0p0 Chapter 69 The Empress's Birthday (2)
Chapter 69 The Empress's Birthday (2)
Looking at He Mingfeng's expression, He Yanxi couldn't help but shake her head, sighing inwardly, "Sigh, this kid really is a complete fool." However, on the surface, she said gently, "How can you be so sure there's no misunderstanding? There must be a reason why she's suddenly ignoring you. Why don't you go and ask her for an explanation? After all, even if she really dislikes you, she should at least give you a reason!"
He Mingfeng frowned and hesitated before saying, "But..." Before he could finish, He Mingshu gently patted his shoulder and encouraged him, "There are no buts. As a man, you must understand this. Otherwise, you will regret it in the future."
He Mingfeng turned to look at the others in the pavilion, and they all nodded in agreement. Finally, he made up his mind and agreed to the suggestion. He silently planned to find a suitable opportunity later to have a proper talk with her.
Qin Yaoyao and Cheng Ying also arrived at Fengluan Palace. With Qin Yaoyao by her side, Cheng Ying wasn't too worried. Upon entering the palace, Cheng's mother and Qin Yaoyao's mother, along with the younger generation, bowed to the Empress and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings!" The Empress quickly replied, "Rise, everyone! Please sit down." After expressing their gratitude, everyone took their seats.
Cheng Ying and Qin Yaoyao sat together. Only after sitting down did Cheng Ying dare to look up, thinking, "It really is just as Yaoyao said, Her Majesty just wants to chat with someone." Cheng Ying's heart was at ease, but it was not long before it was raised again, because she saw that the girl who was intimate with He Mingfeng was also there.
Cheng Ying looked at the girl, a sense of nervousness creeping into her heart. She recalled the scene she'd witnessed on the street that day; the intimate behavior between He Mingfeng and this girl had made her uneasy. Now, seeing the girl here again, Cheng Ying's feelings became complicated. She didn't know who this girl was, or why she was here. Could she really have a relationship with He Mingfeng?
Cheng Ying's first reaction was that it was all over. It seemed that Yao Yao was right; the girl's relationship with He Mingfeng was probably going to be settled. Thinking of this, Cheng Ying's heart ached as if it were being tightly squeezed, so much so that she could hardly breathe. Tears welled up in her eyes, but today was the Empress's birthday, and she absolutely could not cry. She could only desperately hold back her tears.
Qin Yaoyao keenly noticed Cheng Ying's change in mood and cautiously asked, "What's wrong, Sister Ying?" Cheng Ying lowered her voice and replied, "It's that girl." Qin Yaoyao asked in confusion, "What?" Cheng Ying took a deep breath and continued softly, "The girl who's being intimate with He Mingfeng is this one." Qin Yaoyao's mouth dropped open in surprise, and she asked in a low voice, "And the girl across from you?" Cheng Ying nodded silently, and Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but sigh, "She's quite cute." Cheng Ying smiled helplessly, wondering if she really wasn't as good as this girl. He Mingfeng probably thought so too; he must prefer this type of girl. Qin Yaoyao seemed to understand Cheng Ying's thoughts. She held Cheng Ying's hand tightly and comforted her, "You're cute too. Didn't he say he liked you?"
Cheng Ying replied, "Yes, he said he liked me before. Maybe I made him wait too long, and he lost patience!" Qin Yaoyao quickly comforted her, "How could that be! You still need to talk to him." Cheng Ying shook her head helplessly and sighed, "Forget it, Yaoyao, I'm not ready to face him yet." Seeing her friend so downcast, Qin Yaoyao felt sorry for her and advised, "Keeping yourself away like this isn't a solution! You might as well make things clear!" Cheng Ying remained silent, her mind filled with thoughts.
Meanwhile, Shen Xiaoran had been secretly observing the two women opposite her. She was paying attention to Cheng Ying because she knew He Mingfeng liked this girl, who might become her cousin-in-law in the future; and she was paying attention to Qin Yaoyao because she knew Qin Yaoyao was the fiancée of the Prince of Zhenbei, the future princess consort. Of course, there was also a crucial reason: Shen Xiaoran was a complete sucker for good looks, utterly powerless against anything and everyone that was beautiful. At this moment, Cheng Ying was preoccupied with her emotional entanglement with He Mingfeng and completely unaware of Shen Xiaoran's gaze. Qin Yaoyao, however, keenly sensed that someone was watching them. She slightly raised her head, her gaze quickly sweeping around, and sure enough, she saw the girl opposite her staring at her with shining eyes! Shen Xiaoran, instead of feeling embarrassed at being caught peeking, smiled brightly at Qin Yaoyao. Qin Yaoyao returned the smile and nodded slightly in response.
