Chapter 302 The Immortal Banquet

Chapter 302: The Immortal Banquet

The next day, when he went to the Hall of Eternal Life, Ling Yun spoke to Xue Quan in a voice loud enough for Emperor Jingping to hear: "My younger sister is curious and wishes to attend the Immortal Banquet. Eunuch Xue, could you arrange a seat for her?"

In recent days, Xue Quan had witnessed the emperor's favor toward Ling Yun. Just as he was about to nod, he suddenly had a realization and asked, "Which younger sister does the Heir of Prince Kang refer to?"

He hadn't forgotten—County Princess Jiayi was the birth sister of the Heir of Prince Kang, while Qiu Heng was his sworn sister. Both were "younger sisters."

"My sworn sister, Qiu Heng."

"I'm afraid that won't be convenient," Xue Quan said, looking troubled. "The only female attendees at the Immortal Banquet are the imperial consorts. Although Sixth Miss Qiu holds the title of county princess, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to sit with the consorts. Don't you agree, Your Highness?"

Having failed to get his approval through Han'er, she was now trying through the Heir of Prince Kang. What exactly was Qiu Heng trying to do?

To assassinate the emperor! She wanted to assassinate the emperor!

A little voice screamed in Xue Quan's heart, trembling with fear, wishing he could cover his ears.

Emperor Jingping was chatting with Master Miaoqing when the words "Sixth Miss Qiu" drifted into his ears. He turned to look at the two whispering.

"Yun'er, what are you two talking about? I heard you mention County Princess Suiyun."

Xue Quan's smile stiffened as he quickly pondered how to respond.

Ling Yun had already spoken: "To report to Your Majesty, A Heng heard that one can learn the path to longevity at the Immortal Banquet. She is quite eager and begged me to let her see the world. So, I shamelessly asked Eunuch Xue for an invitation."

Emperor Jingping's eyes flickered. "Oh? County Princess Suiyun is also interested in the path to longevity?"

For some reason, he recalled that night at the Lantern Festival—the slender girl in a stone-blue cloak, her pale face nearly colorless, plain yet strikingly beautiful.

"A Heng was ill for several months. Although she has recovered, her vitality was damaged, so she has developed an interest in ways to prolong life."

Hearing this, Emperor Jingping remembered.

That girl had indeed been ill for months. She used to cause trouble, but after that illness, she had quieted down.

Come to think of it, she had been ill for months, and so had he. Quite a coincidence.

With that thought, Emperor Jingping inexplicably felt a desire to see Qiu Heng.

The desire was subtle, but since Ling Yun had brought it up, it suited his wishes perfectly.

"In that case, arrange a seat for County Princess Suiyun."

"Your Majesty, with only one noble lady attending, it's rather difficult to arrange things," Xue Quan hadn't expected the emperor to speak so directly, and he struggled to object.

Emperor Jingping cast a dissatisfied glance at Xue Quan. "What's so difficult about that? Summon Jia Yi as well. They are both Yun'er's sisters—I must not show favoritism. Also, I recall that Princess Rongning is on good terms with County Princess Suiyun. Send an invitation to Princess Rongning as well."

Xue Quan opened his mouth but could say no more. "Yes..."

After arranging for the invitations to be sent out, Xue Quan found Xue Han and pointed at him. "Qiu Heng is going to great lengths to attend the Immortal Banquet. What exactly is she trying to do?"

Xue Han looked innocent. "Isn't it because she couldn't get in otherwise?"

"She sought help from the Heir of Prince Kang!" Xue Quan's heart pounded, feeling that something big was about to happen. "Don't tell me she plans to assassinate the emperor at the banquet? Don't be naive—such an attempt would never succeed under those circumstances."

"Since it can't succeed, Father need not worry."

Xue Quan paused, then gritted his teeth. "And if it fails? The entire clan would be executed!"

"A Heng is not the type to shirk responsibility or implicate others. Father, rest assured—she just wants to enjoy the excitement."

