Chapter 2: The Consort’s Banquet

Once the visitors had left, Ning Zhaorou threw off her covers and sat up, letting out a long, shaky breath.

She was still dressed in her thin sleepwear—the lotus-pink fabric made her look like a budding peach blossom in early spring. Her long lashes curled delicately, her dark eyes glistened, and beneath her dainty, upturned nose sat a small cherry mouth, rosy and moist without any rouge. Her jade-like face now carried a faint trace of melancholy. Lowering her head, she gently patted her chest and glanced nervously at Shuangwu beside her, softly calling:

“Shuangwu, stay with me. I’m scared.”

Shuangwu had just brought in water to help her freshen up. Upon hearing this, she gently replied, “Don’t be afraid, Miss. You didn’t sleep well last night. After breakfast, just lie back down and rest. I’ll stay right here with you. If anything happens, I’ll let you know right away.”

Ning Zhaorou nodded faintly, but then remembered the curtain blocked Shuangwu’s view of her, so she murmured another quiet “Okay.”

Consort Liang’s banquet was one that no noble family dared to ignore. After all, His Majesty was young and vigorous, and though the princes and noble sons were growing up, there were always those with ambitions of “flying onto higher branches.” However, after last night’s events, fear had clearly set in. One flash of the Emperor’s anger, and lives were lost. Palace life was not to be taken lightly.

The faces of the higher-ranking consorts revealed nothing, but the younger sons and daughters of various households couldn’t hide their anxiety. After all, the Emperor had ordered several “assassins” executed with canes the night before—he hadn’t even tried to conceal it. The screams had echoed without end, and by morning, all that remained was silence.

Though the banquet’s atmosphere appeared cordial, it still carried an undercurrent of tension. Soon, the eunuchs at the front announced the arrival of the Emperor. Everyone rose instantly. The warmth of earlier conversations vanished like smoke. As the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, the room fell completely silent—no one dared to utter a word.

Emperor Yin Mingyu had reigned for nine years. Though he presented the image of a gentle scholar, his rule was marked by power and ruthlessness. It was precisely this calculated cruelty that allowed him to control the court single-handedly. With a flick of the wrist, he could summon a storm or bring peace—everything depended on his whim.

He took his seat on the dais, lazily toying with the white jade ornament at his waist. Glancing sideways at Consort Liang, he gave a faint smile. “Since it’s your banquet today, do as you please. Continue.”

Consort Liang’s heart tightened, but she bowed slightly and said, “Yes, Your Majesty,” prompting the dancers and musicians to resume.

Everyone sat back down, the atmosphere loosening slightly once again.

Seated below were all young nobles and ladies. There was little formality between them—though men and women sat on separate sides, no curtains divided them. Across from Ning Wanqing sat the eye-catching young general of the Chu family, drawing her attention immediately.

Chu Changfeng looked distracted. Yesterday, he had received a letter from the Ning family’s Second Miss, asking to meet him around the time of the Dog Hour (around 7 p.m.) to discuss something important. But due to the assassination attempt on the Emperor, he had been forced to protect His Majesty. By the time he went looking for her again, she was already gone.

She hadn’t appeared today, either.

As the music and dancing continued, Yin Mingyu remained visibly disinterested. He glanced at the untouched wine in his cup, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and said, “Bring me tea instead.”

That one sentence drew glances from several around him. Consort Li leaned forward slightly, pretending it was casual as she said, “Your Majesty isn’t drinking today? I heard this wine was brewed from spring water from Mount E’ming—clear and fragrant, but not intoxicating. It’s said to taste quite fine.”

Yin Mingyu didn’t even look at her. He simply waited for the tea to be brought and replied coolly, “It is good wine.”

It is good wine?

And that was it?

The second half of the sentence left unspoken gave the words a deeper, more elusive meaning.

Consort Li smiled faintly behind her sleeve and glanced toward Consort Liang, whose expression had already darkened. Serves her right, she thought. If she wanted to present a beauty to the Emperor, she should’ve chosen one to his liking. Fang Meiren’s reckless behavior—trying to drug His Majesty last night—who knows if she wouldn’t go as far as poisoning next?

Fang Meiren had been presented by Consort Liang and was once quite favored. But recently, the Emperor’s interest in her had faded. That must’ve been what made her desperate enough to hatch such a treasonous plan. Consort Li had heard the screams herself last night—each one more terrifying than the last.

Today’s flower banquet, hosted by Consort Liang, was clearly an attempt to distance herself from Fang Meiren’s crime—to show it hadn’t been her idea. The Emperor came, yes, but his disinterest was obvious.

Consort Li, calculating carefully, studied the Emperor’s expression. Seeing that the music and dancing were coming to an end, she spoke up:

“Your Majesty, I’ve heard that the Second Princess has been diligently practicing her zither lately, and the Third Princess is working hard to catch up with her sister. Since today is Consort Liang’s banquet, perhaps they can perform and compare their skills?”

At this, the Second Princess looked visibly flustered. In contrast, the Third Princess seemed eager.

Consort Liang knew full well the abilities of her own daughter. If the Second Princess lost, a scolding from the Emperor would be the least of it. Losing face in front of so many people would only prove her daughter inferior to Consort Li’s.

Before she could object, Yin Mingyu lifted his eyes and gave a slight nod. “Then let’s see. I recall there’s a nanmu zither in the treasury—use that one. The winner may keep it.”

“Thank you, Father!” the Third Princess beamed and immediately agreed.

The Second Princess clenched her jaw but followed suit.

No one else dared to comment—it was, after all, a competition between royal daughters. This performance was clearly for the Emperor’s eyes alone.

Yin Mingyu once again fiddled with the white jade at his waist and let his gaze drift toward the women’s seats. A crowd of delicate beauties sat there, but he didn’t spot the girl who had stumbled into his arms that night.

He had sent people to look for her but hadn’t said what to do if they found her. She had already been compromised by him, and she clearly knew who he was, yet chose to avoid him completely, fleeing in such a panic that even her chest binding had fallen off. If they did find her… well, then they would see what must be done.

“Who was invited to today’s banquet?” he asked.