It was the first time Xiao Lan had attended an official banquet of this scale, yet she did not appear nervous at all. When others stood up, she stood up; and when others held up their cups to toast, she toasted as well. At the end of the ceremony, she sat down, bowed her head, ate quietly without speaking, and helped Lin Feilu to eat.
The concubines around them knew that Xiao Lan was not favored and it was only possible for her to attend this banquet by Consort Xian’s recommendation. They did not take any initiatives to talk to Xiao Lan. However they were all a little curious about the fifth imperial princess, so they observed her from their seats.
Both mother and daughter were dressed very plainly, but they could not hide their natural beauty. Especially this fifth princess, even at the age of five, she was born with such lovely and exquisite features. If His Imperial Majesty were to see her, she might gain his favor and love.
No, that would be highly unlikely.
The envious concubines quickly denied these thoughts. If His Imperial Majesty were to see her, he would only be reminded of that foolish son. That was a thorn in His Imperial Majesty’s heart. Otherwise, how could she be reduced to this state despite Xiao Lan’s beauty?
Thinking of this, the enviable eyes of the concubines were withdrawn as they had lost all interest.
Dancers soon surged into the banquet hall and began to perform. Throughout the night, the attendees raised their cups and toasted each other, filling the hall with high spirits and laughters of joy.
All the imperial princes and princesses were all sitting next to their mothers. Lin Feilu could not find Lin Jingyuan from her seat, and was only able to vaguely see Imperial Concubine Jing and Lin Xi. When she looked over, coincidentally Lin Xi was also looking back at her. As the hall was filled with crowds and noise, she could not see Lin Xi’s expression clearly.
But Lin Feilu could still feel the viciousness in her gaze.
She tilted her head and smiled, picked up her tea cup, and gave Lin Xi a toast from afar.
After the dancers finished their performance, another concubine went up to perform. There were some who played musical instruments, while some performed dances. Lin Feilu felt as if she was watching a New Year’s Eve party in a nightclub, but unfortunately there were only beautiful women and no handsome men.
She suddenly missed the cubs she had chased in her past life.
It was nightfall by the time the banquet ended, and it was now the time for the fireworks display. Emperor Lin left the banquet early as he still had more work to attend to. He held up his glass of wine and spoke a few words before he finally left. Lin Feilu felt the emperor was like a president who excused himself and made a formal exit.
As soon as he left, the laughter and excitement in the banquet hall suddenly became a lot quieter. After all, the emperor was gone now, there was no longer any need to put on a performance and act merry. When the empress noticed this, she got up and said, “Let us leave this place. You may all accompany me to enjoy the fireworks. The snowy backdrop with the fireworks in the sky will serve as a beautiful memory to recollect upon in the future.”
The Stargazing Court was some distance away from the banquet hall. The path between the two destinations had long been lit up by the lanterns that were hung by the palace servants.
Lin Jingyuan, who was sitting high up the row, was eager to move. As soon as the empress left her seat, he rushed all the way down to the last table. Xiao Lan was putting on Lin Feilu’s cloak, when Lin Jingyuan shouted, “Little Lu, let’s go watch the fireworks!”
Lin Feilu tilted her head and replied softly, “Sure, let’s go with Eldest Imperial Sister.”