Chapter 46: Rivalry at the Grand Banquet

The palace was ablaze with lanterns and festoons, towering halls standing in majestic rows, their grandeur undeniable. Glazed tiles shimmered like rippling water beneath the lights, while elegant dishes, fragrant wine, and refined brocade tablecloths lent an air of opulence to the entire garden.

Ladies who had been invited sat beside their husbands, dressed in magnificent attire, conversing and laughing with easy grace.

Yun Xueyan followed Duan Nanyu inside. Perhaps it was because Duan Nanyu brought so many attendants that the hall immediately fell silent, all eyes turning to watch the small group enter.

At the very center, Duan Nanyu and Yun Xiyin took their places at the front, with Yun Xueyan, Mu Wanying, and Duan Ruier standing behind them.

The emperor sat in the middle, the empress at his right, the empress dowager at his left, while Consort Wan, seated beside the empress, watched her younger sister and Duan Nanyu with a gentle smile.

After the formalities and greetings, everyone took their seats.

Directly across from Yun Xueyan sat Feng Xilou. Dressed in a pale white robe trimmed with delicate gold, he sat upright, elegantly holding a wine cup as if savoring the bouquet, though his gaze frequently flickered toward Yun Xueyan.

Even though his glances seemed casual, Duan Nanyu noticed them. Their eyes met—Duan Nanyu’s dark gaze locking with Feng Xilou’s phoenix-like eyes—then, with a smirk, Duan Nanyu pulled Yun Xueyan into his arms in front of everyone.

He lifted a cup from the table and brought it to Yun Xueyan’s lips. “Drink this obediently, or don’t blame me if you make a fool of yourself in front of everyone.”

Faced with his threat, she had no choice but to frown and drink the wine.

The cool liquid flowed over her tongue, but as it slid down her throat, it burned fiercely, making her cough. Her cheeks flushed deep red, but she dared not make a sound, forcing herself to swallow the wine little by little.

Tears welled at the corners of her eyes, which she hastily wiped away with a handkerchief.

“That’s better.” Duan Nanyu released her, casting a provocative glance at Feng Xilou.

He wanted Feng Xilou to know: the more he cared, the more Yun Xueyan would suffer.

Receiving Duan Nanyu’s sharp stare, Feng Xilou could only smile faintly and drink alone, though his fingers tightened around the rim of his cup and he drained it in one motion.

Noticing the tension between the two men, those seated above found it odd. Their relationship had always seemed good, one stern and aloof, the other gentle and accommodating—what had changed?

“All right, Nanyu, this is a grand banquet with so many people present. If you wish to be affectionate, this is hardly the place,” Duan Siyi said warmly, yet every gesture exuded the poise and authority of a sovereign. His ability to rule the empire so efficiently was no mere pretense; he truly possessed the strength.

“Your Majesty, it was my mistake. Allow me to punish myself with a drink.” Duan Nanyu replied respectfully, then drained his cup in one gulp, his lips pressed into a tight line.

“Ruier, how have you been lately? You must take good care of your health, or your father will worry,” the empress dowager, Feng Chengyun, suddenly spoke.

“It’s nothing serious now. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.” Duan Ruier rose to express her gratitude, then was helped back to her seat by a maid.

Yun Xueyan had heard of Feng Chengyun—she was the emperor’s birth mother and also Feng Xilou’s aunt. The Feng family, too, held sway over nearly a third of the empire.

“Enough, let the banquet continue. Let’s not let trifles spoil the mood,” Duan Siyi declared, and the garden instantly buzzed with renewed excitement, lively once more as if Duan Nanyu’s party had never interrupted the festivities.