Chapter Seventy-Two The Palace Banquet

Su Lilu gathered her composure, swiftly slipping the note into her sleeve. Seeing Su Baizhi and Su Baihan chatting animatedly, she rose and followed the maidservant’s path toward the side hall. No sooner had she stepped out of the main hall than she saw the Lady of Anping standing with her back to her, beside a pillar.

“Greetings, Lady,” Su Lilu approached and greeted her softly.

“Lilu, I invited you today because I wanted to ask you something. Will you answer me truthfully?” The Lady of Anping turned around, her gaze gentle and serene. In her heart, Su Lilu had always been steady and composed—never someone who would act so improperly. She asked only to put her own mind at ease.

“Please speak plainly, Lady. I will answer all that I know,” Su Lilu replied, curiosity flickering within her as she noticed the concern on the lady’s face. She wondered what had caused her such worry.

The Lady of Anping covered her mouth with her fist and coughed lightly. “Lilu, did you leave your residence without permission?”

Su Lilu looked at her in surprise, then nodded. “I did. But, Lady, how did you know?”

The Lady’s expression grew grim; she was certain someone was scheming behind their backs. Gripping Su Lilu’s hand anxiously, she warned, “You must be careful. How could word of your leaving reach my family unless someone meant you harm? Perhaps they wish to ruin your reputation, so that those interested in you will withdraw.”

A glint of understanding flashed in Su Lilu’s eyes. After a brief moment’s thought, she guessed who might be behind it and smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Lady. Allow me to offer you a word of advice in return: the Heir of Annan is an extraordinary man, and the daughters of the Prime Minister’s house are truly unworthy of him. Please warn him not to take a Prime Minister’s daughter as his consort.”

The Lady of Anping was momentarily stunned by these words. Then, taking Su Lilu’s hand, she smiled. “I understand. But I have no say in my brother’s marriage. I will, however, relay your words to my mother. Thank you, Lilu.”

A touch of disappointment lingered in her heart. From Su Lilu’s words, she understood that she had no wish to become part of the Annan household. Thinking of her brother’s marriage, she felt helpless and could only suppress her fondness for Su Lilu.

Seeing that the Lady of Anping understood her meaning, Su Lilu smiled kindly. “As long as you understand, Lady. It’s getting late—we should return to the hall.”

The two of them, one after the other, returned to their seats. As Su Baihan saw Su Lilu slipping back in, she scolded, “Su Lilu, this is the imperial palace! How dare you wander off? If you’re caught acting suspicious, the family won’t lift a finger to help you.”

“No need for your concern, dear sister. I’m perfectly safe. Rather, you should mind your own intentions—are you so eager for everyone to know how hard it is for a Prime Minister’s daughter to marry?” Su Lilu retorted sharply, showing her clear disdain for Su Baihan’s earlier attempts to curry favor.

“You—” Su Baihan gritted her teeth in annoyance, but when the Empress approached, she had to suppress her anger.

Music began to play as the Empress took her place on the dais, her smile radiant. She spoke graciously, “I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight. Another year has passed in the blink of an eye—time flies too quickly. Allow me to offer a toast to all the ladies present, wishing you happiness and good fortune in the coming year.” The longing in her eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a noble and elegant air.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Everyone bowed their heads. The Empress drank, and none of the guests dared decline, all raising their cups in unison.

Those quick-witted among them immediately offered flattery: “May Your Majesty remain ever youthful and may all your wishes come true.”

“May the Empress enjoy boundless good fortune.”

The Empress responded with several words of praise. When she saw Su Baizhi rise to speak, her brows furrowed. Su Lilu noticed the shift in atmosphere and, looking up, caught the flicker of disdain in the Empress’s eyes. As she watched Su Baizhi stand, understanding dawned in her gaze.

Su Baizhi, seeing the meaning in the Empress’s eyes, recited her well-wishes in a gentle voice and sat back down, her mood dampened.

Every guest present was shrewd enough to feign ignorance, unwilling to spoil the celebration. When it was Su Lilu’s turn, she spoke only the customary words and quickly sat down, not seeking the spotlight.

By the time each guest had spoken, nearly a quarter of an hour had passed. The Empress glanced around before praising, “I haven’t seen Lilu in some time, and she’s grown so beautiful I almost didn’t recognize her. Her bearing seems even more refined than before.”

Su Lilu immediately stood and replied, “Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty, but I am unworthy.”

“You’re too modest. I truly see a great change in you,” the Empress said, nodding inwardly at Su Lilu’s humility. When her gaze fell upon Su Baizhi, she merely snorted, her eyes icy as she quickly looked away.

With so many eyes on her, Su Lilu could only bow her head and feign shyness to deflect their scrutiny.

Seeing Su Lilu favored by the Empress, Su Baizhi thought of the Crown Prince and seethed inwardly. If only she were a legitimate daughter, the role of Crown Princess would be hers. Now, because she was only a concubine’s child, the Empress looked down on her.

The more she thought of it, the angrier she became. But, fearing to further anger the Empress, she forced a smile and suppressed her resentment, determined to show nothing amiss.

The Empress’s gaze lingered longest on Su Lilu among the three Su sisters. The more she looked, the more she regretted—even if Su Lilu could not be Crown Princess, she was still far superior to the unruly Su Baizhi.

With a glance of pity toward Yun Fengxiao, the Empress fumed silently: not only did Su Baizhi sully her own name, she would also drag down her son, yet somehow still expected her favor.

Unaware of the Empress’s true thoughts, Su Baizhi glared at Su Lilu. Only her low status kept the Empress from being satisfied. If she had been the legitimate eldest daughter, she would not be relegated to the role of concubine.

Determined to win the Empress’s favor, Su Baizhi became all the more diligent in her conduct, her gentle smile never wavering. From time to time, she cast yearning glances at Yun Fengxiao, but he quickly turned away, making her heart ache all the more.

Seeing the guests in high spirits, someone suggested a riddle contest. The Empress surveyed the assembly and asked, “What do you all think of this idea?”

“Excellent, Your Majesty! An inspired suggestion,” someone quickly replied.

The Empress nodded. “Very well. Any young lady who wishes may try her hand. The riddles will be presented shortly, and whoever solves the most will be handsomely rewarded by me.”