The Empress chatted with her mother and the others for a while, then spoke with Qin Yaoyao for a bit. Next, she turned her gaze to Cheng Ying, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and said softly, "You must be Cheng Ying, General Cheng's daughter?" Upon hearing her name, Cheng Ying's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of surprise and nervousness crossing her face. She quickly rose from her chair and strode to the center, preparing to pay her respects to the Empress. However, just as she was about to kneel, the Empress gently waved her hand, signaling her to stop. The Empress smiled and said, "You can just sit and talk. Today is just a casual chat; there's no need for all the formalities. It's making you nervous." Hearing the Empress's words, Cheng Ying felt a slight sense of relief, but remained somewhat reserved. She quickly responded and then cautiously returned to her chair, replying softly, "Yes, Your Majesty, I am Cheng Ying." The Empress smiled and nodded, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. She continued, "Hmm, she's pretty and very well-behaved. If Xuan'er were half as quiet as you, that would be wonderful." As she spoke, the Empress gently shook her head, smiling as if in resignation. Cheng Ying then smiled and said, "The princess is innocent and charming, very adorable."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's lips curled into a gentle smile. She turned to look at Cheng's mother and asked softly, "How old is Miss Cheng this year? Is she married?"
Madam Cheng's heart tightened, and she hurriedly and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, my daughter is eighteen years old this year and is not yet married." Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes revealed a trace of unease and tension. She secretly wondered what the Empress's intentions were. Was she going to bestow a marriage upon her daughter? If so, how should she deal with it?
Meanwhile, Cheng Ying's thoughts drifted elsewhere. She thought of that girl also being here; could it be that He Mingfeng's marriage was truly settled? A complex mix of emotions welled up within her.
The Empress smiled slightly, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes, and said softly, "Eighteen years old, the perfect age for blossoming youth."
Cheng's mother became increasingly uneasy, but just then, Biyu, the head palace maid beside the Empress, rushed over, bowed, and reported: "Your Majesty, the banquet at Changqing Palace is ready."
The Empress nodded, stood up, and smiled at everyone, saying, "Then everyone, please follow me to Changqing Palace!" With that, she took the lead, followed closely by a group of palace maids, eunuchs, and the Cheng family mother and daughter. The group marched in a grand procession towards Changqing Palace.
On the way, Cheng's mother and daughter, Cheng Ying, were both lost in thought and neither spoke. Meanwhile, Qin Yaoyao was walking when she felt someone tug at her sleeve. Turning around in confusion, she saw Shen Xiaoran standing close beside her. Qin Yaoyao looked at Shen Xiaoran and asked, "Miss Shen, is there something you need?" Shen Xiaoran's eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "You...you know me?" Qin Yaoyao gently shook her head and replied, "No." Hearing this, Shen Xiaoran was even more astonished and quickly pressed, "Then how did you know me?" Qin Yaoyao smiled and answered, "I guessed from the Empress just now."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiaoran immediately became excited and couldn't help but exclaim, "You're amazing!" Qin Yaoyao smiled and asked again, "So, Miss Shen, is there something you need from me?" Shen Xiaoran giggled, revealing two adorable dimples, and cheerfully said, "Hehe, nothing much, I just think you're pretty, and I like pretty people, so I glanced at you a few times earlier." Qin Yaoyao chuckled inwardly, thinking how straightforward this girl was, expressing her preferences so openly. However, she still politely replied, "Thank you for the compliment, Miss Shen." Inwardly, she thought, "Goodness, 'a few glances'? She was clearly staring the whole time, without even blinking!" But outwardly, she smiled faintly and said, "So, now you..."
Shen Xiaoran smiled and said, "Can we be friends?"
Although Qin Yaoyao already knew the ins and outs of the matter from He Yanxi, she was still somewhat uneasy if she didn't hear what the person involved had to say for herself.
So Qin Yaoyao hesitated and said, "This might not work. I can't betray Sister Ying. She'll be angry if she finds out I'm friends with you."
Shen Xiaoran then said, "Then let's just be good friends, right? Don't worry, I won't abandon her."
Qin Yaoyao then said, "That might be a bit difficult."
