Chapter 8

Chapter 8

On December 15th, the emperor returned triumphantly to the capital after leading a personal campaign. When the army reached outside the city, the people cheered.

The gates of the capital were wide open. The emperor, clad in battle armor, was followed by the imperial guards and the formidable Qi Family Army, their flags fluttering. As they approached the capital, the people cheered with joy. The Dayuan emperor had spent half his life on horseback, constantly engaged in warfare. On this often-war-torn land, it was his readiness to fight at a moment's notice and his personal leadership in battle that had brought stability and peace to the Dayuan people.

The news that the emperor had personally gone to the border, killed and beheaded the barbarian generals, and secured thirteen cities for Dayuan had already spread far and wide.

The heavy iron cavalry entered, their warhorses' hooves shaking the ground. The people looked up at the majestic emperor, who was followed by thousands of troops and horses. The Qi Family Army accompanied the imperial escort into the capital, basking in the city's splendor. When they reached the outer city, the heavily armed soldiers removed their armor and set up camp outside.

"Welcome Your Majesty's triumphant return!" the assembled officials shouted in unison, and a chorus of "Long live the emperor!" echoed.

The emperor's personal expedition had defeated the northern barbarians, and his bravery was widely praised.

The imperial procession returned to the court and held a court session.

The emperor shed his heavy armor, donned his dragon robe, and as he entered the great hall, the atmosphere was solemn.

The current prosperity of Dayuan was not only due to the widely praised imperial expeditions but also due to the emperor himself. This emperor had fought on the battlefield since his youth, capturing multiple cities. Before reaching middle age, his merits had overshadowed the ruler's. Later, when the old emperor was critically ill, he launched a coup and ascended the throne. After founding the new dynasty, he ruled with military force, expanding Dayuan's vast territory. This great victory over the northern barbarians drove them beyond the northern border, securing ten years of peace for Dayuan's frontiers.

The civil and military officials performed the kowtow ritual. On the high throne, the emperor was in his prime, and the aura of years of warfare and killing made him intimidating without effort, so much so that no one dared to look directly at him. Only when he waved his hand and said, "Rise," did the officials dare to lift their heads.

At the first court session after the emperor's return, military officers were rewarded according to their merits. The news of the emperor's general amnesty soon spread throughout the palace.

In the inner palace, to welcome the emperor, the consorts dressed in their finest attire.

On the Empress Dowager's birthday, all consorts came to Cining Palace to pay respects.

As soon as Ying Fusheng entered the hall, he noticed the gazes coming from all directions. As a prince staying temporarily with the Empress Dowager, he naturally attracted attention.

After a few days of rest, his complexion had improved considerably. Except for lingering fatigue from the high fever and some weight loss, he was in much better shape than when he was in Weiyang Palace. Among the gazes from all sides was Consort Ning. After being confined for many days, with her duties taken by others, she had repeatedly sent people to speak with Ying Fusheng, even feigning illness. But Ying Fusheng hadn't returned to the palace, so she had to wait until today to see him.

When Ying Fusheng met Consort Ning again, she seemed much more restrained, attending to everything meticulously in front of the Empress Dowager. As Ying Fusheng approached her, she wore the most loving smile, every word inquiring about his health, afraid of displeasing the Empress Dowager in any way.

"Mother Consort," Ying Fusheng said.

"Is Sheng'er feeling better?" Consort Ning asked with a smile, terrified of making a misstep that might displease the Empress Dowager. After the Wangyue Pavilion incident, the Ning family had sent word that her handling of the matter was improper, leaving her frustrated for days. Now, seeing this bastard looking better, she still had to speak gently to him: "The palace banquet is tonight. Go back to Weiyang Palace and change your clothes."

Ying Fusheng noticed the Empress Dowager's gaze shift toward them and obediently agreed.

Seeing Ying Fusheng's docile demeanor, and relieved that the child hadn't grown estranged after half a month away, Consort Ning felt a bit more settled. When Ying Fusheng went to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, her eyes narrowed slightly. "Didn't I tell you to give him the medicine these past few days?"

Bi Zhu had instructed that simple-minded young eunuch, saying it was licorice powder to alleviate the bitterness for the Sixth Prince.

That young eunuch had actually believed it. Several times, Consort Ning had even gone to the pharmacy to check, confirming that the eunuch had added the medicine.

Now, seeing the Sixth Prince's condition, she couldn't be sure. She could only say, "Perhaps the Imperial Medical Institute has been overprescribing tonics lately..."

The prescriptions from the imperial physicians of Cining Palace were unknown to them.

Bi Zhu naturally wouldn't dare to act recklessly, so she had kept the dosage low.

Seeing that the Sixth Prince seemed to have just recovered from a serious illness, Consort Ning speculated that Imperial Physician Chu's prescriptions were indeed extraordinary, allowing this bastard to get out of bed. She thought to herself, "Such a survivor."

