jun Mohan and those prepared by the old general, she now had over fifty outfits in total.

Mu Ling was utterly stunned. This… was way too extravagant!

Xiao He chattered excitedly beside her, urging her to try on different outfits and accessories. After more than two hours of fussing, they finally settled on an outfit and matching jewelry.

By coincidence, it was the same bright red dress that Mu Fuxing had chosen. The only difference was that Mu Ling’s outfit was the Empress’s gift—the Celestial Garment.

Mu Ling took special care to apply a light and elegant makeup look inside her space. Today, she was determined to use this palace banquet to rid herself of the “calamity star” reputation that had followed her for two lifetimes! It wasn’t for anyone else—she simply wanted the world to know that the Crown Princess of Dayan was no ill omen but a divine healer and poison master that no one could ever hope to surpass!

Eastern Palace

Jun Mohan asked Lang Yi, “Did you ask Xiao He? What color is the Crown Princess wearing today?”

Lang Yi struggled to hold back his laughter and nodded. “I did. Xiao He said the Crown Princess is wearing a red dress today—the Celestial Garment gifted by the Empress. Your Highness… are you planning to wear red as well?”

Lang Yi knew exactly why his master asked—it was just so he could match the Crown Princess’s outfit! But red… He honestly couldn’t imagine what the scene would look like if his ever-dignified master wore a red robe.

Jun Mohan shook his head. “Ling’er is wearing red, so I’ll wear xuanse instead. That will match perfectly.”

Lang Yi quickly imagined the combination in his head—and honestly? It did look pretty good!

“Go inform the Crown Princess that I’ll be waiting for her at Mother’s Fengxi Palace. Then… we’ll head to the banquet together.”

Lang Yi suddenly felt like his master had changed. The Crown Prince, who had always been cold and distant, was now acting… clingy?

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Nightfall—Inside the Imperial Palace

As night fell, the imperial palace shone like a radiant jewel, gleaming brightly in the darkness. The towering crimson palace walls stood solemn and imposing, while the palace gates slowly opened to welcome the honored guests arriving for the grand banquet.

Stepping into Fengxi Hall, the breathtaking scenery left everyone in awe. The vast hall was lined with towering pillars, each intricately carved with lifelike dragons and phoenixes that seemed ready to take flight. Above, dazzling lanterns glowed like twinkling stars, illuminating the grand palace as if it were daylight. The marble floors gleamed like mirrors, reflecting the bustling crowd and the opulent surroundings.

Banquet tables stretched along both sides of the hall like a majestic dragon. Each table was laden with an exquisite array of delicacies, their enticing aromas wafting through the air. The golden and silver serving dishes glimmered under the lanterns’ glow, showcasing the beautifully arranged dishes. Juicy roasted lamb with crispy golden skin, tender steamed fish garnished with fresh scallions and fragrant sauce, and delicate, colorful pastries that resembled miniature works of art—every dish was a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Nobles and officials took their seats, their elaborate robes brushing against each other in the lively atmosphere. The noblewomen’s shimmering hairpins and jade ornaments tinkled as they moved, while the embroidered patterns on their garments—woven with gold and silver threads—displayed their high status.

Palace attendants bustled through the hall in well-coordinated motions, gracefully serving the guests.

With the Emperor and Empress yet to arrive, the guests seized the opportunity to mingle. Some sought potential marriage prospects for their children, while others worked on forging alliances—after all, events like these were prime networking opportunities.

Among the guests, Mu Fuxing had arrived early with Mu Hou and Su San. At the moment, she was chatting with the Eldest Princess and Qin Miaomiao, the legitimate daughter of the YoanganEarl’s household. Yet, even as she spoke, her gaze frequently drifted toward the grand entrance, as if she were waiting for someone.

Noticing this, Qin Miaomiao asked curiously, “Fuxing, are you waiting for someone?”

Mu Fuxing quickly withdrew her gaze and smiled gently. “I’m waiting for my Crown Princess Sister. I’m not sure if she’ll come today. Ever since she married into the Eastern Palace, I’ve only seen her twice.”

The Eldest Princess scoffed at the mention of the Crown Princess. “The Crown Princess? Hah! Who knows how much longer the Crown Prince will live? She’s nothing but a soon-to-be widow—what’s there to be proud of?”

Qin Miaomiao nodded in agreement.

