"Congratulation Lady-Ah, should I say, Crown Princess Zhen Zhen."

The old hermit looking official quickly corrected himself as he tried to please the newly conferred princess consort.

The various officials and ministers who were at the beck and call of the Empress started to quickly forge their bonds with the next Empress to be, gathering around the gentle smiling Zhenzhen. taking turns to offer praise and worship.

Through the banquet, only two people were indulging in each other's company, not putting anything else into their sight.

Leaning slightly towards TianHuo,Feiyun silently sipped at her tea in her hands. With fair and slender fingers each movement was as graceful as a swan. Her enigmatic eyes slowly observing the people around.

Upon seeing the slightest of movement, the various young lords, sons of ministers and officials who had been invited, obviously couldn't help but dart their eyes in her direction.

Their lecherous gaze racing up her slim wrists that is slowly revealed by the sleeve that slides down slightly as she lifts the teacup to her lips but as their eyes slowly move over her white half mask that gently covered her flawless red lips, they were met with a cold and mysterious eyes that revealed nothing but gravity that stole their breath away.

Although Feiyun knew that there were many eyes on her, she couldn't be bothered about them. She was more worried about the seething annoyance seeping out from the man beside her. Internally wondering if she should be laughing or crying for them.

'These idiots are fanning the flames that would burn themselves...'

If Feiyun hadn't specifically told Tianhuo to control himself, those heads would be on pikes with their eyes gouged out.

How could Zhenzhen put up with the fact that Feiyun was taking all the attention? Today was supposed to be her day! Being named Crown Princess and all she got were the bootlicking from old fogies that smelt of old people's diapers while the attention of younger lords and men alike were stolen by that ugly wench, even Ruofeng had his eyes on her the moment she walked in.

Zhenzhen could tell that the look in Ruofeng's eyes had been neither surprised nor hatred, his eyes reflected the look of someone being mesmerized and bewitched by an enchanting beauty.

Beneath her long sleeves, Zhenzhen's fist were clench tightly her knuckles had turned white. She was unable to hide her dissatisfaction which the experienced old fogies had picked up on. They quickly either found excuses to leave her alone lest they get on her bad side.

'Wench! See if I don't deal with you today!'

With the flick of her sleeve, Zhenzhen turned and quickly made her way back to where the Crown Prince RuoFeng was seated. He didn't even bother to give her a glance and sipped on his tea, eyes dark with annoyance.

Zhenzhen bit her lip and sat 'elegantly', raising her hand slightly. The little maid from behind her saw the signal and quickly went forward bending low and awaiting Zhenzhen's order.

"What time will the gifting ceremony begin?"

The little maid nodded and quickly responded,

"Replying to Crown Princess, the gifting ceremony will be conducted in about 2 hours time."

Nodding her head gently, Zhenzhen appeared like a lovely White lotus as she sipped her tea. But her eyes revealed a malicious plan hatching. If one looked closely enough, one could see that her hand holding the teacup was trembling ever so slightly from rage.

Unknown to Zhenzhen, everything that had transpired was being taken in by Feiyun who simply observed from her seat. Feiyun glanced to the far corner, an old man with a beard bundled together with a bead sat together with a little lady who had her face veiled, showing only a pair of eyes.

'Yuan...Chide and...'

The corner of Feiyun's lips curled up, revealing a mysterious smirk. This was not missed by Tianhuo who had been silently sipping his tea and smoothing his thumb over her finger which was clasped in his large hands.

His little lioness was up to something again, and this he wouldn't want to miss even if you killed him. A trace of interest flashing briefly in his eyes he quietly turned his attention to her line of sight.

Ever since her entrance, Feiyun had been feeling the prickly and intense hatred aimed towards her from the little lass sitting to the side of Yuan Chide. Merely being a side character, Feiyun had completely forgotten there was still someone useless around.

"Husband, want to have some fun?"

Feiyun called out teasingly, a hint of mischievousness in her eyes.

"Hmmm. Whatever you wish to do."

Feiyun thought for a little bit before finally leaning close to his ear in a hushed whisper.

"Then, sit here and enjoy the show!"

Nodding once in approval, Tianhuo's lips curled up ever so slightly, as he took a sip of his wine, his heart racing slightly when he saw the fearless and bewitching eyes of his princess.