"Your Ladyship," Bi Zhu knew her mistress's temperament well. "What about the prince's birthday gift?"

Consort Ning knew that Ying Fusheng's attendance at the palace banquet was inevitable. If he didn't prepare a birthday gift, she, as his mother, would have to prepare one for him. His youth had this disadvantage—if she didn't prepare, it would be seen as a lapse in duty. Intending to keep a low profile, she decided that her own gift must be proper: "Take a small portion from my gift and give it as his. Instruct the eunuchs attending him."

Just pick two suitable items.

After paying respects to the Empress Dowager, the various palaces prepared for the evening banquet.

When Ying Fusheng returned to Weiyang Palace, he saw the birthday gifts prepared by other palace staff. He glanced over them and picked out a few overly extravagant items, and had Song An put them away in the storeroom.

Seeing this, Song An was a bit surprised. Consort Ning hadn't provided many items, and these two were the most suitable of them. "Your Highness?"

Ying Fusheng didn't explain much. He simply placed two scrolls, apparently paintings or calligraphy, into the birthday gift for the Empress Dowager and instructed Song An to watch over the gifts and not let any other palace staff touch them.

As music and dance began, night fell.

The Wangyue Pavilion was brightly lit. Female singers and male musicians entered to perform. This was the first palace banquet after the emperor's triumphant return, and the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Ministry of Rites dared not slack off. The entire banquet was harmonious, with singing and dancing creating a lively atmosphere.

When Ying Fusheng arrived, he was momentarily dazed by the brightly lit Wangyue Pavilion at night.

In Weiyang Palace, he had been severely ill, and Cining Palace was very quiet. Since his rebirth, this was his first time in a crowded setting. He looked at the officials and their families entering in pairs from afar. The cheerful sounds turned into a piercing, howling wind in his ears, causing a thin layer of sweat to form on his palms. He shook off the illusory sound of the wind and gradually readjusted to the lively scene before him.

The young princes and princesses of the palace all stood together. As Ying Fusheng approached, those around him noticed him. The Imperial Clan consisted of only so many members, and every prince and princess had appeared at palace banquets, except for the Sixth Prince. The Sixth Prince was sickly as a child, frequently taking sick leave from his studies, and didn't interact with his siblings, being withdrawn and taciturn.

Seeing him approach, the others merely observed, not approaching or greeting him.

As a result, an empty space formed around him.

The exclusion and observation from others were very apparent. Ying Fusheng acted as if he hadn't noticed and walked straight toward the Crown Prince. When he got close, he bowed. "Elder Brother."

It was then that the Crown Prince seemed to notice Ying Fusheng. He smiled and said, "Sixth Brother, it seems you're feeling better."

He then introduced Ying Fusheng to the other imperial family members. Upon hearing the Crown Prince, they exchanged a few words but still kept their distance and did not engage further.

The atmosphere turned awkward. The Crown Prince then belatedly explained to his younger siblings, "Sixth Brother rarely moves about the palace, so they're a bit unfamiliar with you."

A hint of amusement flickered in the Crown Prince's eyes. He paused meaningfully and asked, "Sixth Brother won't blame them, will he?"

Ying Fusheng watched the man speak. Under normal circumstances, a caring elder brother would have encouraged the others to get acquainted. The Crown Prince seemed to be a concerned elder brother resolving the awkwardness for his younger siblings, but his words subtly created distance without any intention of drawing Ying Fusheng into their circle.

Malice was nothing new to Ying Fusheng. "Of course not," he said.

Ying Fusheng remained silent, but his peripheral vision swept over the surrounding princes and officials, all of whom were high-ranking ministers in the court.

At that moment, he noticed others looking at the Crown Prince, so he himself moved to stand beside the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince's expression shifted slightly. Ying Fusheng spoke little, and the other princes and princesses didn't approach him. With him standing beside the Crown Prince, even fewer came near. A flicker of satisfaction passed through the Crown Prince's eyes. He then engaged in lively conversation with those around him, leaving Ying Fusheng behind.

Ying Fusheng bided his time. Not long after, he followed the sound, looking into the distance.

Here they come.

The palace banquet was bustling with activity. As the night banquet approached, music and dance began.

The eunuch called out loudly, and several figures appeared in the distance.

The Empress Dowager had arrived.

By her side was Empress Xu, accompanied by the consorts of the inner palace.

When Ying Fusheng caught sight of those figures, his pupils constricted slightly, lingering on Empress Xu beside the Empress Dowager. Usually dressed in plain palace attire, today her robe was embroidered with gold thread and phoenixes, magnificent and dignified, embodying the dignity of the mother of the nation. Since that first meeting with her at Cining Palace, the younger version of his birth mother seemed little changed from the woman she would become in later years.

In his previous life, he had once seen her in grand attire from afar, following Consort Ning. It had been just like this.