Mu Fuxing feigned concern, her voice laced with false distress. “Your Highness, you’re absolutely right. But my sister doesn’t seem to think so. She’s been using the Crown Princess’s title to do as she pleases—even daring to strike her own birth mother.”

Hearing this, Jun Wanting, the Eldest Princess, seethed with fury. “I’ll teach her a lesson myself! A mere Crown Princess who doesn’t even know how long she’ll hold the title—does she think too highly of herself?”

“Your Highness, perhaps it’s best not to provoke her,” Mu Fuxing said sweetly, adding fuel to the fire. “My sister is ruthless now—she doesn’t even respect our family or social hierarchy anymore. If she offends you, that would be disastrous.”

Jun Wanting was enraged. “She dares?! I’ll have her skinned alive!”

Her sharp, shrill voice drew the attention of many guests, some of whom even approached to check on the commotion…

Mu Fuxing saw so many people approaching and knew this was her chance to put on a show again. Her eyes turned red as she clutched Jun Wanting’s hand, her face full of worry.

“Your Highness, please don’t provoke my sister. She even dared to injure my mother the other day. If she does the same to you… No, no, this won’t do! Your Highness, please listen to my advice!”

But who were the attendees of the palace banquet? They were all noblewomen from powerful families—how could they possibly be fooled by Mu Fuxing’s petty tricks?

Just as they were about to turn and leave, a young girl in a pink dress suddenly rushed over. Without a word, she landed four crisp slaps—PA! PA! PA! PA!—leaving Mu Fuxing completely dazed.

“Who do you think you are?! How dare you tarnish my royal sister-in-law’s name?! Get lost! If I hear another word from you, I’ll personally tear out your tongue! SCRAM!”

“Imperial Sister!” Jun Wanting’s heart dropped when she saw the newcomer—it was none other than Jun Wanqing, the little tyrant of the palace. She immediately panicked. Earlier, she had said the Crown Prince didn’t have long to live. If this little demon overheard her, then the real issue wasn’t whether the Crown Prince would survive—it was whether she would make it out of the palace alive today.

“Imperial Sister, Fuxing only meant well. You’ve misunderstood her. How about I—”

Before she could finish, the little princess suddenly remembered the letters she had read in her personal space yesterday.

“You? Speak for her? Speak on what? Take the punishment in her place? Fine, I’ll grant you that wish! Guards! Slap the eldest princess fifty times!”

A black-clad shadow guard immediately stepped forward.

PA! PA! PA! PA!…

“AAAHHH!!!”

The grand hall instantly fell silent, leaving only the sound of slaps and the eldest princess’s screams echoing through the air.

The onlookers: This legitimate princess really is a little devil… That’s her own imperial sister, yet she shows no mercy at all.

The more they thought about it, the more terrified they became. Cold sweat trickled down their backs. Clearly, this was the one person in the palace they must never provoke.

“STOP! STOP THIS AT ONCE!”

Concubine Qin’s furious voice rang out. The eldest princess’s maid had already run off to find her for help. Upon hearing that her daughter was being beaten, Concubine Qin completely disregarded decorum and sprinted over.

But no matter how she screamed, the shadow guards didn’t even pause—they simply continued delivering slaps.

To them, Concubine Qin’s words were worth less than a fart.

Seeing that the guards ignored her, Concubine Qin turned to Jun Wanqing, pleading, “Your Highness, please have mercy! She is your imperial sister! If she takes all fifty slaps, she’ll be disfigured!”

The little princess nodded earnestly. “Exactly! I want to ruin her face!” Then, she smiled sweetly. “Actually, Concubine Mother, you shouldn’t be begging me. The eldest princess volunteered to take these slaps for Mu Fuxing. But… do you want to take her place?”

Concubine Qin hadn’t expected this. She glared at Mu Fuxing with venomous eyes and snapped, “You wretched girl! Why should my daughter suffer because of you?! Go! Beg the princess for mercy! Right now! If my daughter ends up ruined because of this, I’ll tear you apart myself!”

“Your Highness, please! I beg you! She won’t take the punishment anymore! Please, just hit that wretched girl instead…!”

At this point, Concubine Qin was utterly frantic—one moment trying to stop the shadow guards, the next pleading with Jun Wanqing, then turning to scold Mu Fuxing.

But no matter what she did, the slaps never ceased.

PA! PA! PA! PA!

The sound rang out relentlessly, echoing across the palace hall.