Chapter 1396 - 1403: Plum Banquet (6)
Today is already noon, the Plum Banquet inside the palace is about to begin soon, and the feast is set at the pavilion outside. The young ladies are at Cai Yue Pavilion, while the young masters are at Waterside Pavilion. With genders separated and each occupying a pavilion, they can see each other across Winter Lake, avoiding any impropriety, a truly thoughtful arrangement.
The wind over the lake is strong, screens are placed on both sides of the pavilion where the young ladies sit, and at the central table sit eight noble women, yet none of them have an appetite for the steaming hotpot in front of them, their eyes fixated on the opposite pavilion.
Princess Zhao Gui, who sits in the main seat today is dressed dazzlingly. She wears a short jacket of brightly-colored brocade with multicolored embroidered dragons and a silver-grey trim, beneath which is a water-pink cosmetic satin skirt. Tied around her slender waist is a multicolored palace sash with butterfly knots, and on her feet, she wears deer-leather boots. With her hair piled up beautifully and adorned with pearls and jade, her attire significantly enhances her nobility.
Princess Zhao Gui sits right in the center, flanked by various princesses and noblewomen, all daughters of the Royal Family and the crème de la crème among noblewomen.
One of the noble women, around fifteen or sixteen, with a round face, looked towards the opposite pavilion, whispering curiously, "Eh? Why don’t I see the Crown Prince of Qing Luo Kingdom?"
A slightly younger noblewoman laughed and said, "Sister, that’s a question for Princess Zhao Gui, why are you joining in the excitement?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the other maidens at the table chuckled along, but their smiles seemed more carved onto their faces. Everyone knew that Princess Zhao Gui was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager, who had already arranged a private meeting with the Qing Luo Crown Prince days ago. The Crown Prince was the designated match for her by the Empress Dowager, and today’s banquet was merely with others as accompanying guests.
Amidst the laughter, the round-faced noblewoman, blushing furiously, hurriedly explained to Princess Zhao Gui, "Princess Zhao Gui, I meant no disrespect; I was just curious what kind of person the Qing Luo Crown Prince is?"
Princess Zhao Gui turned her head, smiling gently, and said, "There’s no need to be embarrassed, it’s not just you—everyone here is curious!"