Shen Xiaoran asked in confusion, "Why?"
Qin Yaoyao replied softly, "Because she's been in a bad mood lately."
No sooner had they finished speaking than someone shouted, "Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!" Qin Yaoyao and Shen Xiaoran had to stop talking and follow the others into the Changqing Palace. Following protocol, they each took their seats and waited for the banquet to begin.
To prevent a repeat of the unforeseen incident at the last poetry gathering, the Emperor specifically assigned someone to keep an eye on the Third Prince's faction. This action undoubtedly demonstrated his deep affection for the Empress. Furthermore, the Emperor personally prepared a special birthday gift for the Empress—a painting he had painted himself. This thoughtful gesture allowed everyone present to feel the Emperor's profound love and care for the Empress.
When the Emperor presented this meticulously crafted painting to the Empress, the entire room fell silent, except for the Empress, who was moved to tears. The painting not only showcased the Emperor's exceptional artistic talent but also expressed his boundless love and blessings for the Empress.
After the Emperor presented his gifts, the princes and princesses followed suit, offering their own congratulatory presents. They each brought precious treasures or meticulously crafted gifts to express their respect and blessings to the Empress. Each gift was carefully selected, carrying profound meaning, a testament to the extravagance and prestige of the royal family.
Following this, the ministers also stepped forward to present their gifts. These gifts were mostly rare treasures or paintings and calligraphy by famous artists, and were quite valuable. However, compared to the gifts from the princes and princesses, these gifts reflected more of the ministers' respect for the Empress.
The Empress's birthday banquet was a grand and solemn celebration. The palace was brightly decorated, filled with a festive atmosphere. Palace maids, dressed in magnificent attire, bustled about, preparing various delicacies and drinks. Musicians played cheerful music, adding to the joyful ambiance of the entire banquet.
After the gifts were presented, the banquet officially began. At this moment, the Fifth Prince, He Mingfeng, entered and immediately saw Cheng Ying sitting in the corner. From beginning to end, except when presenting gifts to the Empress, his gaze never left Cheng Ying. However, Cheng Ying kept her head down, eating, seemingly indifferent to everything around her.
Despite this, Cheng Ying could still feel a pair of eyes staring at her. Finally, she mustered her courage and looked up, following that intense gaze. Just then, her eyes met He Mingfeng's. Both of them froze, clearly not expecting the other to be looking at them like that.
Cheng Ying quickly snapped out of her daze, her face slightly flushed as she lowered her head, no longer daring to look at He Mingfeng. In truth, she inwardly despised herself; she knew perfectly well that He Mingfeng no longer loved her, yet she still couldn't control her gaze. He Mingfeng, who had initially been overjoyed to see Cheng Ying looking at him, was quickly replaced by disappointment, as Cheng Ying immediately lowered her head again, refusing to glance at him once more.
He Mingfeng gave a bitter smile, thinking, "He doesn't love you, so what are you still hoping for?" He picked up his wine glass and began drinking alone. The Empress, sitting in the seat of honor, observed their subtle interactions and wondered if they were having a fight. But the Empress wasn't the only one watching He Mingfeng; his brothers were too. So, as he drank glass after glass, He Minglin beside him stopped him, whispering, "Weren't you supposed to talk to Miss Cheng? How can you talk to her if you're drunk?"
A bitter smile appeared on He Mingfeng's lips as he thought to himself, "He Mingfeng doesn't love you, so what are you still expecting?" He helplessly picked up his wine glass and began to drink by himself.
The Empress, seated at the head of the table, observed their subtle interactions and couldn't help but wonder, "Are these two having a falling out?" But it wasn't just the Empress who was watching He Mingfeng; his brothers were also paying attention. As he drank glass after glass, He Minglin, sitting beside him, quickly reached out to stop him.
He Minglin whispered a reminder, "Didn't you want to have a chat with Miss Cheng? How can you talk to her if you're drunk?" His tone was filled with concern and reproach. He Mingfeng paused slightly, his wine glass coming to a stop. He looked up, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, but it quickly returned to clarity.
He took a deep breath, nodded to He Minglin, indicating that he understood. Then, he gently put down his wine glass, rubbed his forehead, seemingly trying to clear his head.
Meanwhile, He Mingfeng's other brothers also noticed his situation. They exchanged glances, understanding He Mingfeng's troubles. However, they didn't interfere too much, simply observing silently from the sidelines.