The good mood brought by admiring beauty persisted until they left the mansion for the palace.
Outside the second gate, carriages and horses were ready. When Ming Tan appeared gracefully with her hand warmer, Lady Pei and cousin Shen Hua were already seated in the carriage.
Seeing Ming Tan remove her cloak and duck into the carriage, Lady Pei’s eyes gleamed with a smile. “Ah Tan, come up quickly.”
After Ming Tan settled, she asked gently, “Why did you take off your cloak? It’s cold; be careful not to catch a chill.”
“It’s warm in the carriage. If I don’t take it off now, I’ll be cold when we get out later,” Ming Tan replied, her eyes curving with a smile as she obediently grasped Lady Pei’s hand. “It’s my fault for keeping Mother waiting.”
Lady Pei lightly chided her, “What fault? It’s the Lantern Festival today, don’t say such things!”
“Yes, daughter knows her mistake—” Ming Tan leaned into Lady Pei’s embrace, drawing out her words in a coquettish manner.
Lady Pei helplessly tapped her forehead, “You’re always so clever at being endearing!”
Sitting opposite, Shen Hua covered her mouth and smiled softly, “The deep bond between Aunt and cousin truly makes me envious.”
Lady Pei couldn’t help but smile at Shen Hua.
Traditionally, it’s difficult for a stepmother to win approval. Ming Tan was the legitimate daughter of the first wife, with a powerful maternal family backing her. When Lady Pei first married into the Marquis’s household, she feared being labeled as “cruel to a motherless girl,” so she cared for Ming Tan even more meticulously than for the Marquis himself.
Over the years, despite having no children of her own, Lady Pei’s close relationship with Ming Tan earned her a reputation for kindness among the noble ladies of the capital, securing her position as the Marquis’s principal wife.
For this reason, along with Lady Pei’s good reputation, those with discerning eyes knew that praising her close relationship with Ming Tan was the most effective flattery.
At this moment, Lady Pei felt deeply gratified by the compliment. However, Ming Tan’s mood plummeted at Shen Hua’s words.
It wasn’t without reason. During Shen Hua’s six-month stay at the Marquis’s mansion, Ming Tan and she maintained a facade of peace, but privately, they often clashed.
Hearing Shen Hua’s cloying voice now, Ming Tan couldn’t help but recall her troublesome marriage arrangement and the gossip spread by the maids in the household.
The rumors were outrageous, but she couldn’t be certain they were entirely baseless. After all, that man from Changyu Street had been away on military campaigns for years and likely hadn’t seen many beauties. These unlettered military men often tried to appear cultured, desperate to take in talented women to prove they weren’t just brutes—her father was the perfect example, bringing along Concubine Liu to compose poetry even on official duties.
If Shen Hua were to marry into the Changyu Street household and rise to prominence, while she was left with a broken engagement, wouldn’t she, Ming Tan, become the laughingstock of the capital?
Even now, with nothing concrete having happened, the maids could spread such tales. If it were to come true, she’d have no choice but to become a nun—there’d be no place for Ming Tan in the capital otherwise!
The rumbling of carriage wheels echoed in her ears as Ming Tan grew increasingly upset, even feeling a tightness in her chest. When the carriage came to a halt outside Qixuan Gate with a “whoa,” she was still lost in her gloomy thoughts.
Official wives entering the palace couldn’t bring their carriages, servants, or maids. Lady Pei presented her official seal, and after palace matrons checked them for weapons, a eunuch came to guide them to Yong Garden, where the banquet was being held.
Since the founding of the Da Xian dynasty, women without official titles rarely entered the palace, except for selection ceremonies. Such a grand banquet with widespread invitations was unprecedented.
The snow-covered red walls of the inner palace exuded a solemn and intimidating aura. With each step forward, the pressure seemed to intensify, making it difficult to breathe. The journey to Yong Garden was eerily quiet, with only the faint crunch of boots on thin snow breaking the silence.
As everyone focused on walking, no one noticed a window opening in a nearby elevated pavilion.
“…It’s good that the Northern Border Route has taken over the Eastern State. You can rest in the capital for a while. By the way, Ah Xu, you’re… twenty-one this year, right? Why not take this time to settle your marriage? Starting a family and continuing the bloodline are important matters.
“Coincidentally, today in Yong Garden, the Empress has specially invited eligible daughters from official families into the palace. If you fancy any young lady, just tell me. As long as her family background is clean and her character virtuous, I’ll arrange the imperial marriage for you.”
Since entering the warm pavilion, Emperor Chengkang had been rambling, moving from the northern frontier battles to the great victory in the Eastern State, finally steering the conversation naturally to the topic of marriage.
Just as he was about to push further, Empress Zhang cleared her throat softly, leaned in close, and whispered while glancing out the window, “Among this group of ladies, the young girl on the left wearing the silver-white cloak seems very well-mannered.”
Emperor Chengkang interrupted, instinctively squinted, and looked out the window.
