Chapter 333: Luring the Tiger Away from the Mountain (1)

Today was the one-month celebration of Qiongyue's Third Prince, and the palace was decorated with lanterns and streamers, making it very lively. The weather was kind; after many cold days, warm sunlight shone on the earth early this morning, reflecting into the room through the pure white window paper, bringing a room full of warmth.

Qingfeng gently opened the door and took a deep breath. She had been cooped up in this room for a whole month and was almost suffocated. If it weren't for that little one adding trouble for her all day, she couldn't imagine what it would be like to be cooped up in the room for a month. Qingfeng was just about to hold the child and walk under the shade of the big tree to feel the sunlight and the breeze when Ruyi hurried in from outside and said, "My lady, the Empress Dowager sent word asking you to bring the little prince to Dongsheng Palace before the Si hour."

Qingfeng's originally smiling face immediately fell. The ceremonial officer had come seven or eight days ago to explain today's arrangements, and just listening to it then had already exhausted her. Thinking of how tiring the rest of the day would be, Qingfeng could only groan in her heart. Seeing Qingfeng frown, Ruyi thought she was complaining about it being too early and hurriedly explained, "Because at noon, the Abbot of Yuquan Temple will pray for the little prince. After the prayer ceremony, we must go to the Imperial Mausoleum to pay respects, and in the evening, there will be a grand banquet for the officials..."

Before Ruyi could finish, Qingfeng waved her hand, replying somewhat listlessly, "I know..."

Knowing that her mistress had always feared these tedious rituals and ceremonies, Fuling smiled. "The rules of the palace are like this. It will be over after today."

Qingfeng didn't believe Fuling's comforting words, but if she wanted to live in this palace, she had to adapt to it herself. "Fine." Qingfeng sighed, looking resigned as she picked up the little one, who was wrapped tightly in a red padded jacket, and smiled bitterly. "Come, good son, today you and I are going to suffer."

The little one naturally didn't know what Qingfeng was saying, but as soon as he was held by his mother, he immediately grinned. This smile instantly wiped away the annoyance in Qingfeng's heart. She kissed the little one's forehead gently, and the corners of her mouth followed suit, flying upward.

Taking advantage of Qingfeng's improved mood, Ruyi hurriedly reminded her, "My lady, it's almost time." The little prince was the mistress's joy; no matter what troubled her, as soon as the little prince smiled, the mistress's mood immediately brightened.

Qingfeng held the child to the door when she suddenly remembered something and said to Fuling behind her, "Send someone to the Prime Minister's mansion to tell my eldest sister that there is too much to do in the palace today, so she shouldn't come to Qingfeng Hall with Little Sister to find me. Tell them to wait until I'm busy with this period, and then I'll bring them into the palace to gather."

"Yes."

Qingfeng walked outside the hall door. An Imperial Guard stood by the door. Qingfeng's heart skipped a beat. Looking up, she realized it wasn't Ming Ze. Had he been transferred? Or... Qingfeng guessed secretly in her heart. The old nanny sent by the Empress Dowager to fetch her was already impatient. "My lady, it won't be good if we miss the auspicious hour."

Forget it, if he's gone, he's gone. Lowering the somewhat chaotic thoughts in her heart, Qingfeng held the child and walked toward Dongsheng Palace.

Qingfeng thought she would see Yan Hongtian at the prayer and ancestor-worshipping ceremony, but he never appeared. Later, she heard Fuling explain that the rules of Qiongyue were just like this: when a prince reached one month, the Empress Dowager presided over the prayer and sacrificial ceremonies. Qingfeng didn't know how to describe the feeling in her heart. Perhaps it was called disappointment.

After such a long ceremony, the adults were exhausted, and the child had long since fallen asleep. The group returned from worshipping the ancestors and had just returned to the Empress Dowager's Dongsheng Palace for some tea and snacks when Xiao Yu's beautiful figure appeared in the hall. In the flower hall, a room full of masters, Xiao Yu paid respects to each one, her etiquette perfect, neither humble nor arrogant. Her calm and elegant demeanor surpassed any young lady of a great family. Qingfeng liked Xiao Yu very much, and the Empress Dowager seemed very satisfied as well. Only the Empress's indifferent expression showed that she didn't treat her well on ordinary days.

