Chapter 182 - Pear Blossoms Bloom (Part Five)
The hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the two central figures, and no one dared to make a sound.
Crack—
A civil official accidentally dropped the glass bowl he was holding, and the sound was particularly clear in the silent hall.
"Oh! Your Majesty, please forgive me! Please forgive me!" The official, who looked quite old, with a beard that was already graying, was terrified. He repeatedly begged for forgiveness while hurriedly diving under the table to gather up the shards of the bowl.
Chen Kaiming waved his hand dismissively, showing he didn’t mind. He then pointed at Wang Lihua and gestured to the seat beside him. "Your seat is here."
The blush on Wang Lihua’s face hadn’t yet faded. She looked around, then at the seat beside Chen Kaiming. Even as bold as she was, she knew that sitting there might be inappropriate, and she hesitated, unsure if she should sit.
Sitting nearby, Fan Shaolin noticed Wang Lihua’s discomfort and gave a light cough. "Um, miss... please take your seat. The banquet is about to begin."
Though no longer young, Chen Kaiming beamed like spring sunlight. He exchanged a glance with Fan Shaolin, a look that clearly said, Teacher, you understand me best.
Wang Lihua hesitated no longer and calmly walked over to sit down. She understood the solemnity of the occasion and refrained from arguing with Chen Kaiming as she had in the past few days, choosing instead to quietly wait for the food.
The dishes were brought to the table one after another, with palace maids occasionally coming to remove empty plates. In the central dance area, dancers twirled gracefully. The ministers no longer discussed Wang Lihua, as if they had forgotten her presence.
However, Wang Lihua felt uncomfortable, fully cognizant of the occasional glances directed at her. Overall, though, the scene was one of a ruler and his ministers enjoying a harmonious moment.