Chapter Fifty-Two: A Lack of Enthusiasm for Eating Reflects a Problematic Mindset

At that moment, three chimes rang out in the distance—the royal signal for the meal to begin, summoning the nobles, high-ranking officials, border generals, and members of the imperial family who were still lingering outside. To dine with insufficient enthusiasm was to reveal a faulty mind, or so the saying went. Besides, Su Jingluo's mood was far from pleasant; she longed to indulge in a hearty feast to dispel her gloom. So, the instant she heard the bell, she darted off, leaving Song Yunmo alone, clutching his aching foot and lamenting how difficult it had become to deceive girls these days.

Inside the grand hall, some forty or fifty people were gathered for the meal. On the left sat the imperial relatives: the front row occupied by various princes and imperial uncles, with their principal wives and children behind them, followed by favored concubines of nobler rank. The right side was reserved for the empire’s leading ministers and frontier generals, the foremost row taken by senior officials and commanders, with their families seated behind. The emperor and empress presided at the center, flanked on either side by princes and princesses.

Su Jingluo naturally sat behind Xiao Jingxuan, but Yunbai was all but dragged to the emperor's side by Xiao Chengze. The empress shot Xiao Chengze several stern glances, which he pretended not to notice, responding only with a foolish grin.

Yunbai would have preferred to sit by her mother, but she was no match for Xiao Chengze’s strength—especially when he had the help of two co-conspirators: the emperor’s daughters, Princess Chunying and Princess Qiuhe. Yunbai’s beauty and unique temperament had quickly won the princesses’ affection; ever since meeting her, they had clung to her like glue.

The emperor and empress raised their cups several times, offering auspicious words—praising everyone’s hard work in grand, ceremonial phrases, acknowledging the year’s achievements, and speaking hopefully of the future. They also mentioned the auspicious signs that had appeared in recent days, declaring the crown prince to be favored by the heavens, a sign that the great Shang dynasty was blessed by the immortals. Victories at the borders and ongoing peace were also celebrated.

The guests responded in turn with a chorus of toasts and sycophantic compliments.

Whenever the others raised their cups, Su Jingluo did the same, draining hers in one gulp. The fiery liquor burned down her throat, lifting her spirits considerably. Throughout the banquet, Xiao Jingxuan glanced back at Su Jingluo several times, but she was too busy eating and drinking to ever meet his gaze.

Next came the empress’s attempts at small talk, asking about the Zhang family’s daughter-in-law and whether the Li family’s daughter was betrothed—assuming the commanding tone of a matron overseeing the affairs of the capital’s women.

The empress smiled gently, her eyes sweeping over the assembly, pausing briefly on Su Jingluo, the corners of her lips curving upward in unconscious satisfaction. At last, her gaze settled on Lin Wanwan.

“Why, isn’t this Wanwan? How many years has it been since we’ve seen you? You’ve grown even more lovely and graceful,” the empress suddenly declared, drawing everyone’s attention to Lin Wanwan. She certainly stood out—while the other ladies were dressed in bold reds and purples, she alone wore a gown of pale yellow, fresh and elegant, radiating a unique charm.

Blushing, Lin Wanwan offered a respectful curtsy, shyly thanking the empress for her praise.

“Are you betrothed yet? Which young man will be blessed with such good fortune?” At this, the empress played the matchmaker, prompting Su Jingluo to look up, curious to see how this little drama would unfold.

“Your Majesty, I am not yet engaged, but— but there is no hurry,” Lin Wanwan replied, her cheeks aflame, every bit the picture of modest maidenly shyness. Yet her gaze burned with intensity as it rested on Xiao Jingxuan.

“My, at your age, how can there be no hurry? Come, sit down,” the empress said, making no further comment, simply inviting Lin Wanwan to take her seat.

“By the way, Prince Jing—I’ve heard your princess has not been well lately,” the empress suddenly remarked, turning directly to Xiao Jingxuan. Half-dazed from the wine, Su Jingluo thought she heard someone speaking about her.