CHAPTER 486: CHAPTER 164 PALACE BANQUET (2) RECITING POEMS AND MATCHING RHYMES

Imperial Palace.

Xiao Zhanping, accompanied by a throng of concubines, Princes, and Princesses, made an appearance.

All the ministers knelt down in homage.

Today, feeling pleased, Xiao Zhanping addressed everyone, "My subjects, rise; today is the Winter Solstice Festival. You are all invited to the Imperial Palace to celebrate this occasion with me; there’s no need for excessive formality."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

Everyone respectfully got up from the ground.

Then, they instinctively moved to the sides.

Clearing a path for the Emperor and all the royal relatives to walk through.

Xiao Zhanping sat on the Dragon Throne located at the center of the palace. Due to Empress Yu Qingyuan’s rebellion, which led to the execution of her entire clan, Zhao Mengyu naturally became the person closest to Xiao Zhanping, sitting beside him. It was indeed rumored among the court officials that the Emperor intended to make Zhao Mengyu the next Empress. The reason Xiao Zhanping had not acted yet was that once Zhao Mengyu was established, by natural succession, Xiao Jinsen would become the Crown Prince.

When appointing a Crown Prince, the Emperor wouldn’t act rashly, hence the delay in naming the Empress.

Today, Zhao Mengyu also appeared exceptionally elegant and dignified; although she did not yet have the title of Empress, she was already treated as one.

Naturally, those seated closest to Xiao Zhanping were the Princes and Princesses, arranged by age.

Ye Qichi followed Xiao Jinxing and sat together with him.

The Winter Solstice Festival is a significant royal event in Daxuan, hence from dawn today, they had already entered the palace. After entering, they first paid respects to the Emperor, then accompanied the Emperor to pay homage to the Empress Dowager, and then, they proceeded to the palace to join the Emperor in hosting a banquet for the court officials.

Since Ye Qichi transmigrated into this book, this was his first time participating in such a grand palace banquet.

No wonder today on the carriage, Xiao Jinxing reminded him that it would be a tiring day and asked him to be prepared.

Actually, he had spent very little time with Xiao Jinxing lately, as Xiao Jinxing had begun to attend the morning courts. He didn’t know what made Xiao Zhanping rethink, but anyway, he began to favor Xiao Jinxing again.

Later thinking about it, Xiao Jinxing was indeed the Emperor’s own son, and it was impossible for the Emperor to neglect him after his significant accomplishments. It was just that the Emperor decided to pave the way for Xiao Jinsen first, then to reuse Xiao Jinxing. On one hand, it wouldn’t affect Xiao Jinsen’s prospects and gave Xiao Jinsen reassurance; on the other, it allowed Xiao Jinxing to continue serving him. Truly killing two birds with one stone.

Xiao Zhanping, this old man, was never an easy person.

Actually, Xiao Zhanping wasn’t really an old man.

At his age, and also being the current Emperor, he was quite in the prime of his years.

This was also why Xiao Zhanping wasn’t in a rush to appoint a Crown Prince.

Contemplating the rebellion of the Empress and Crown Prince still gave him chills.

Appointing one too early isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Perhaps, there could be another rebellion.

While listening to Xiao Zhanping chatting with the court officials in the palace, Ye Qichi thought about these matters.

Today he must check on Xiao Zhanping’s health.

The selection of beauties for the palace had been completed a few days ago, and it was said that many extraordinarily beautiful and talented women were selected. With the position of Empress vacant and the Empress Dowager no longer managing the harem, it was Zhao Mengyu who conducted the selection for the Emperor.

Zhao Mengyu was diligent and responsible, naturally choosing only the best.

Now, there are many more beauties in the harem.

However, since the completion of the selection up to now, five days have passed, and the news from inside the palace is that the Emperor hasn’t favored any of the selected beauties, just like in previous years.

Despite this.

Court officials were still happy to send their daughters into the palace, hoping that one day they would be favored by the Emperor.

Ye Qichi silently contemplated these matters.

His gaze slightly shifted.

Looking towards Xie Ruotong, who was quite far from him.

When he entered the palace, he had actually noticed her kneeling next to Song Yanqing during the ceremony. Although she bowed her head, he recognized her at a glance.

It had been several months since they last met.

He did indeed miss her somewhat.

Xie Ruotong also quickly sensed Ye Qichi’s gaze.

Perhaps it was the innate sharpness of an assassin.

She looked back.

Their eyes met.

Ye Qichi smiled slightly.

Xie Ruotong also smiled briefly.

It was, in a way, a mutual greeting.

Song Yanqing, sitting next to Xie Ruotong, naturally noticed Xie Ruotong’s slight gesture.

"You and Princess Chen, are you very close?" Song Yanqing inquired.

"It’s because of Princess Chen that I was able to return to Duke Mansion," Xie Ruotong answered, "To me, Princess Chen is my most important friend."

Song Yanqing pursed his lips tightly.