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"Why should you apologize to me?"

Gu Changjin replied, "It's to repay the apology wine from last year. It wasn't your fault that I married you, and you didn't ruin my marriage either. That cup of wine was never necessary for you to drink."

As he spoke, he slowly poured a cup of wine and gazed at Rong Shu, sipping it gradually. Then, he prepared to pour another.

Rong Shu hurriedly imitated his action from the previous year, extending her finger to press against his cup, saying, "Gu Changjin, I only drank one cup last year."

Gu Changjin continued pouring, and the cold wine trickled down from Rong Shu's fingertips, pattering into the cup.

"For this second cup, it's because I broke my promise about our divorce. You know, Rong Shu, I can't part from you with joy."

Gu Changjin lifted the cup once more and drained it. Immediately after, he picked up the wine jar and filled another.

"The third cup is because I failed to protect you, allowing you to suffer pain and indignity."

His voice, now tinged with the warmth of alcohol, grew hoarse. He looked at her, his gaze flowing gently over her brows and eyes like a stream.

Despite finishing three cups, his gaze remained clear and bright.

Rong Shu averted her gaze gently.

Gu Changjin set down his cup and changed the subject, "There will be a fireworks display in the palace tonight. Someone will accompany you to the martial arts field to watch it. The area is spacious, offering an excellent view."

Rong Shu acknowledged with a soft "Mm," glancing at him, "The quarter of an hour is up." It was a subtle hint for him to leave.

Gu Changjin's lips curved slightly, "Do you have a handkerchief?"

Rong Shu was taken aback, noticing the dampness on his hand from pouring the wine. Silently, she retrieved the handkerchief from her waist and passed it to him.

Yet, Gu Changjin did not use the handkerchief to wipe his hands. He merely whispered a "thank you" before lifting his foot and departing from the Purple Imperial Palace.

Rong Shu only regained her composure when his figure had vanished from sight. She realized he had yet to return her handkerchief.

She stared blankly at the empty wine cup on the table, lost in thought for a long moment.

At the sixth hour of the afternoon, the gong sounded at the Qianqing Palace, marking the commencement of the family banquet.

Behold, beneath the grand "Rectitude and Brightness" plaque, the royal dais was adorned with an array of exquisite and luxurious bowls and dishes. The banquet table held a sumptuous spread of one hundred and nine courses, comprising cold appetizers, hot dishes, delicate pastries, and savory soups.

Emperor Jia You sat in the central throne, with the Empress on his left and the Crown Prince on his right. Below them were Concubine Xing, Prince Shun, Princess Shun, two childless consorts, Prince Huai'an, and Wen Xi.

Emperor Jia You glanced at Xiao Huaian, who had voluntarily taken a seat at the end. He beckoned, "Add a chair beside the Crown Prince. Let Huai'an sit next to him."

In previous years, Xiao Huaian always sat at the end. Sometimes, when Emperor Jia You tried to change his position, he would object. But this time, he only looked at Gu Changjin and didn't refuse. Instead, he followed Wang Dehai obediently and sat down beside Gu Changjin.

Emperor Jia You then turned his gaze to Qingxi, who was seated in a corner.

The young lady wore a light makeup and a purple robe embroidered with blooming peony flowers. Despite her composure, there was an air of vulnerability that tugged at one's heartstrings.

"Xiaorou, sit beside the Empress," Emperor Jia You said with a faint smile. "Since you saved the Empress at Daci'en Temple, from today onwards, you will be the Empress's foster daughter, Princess Qingxi of the County."

This arrangement had been previously discussed between Empress Qi and Emperor Jia You. Using the pretense of Wen Xi saving her life, they bestowed the title of Princess upon her.

As soon as Emperor Jia You finished speaking, a hint of fear flashed across Wen Xi's slender face. Her almond-shaped eyes widened, and she looked at Empress Qi helplessly.

Empress Qi's gaze softened. "Haven't you thanked your benefactor? Come closer to me."

Wen Xi finally rose to express her gratitude, and as she took her seat beside Empress Qi, her gaze discreetly brushed past Gu Changjin, who sat opposite her.

Gu Changjin kept his eyes lowered, his expression serene.

Only Xiao Huaian, seated beside him, noticed the corner of a cloth peeking out from his sleeve, embroidered with the character "Zhao." During the ceremony when Emperor's uncle had granted the title of Qingxi County Princess, the Crown Prince had persistently rubbed his thumb against that character.

Xiao Huaian was acutely attuned to others' emotions and sensed that the Crown Prince seemed to be suppressing something.

Though this imperial banquet was called a family gathering, it was vastly different from an ordinary family feast in a commoner's home.

Each person seemed to wear a mask of composure, maintaining a serene and orderly demeanor. The attending palace servants were so quiet that even their breathing was barely audible.

The sky gradually grew dim.

The servants began to clear the feast as everyone took their seats in palanquins, heading towards the Donghua Gate.

At this moment, within the Imperial Palace through Donghua Gate, numerous platforms for ceremonial music and artillery were already in place. As the hour of Wei struck, Emperor Jia Yu gave the command, and the Bell and Drum Bureau promptly harmonized with majestic music. Rockets soared into the sky like bolts of lightning, bursting loudly amidst the night with a thunderous "boom," illuminating the darkness.

In previous years, the New Year's Eve fireworks were usually set off at the residence. But this year, the Crown Prince instructed the Ministry of Rites to move the fireworks platform to the Donghua Gate.

Others praised him for fearing that Emperor Jia You would overexert himself, commending his filial piety. Only he himself knew the truth: it was merely because the Donghua Gate was closest to the Eastern Palace. Setting off fireworks here would allow her to enjoy them more thoroughly.

Indeed, Rong Shu enjoyed herself immensely.

As the fireworks burst into the sky and the ceremonial cannons boomed in unison, she sat on the snowy slope of the martial arts field.

In the past, watching fireworks from Wutong Lane or Qilin East Street always felt distant, but tonight's extraordinary display seemed to bloom right above her head, within arm's reach.

This year's fireworks show was different from previous years.

"Which one did you just see? What did it remind you of?" She couldn't resist pulling Lan Xuan aside to ask.

Lan Xuan's gaze had been fixed on the night sky. Upon hearing the question, she pondered for a moment before responding, "To me, it looked like a plump field mouse with an exceptionally fluffy tail."

Rong Shu's eyes crinkled with laughter. "That wasn't a field mouse, it was a broom-tail."

The palace maids in the Eastern Palace were fond of fireworks, so the group remained until the last flicker of light faded away on the horizon before returning, fully satisfied.

The Purple Imperial Palace was adorned with an abundance of smoke-diffused silk lanterns tonight, casting a dazzling display of illuminated trees and shimmering lights, akin to an ocean of radiance.

Upon finishing the New Year's Eve vigil, Rong Shu sipped on another cup of Tusu wine and then nestled herself against a crescent moon pillow on a cabriole bed.

After an indeterminate slumber, she was jolted awake by a fleeting silhouette outside her chamber.

Rong Shu promptly sat up, slipped on her shoes, and delicately lifted the cotton-painted screen curtain to peer outside.