After paying respects, Xiao Yu said softly, "Empress Dowager, the officials and their families have already arrived at the Imperial Garden. The Emperor asked this servant to invite you, the Empress, and Consort Qing to Zhengyang Palace to attend the banquet together."

"Good." It was clear that Lou Suxin was in a very good mood today. Tired after a whole day, she was still full of spirit. "Empress, Consort Qing, follow me over."

"Yes."

Qingfeng sighed lightly in her heart. This grand banquet for the officials—she didn't know how late it would be before she could rest. Fortunately, she would be able to see her eldest sister and little sister in a while, which was some consolation.

The group had just arrived at Zhengyang Palace when Yan Hongtian, perhaps hearing the announcement, walked out. He seemed to have lost some weight after not seeing him for many days. It was almost the twelfth lunar month, and he was still in that black brocade robe, not losing his kingly demeanor, and appearing even more handsome.

"May the Emperor live for ten thousand years."

"Rise." Yan Hongtian raised his hand slightly and walked to the Empress Dowager's side, smiling. "Mother, the time is almost up. Let's go." Today, the child had been held by the nanny trusted by the Empress Dowager. Yan Hongtian's gaze swept over the child's little face, finally resting on the tightly clenched little fist. Yan Hongtian's sword-like brows arched, and the corners of his mouth curled involuntarily. He hadn't noticed closely before, but only now did he realize that the hand was truly small.

Although Yan Hongtian had only taken a fleeting glance, which even Qingfeng might not have noticed, it didn't escape the eyes of Xin Yuening, who had been watching him closely for over a decade of marriage. When Prince Jing was small, the Emperor had never looked at him with such eyes. She had thought the Emperor didn't like children, but now it seemed that wasn't the case.

No, this child must not be left alive! For the sake of Prince Jing's position as Crown Prince, she became even more determined about what she was about to do.

Tonight, officials and their families were invited, and an ordinary palace hall couldn't hold them, so this one-month banquet was arranged in the Imperial Garden. The garden had no spring or summer flowers, but it wasn't desolate, and the lush evergreen bushes added quite a bit of vitality to the winter. Many people came tonight, almost all officials of the third rank and above. The officials brought their wives and daughters, and looking out, it was all people in gorgeous clothes, drinking and chatting. Gu Yun and Su Ling were arranged in the main seats on the right, and opposite them were Lou Xiyan and Zhuo Qing. The two men nodded tacitly and then looked away, while Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing both had bored expressions.

"The Emperor has arrived." A sharp shout from a eunuch came from afar, and the noisy garden suddenly quieted down. Gu Yun squinted to look. Walking alongside Yan Hongtian was a well-maintained woman, covered in jewelry and with an arrogant expression on her face. The Empress and Qingfeng walked behind them. The woman who could push even the Empress to the back row should be the Empress Dowager, Lou Suxin, right?

"May the Emperor live for ten thousand years, the Empress Dowager live for a thousand years, and the Empress and Consort Qing live for a thousand years." As Yan Hongtian's group entered the main seats, the neat and loud shouts of the officials startled Gu Yun. There were at least several hundred people in this garden, yet they shouted in unison, showing they were well-trained on ordinary days.

"Everyone rise." Yan Hongtian was in a great mood today and waved his hand, sitting down in the main seat.

"Thank you, Emperor."

Everyone returned to their seats. Gu Yun looked at Qingfeng. The Empress Dowager and the Empress sat on Yan Hongtian's left and right, and she could only sit beside the Empress. The child was held by the nanny but wasn't sitting behind her; instead, he was arranged beside the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager teased the child from time to time, and Qingfeng could only watch from afar. She had thought she would be able to see the child and chat with Qingfeng when she entered the palace today, but now it seemed that wouldn't be possible.

"Today is my son's one-month celebration. I am hosting a banquet for the officials, so you don't need to be formal. Join me in a toast." Yan Hongtian raised his cup, and everyone followed, shouting, "Congratulations to the Emperor, congratulations to Consort Qing, and may the Third Prince be blessed."

