Chapter 214.1

The empress gave birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins, a rare and joyous occasion in the imperial family that comes once in a hundred years.

The news was spread throughout the capital city as soon as it happened.

The Emperor Emeritus was delighted and personally bestowed names, breaking the tradition of naming grandchildren only after their first birthday. The third prince was named Yu, while the fourth princess, still in swaddling clothes, was bestowed the title of Princess Changle.

From then on, all four children had names: the first prince was named Zhao Chen, the second prince Zhao Ji, the third prince Zhao Yu, and the fourth princess was Zhao Changle. Due to this naming incident, Emperor Jin’an couldn’t help but feel unhappy for a while. All four children were given names by the Emperor Emeritus, while he, as their biological father, wasn’t able to give a name to any of his children.

Although it was unknown to others, Yaoniang knew that in the dragon desk of Emperor Jin’an’s study, there was a drawer filled with sheets of paper inscribed with various names. Unfortunately, none of those names were used.

Yaoniang originally thought that there would not be a lavish full moon banquet since the current trend was to avoid grand celebrations to save up good fortune for the children. However, Emperor Jin’an changed his stance and decided to hold a grand banquet to celebrate.

On the day of the banquet, families with at least some influence in the capital all entered the palace to offer congratulations. Yaoniang only appeared briefly at Jiaotai Hall before returning to Kunning Palace. This time, instead of the usual one month, she would be spending two months in confinement, so it wasn’t suitable for her to stay outside for long. The other noblewomen understood this as well.

Halfway through the banquet, Xiao Jirou and Qiao-shi left their seats, planning to visit Kunning Palace to chat with Yaoniang and see the little prince and princess. Amidst the crowd earlier, they hadn’t had a chance to talk to Yaoniang. But before they could leave Jiaotai Hall, someone followed them from behind.

This person was Consort Yong.

Consort Yong was dressed in her traditional ceremonial atire, her makeup exquisite. Her red lips were fiery, and she exuded the same elegance and nobility as always, as if undisturbed by the events of the past year.

Ever since the night when Yong Wang died during Dai Wang’s rebellion, Yong Wang Manor seemed to have vanished from the public overnight.

In theory, a situation like this—where a prince died under mysterious circumstances—should have prompted a thorough investigation and posthumous honours from the Emperor Emeritus or the new emperor. However, it was as if nothing had happened. The funeral for Yong Wang was carried out silently, with only a few people knowing the details. Many people only learned about it much later.

Yong Wang Manor also remained unusually quiet. Families with keen insight into the capital were aware that things were not as simple as they seemed.

The matter of Dai Wang’s rebellion was complicated and involved many parties. No one dared to bring it up to those above, but the silence surrounding Yong Wang Manor was conspicuous. This visit to the palace banquet marked the first time for the members of Yong Wang Manor to appear in public since that event.

There were many surprised faces, but Consort Yong seemed unfazed. She smiled warmly at Consort An and Consort Qing and the others. Whether it was addressing them as elder sister-in-law or younger sister-in-law, even facing someone like Consort Wu who had a sharp tongue, Consort Yong’s warm demeanour prevented them from saying any harsh words.

What did she want to do? Xiao Jirou and Qiao-shi exchanged puzzled glances.

They didn’t have to wonder for too long. Consort Yong explained her purpose, “Are seventh sister-in-law and Madam Shizi going to visit Her Majesty? I also have plans to visit, so why don’t we go together.”

At this, the two exchanged glances again. However, Consort Yong was already walking ahead of them, and she even turned to ask why they weren’t moving. In this situation, they had no choice but to follow her, and so, with a slightly uneasy atmosphere, they all walked together to Kunning Palace.

Yaoniang had just changed out of her ceremonial attire and was reclining on the large kang bed chatting with a few people when she heard that Consort Qing, Consort Yong, and the wife of Duke Zhenguo Shizi had arrived. At first, she didn’t react, but then she asked again to confirm that it was indeed Consort Yong and Consort Qing who had come together.

“Why did Consort Yong come?” even Yu Chan seemed somewhat surprised.

Yaoniang furrowed her brows and thought for a moment before instructing someone to welcome them in.

Upon their arrival, the three naturally performed their greetings. Originally, Yaoniang wasn’t one to emphasize formalities and could easily overlook them when dealing with close people. However, since there was an unfamiliar presence today, they had to adhere to proper etiquette.

It was truly lacking in propriety, at least that’s what Yaoniang and Xiao Jirou thought. Unlike outsiders, they knew exactly how Prince Yong had died and what he had done before his death. To put it simply, he had attempted rebellion but failed and lost his life in the process. In a situation like this, a sensible person should keep a low profile to avoid arousing suspicion from those in power. Yet, Consort Yong was different. She seemed to be banking on the fact that others wouldn’t confront her face to face and took the initiative to come.

What was she trying to achieve?