Chapter 958 - 813, Jiang Jinghui Dies
The Lantern Festival was a time of celestial celebration. The entire city of Beijing was aglow with lanterns and festooned with decorations, while the cacophony of drums and gongs filled the air. Dragon and lion dances mingled with an array of other entertainments in the bustling streets, with every face beaming with joy.
In stark contrast to the boisterous revelry of the common folk, the atmosphere within the Imperial Palace was jubilant, yet more restrained.
Most of the nobles and officials attending the palace banquet gathered in conversation, chuckling and chatting, but careful to keep their voices down.
Daohua and Xiao Yeyang had first returned with Prince Ping to change their attire at the Prince Residence before collectively proceeding to the Imperial Palace. By the time they arrived, Taihe Hall was nearly filled with guests, leaving only the Emperor and a select few dignitaries yet to appear.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Prince Ping and asked with a smile, "Xiaojiu, why have you arrived so late today?"
Prince Ping replied with a grin, "Mother, I spent a few days at Yeyang’s manor and only returned today, hence the delay."
Seizing the opportunity while waiting for the Emperor’s arrival, Prince Three said, "I wondered why I hadn’t seen Yeyang and his wife accompany our Imperial Grandmother during the New Year celebrations. It turns out they were away tending to others."
The wife of Prince Three chimed in with a smile, "I heard that Yeyang’s master lives at Four Seasons Manor. Sister-in-law is indeed dutiful. However, you mustn’t neglect one for the other; you should visit the Empress Dowager more often too."
At the mention of Gu Jian, both Daohua and Xiao Yeyang frowned simultaneously.
Wishing not to draw attention to Gu Jian, neither of them spoke.