Xue Quan's lips twitched. I don't believe a word from either of you, he thought. But since Qiu Heng's participation was a done deal, he silently resolved to keep a close eye on her.

Time flowed by. On the morning of the Immortal Banquet, Qiu Heng took a carriage to Changchun Garden.

The driver was not Wu Qingzhou but Uncle Zhang, who had replaced him.

The day before, someone from Prince Kang's mansion had come looking for Wu Qingzhou, saying something had happened to his brother and sister-in-law, so he had taken leave.

"Sixth Miss, we've arrived at Changchun Garden."

Hearing Uncle Zhang's voice, Qiu Heng lifted the curtain and stepped off the carriage.

Changchun Garden was vast, with pavilions, towers, water features, and rockeries, all displaying royal grandeur.

It was Qiu Heng's first time there. As she walked, she silently observed the surroundings, led by a eunuch to the main hall where the imperial banquet would be held.

Qiu Heng spotted Xue Han at once.

The moment their eyes met, she gave a slight smile before looking away to greet County Princess Jia Yi, who had arrived earlier.

"Jia Yi, you're here so early."

County Princess Jia Yi looked listless. "My brother said there would be few noble ladies attending, so he asked me to come early and find you."

Qiu Heng handed her a scented pendant, apologizing, "It's my fault for wanting to join the fun. I've caused you extra trouble."

County Princess Jia Yi took the pendant happily, sniffed it, and her eyes lit up. "Receiving a scented pendant from A Heng makes this trip worthwhile."

"A Heng, Jia Yi." Princess Rongning approached.

On such an occasion, formalities could not be ignored. Qiu Heng and County Princess Jia Yi bowed in unison. "Your Highness."

Princess Rongning hated the title "Your Highness" because it reminded her of how she had come by her princess status. But outside the prince's mansion, no matter how jarring it sounded, she had to remain composed.

Fortunately, A Heng was here today.

Guests arrived one after another—some smiling, some serious—and took their seats, chatting quietly with those nearby.

Then came a eunuch's announcement, and the hall fell silent.

"The Emperor arrives—"

Emperor Jingping entered, surrounded by attendants. Behind him followed Master Miaoqing, then Ling Yun and another young acolyte, and lastly Consort Shu, Consort De, and others.

The ministers watched this procession, finding it absurd. It was only when they heard Xue Quan's low cough that they snapped out of it and bowed. "Your subjects salute Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with eternal health. May the consorts be blessed."

Emperor Jingping took his seat and raised his hand. "Rise."

Qiu Heng discreetly observed Emperor Jingping.

Compared to when she had seen him at the Lantern Festival, he had lost a lot of weight. His complexion was ruddy, and his eyes were bright, giving the impression of vitality. If she hadn't known that he had been bedridden for months and was now taking potent, dangerous drugs, she might have thought he had truly recovered.

The current Emperor Jingping was like a candle in the wind—seemingly bright, but merely the dying embers before the flame went out.

Not far from him, in a corner, stood a boshan incense burner. Thin wisps of smoke rose from the mountain-shaped lid, curling around Emperor Jingping, lending an ethereal quality to his normally dignified face.

Qiu Heng's hand, resting by her waist, gently touched the pouch hanging at her side.

From this distance, there's no way I can drop the incense pellet into the burner.

Looking at Xue Han's seat, it's even farther from Emperor Jingping.

I might have come for nothing.

"Ah Heng, what are you thinking?" Lady Rongning asked in a low voice.

Qiu Heng dropped her gaze. "I'm thinking the Dragon Boat Festival is almost here."

No need to be discouraged. If I can't find a chance today, I'll just wait a few more days.

"Ah Heng, Eunuch Xue seems to be looking at you."

Qiu Heng looked over expressionlessly, meeting Xue Quan's gaze.

He's just wasting such a good spot.

With that thought, Qiu Heng rolled her eyes.

Xue Quan: ?