Chapter 429 - 423_1
Princess Yongle, being of distinguished status and favored by both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, had always moved freely within the palace. She could hardly bear Lin Yue’s cautious words and immediately said, "What is there to be afraid of entering? Regardless of your status, you are a guest of mine, Princess Yongle. I’d like to see who would dare to trouble you once you’re inside, so don’t worry about all that nonsense!"
"This..." Lin Yue still hesitated.
"What ’this’? Let’s settle it then. Since you’ve come to the Capital City, of course, you should see the Imperial Palace. It’s the perfect opportunity to invite you to my palace to sit for a while and see what my living quarters are like." Princess Yongle grew even more convinced that her idea was splendid. She knew she wouldn’t be able to leave the palace for some time, so inviting Lin Yue to the palace would give her company.
"Yes, yes, not just Sister Three, but me as well. I’ll take good care of you too. You should visit Sister Three’s palace first, and then mine. It’s really boring inside the palace; come and keep us company." The Fifth Princess had always enjoyed following Princess Yongle’s lead. Feng Susu, the Empress Dowager’s niece, on the other hand, had remained mostly silent. She was neither close nor hostile towards Lin Yue, always keeping some distance. It seemed she was reserved due to her unfamiliarity with Lin Yue.
After Princess Yongle had spoken, Lin Yue found it difficult to refuse. Moreover, she was curious to see what the Imperial Palace was actually like. Protected by Princess Yongle and as long as she was careful, she believed there shouldn’t be any hindrance. "Then I must thank both princesses for your kind regards. I, too, would like to witness the splendor of the Imperial Palace."
As the group entered the hall, everyone bowed down in homage. Among the four who arrived, three held noble ranks and titles. Even the only one without such status was the niece of the Empress Dowager, which was in itself far more prestigious than any of them. These were the kind of people they seldom encountered in their regular social circles, which had their own hierarchies. They were usually accustomed to only mingling with other young ladies occasionally, nowhere near the elite circle of the most privileged daughters of heaven.
Among them, Princess Yongle held the highest rank, and she initiated a more relaxed tone by waiving the formalities. "Rise, everyone. Today, my visit is for a banquet seeking enjoyment and leisure. There’s no need to be so formal; act as usual, and only then will it be fun."
At Princess Yongle’s command, the banquet began, and servants entered in line, bringing fine wines and delicacies. Lin Yue’s organized games, the most common and simple of which was musical chairs, along with other activities like pitching arrows, turned out to be much livelier and enjoyable than poetry gatherings, filled with laughter and joy.
With the princesses and commandery princess present, clearly there to support Lin Yue, not even Zhang Peilan dared to provoke or scheme against Lin Yue, let alone speak out of turn, only fuming silently with anger in her heart. Other than those two, the rest were having a great time, enjoying the food and games and gradually loosening up, becoming less reserved.