TFSRITA Chapter 46

Song’s father sighed and softly said, “Give it up; she won’t be yours.”

Song Yu pressed his lips together in frustration. “How would I know if I haven’t tried?”

After all, she was meant to be his!

He had been too afraid to look up. After being locked away and having no news of her, he had yearned for her intensely, trying every means to gather information. Now that she was right before him, he dared not lift his gaze—how ridiculous.

But Song Yu finally looked up.

As he did, he caught sight of Ji Yecheng doing something unknown, while Yan Qing stared at him with a puffed-up expression. The disdain in her brow made him smile triumphantly, and his eyes sparkled with light as he looked at her.

And she…

Song Yu couldn’t bear to look. It was painfully bittersweet. Yet, he couldn’t shake the thought that she had lost weight so much that her clothes seemed too loose.

He recalled Ziyun’s words, remembering how he had seen her nearly die and knowing how much she loved him. Still, it hurt, especially since Ji Yecheng was a young man—her nominal husband—who had truly gained her exclusive affection after all that had happened.

Thinking of the information he had gathered, Song Yu felt as if his heart was being cut. He struggled to breathe but couldn’t help blaming Ji Yecheng for not taking better care of her, allowing her to become so frail.

“Son, look, several young ladies are watching you,” Song’s father nudged him.

On his other side, Song’s mother also noticed and glanced over, smiling proudly. “My son certainly stands out.” She then cautiously asked, “Which young lady do you think you like?”

Song Yu lowered his eyes, silent, and continued to drink.

Fortunately, he wasn’t downing his drink hastily; he was savoring it slowly.

The slightly haggard yet handsome young man sipping wine attracted several girls who secretly stole glances, their faces reddening as they watched him.

Yet no one dared to approach.

Even as others began to chat and switch seats, no one ventured over to Song Yu’s side.

Except for one person.

A charming young woman stood up beside the Prime Minister and, with a smile, confidently approached him with her cup.

Many girls’ expressions changed, nervously twisting their handkerchiefs and glaring at the scene, regretting their slow reactions.

Some, who had a grudge against Yan Qing, also carried their cups over.

However, what happened next was even more disheartening. Song Yu was polite; they exchanged pleasantries, but one was merely a standard response while the other spoke a few more words.

Such a difference in treatment might go unnoticed at other times, but standing together now made it painfully obvious.

The daughter of Minister Chang, Chang Ya, clenched her cup tightly, her smile stiffening.

She took a deep breath to steady her emotions and pretended to be displeased. “Mr. Song, this difference in treatment is making me angry!”

Yan Qing’s smile deepened, a hint of pride flashing across her face.

Then, Song Yu replied seriously, “Miss Yan is my lifesaver; that alone is enough.”

Lifesaver?

Yan Qing’s expression stiffened slightly, while Chang Ya was shocked, nearly grinding her silver teeth.

Lifesaver!

What did this imply?

As long as she didn’t make excessive demands, Song Yu would likely cater to her.

Not to mention, there was the connection with Yan Qing.

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

Her companion, Miss Li, quickly approached. “Ya’er, if you have any problems, just tell me; I’ll help you solve them…”

She often helped Chang Ya come up with plans, and after listening to her, Chang Ya hesitated for a moment before sharing what had just happened.

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

Yan Qing nibbled on the soft food specially prepared for her by the royal chef, while Mama Qian watched her closely, ready to wipe the soup off her mouth.

Usually, Yan Qing didn’t let Zhu Yin do chores, but since her hands were inconvenient lately, Zhu Yin helped out. However, these small tasks had always been handled by Mama Qian.

Typically, Mama Qian would feed her, but with so many people present today, it would seem improper, so Yan Qing declined that suggestion.

She ate slowly, her curious eyes scanning the room. Most of the people were strangers; she recognized only a few young ladies and matrons. Occasionally, when their gazes met, they would smile, and Yan Qing would return the gesture.

Her eyes landed on Song Yu as she saw Yan Qing conversing with him for a while, before she turned back to her seat, feeling a bit dejected. She noticed two girls whispering nearby.

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

They were quite bold to drug someone at such an event, perhaps overly pampered by their parents, having never faced real consequences and now acting recklessly.

But when would they administer the poison?

Just as she was pondering, the eunuch suddenly announced, “The Empress Dowager has arrived!”

With that announcement, the banquet seemed to hit a pause button. Everyone stopped talking in unison and straightened their clothing.

This was the downside of dealing with royalty; they often had to kneel.

Even the less favored concubines had to rise and bow.

Even the Emperor was supposed to do so by law; however, Ji Yecheng remained unmoving, and Yan Qing mirrored his stillness.

For Ji Yecheng, the banquet was dull and noisy, annoying him to no end. Yet, if he hadn’t shown up, the advisors would surely have been louder.

For a man who would prefer to avoid court every day, this was a torment.