TFSRITA Chapter 45

Song Fu sighed and said softly, “Give up; she will never be yours.”

Song Yu pursed his lips in frustration. “How would I know if I’ve never tried?”

After all, she was meant to be his!

Song Yu had been too afraid to look up before. After being locked away, he hadn’t heard any news of her and had missed her so much that it was unbearable. Now that she was right before him, he found it laughable that he couldn’t meet her gaze.

But he finally did look up.

At that moment, he caught sight of Ji Yecheng doing something that made Yan Qing puff up with anger, glaring at him. The disdain in her brows made the man smirk, and as he laughed, his eyes sparkled when he looked at her.

As for her…

Song Yu couldn’t bear to look, feeling an unbearable bitterness. Yet, he couldn’t shake the thought that she had lost weight so much that her clothes seemed too loose.

He recalled Zi Yun’s words about how close she had come to death. He knew she loved him, but it still hurt deeply. After all, Ji Yecheng was a young man—her official husband—who had now truly claimed her heart after this incident.

The thought of the news he had heard felt like a knife cutting through him, making it hard to breathe. He couldn’t help but blame Ji Yecheng for not taking better care of her, for letting her become so thin.

“Son, look, those young ladies are all watching you,” Song Fu nudged his son’s arm.

On the other side, Song Mu, hearing the commotion, glanced over and smiled proudly. “No doubt you’re my son.” Then she cautiously asked, “Which girl do you like best?”

Song Yu lowered his gaze and silently sipped his drink.

Fortunately, he wasn’t downing it all at once; he took his time savoring it.

The slightly haggard but handsome young man drinking alone attracted the attention of several girls, who stole glances at him, their faces turning red.

But no one dared to approach.

Even though others had begun mingling and swapping seats, no one was brave enough to go near Song Yu.

Except for one person.

A charming young woman stood up next to the Prime Minister, smiling confidently as she approached with a glass in hand.

Several girls’ expressions changed; they tightly wrung their handkerchiefs, glaring at the newcomer, frustrated that they hadn’t acted faster.

Some of them, who had a grudge against Yan Zhi, also took their glasses and headed over.

However, what happened next was even more uncomfortable. Song Yu was polite, and they both exchanged pleasantries. But while one merely reciprocated, the other engaged in conversation.

Such differential treatment wouldn’t have been noticeable in other circumstances, but with the two of them standing together, it was glaringly obvious.

Chang Ya, the daughter of Minister Chang, clenched her glass tightly, her smile freezing.

Taking a deep breath to steady her emotions, she feigned displeasure and said, “Mr. Song, this differential treatment is making me a bit angry!”

Yan Zhi’s smile widened, a glimmer of pride flashing across her face.

The next moment, Song Yu said seriously, “Miss Yan is my savior. That alone is enough reason for my respect.”

Savior?

Yan Zhi’s expression stiffened slightly, while Chang Ya was momentarily taken aback, nearly grinding her teeth in frustration.

A savior!

What did this mean?

As long as she didn’t make excessive demands, Song Yu would always accommodate her.

Not to mention the connection through Yan Qing.

Chang Ya’s eyes sparkled as she returned to her seat politely.

Her follower, Miss Li, immediately approached her. “Ya’er, if you have any problems, just tell me. I’ll help you…”

Li often provided Chang Ya with strategies, so after pondering for a moment, Chang Ya recounted what had just happened.

After listening, Miss Li looked relaxed. “That’s easy; we can do it this way…”

Yan Qing took small bites of the soft food specially prepared for her by the imperial kitchen. Granny Qian watched her carefully, ready to wipe the soup from the corner of her mouth.

Usually, Yan Qing didn’t let Zhu Yin help her, but during this time, since her hands were inconvenient, Zhu Yin was assisting. However, these small tasks had always been Granny Qian’s responsibility.

Normally, Granny Qian would feed her directly, but with so many people around today, it felt somewhat improper, so Yan Qing declined the offer.

She ate slowly, her eyes curiously scanning the crowd. Most of the people were unfamiliar to her, recognizing only a few young ladies and matrons. Occasionally, their gazes met, and they exchanged smiles, which Yan Qing reciprocated.

Her gaze landed on Song Yu, watching him as he spoke with Yan Zhi for a moment before turning back to her seat, feeling a bit disheartened to see two young girls whispering to each other.

These two were the ones who had drugged Yan Zhi in the book. At this banquet, they would be executed by Ji Yecheng, and afterward, their fathers would turn to the Song family, laying the groundwork for future rebellion.

They were incredibly bold to dare drug someone at such a banquet. Their parents had spoiled them so much that they had never faced consequences, and in a moment of folly, they had lost their wits.

But when exactly would they administer the poison?

Just as she pondered this, after some time had passed at the banquet, a eunuch suddenly announced, “The Empress Dowager has arrived!”

At those words, the banquet felt like it had hit pause. Everyone instinctively stopped talking and adjusted their attire.

The etiquette of dealing with royalty was burdensome; one was always expected to kneel.

Even Xianfei and Defei had to rise and pay their respects.

Even the Emperor was required to follow the rules, yet… Ji Yecheng remained as immovable as a mountain, and Yan Qing imitated him, staying still.

To Ji Yecheng, the banquet was tedious and noisy, driving him to distraction. However, if he hadn’t been present from the start, the advisors would have made even more noise.

This was torment for a man who would rather avoid court every day.