As night fell, a bright moon hung in the night sky.
Bathing the entire land in a translucent, watery light.
The palace was lit up.
Taihe Hall shone brightly.
Even the paths leading to the main hall were lined with various colorful lanterns.
Due to the arrival of the Western Xia Kingdom, this year’s Mid-Autumn banquet was exceptionally lively.
It was an hour away from the banquet.
The civil and military officials outside the palace had already started arriving one after another.
Because there were female guests from the Western Xia Kingdom.
So, the rules were similar to the previous banquet for the dust-clearing ceremony.
All the second-ranked and above noblewomen, both internal and external, needed to dress grandly.
In Duanning Palace.
Xia Ruqing was busily getting dressed.
Looking at the enormous, golden Phoenix Crown, countless fears rose in her heart.
"Can I not wear it? After all, I’m not the main guest today anyway!"
Zi Yue disagreed.
"What are you saying, Your Grace?!"
"For such a grand banquet, you must dress a bit formally!"
"A ceremonial dress with a Phoenix Crown is indispensable!"
Saying this, she deftly put it on her.
Feeling the sudden weight on her neck, Xia Ruqing felt uneasy all over.
"Alright then!"
There’s no resisting it, is there?!
Fortunately, today is the Mid-Autumn banquet.
It doesn’t require staying as long as the previous dust-clearing banquet; I can leave after a short while.
Otherwise... I really couldn’t bear it!
...
At You Hour, the Mid-Autumn banquet officially began.
The seating arrangement was somewhat different from the last banquet.
An extra seat appeared beside the King Western Xia.
Everyone was somewhat puzzled.
Quietly discussing, for whom was this seat reserved?
Some even speculated whether the King Western Xia, having stayed in the Capital City a few days, already fell for a beloved woman?!
Otherwise, who would qualify to sit in such a position?
Prince Jin and Hai Feng’s expressions also looked displeased.
"Father, what’s with that seat?! Is someone expected to come?" Hai Feng asked with some envy.
Prince Jin shook his head.
"I don’t know!"
Then he smirked.
"But don’t worry, Fengfeng, no matter who arrives?!"
"The position of Fifth Princess Consort is already ours! It can’t be escaped, no fear!"
Hai Feng chuckled confidently.
"That’s for sure!"
Saying this, her eyes glowed with the same ambitious light as her father’s.
The only difference was.
Compared to Hai Feng, Prince Jin had a somewhat bigger appetite!
In these two days.
As the King Western Xia was busy recuperating and acknowledging daughters.
Prince Jin was busy planning with the Fifth Master.
On how to deal with Ye Tang.
And utilize the Chu Dynasty’s guilt to agree on marrying Fengfeng as the Fifth Princess Consort.
As for Hai Feng, she was even less reliable.
Busy roaming everywhere with the Fifth Master, not returning for days!
Therefore, they knew nothing about Hai Tang, in other words, Ye Tang’s affairs.
So, their surprise was understandable.
Just as everyone was curious.
The Little Eunuch’s announcement came.
"The King Western Xia has arrived! General Ye has arrived!"
As soon as the words fell.
Before many could express surprise, two figures appeared at the entrance.
It was indeed the King Western Xia and Ye Tang.
Hai Feng was puzzled.
"When did those two get together, looking quite close?!"
She muttered.
Turning her head to ask.
"Father, look at that!"
"Those two are so intimate, could it be that Ye Tang has seduced my Imperial Uncle?!"
"And my Imperial Uncle is so gentle with her!"
"That darned woman, she’s a vixen!"
Prince Jin was also somewhat taken aback.
But he evidently disagreed with his daughter’s ’seduction theory’.
However, he couldn’t understand why Ye Tang would appear here.
Why was the Imperial Brother treating her so well?
That look, whatever way you see it, seemed odd!
Was that seat reserved for her by the Imperial Brother?
Even odder, indeed!
Not just Prince Jin, everyone present was utterly baffled!
Each had a large question mark in their mind.
"What’s going on?!"
...
The King Western Xia, however, didn’t mind these gazes.
He led Ye Tang and personally knelt before Zhao Junyao.
"Greetings to the Emperor of Great Chu!"
Zhao Junyao quickly got up, repeatedly gesturing for him to rise.
"Guests are guests, no need for such formalities, King Western Xia!"
"Please, take a seat!"
The King Western Xia glanced at the already prepared large and small adjacent chairs.
Feeling some gratitude.
"Thank you, Emperor of Great Chu!"
After saying this, he guided Ye Tang to his seat.
He sat down, but Ye Tang felt uneasy.
As a Fifth Rank Official, it was her first time attending such a grand banquet.
And sitting so close to the front.
Looking around, she felt like sitting on pins and needles.
Noticing her unease, the King Western Xia turned slightly and softly asked.
"Tangtang, are you feeling unwell?!"