Chapter 360: Banquet of Honor

Chapter 360: The Banquet of Grace and Honor

Ji Yuntang broke into a radiant smile. Recalling that Tao Zhi had fallen for Wang Sheng at first sight, she seized the chance to sing Tao Zhi's praises.

"That Tao Zhi is a real gem—pretty, capable, great at cooking and sewing, and sweet-tempered, too. Any man who marries her is set for life!"

She gave Wang Sheng a pat on the shoulder. "There's a saying: 'A waterfront pavilion gets the moonlight first'—meaning those closest get the first chance."

"The chance is right here. If you like her, act fast—don't wait until someone else snatches her up and you're left regretting it."

Wang Sheng, flustered by Ji Yuntang's teasing, pursed his lips, his ears turning red.

His mind was filled with images of Tao Zhi—her cute, gentle, caring, and tender sides. His heart started pounding out of control.

Wang Sheng had never really thought about what it meant to like someone.

It wasn't until today, after hearing Ji Yuntang's words, that he realized he might have fallen for Tao Zhi!

He didn't say anything, not knowing what to say, so he just stayed silent.

Ji Yuntang didn't mind either way. After all, she trusted both of them. If they did end up together, that would be a double blessing.

But if they weren't meant to be, there was nothing she could do about it!

Just then, Luo Junhe's carriage started moving again, and Wang Sheng quickly followed behind.

This time, they didn't stop, going all the way to the back gate of the Prince Ye Manor.

Ji Yuntang, on the other hand, went in through the front gate.

The moment she walked in, she ran into Luo Junhe, who was sitting in his wheelchair, giving her a suspicious look.

Ji Yuntang pretended to greet him casually, then started pushing his wheelchair inside.

"A He, why are you so late getting back?"

Luo Junhe looked at her straight in the eye, then broke into a sudden smile!

"Why am I so late? Didn't you see everything yourself, A Tang?"

Ji Yuntang: "..."

Ji Yuntang: "!!!"

She realized then that Luo Junhe had seen right through her.

"So you saw me?"

Luo Junhe shook his head, a glint of amusement in his beautiful eyes.

"No, I just noticed a carriage tailing us the whole way, so I figured it was you."

"It wasn't until I saw you walk in through the front gate that I was sure!"

Ji Yuntang: "..."

She gave Luo Junhe a thumbs up. "As expected of you—you guessed it right."

Then she thought of something and asked him, "A He, you beat up the Crown Prince and bought all those snacks today—was that all for me?"

Luo Junhe saw no reason to hide it, so he told the truth: "Mm. The Crown Prince has been getting more and more reckless over the years. He used to come after me, and I let it slide for now. But I can't just sit back and watch you get bullied without doing something."

"I couldn't kill him today, but I'll make him pay a hundred, a thousand times over for what you've suffered."

Ji Yuntang waved her fist too. "One day, I'll beat him so badly his own parents won't recognize him."

Luo Junhe looked at her with adoring eyes, but then Ji Yuntang asked again: "And why did you have Chen Hu buy so much food? We can't even finish it all!"

Luo Junhe's eyes brightened a little, and a gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"A Tang, you took first place in all three subjects yesterday, and even Heir Xie threw you a big feast. Today, you won the Poetry Laurel, bringing great glory to the Prince Ye Manor. This is a proud moment for me, and it deserves a proper celebration."

"But I can't get around easily, so I couldn't take you out to eat what you wanted. So I just bought some of your favorite snacks to make you happy!"

"I already had Chen Hu bring them inside. I hope you'll like them, A Tang."

Ji Yuntang's eyes lit up as she said with a smile: "I like them. I like everything you buy."

"I'm actually hungry now, so let's go inside!"

She pushed Luo Junhe into the main hall and glanced around. The table was covered with all sorts of dishes, each one plated separately—like a lavish family feast.

Luo Junhe slid a bowl of tofu pudding in front of Ji Yuntang.

"A Tang, eat the tofu pudding first. It won't taste as good once it cools down!"

Ji Yuntang took a bite—it was smooth, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

"Savory tofu pudding is so good! This taste brings back so many memories!"

No exaggeration—the ancient tofu pudding tasted basically the same as what she'd had in modern times!

Except for the sweet versus savory thing.

After eating, Ji Yuntang buried herself in the study, preparing her suggestions for tomorrow's Grace and Honor Banquet.

Luo Junhe knew this was important—it concerned the future development of a certain area of the Dongchen Kingdom—so he didn't disturb her.

It wasn't until late the next morning that a eunuch led a ceremonial procession of thirty-six people to the gates of the Prince Ye Manor.

Six of them carried an exquisitely decorated palanquin.

The palanquin was red, with royal banners, beaded curtains all around, and trim of embroidery and gold thread—truly exquisite craftsmanship.

Leading the group was Eunuch Zhang, one of Emperor Jingyang's trusted men.

"Your servant pays respects to Princess Ye. Today, the palace is hosting a Grace and Honor Banquet in the Princess's honor. By His Majesty's decree, your servant has come to escort the Princess to the palace."

Ji Yuntang wore a light purple palace gown with a trailing hem, embroidered with gold phoenix-tail patterns and pearl trim—gorgeous yet elegant.

A slight smile tugged at her lips as she said calmly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Eunuch Zhang."

Ji Yuntang gave Hong Xiu a look, and Hong Xiu immediately pulled a money pouch from her sleeve and handed it over.

Eunuch Zhang beamed and added more words of congratulations.

"Congratulations, Princess! I hear the Princess took first place in the competition, and His Majesty is thrilled, praising you for bringing honor to the women of our Dongchen Kingdom."

"Is that so?" Ji Yuntang glanced at him indifferently, a wry half-smile on her lips. "Then did the Emperor mention what gift he'd bestow on me, the Princess?"

Eunuch Zhang's expression stiffened for a moment before he forced a smile back onto his face. "The Emperor didn't specify, but since the Princess has won the Laureate, the reward is bound to be generous."

Ji Yuntang knew all too well that this was merely a polite remark. She had no illusions about how much Emperor Jingyang despised her, so how could he possibly be pleased that she had won the Laureate and reward her accordingly?

She stepped into the palanquin, and the ceremonial procession began its journey toward the imperial palace. Along the way, the honor guard led the way, with drums beating and gongs clanging, drawing envious glances from the common folk.

As the morning sun rose, the Taiye Pond exuded a unique charm. Civil and military officials, dressed in court robes with jade belts, embodied the solemnity and grandeur of the palace banquet.

Platters of exquisite delicacies were brought forth, their fragrant aromas wafting through the air. Dancers moved with ethereal grace, like startled swans in flight and soaring dragons, adding charm and splendor to the day's festivities.

Ji Yuntang spotted many familiar faces here, and the ones she least wished to see were none other than Marquis Yongning and his wife.

The moment her palanquin came to a stop, she was immediately surrounded by a crowd of ministers, their flattering words ringing incessantly in her ears.

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