Unknowingly, his lips curled up slightly, a face only Feiyun could draw out.

The ladies secretly watching the devilishly handsome men swooned and felt a jolt in their hearts. Young to old, none was spared from that soul catching smile.

Feiyun on the other hand was getting used to his develish looks simply smile, turning her attention to the wine glass in his hands.

Her hands moved quickly, swiping the cup of wine from his hands, Feiyun quickly downed the whole glass in one big gulp and presented the empty cup in front of Tianhuo, demanding him to refill.

Under the many eyes watching her, this was unheard of, for a Princess Consort of a Prince to display such unrefined manners. Some eyes flashed with shock while others including the Xue family simply smiled mockingly.

Even Tianhuo who had been sipping on his wine was surprised by her move. His fingers were frozen as though he cup was still in his hands. He didn't expect she would do this but he played along when he saw the clarity in her eyes, sparkling with anticipation.

"Hmp! To think that your Princess Consort has such bad manners, should I send one the palace tutors to come to your manor to educate that 'princess' for you, brother?"

Crown Prince Ruofeng simply chuckled in glee. When she had embarrassed him previously, she had been let off too lightly. Now that he has a chance, how could he miss it? intending to completely throw the reputation of Feiyun and Tianhuo into the mud, his eyes lit with excitement.

Tianhuo turned his gaze away from Ruofeng, a slight condescending smirk in his eyes. He gently pulled Feiyun into his lap, snuggling close to her as he poured another 2 glass of wine,

"One more?"

Tianhuo's warm breath swept past her neck, sending a slightly shiver through her body.

Nodding her head furiously, Feiyun happily cheers her wine glass to Tianhuo's raised one.

'Clink'

The surrounding had been quiet since the crown prince's words and only stared flabbergasted at the sight.

Not only was Tianhuo not embarrassed, he even spoiled his princess consort even more and joined her. Some shook their heads at the sight while others found a small smile on their faces unknowingly, they too felt merry and started sipping their wine.

Ruofeng having been slighted by Tianhuo felt the blood rise to his head. His hand clenching tightly around the golden wine cup in his hands. If it was made with glass it would have shattered into powder.

After a few rounds of drinking, standing up slowly, Feiyun stumbled slightly in a drunken manner. Tianhuo played along, pretending to catch and support his drunken wife. A slightly defeated look appeared on his face momentarily. Quickly cradling her in his arms, he turned and took off to the back rooms.

In the Great hall, there was always a large number of empty guest rooms nearby for the officials and ministers to use should they wish.

The whole banquet fell silent as they watched the two figures leave towards the back and into the door that lead to those rooms. Including 2 pairs of eyes that held traces of malice.

As they left, hidden withing Tianhuo's embrace, Feiyun in her "drunken stupor" had caught the 2 pair of malicious eyes and in an instant a dangerously breathtaking smile appeared on her face. The glint in her eyes cold with anticipation.

Want to plot against her? Come! She, Xue Feiyun, would even set a grandiose stage and play with you.

A moment later, Tianhuo reappeared alone and returned to his seat. His eyes were, even more colder than before and no one dared come within 5 feet of him. People watched him carefully from the corner of their eyes as though watching an animal that might suddenly pounce on them.

It seems that this time the Princess Consort Feiyun might have actually displeased The God of War. How could they know that because Feiyun was no longer here, all the anger Tianhuo had for Emperor JunZhan was threatening to spill out?

Zhenzhen eyes lit with fire when she saw Tianhuo sitting by himself. if the God of War was displeased and merely drinking himself drunk there. Then what was there for her to worry about? Her plan could be carried out efficiently.

"Do it. Send it to the room, make sure you place it somewhere inconspicuous then get her to change rooms."

Having given her hushed orders, Zhenzhen quickly sent the one of her little maid on her way and returned to the table enjoying the moment that belonged to hers. Her heart anticipating what was coming next.

On the far side of the banquet hall, the veiled Li Qingle smirked. Straightening her back, she silently slipped out. No one noticed her leaving, they couldn't care less about some nameless woman.

How could these two women know that with each step they took, they are only sinking deeper into the quick sand trap that Feiyun had specially set for them?

As the banquet went on, dancers appeared with strings and ribbons. Twirling and spinning to the melodious accompaniment.

Sweet scent of fine wine permeating through the air, the atmosphere was simply filled with enjoyment of the banquet goers.

