Chapter Forty-Six: Attending the Banquet

“It’s said that early this morning, Lady Shu feigned illness and refused to see anyone, fearing someone might come to witness the spectacle.”

“Lady Shu values her reputation, so of course she must pretend to be sick.” Lady Hui plucked her zither strings, smiling idly. “But it’s merely a self-deceiving act. That day she visited Lady Xian, first met Lady Zhao, then Lady Jiang—everyone saw her true colors. Now she stands utterly alone. Not only does no one visit her out of concern, not even those seeking to gloat dare to step foot near. After all, who would risk offending Lady Xian, favored by His Majesty?”

“Your Ladyship is no less esteemed than Lady Xian,” Ru Yun, attending nearby, said softly. “It’s but a single rank apart. After Your Ladyship served in His Majesty’s chambers, you received your title. Even the Sun family holds the Emperor’s favor. Lady Xian may bear a prince, but ultimately she cannot compare to Your Ladyship, who was granted her title immediately. If Lady Xian wishes for a further elevation, she must first have the fortune to bear a royal son.”

“That is true,” Lady Hui mused, her cheeks tinged with blush. “For now, His Majesty holds me in high regard.”

“We cannot simply sit here watching others. No matter what, Lady Xian now carries a child. Once the prince arrives, the Shen family’s influence will surely rise. For my sake, and for the Sun family’s, I cannot allow that child to be born!” Lady Hui spoke, her gaze suddenly cold, as if recalling something. “Is Lady Jiang still kneeling outside?”

“Yes, shameless as ever, refusing to leave no matter how she’s driven away,” Ru Yun replied.

“She’s like a reed in the wind. The other day she flattered me, then hurried to Jingrou Palace to curry favor with Lady Shu, and dared to bite back when visiting Lady Xian. She must think we’re fools.” Lady Hui’s mind turned, then she said, “But perhaps she can be of use.”

“Your Ladyship, what do you intend?” Ru Yun inquired.

Lady Hui lightly touched her chin, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers, and smiled. “Go tell her that Lady Shu now stands isolated and scorned. Let her lend some support to Lady Shu. If she accomplishes this well, I will forgive everything in the past.”

“If she fails, she and her whole family will perish.”

…

The twenty-eighth of July marked Old Madam Shen’s sixtieth birthday. By tradition, a grand banquet was to be held, inviting many guests. The Shen family held considerable status in the Great Xun, so many came to offer their congratulations. On the eve of the banquet, Shen Fuyu sent word to the family, stating that she and the Emperor would attend the festivities the following day.

Old Madam Shen, as the guest of honor, did not seem particularly surprised by the news that Qin Zhiyi and Shen Fuyu would be coming. She continued her vegetarian meal and recited her prayers as usual.

Shen Shucheng, however, was thrilled and said to his wife Lady Gu, “Tomorrow we must prepare carefully. Fuyu is with child, the Emperor values her and our Shen family, accompanying her personally. There must not be the slightest mistake!”

Lady Gu was far less excited than Shen Shucheng. That Shen Fuyu survived the ritual to bring fortune was already beyond her expectations. As for her pregnancy, if not for Shen Shucheng’s constant reminders, Lady Gu would scarcely believe it. Since entering the palace, that wretched girl had gradually slipped beyond her control. Now, as she returned tomorrow, might she harbor ulterior motives?

“Mother, it’s late. Did you have something to discuss with me?”

Lady Gu’s thoughts were interrupted. Looking at the graceful figure leaning against the doorframe, her heart softened a little. She beckoned, “Tang’er, come here.”

The young woman, possessing exquisite features, walked in with poise and elegance. Every smile and movement shone like the stars in the sky, unforgettable to all who beheld her. Her dignified bearing was the product of careful upbringing in a noble family. If the literati and poets of Great Xun were asked who was the foremost beauty, they would surely name Shen Tangyu.

Shen Tangyu approached Lady Gu, noticing the trace of worry in her brow. “Is there trouble with Grandmother’s birthday banquet tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow, the Emperor will accompany that wretched girl,” Lady Gu said, torn between joy and worry. “I feel she’s slipping from our grasp. Tomorrow…”

“Mother, what does her favor matter?” Shen Tangyu’s tone was far more composed than Lady Gu’s. “In my view, the Emperor values not her, but the Shen family. It was mere luck that the ritual favored her!”

A flash of spite crossed Shen Tangyu’s beautiful eyes. Had it not been for that ritual, she, Shen Tangyu, would have entered the palace. It was Shen Fuyu who stole her place, but soon, she would make Shen Fuyu return everything!

“And besides, Mother, do you lack faith in me?” Shen Tangyu, confident in her beauty, had countless noble suitors before the Emperor ascended the throne. When she came of age, the late Emperor was gravely ill. She was born to be Empress, and could not make a hasty choice—she had to wait for the new Emperor’s reign.

If Shen Fuyu were wise, she would understand that the position would ultimately pass to Shen Tangyu. If she knew her place, Shen Tangyu might allow her to remain in the palace. If not…

Lady Gu looked at her youthful daughter and felt reassured. “But that wretched girl is now with child…”

“What of it? If she loses it, it’s no matter.” Shen Tangyu snorted coldly. “Besides, Mother, you need not worry. There are many women in the palace, led by Lin Yunya, who see that girl as a thorn in their side. Do you think her child will survive?”

“That’s true,” Lady Gu agreed after a moment’s thought. “But your father cares for that girl; things may not go so smoothly.”

“Once I enter the palace, what will Shen Fuyu matter?” Shen Tangyu sat beside Lady Gu, comforting her. “Mother, be at ease. Why worry so much? If I am in the palace, I will surely bear a prince. Then, Father will have no thought for Shen Fuyu and her child that cannot be born.”

“If I prove myself, and bear a prince who is named heir, so much the better. And as for Shen Fuyu’s lowly mother and brother, both are under your control. Even if she turns the world upside down, she cannot escape our grasp!”

“Achoo!”

Shen Fuyu suddenly sneezed, rubbing her nose involuntarily. Qin Zhiyi noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Perhaps someone is speaking ill of me behind my back.” Shen Fuyu blinked, then added, “Why is Your Majesty so concerned for me?”

“Nonsense!” He had meant to show concern, but her last remark made him want nothing of the sort.

In the carriage, Shen Fuyu pressed close to Qin Zhiyi. “Your Majesty, look at you, how easily you blush!”

“…Before I throw you out, stay away from me,” Qin Zhiyi gritted his teeth.