With the child not by her side, Qingfeng was also at leisure. Her eyes searched the crowd. Her eldest sister and Lou Xiyan were whispering to each other, newly married and very sweet. Qingfeng looked at the other pair. Su Ling was drinking as usual, cold, proud, and silent, while Little Sister was resting her chin on her hand, staring blankly in one direction. Following Little Sister's gaze, it was a large lake. Under the illumination of the lanterns by the lake, the water surface was sparkling. By the lake, palace maids were placing small paper boats by their feet, each with half a candle burning on it. The small boats were slowly placed into the lake, drifting into the distance with the ripples, flickering, very beautiful. Qingfeng smiled. With such beautiful scenery, no wonder Little Sister had no interest in dealing with others.

Qingfeng's gaze didn't meet her two sisters', but her heart was warm. Seeing them living happily was more satisfying than anything else. Qingfeng was immersed in her own little thoughts when she suddenly heard Yan Hongtian's hearty voice shouting, "Recently, pirates in the East Sea have been rampant. General Su will lead troops to suppress the bandits. I am taking this opportunity at tonight's banquet to bid farewell to General Su. When the General returns in triumph, I will celebrate for him again."

Su Ling, who had been silent all night, stood up and replied flatly, "Thank you, Emperor."

"Wishing General Su an early victory and return." The echoing sounds of agreement came from all directions, but everyone's eyes were focused on the petite woman beside General Su. The important officials knew that General Su didn't get close to women, yet that woman was sitting beside him without seeing any expression of annoyance from the General, and at times, he even took the initiative to pick food for her. That woman had a scar on her cheek; she must be one of the Qing sisters. These three sisters were truly not simple. Qing Ling was already the Prime Minister's wife, Qingfeng was already Consort Qing, and now she had a royal heir. This little sister would likely be the General's wife in the future.

The officials all had their own little abacuses in their hearts, watching the three Qing sisters appear at the banquet at the same time, their abacuses already clicking.

"General Su is going on an expedition, and Miss Qing will likely follow the army, right? A wife following her husband—it's truly enviable." At the banquet, the atmosphere was quite harmonious when a clear female voice suddenly sounded. Everyone was stunned, looking at each other but not daring to respond. Since ancient times, there was no principle of women following the army. But the one speaking was the Empress, and the officials who had just been raising their cups sat down quietly, watching the development.

Yan Hongtian held his fine wine, his dark eyes arched with interest as he watched Su Ling, whose face was gradually changing, and Qing Mo, who was keeping her head low. Zhuo Qing and Lou Xiyan looked at each other, both deep in thought.

Among the group, the one whose expression changed drastically wasn't the person involved, but Qingfeng, who was beside the Empress. Little Sister had been delicate since childhood; how could she follow the army? The Empress suddenly brought up such a sentence, which must be malicious. Qingfeng tried to remain calm and replied, "Sister, you praise her too much. Qing Mo has been active since childhood but has never practiced martial arts. Her flower-fist and embroidered-leg skills can't be called martial arts. As for military strategy, she understands even less. Perhaps because she likes playing Go, she only knows how to talk on paper. She is still young and doesn't understand etiquette, so I hope the Empress Dowager and Sister will not take offense."

Xin Yuening snorted lightly and said, "Sister, you are too humble. I have witnessed Miss Qing's skills, and the Emperor has seen them with his own eyes. Are you saying that the Emperor and I are mistaken?"

Qing Mo was timid by nature and her health wasn't very good. Seeing her little sister, whom she doted on, so frightened that she didn't even dare to raise her head, Qingfeng felt a surge of anger in her chest. A "This consort dares not" was said through gritted teeth.

The two were clashing in the dark, and Lou Suxin waved her hand impatiently. "Enough. A young girl should be writing poetry, painting, or playing the zither. How can dancing with knives and guns compare to men?"

Qingfeng breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the matter was over. Who knew that Xin Yuening seemed determined not to let Qing Mo go? She leaned toward Lou Suxin and said flatteringly, "Empress Dowager, Miss Qing is a heroine who surpasses men. Otherwise, how could General Su look at her differently and fall in love with her? Today is a joyous day, and it's the Third Prince's one-month celebration. Why not let Qing Mo demonstrate for the Empress Dowager?"

A heroine who surpasses men? Lou Suxin looked at that thin figure again, still not believing it, but seeing the Empress's recommendation, she followed her words and replied, "Fine, I truly want to see how she is a heroine who surpasses men."