After a moment, he nodded, seeming somewhat satisfied. “The Empress indeed has a good eye.”
He instructed a eunuch: “Go find out whose daughter she is.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the eunuch responded, bowing as he retreated.
Emperor Chengkang turned to the black-clad man beside him: “Ah Xu, take a look too. After all, we’re choosing a consort for you. It should be to your liking.”
As these words fell, a cold wind carrying frost and snow blew through the window. The black brocade robe, embroidered with sitting dragon cloud patterns, had one corner lifted by the breeze. The man stood silently by the window, hands behind his back. He lowered his gaze for a glance, then emotionlessly looked away.
Emperor Chengkang: “…?”
He said to take a look, and it was just one look.
Emperor Chengkang was speechless for a moment. However, he was long accustomed to this person’s aloof responses and didn’t find it particularly disrespectful. He simply gave up trying to engage him in conversation for now, waiting for the eunuch’s report while chatting quietly with Empress Zhang.
During this time, Empress Zhang, observing Ming Tan’s figure from behind, grew increasingly pleased.
Most of these young ladies were entering the palace for the first time. Although well-trained in etiquette at home, few could resist the awe of the imperial city. Fear in their hearts inevitably led to timidity and pettiness in their behavior.
Of all the girls she had observed along the way, only this one carried herself with the most grace. Every movement was composed and elegant, truly a sight for sore eyes.
Shortly after, the eunuch returned to the warm pavilion and bowed as he reported: “Your Majesties, this group includes the wife of Marquis Jing’an, the fourth young lady of the Jing’an Marquis’s household, and the sister of General Shen, who is staying at the Jing’an Marquis’s residence.”
“Shen Yu’s sister?” Emperor Chengkang raised an eyebrow.
The eunuch quickly answered: “General Shen’s sister is the one wearing the gold-embroidered feather satin cloak. The one in the silver fox fur cloak with full embroidery is the fourth young lady of the Jing’an Marquis’s household.”
The Jing’an Marquis’s family – is a suitable match in terms of status. Just as Empress Zhang was thinking this, the eunuch added, “The fourth young lady of the Jing’an Marquis’s household is already betrothed to the heir of the Ling Guo Duke’s family.”
“Already betrothed?” Empress Zhang paused. “This is truly…”
The Ling Guo Duke’s family was an old noble house of Da Xian, so she couldn’t openly express her disappointment. Her face, however, showed traces of regret.
Seeing this, Emperor Chengkang casually added, “Since she’s already betrothed, it wouldn’t be right to break up someone else’s engagement.”
His words conveyed regret, but inwardly he was indifferent. When he heard “Jing’an Marquis’s household,” he had already excluded this fourth young lady from consideration.
After a brief pause, he pointed to the now-distant figures: “I think General Shen’s sister also looks quite promising. The Shen family’s status might be lower, but she could still make a suitable side consort.”
Empress Zhang, uninterested in selecting concubines, lowered her gaze to adjust her sleeves without responding.
Emperor Chengkang turned and asked, “Ah Xu, what do you think? Didn’t you admire that Shen Yu?”
“I think nothing of it,” came the reply, neither loud nor soft, tinged with mild impatience. “If Your Majesty finds her suitable, you might as well take her into the imperial harem.”
Somehow, the surrounding eunuchs felt their hearts racing and legs weakening upon hearing this. Despite the heated floor in the pavilion, everyone involuntarily shivered, keeping their heads lowered.
The attending ladies were oblivious to the events in the warm pavilion. Entering Yong Garden, they were led to Changming Hall and seated in order.
The Jing’an Marquis’s family was seated right next to the hall’s entrance; those behind would have to endure the cold wind outside.
Shen Hua, sitting with Lady Pei, was puzzled. Having been in the capital for half a year, she knew the Jing’an Marquis’s family held a prestigious position. Why, then, were they seated so far back at this palace banquet?
While Shen Hua was confused, Ming Tan understood clearly.
In a place like the capital, teeming with nobility, a marquis title alone didn’t count for much. The Jing’an Marquis family’s current prominence was largely due to her father being a powerful border official with real authority.
Seating at palace banquets prioritized rank. Over a dozen duke families outranked their marquis household, not to mention the imperial clan. Being seated inside the hall was already a special privilege.
The hall was crowded but quiet. After taking her seat, Ming Tan casually glanced toward the Ling Guo Duke’s family’s position.
This glance ignited her anger anew. Did the Ling Guo Duke’s family think no one knew of their scandal, or did they simply not care about her? They had brazenly brought along that cousin who had been involved in the affair! What did they think this occasion was? Did they intend to familiarize her with the situation so they could harmoniously serve the same husband in the future?!
Lady Pei noticed Ming Tan’s change in expression and softly called, “Ah Tan, what’s wrong?”
Unaware of the Ling Guo Duke family’s secret, Lady Pei received a forced “Nothing” from Ming Tan, who struggled to suppress her anger and sat properly, refusing to look again.