After a few rounds of drinks had been sent out, the Officials and Ministers grew rowdy and more relaxed.

Aside from the small talks between the emperor and his loyal ministers and officers from time to time, both prince's had been silently drinking.

RuoFeng at his table with a smile that didn't reach his eyes as he impatiently waited for the banquet to be over.

While Tianhuo sat with a face devised of emotion. He seemed to be waiting quietly for his princess to return. No one dared speak or disturb his quiet moment.

Having entertained quite a number of officials, Zhenzhen felt her a numbing feeling forming near the top of her belly button. Slowly cold sweat started forming on her forehead.

She felt the lower part of her belly starting to ache and placed her hands over it worrying.

Her beautiful face paled and a frown appeared between her finely drawn brows. She was sure not to have drank any wine or taken any medication that could cause any problems.

Her face paled greatly and she turned to RuoFeng, gently tugging at his sleeve,

"My Prince... I don't feel too well..."

RuoFeng glanced to her slightly pale face and then to the other hand covering her belly slightly. He quickly flicked her hand off his sleeve and turned to the eunuch, instructing him to lead the princess to the back hall to rest.

Seeing his cold uncaring attitude, paling greatly in comparison to what Feiyun had experience with Tianhuo.

It was like a strike to her face and an arrow to her heart. Even if she was Crown Princess so what? She still lose out to Feiyun.

'Why? Why is it that she always gets everything? Born with luck having not to struggle and achieving anything she wants? WHY?!"

Questions rang out in screams in her heart. Yet she couldnt show it on her face and merely clenched her fist hard. Trembling with rage, jealousy and heartache.

The creeping pain as though someone was slowly squeezing her heart filled her, tears threatened form but she closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

Although many noticed her leaving quietly, they quickly turned their gaze back to the front. Pretending they saw nothing.

It was normal for ladies to be allowed time to rest between banquets due to fatigue or having drunk too much. But although not many might have noticed, the crown princess had not touched a single cup of wine.

Having turned down any offer from the various ministers and officials. That itself placed a lot of speculations in the mind of the ministers.

As the banquet carried on deep into the evening, loud Gong rang out catching the attention of everyone. each quickly returning to their seats and settling down. The dancers moved to the side, withdrawing quietly.

Emperor JunZhan stood up, a wine up in his hands as he merrily announced,

"All my guests here tonight. Today is a day of celebration as a gift and remembrance of this day, I have prepared a gift for everyone present!"

The happy officials bowed and responded loudly.

" Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! "

Feeling excited in their hearts. Today was such a good day, to think they would be able to receive something from the palace was already a heavenly blessing.

But what they didn't know what that this blessing would soon turn into a horror show.

As a long train of stunning girls came in holding a gift box in their hand, each lining up in front of an official.

As though practiced a thousand times over, when the next Gong rang out, the girls immediately knelt and presented the gifts in their hands.

Wide smiles plastered over their faces as the old fogies quickly accepted the gifts. Upon opening, the various ministers' eyes bulged out as though threatening to escape their sockets.

Each of them found that what waited inside those seemingly fine boxes were; 1 rare 100-year-old ginseng and various other rare herbs.

Such a gift was truly heavenly, the price for one 50 year old ginseng was already something that they could only get after bidding at an auction and spending an incredulous amount of money.

This in their hands was a 100-year-old, easily costing them decades of work to pay off the price.

Such a show of wealth! The empire was said to be one of the biggest ruling empire and as such had the biggest and largest amount of resources and money. This only confirmed their speculation.

Some couldn't help but wonder what one's life would be like, how lavishly they could live if they were the Emperor of such an Empire.

"My Beloved Empress personally help me to prepare today's gifts for all of you. Truly the mother of our great nation ah!"

Emperor JunZhan widely proclaimed, his hand signalling for his eunuch to come forward.

In the eunuchs' hands were a beautifully carved redwood box with a golden rim around the box. The lid was inlaid with countless gems and crystals.

"My beloved, this is a reward for your hard work, I have prepared this specifically for you."

Empress Mu HuaRong blushed as she quickly went forward to his side, waving to her lady-in-waiting to go accept the Emperor's gifts and bring it to her.

The various ministers and officials sat at their seats, watching and wondering what the Emperor had prepared that could beat the 100 year old ginseng.

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