TFSRITA Chapter 44

Just wait; one day, she will make him regret it.

Finally, just before the hour of You was about to pass, the eunuch called out, “His Majesty has arrived, and Noble Consort Yan is here…”

In an instant, the lively scene fell silent. Everyone put down their wine cups and swallowed their food, immediately straightening their clothes and preparing to show respect.

When they saw the figure dressed in black and gold, and the person he had wrapped his arm around, everyone immediately knelt in reverence.

Looking around, aside from Yan Zhi briefly lifting her head, everyone else bowed their heads low.

Yan Qing followed his lead and walked to the main seat. The dragon throne was wide and soft, covered with plenty of padding. Once they sat down, there was more than enough space for them.

The people below were unaware of what was happening and did not react.

However, the palace maids following Yan Qing turned pale with shock!

How could the Noble Consort be seated on the dragon throne?

Even the usually calm Zhu Yin’s expression changed slightly as she instinctively glanced toward the Prime Minister’s position for help.

The Prime Minister held a high office; besides the princes, he was the most powerful figure present. Moreover, with the Ji family having few heirs, there weren’t any princes or nobles to compare with him.

Yet, the Prime Minister was also keeping his head down.

No one stopped her. Although Yan Qing found the dragon throne strange, when she tried to rise, Ji Yecheng firmly pressed her back down, leading her to abandon her resistance.

What could she do? She couldn’t win in a fight.

Causing a scene in front of everyone would only make her a laughingstock.

Seeing her not resist, Ji Yecheng’s mood brightened slightly. His brows relaxed as he said in a deep voice, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” everyone responded in unison.

They stood and looked up, only to see a stunning woman seated beside the Emperor.

At first glance, they were instinctively taken aback by her beauty.

Yan Qing, now slim, had a face that was truly palm-sized, with large eyes, elegantly arched brows, and a small mouth as tender and red as a flower petal. Her chin was sharp, giving her an air of fragility.

The previous Yan Qing’s weakness had come from her very bones, but the person before them emanated softness from her appearance.

However, as they regained their composure, the expressions of the crowd turned grave; this was against protocol!

Recalling the eunuch’s announcement, it became clear that this woman was the Prime Minister’s eldest daughter.

Thus, everyone turned their gazes toward the Prime Minister, filled with reproach.

A failure to teach is the father’s fault.

…

The Prime Minister’s gaze was filled with astonishment as he looked at the woman, his skin twitching as he said in a low voice, “Your Majesty, the Noble Consort’s position is here.”

Yan Qing blinked, still looking at the memory of her father, when Ji Yecheng displeasedly interjected, “I decide where she sits!”

The Prime Minister’s face turned pale. Instead of looking at Ji Yecheng, he focused on Yan Qing.

Only then did Yan Qing come back to her senses. Meeting his eyes, she instinctively offered a sweet smile. Her lips moved, attempting to speak, but after so long without saying anything, she couldn’t manage a sound. Instead, she mouthed the word, “Father.”

Instantly, the Prime Minister’s composure crumbled. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes softened, and his gaze turned gentle. The tip of his nose felt sore—his dear daughter had lost so much weight; it seemed this illness had been very hard on her.

The Prime Minister still didn’t know the full extent of her suffering, but just this realization was enough to overwhelm him. Not wishing to say more, he silently returned to his position after bowing.

Seeing this, Yan Qing turned to the man beside her, wanting to stand.

Since her father was unhappy, she would stay seated.

Her hands weren’t fully healed yet; she didn’t dare use much strength, so she could only watch.

Ji Yecheng frowned, looking displeased.

However, Yan Qing’s gaze was colder and more resolute than his.

Let go! She wanted to leave!

Though Yan Qing didn’t speak, her eyes undoubtedly conveyed this message.

Ji Yecheng’s expression darkened, his thin lips pressed tightly together, unwilling to relent.

Naturally, those below didn’t dare say anything about the silent struggle between the Noble Consort and the Emperor. Even the most formidable advisors dared not speak up against Ji Yecheng; he truly didn’t care.

Thus, the Imperial Garden fell silent, with everyone communicating through their eyes, afraid to make a sound that might disturb the Emperor.

Only Yan Qing, seeing that he wouldn’t let go, directly reached out to pry his hand away from her waist.

Her father didn’t want her to disappoint him.

Her soft, weak hand touched his larger one, and it felt as though she had sent an electric shock through him; Ji Yecheng loosened his grip, not wanting her to truly exert herself.

“Get lost!” Ji Yecheng gritted out.

Yan Qing shot him a glare before rising and making her way to her position.

Across from her sat Xianfei and Defei. When they saw her looking over, they quickly raised their cups, carefully toasting her from a distance.

They didn’t want to, but with the Emperor so doting, who would dare provoke him? It would be suicidal!

This Mid-Autumn banquet was a must-attend for everyone.

Song Yu had also been released and reunited with his family, so he was naturally present at the banquet.

Their seats were slightly forward. After the matter between the Emperor and the Noble Consort concluded, Ji Yecheng delivered a brief speech before lazily announcing the official start of the banquet. Performances began, and various delicacies prepared by the imperial chefs were served, finally bringing some liveliness to the occasion.

Voices filled the banquet, with some officials eagerly offering blessings to the Emperor.

Ji Yecheng listened with boredom, responding perfunctorily while his gaze remained fixed on the Noble Consort.

He took in the scene before him.

Song Fu’s expression darkened slightly.

If the Noble Consort weren’t favored and this was merely a ploy to suppress the Song family, he would have resolved to help his son, even if it meant sacrificing his military power for survival.

However, it was clear that this Noble Consort was indeed favored.

Initially, Song Fu thought it was all an act by the Emperor, but witnessing it firsthand led him to dismiss his previous assumptions.

He glanced at his son.

The usually gentle, smiling young man now looked gaunt, his eyes filled with sadness and disappointment. He didn’t look at the stage but silently sipped his wine.