The Ling Guo Duke’s family, previously unaware of Ming Tan’s gaze, now couldn’t help but observe the Jing’an Marquis’s women from afar.
The Duchess of Ling Guo was among those observing, with a hint of self-satisfaction.
Ming Tan had an unparalleled reputation among the capital’s young ladies. Her family background, appearance, manners, and skills in music were all top-notch. Her temperament was versatile, capable of pleasing a husband and handling grand occasions—truly rare. Fortunately, this engagement was settled early; otherwise, she would have been sought after by countless families.
The Duchess was 120% satisfied with this marriage arrangement, except for her troublesome son—
As she glanced back, she caught sight of a young woman timidly adjusting her teacup. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: though her niece, she wasn’t fit for such occasions.
She wondered how long they could keep this secret. With the Jing’an Marquis’s term ending and his return to the capital for a report imminent, the marriage plans would soon be underway. If they wanted to smoothly bring Ming Tan into the family, she’d need to plan.
While everyone in the hall was lost in their thoughts, they all maintained an outward appearance of respectful silence.
This silence persisted until a eunuch’s shrill voice announced: “Her Majesty the Empress arrives—”
Everyone set aside their thoughts, rose, and knelt towards the Empress, chorusing, “Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress! May Her Majesty enjoy longevity and prosperity!”
“Rise,” Empress Zhang’s voice was gentle, seemingly tinged with amusement. “Today is the Lantern Festival. I invited you all to the palace simply to enjoy the festivities. Please, be seated and don’t stand on ceremony.”
Despite her words, no one who dared to truly relax had ever made it into Changming Hall alive. Everyone bowed and responded with a collective “Yes” before carefully taking their seats.
Palace banquets were notoriously formal. Though Empress Zhang had dispensed with some unnecessary etiquette, the numerous procedures left the dishes cold by the time they were served. The noble ladies symbolically tasted a bite or two, maintaining their elegant and composed demeanor throughout.
Soft music played in the hall as dancers performed gracefully. The royal clan members and noble ladies occasionally exchanged light conversation with Empress Zhang about interesting happenings in the capital, with occasional laughter drifting back, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Midway through the banquet, a eunuch hurriedly approached Empress Zhang to relay a message. Whatever was said prompted her to give some instructions, resulting in two new seats being swiftly added at the head table.
Though no one looked directly, everyone knew that the main event of this tasteless palace banquet was about to begin.
Sure enough, just as this thought arose, eunuchs began announcing in succession: “His Majesty the Emperor arrives—”
Ming Tan, still preoccupied with thoughts of her marriage to the Ling Guo Duke’s family, quickly set aside her concerns and joined others in bowing.
A chorus of “Long live the Emperor” echoed through the hall. As the echoes faded, a voice both gentle and authoritative called out “Rise” from the head of the hall.
As Ming Tan stood, she was surprised: the Emperor’s voice was much younger than she had imagined. If the Prince of Dingbei was the Emperor’s cousin, wouldn’t he be even younger?
Once seated, they heard Empress Zhang speak: “Last month’s great victory in the Eastern Province was truly a joyous occasion for our Da Xian. Coincidentally today, His Majesty is also hosting a banquet for officials in Hongan Hall to celebrate the Prince of Dingbei’s achievements. I thought that although we are women, we should also pay our respects to Da Xian’s brave sons. So, I specially invited His Majesty and the Prince of Dingbei to join us.”
After a brief silence, someone took the lead, and praises and commendations began to flow from all directions.
Ming Tan knew that noble ladies in the capital were known for their subtlety, but she hadn’t expected palace affairs to be even more roundabout. It was a matchmaking event for the prince, yet they disguised it as a celebration.
Seated far back and unable to look directly at the imperial visages, Ming Tan could only see the vague colors of the three figures at the head table from the corner of her eye.
Just as she was wondering if the Prince of Dingbei was mute, having not uttered a word despite all the toasts and compliments, a familiar coquettish voice suddenly rang out from across the hall: “I’ve long heard that Your Highness, at the tender age of sixteen, led 3,000 elite troops to repel 30,000 northern barbarians, achieving great merit for Da Xian. I’ve admired Your Highness for years, and seeing you today is truly the fortune of three lifetimes. I wish to perform ‘Clouds over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers’ for Your Highness…”
It was Gu Jiurou, the second daughter of the Marquis of Chengen.
The Chengen Marquis’s family had always been bold. Previously, they had produced the Jade Consort, who was publicly rebuked by a censor for bewitching the Emperor. Now, they were eyeing the position of the Prince of Dingbei’s consort.
After her speech of admiration, with music prepared, Gu Jiurou gracefully bowed and humbly added, “This humble subject lacks talent and begs your indulgence for this poor performance.”
Ming Tan, having studied music from childhood under renowned masters, was curious to see how this performance would dazzle the audience.
However, she was denied this pleasure. As soon as the coquettish voice faded, the man in black brocade at the head table coldly interrupted: “If you know it’s poor, then don’t perform it.”