Empress Xu slowed her pace, supporting the Dowager Empress, entered Wangyue Pavilion. Upon seeing them, the officials and their families bowed in respect.

As they passed through the central courtyard, the Imperial Clan bowed and offered congratulations. When the Crown Prince noticed Ying Fusheng still following him, he slightly frowned but said nothing, stepping forward to lead the bow.

Ying Fusheng caught a glimpse of Consort Ning among the concubines in the distance; she was secretly watching the Crown Prince.

Thinking this, he moved forward a few steps to stand behind the Crown Prince and bowed.

The Dowager Empress waved her hand to dismiss the bows, and everyone around offered their respects, saying "May the Dowager Empress be at peace."

"Is that the Sixth Prince?" a noble lady spoke up.

Consort Ning happened to be standing among them and looked sharply upon hearing this. She had been keeping an eye on the Crown Prince and saw that Ying Fusheng had somehow come to stand beside him.

Noticing the commotion, the Crown Prince, born of the imperial lineage, stood with the princes and princesses behind him, all of them outstanding individuals. But the figure beside him today looked somewhat unfamiliar. The officials gazed over and saw the prince was slender, with a frame just starting to fill out, strikingly similar to the Crown Prince when standing together.

To the onlookers, the two naturally looked like brothers. Originally, Ying Fusheng still had some baby fat, but after his serious illness, his features had sharpened, showing a greater resemblance to the Crown Prince in the lines of his brows and eyes.

Seeming to notice Consort Ning, Ying Fusheng looked up after bowing and met her gaze directly.

At that glance, Consort Ning stood frozen. She hadn't compared before, but now that that bastard wore court robes, his look was strikingly like the Empress!

Seeing that everyone else was standing, she hurried forward a few steps, but Empress Xu noticed.

Empress Xu had last seen the child at Cining Palace. Some time had passed, and from afar he seemed thinner but a bit more spirited than that day. Illness leaves slowly, like silk unwinding. Having recovered and attending the banquet, his etiquette was impeccable, his manners proper. She paid a bit more attention and asked Consort Ning, "Is his health better now?"

Consort Ning's hands were almost sweating at the question. She should have given him a stronger dose to keep him bedridden. The more she thought, the more anxious she became. With the Empress asking, others would naturally focus more on that bastard. In her haste, she blurted out, "This child, honestly, on such a cold day, not even taking a hand warmer."

Seizing the opportunity, she moved forward, intending to use this as an excuse to take Ying Fusheng away.

Ying Fusheng would never let Consort Ning succeed. Attending the birthday banquet was precisely to put himself in the spotlight. Seeing Consort Ning approaching from a distance, he took a few steps closer to the Crown Prince's side. With others around, this move put him in a more inward spot. Consort Ning wanted to get close but was hindered by the crowd, which made her seem rude.

The Dowager Empress cast a glance at her, and Consort Ning had no choice but to stop.

Ying Fusheng followed the Crown Prince in paying respects to the Dowager Empress and others with proper etiquette. The Dowager Empress, already favorably impressed by the child from their recent encounters, noted that although he rarely attended banquets, his demeanor was steady and composed, unlike the other boisterous princes.

Hearing what others said, she looked more closely at the child, and thought he resembled the Emperor more than the Crown Prince now that his face had become thinner.

Seeing she couldn't approach, Consort Ning hurriedly arranged for Bi Zhu to lead Ying Fusheng away. The banquet was of great importance and must not go wrong. As she was making arrangements, she suddenly heard the Dowager Empress's words.

The Dowager Empress, with an indifferent expression, said, "Xiao Liu is old enough. Take him to the princes' seating."

These words stunned not only Consort Ning but also the Crown Prince.

The princes' seats were set aside; except for the Crown Prince, the rest were set for princes who had moved to the Princes' Quarters or built their own mansions outside the palace.

Hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Ying Fusheng's eyes. He knew his grandmother's attitude had softened, but he hadn't expected her to change his seating at this moment.

Empress Xu was not surprised. "By his age, he should indeed have a seat among the princes."

Since the Sixth Prince rarely attended banquets and looked younger, only after the Empress spoke did others remember that the Sixth Prince was close in age to the Crown Prince and old enough to be independent.

Everyone looked at Ying Fusheng, who bowed and said, "Thank you, Grandmother."

Empress Xu ordered the attendants, "Give the Sixth Prince a hand warmer, so Consort Ning does not have to worry."

Ying Fusheng hesitated slightly. "Thank you, Empress Xu."

Consort Ning clutched her handkerchief tightly, her panic barely concealed.

But with the Dowager Empress and Empress speaking, she dared not defy them—especially on the Dowager Empress's birthday.

Before she could think of a plan, a loud shout came from afar.

At that shout, everyone present turned to look. Ying Fusheng saw the golden figure in the distance.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

A long cry rang out. The arrival of the sovereign silenced everyone, and they all bowed in obeisance.