《Daiyu's Ascent》9. The Banquet
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That night, Tang Daiyu walked over to Huangning Hall for the banquet. An Mei and Hua Chao-Xing were left behind in her residence. As she neared the hall, two eunuchs walked up to her and greeted her. They led her into the hall and over to Prince Shandong. She sat down to his right.
"Good evening, Tang Daiyu," he murmured in her ear.
"Feng Rong."
"I trust Hua Chao-Xing is suitable enough?"
Tang Daiyu nodded, "Yes, very. Thank you. I really appreciate it."
"Of course, anything for my fiancée."
She blushed. Then, horns blew and the Heping Emperor entered the hall. Everyone stood and bowed.
"Greetings to Your Majesty."
Emperor Taio waved off the formalities, and everyone sat down. He gazed out over those in attendance before looking over to Tang Daiyu.
"Princess Fangzi, how are you liking Heping so far?"
"From what I saw on my journey, it is a very beautiful kingdom. Your people seem very happy and prosperous. I can't wait to see more of it."
Emperor Taio smiled. "Either you've been taught diplomacy very well, or you're genuine. I can't tell yet."
"I assure you, Your Majesty, I meant everything I said."
"Then, thank you, Princess Fangzi."
"Of course, Your Majesty. Though I was also taught diplomacy in the past."
The Emperor gave a goodhearted laugh. "I like you, Princess Fangzi. I'm glad Emperor Jianyuan chose you."
"I'm honoured that Your Majesty has said so. Many thanks to Your Majesty."
The banquet continued on, and eventually, the Emperor raised a toast to Tang Daiyu. "I look forward to Heping's union with Chang in the next couple of weeks."
She raised her cup towards the Emperor. "And Chang warmly embraces Heping."
They toasted and drank the rice wine. Afterwards, Prince Shandong leaned over to her.
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"Tang Daiyu, when this banquet is over, meet me by the pavilion near your residence."
"I know where you're talking about. Alright, I'll be there."
Tang Daiyu listened in on officials' conversations.
"This intermarriage is a bad idea. Chang won't hesitate to invade us, even with the union between Princess Fangzi and Prince Shandong."
"I heard that she isn't even a true member of the Chang Royal Family. Apparently, she's just a maid to one of Emperor Jianyuan's concubines."
"How can she even be qualified to be Seventh Prince's first legal wife?"
Her eyes flared with anger, and she was about to tell them off. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Prince Shandong shake his head. He leaned over and whispered into her ear.
"Don't take their words to heart. They don't know anything, Tang Daiyu. They're ignorant, stubborn men."
She took a deep breath and let it out before nodding. Prince Shandong squeezed her hand gently and turned to talk with one of his uncles, First Prince, Prince Heyang. Tang Daiyu turned towards her right and made small talk with one of the princesses. Soon, the banquet wound to a close. The Emperor stood up, and everyone else rose and bowed.
"Long life to the Emperor!"
Emperor Taio nodded and waved for the banquet to continue before he started to leave. Once he was gone though, the various officials began to exit the hall. The members of the Royal Family weren't too far behind. Tang Daiyu turned and started to go as well. She was caught by multiple Heping officials wanting to meet her and introduce themselves. Tang Daiyu smiled kindly, nodded, and gently pushed her way towards the doors.
Outside, she headed towards the meeting spot. A slight breeze shook the jade beads on her gold hairpins. As Tang Daiyu neared the pavilion, she noticed a figure standing in the middle of it. She smiled and walked over.
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"Feng Rong, what are we doing here?"
He motioned for her to sit, and once they were both seated, he leaned forward.
"I have a gift for you. I wanted to give it to you privately."
"What is it?"
Prince Shandong pulled out a jadeite bracelet from his sleeve and presented it to her.
"It belonged to my mother. She gave it to me on her deathbed. It was for me to give to my future wife."
Tang Daiyu gingerly took the bracelet from him. She examined it and felt the smooth, cool stone. A warm smile broke out across her lips. He helped her put it on. The bracelet fit her left wrist perfectly.
"It's beautiful, Feng Rong."
"It suits you perfectly, Tang Daiyu."
She blushed and looked down in her lap. "Thank you."
Tang Daiyu shivered. Prince Shandong got up and sat down on the bench next to her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in towards his chest.
"I never want you to worry ever again, Tang Daiyu. So instead, I'm going to spoil you."
She laughed and for the first time in the past few years felt at peace.
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