According to the palace rules, everyone had arrived, with The Emperor being the last to make an appearance.
Soon, The Emperor, surrounded by eunuchs and palace maids, arrived grandly at the scene...
"Long live The Emperor, long live, long, long live!"
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor seated himself beside the Dragon Throne specially prepared for him and then leisurely said to everyone, "Please be seated."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Everyone sat down again, and the banquet officially began.
The palace maids began bringing the food in succession...
There were exquisite pastries of all kinds, and so fruits not native to the land. Everyone found the delicacies of the Imperial Palace extrely novel and their attention was imdiately drawn to them.
The Emperor, having sothing on his mind, glanced several tis towards Xuexue, which the Empress naturally noticed. With a dignified smile on her face, she whispered, "Your Majesty, everyone is watching, mind your deanor."
"Ahem...!"
The Emperor smiled awkwardly, inwardly resenting the Empress for ddling.
After a while, unable to resist his itch, The Emperor spoke up, "Miss Situ, I have a seat here, closer to the stage, why don’t you co sit over here!"
The Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager were seated at the very front of the stage for optimal viewing of the performances.
After assisting the Empress Dowager to her seat, Xuexue then voluntarily sat to the side.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, The Emperor spoke, and all gazes fell upon her.
Xuexue was montarily stunned, wondering what The Emperor’s intention was with such an act.
Situ Xueer did not respond, and The Emperor assud she was overwheld with joy which caused her delay in reacting. Hence, he called again, "Miss Situ, I’ve invited you over here, to sit."
Everyone looked on with envy.
After all, The Emperor was a figure of supre authority, being personally invited by him was a great honor.
However, people didn’t think much of it, believing The Emperor was inviting Situ Xueer on account of the War Prince.
With so many eyes watching, ignoring The Emperor’s invitation would not be wise, so Situ Xueer had no choice but to stand up and walk to the seat beside The Emperor.
The Empress continued to smile radiantly, showing no displeasure, yet thoughtfully observing Xuexue with a grin.
The smile made Xuexue feel uneasy, sensing sothing amiss but unable to pinpoint it, which was quite unsettling.
"Noble Consort Wang has arrived!"
A eunuch called out again from outside!
Except for The Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager, everyone paid their respects to her.
Today, Noble Consort Wang was exceptionally beautiful, evidently having dressed ticulously, hence her delayed arrival at the banquet.
Upon reaching The Emperor’s side, she looked to her left and right, discovering that the seat which always belonged to her was now gone, leaving her surprised.
The Empress gave a faint smile, speaking with veiled aning, "Sister, you’ve arrived late, your seat has been taken by Miss Situ."
A flicker of resentnt flashed in Noble Consort Wang’s eyes, but it was transient, and she said insincerely, "It’s just a seat, if Miss Situ likes it, let her sit."
Saying this, she then turned, intending to take a seat further away.
The Empress’s voice sounded again, "Sister, you are so generous, allowing soone else to take your seat, sothing I couldn’t claim to possess."
Noble Consort Wang paused briefly before proceeding forward.
The Emperor was slightly vexed, "It’s just a seat, you won are really botherso."
The Empress chuckled softly, "We won are just picky, it’s not unknown to Your Majesty."
After a slight snort, The Emperor redirected his gaze towards the stage.
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