boyutpedia Chapter 378 Entering the Palace
Chapter 378 Entering the Palace
On the day of the palace banquet, Xiao Siyue and her family of four went to the palace.
Sitting in the carriage, Xiao Siyue was both excited and nervous. She was excited because she was going to visit the imperial palace, the power center of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but nervous because there were many rules and regulations in the palace, and many troublesome things. If something went wrong, she would be finished.
Along the way, Xiao Qinian would also tell them some things to pay attention to. Xiao Siyue arrived at the palace gate while listening to Xiao Qinian's words.
Carriages are not allowed inside the palace, so Xiao Siyue got off the carriage.
There was still some distance between the palace gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony where the banquet was held. Along the way, they encountered many ministers and their families. Xiao Siyue followed behind her parents and greeted them one by one.
Upon arriving at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, she found that many people were already seated inside. Xiao Siyue looked around and noticed that they were all of relatively low-ranking official positions, chatting among themselves.
As soon as Xiao Qinian went in, people came up to greet him warmly.
The seating arrangements at the palace banquet were all based on official rank. Xiao Qinian, being the Minister of Revenue and a marquis, was seated in the middle, near the front.
He was surrounded by imperial relatives and high-ranking officials of the first and second ranks. Xiao Siyue also saw Grand Tutor Shen Junru.
Since it wasn't time yet, everyone was relaxed and could move around freely. Xiao Siyue went over to find Shen Junru and greet him. Shen Junru, who is seventy years old this year, has gradually stopped participating in politics, but today's palace banquet is very important, so His Majesty asked him to come.
"Grandpa Shen," Xiao Siyue called out with a sweet smile.
"It's Yue'er, but it's been so long. Why don't you come to see Grandpa Shen?" Shen Junru looked at Xiao Siyue with affection.
"Hehe, it's Yue'er's fault. I've been a bit busy lately. I'll make something delicious for Grandpa Shen and send it over in a couple of days," Xiao Siyue quickly apologized.
"Then I'm in for a treat! Yue'er, make some extra for Grandpa, he has a big appetite." Shen Junru's eyes lit up when he heard this. The food that Xiao Siyue always brought him was not only something he had never seen before, but it also tasted excellent. Moreover, this girl was thoughtful and knew that he was getting old and his teeth weren't good, so she always brought him food that he could eat.
"Don't worry, Grandpa Shen, Yue'er will make sure to do it properly."
The grandfather and grandson chatted happily, so much so that two officials who wanted to curry favor with Shen Junru dared not approach, fearing that they would disturb the old man and be disliked.
However, they were all wondering to themselves whose daughter this was, that she could win the old man's favor so much. Don't be fooled by Grand Tutor Shen's amiable smile; he was not someone easy to approach.
However, when Xiao Qinian arrived, everyone understood. It turned out that she was Lord Xiao's daughter. No wonder.
This Lord Xiao is Grand Tutor Shen's most prized student, so it's understandable that his daughter is waiting to please the old man.
However, she didn't expect the daughter of the Xiao family to be so beautiful. Thinking of Xiao Qinian, she suddenly had a thought.
Xiao Siyue was having a good time, unaware that someone was eyeing her again.
Gradually, almost everyone arrived, and Xiao Siyue saw many familiar faces.
Sitting next to them was the Duke of Anguo's family, Gu Xinglan's family. Xiao Siyue was instantly happy. This was really great; now she had someone to keep her company.
"Yue'er, let me tell you something. I heard that the princess of Dayong is incredibly beautiful, like a fairy descended from heaven. Do you think that's true?" Gu Xinglan whispered to Xiao Siyue.
"I don't know, I haven't heard of it either, but she must be quite beautiful." After all, she is very likely here for a political marriage.
The two began exchanging information again, talking about what had happened in the capital recently, although Gu Xinglan did most of the talking while Xiao Siyue listened.
However, the two of them got more and more excited as they talked, and their voices gradually grew louder. Xiao Siyu and Gu Yunze, who were listening nearby, exchanged helpless glances and quickly pulled their younger sisters aside, telling them to be careful, otherwise others would hear them.
"His Majesty has arrived." Suddenly, a sharp voice rang in everyone's ears. Xiao Siyue and Gu Xinglan quickly stopped talking and stood up with everyone else.
"Welcome, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Fortunately, there was no rule in the Great Zhou Dynasty that one had to kneel before His Majesty; everyone simply stood up and bowed.
Xiao Siyue secretly glanced at the Zhou Emperor from behind. Dressed in a black dragon robe, the Zhou Emperor exuded an unquestionable sense of authority with every gesture. This was the Zhou Emperor.
Following a small step behind the Zhou Emperor should be the Empress of the Great Zhou, dignified and noble. She is the most honored woman in the Great Zhou besides the Empress Dowager, and her long-held high position naturally exudes the majesty of an empress.
After that are several princes. There is no crown prince yet, so the order of these princes is based on their age.
Several princes who were already married also brought their wives with them.
After ascending to the main seat, Emperor Zhou slightly raised his hand and said, "Everyone, please rise and take your seats." Although his voice was not loud, the entire hall was quiet at the moment, so his voice clearly carried throughout the hall. After expressing their gratitude, everyone took their seats.
Xiao Siyue secretly glanced at the princes and found that they were all sitting upright and not talking.
Sitting next to the eldest prince was his wife, Yu Xiruo. He really hadn't expected that Yu Xiruo would actually marry the eldest prince.
However, the current Yu Xiruo is completely different from before. She had only met her once, at the Princess's banquet. Her biggest impression of her was that Yu Xiruo was fighting with someone and other people's bad comments about her. In her heart, Yu Xiruo was an arrogant and domineering woman.
However, he seems much more composed now, though his face shows a hint of weariness. Is he unhappy living in the First Prince's residence?
But that shouldn't be the case. Although the eldest prince is a scoundrel, he knows how to put on an act. Even if the eldest prince is only concerned about Grand Commandant Yu, he wouldn't mistreat her, and he certainly wouldn't dare to offend Yu Xiruo.
Gu Xinglan, who was standing relatively close by, noticed Xiao Siyue's gaze and carefully tugged at her.
He asked softly, "Yue'er, what are you looking at?"
Xiao Siyue recounted what she had seen.
"I know that. I heard that the Crown Prince has taken a concubine recently and dotes on her. Yu Xiruo lost a battle of wits with him and fell ill from anger." Gu Xinglan said softly. Fortunately, they were not in the very front row, so no one paid attention, which is why the two dared to chat quietly.
However, it wasn't that no one was paying attention. While Xiao Siyue wasn't looking, Lu Zhijin, who was sitting opposite them, kept glancing over, but no one noticed.
Lu Zhijin noticed when Xiao Siyue looked towards the prince's seat, and felt a little unhappy and jealous. He wanted to ask Xiao Siyue who she was looking at.