Chapter 86: Imperial Palace Night Banquet
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
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The final martial arts class was an assessment of the students’ progress over the past few months.
After months of training and instructors’ guidance, about half of the students successfully initiated their Aether Qi, stepping onto the path of martial arts. The other half, although unable to initiate their Aether Qi, significantly improved their physical fitness and passed the assessment.
The Aether Arts Institute’s curriculum aimed to enhance students’ various abilities and didn’t set overly difficult obstacles in assessments.
For Lin Xiu, the martial arts class hadn’t been particularly beneficial.
He had initiated his Aether Qi elsewhere, and his biggest gain from the class was Xue Ning’er’s ability.
Thinking of Xue Ning’er, Lin Xiu felt a pang of guilt. If she had remained manipulative throughout, it would have been different. Even if he had tricked her, she would have deserved it.
But matters of the heart were complicated by sincerity.
He had hurt someone who genuinely liked him, that was an undeniable fact. Xue Ning’er had even left the Aether Arts Institute because of it, further increasing Lin Xiu’s sense of guilt.
He wanted to talk to Xue Ning’er in person, but hearing that she had remained at the Xue residence, refusing to see even her closest friends, Lin Xiu had no opportunity.
Li Bozhang, noticing Lin Xiu’s troubled thoughts, patted his shoulder. “In a few days, it’s the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday. All the nobles in the capital will attend the palace banquet to celebrate. Lady Ning’er should be there as well. With any luck, you might run into her…”
After returning home, Lin Xiu also heard about the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration.
The Grand Empress Dowager was the current Emperor’s grandmother. After the late Emperor’s passing, the late Empress soon followed him. Thus, the Great Xia Dynasty had no Empress Dowager, but the Grand Empress Dowager remained healthy and held a high position in the palace.
Lin Xiu was familiar with the imperial harem but hadn’t met the Grand Empress Dowager. This was because the elderly lady couldn’t tolerate heat. Before the weather turned warm, the Emperor had sent her to the Li Mountain Imperial Retreat to escape the summer heat.
The current Emperor was a filial son. For the Grand Empress Dowager’s eightieth birthday, he was hosting a grand banquet in the palace to pray for her health and longevity. All officials above the fifth rank, as well as all nobles in the capital, were required to attend.
The Lin family received the palace notification that day.
Three days later, they were to attend the palace banquet. Lin Xiu and Count Ping’an would be in the central palace, while Countess Ping’an would be in the rear palace. In large imperial banquets, men and women were usually separated.
After lunch, Lin Xiu accompanied his mother to the streets to choose a birthday gift for the Grand Empress Dowager. Sun Dali and A’Yue followed them.
For the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday, the nobles naturally couldn’t arrive empty-handed. Fortunately, the Lin family was a minor noble family, so the gift didn’t need to be extravagant. A gift worth a few dozen or a hundred taels of silver, a token of their respect, would suffice.
If everyone had to prepare lavish gifts for the Grand Empress Dowager’s banquet, many of the less wealthy officials would have to sell their possessions.
In a jewelry shop in the eastern part of the city, Countess Ping’an took a liking to a pure gold Guanyin statue. The shopkeeper asked for five hundred taels of silver, while she countered with three hundred. The two were in a stalemate.
At that moment, a figure emerged from the back of the shop.
It was a middle-aged man. He paused upon seeing Lin Xiu, then his face lit up with surprise. He hurried forward. “Master Lin, you left in such a hurry last time, my family hasn’t had the chance to properly thank you. Today, I’m hosting a banquet at Zhai Yue Restaurant. Please do me the honor of attending!”
Lin Xiu recognized this middle-aged man. Not long ago, he had earned a thousand taels of silver from Squire Chen.
At the time, Squire Chen’s son had been kidnapped. Lin Xiu had Da Huang enlist the city’s stray dogs to help find him.
Lin Xiu smiled. “Squire Chen has already given me a reward. There’s no need for a banquet. I have some matters to attend to today.”
Seeing Lin Xiu’s refusal, Squire Chen looked disappointed, then seemed to think of something. He looked at Countess Ping’an. “This madam is…?”
Lin Xiu replied, “This is my mother.”
Squire Chen glanced at the Guanyin statue in her hand. “If Madam likes this Guanyin statue, please accept it as a gift, a small token of my appreciation…”
Five hundred taels wasn’t much for the Lin family now, but Squire Chen refused to accept any payment. He insisted that if it weren’t for Lin Xiu, he would have lost ten thousand taels last time, and he insisted on gifting the statue…
Walking out of the jewelry shop, Countess Ping’an asked in surprise, “Where did you meet such generous friends?”
Lin Xiu simply explained, “I happened to help him out once.”
Zhou Jun didn’t pry further. Her son was indeed different now. He used to stay at home all the time, without a single friend. After being knocked unconscious by the meteorite, it was as if he had suddenly awakened. Chief Chen said he was popular in the Clear Judicial Department, the palace often summoned him, and even when he went out to buy a gift for the Grand Empress Dowager, he encountered such a generous friend…
Seeing these changes in her son, she felt truly gratified.
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As the four of them walked out of the shop, two figures approached them.
Lin Xiu recognized both of them: Xue Ning’er and her best friend, Chen Peipei.
After so many days, Lin Xiu hadn’t expected to run into her here. He was wondering how to address her when Xue Ning’er also saw him. Her face instantly paled, her eyes filled with panic. The next moment, she pulled Chen Peipei’s hand and fled…
From that single glance, Lin Xiu understood her feelings.
Indeed…
He had sinned.
In just a few days, she looked much thinner and paler. The reason went without saying.
Lin Xiu sighed inwardly. What he feared and least wanted to happen had happened.
At that moment, at a street corner nearby, Chen Peipei looked at Xue Ning’er in confusion. “Ning’er, why are you running? Wasn’t that Lin Xiu? By the way, how’s your seduction plan going? I can’t wait to see Zhao Lingjun humiliated in front of you…”
As Chen Peipei spoke, Xue Ning’er’s face turned even paler. She looked at Chen Peipei pleadingly. “Stop it, please stop it…”
Chen Peipei finally noticed something was amiss. She asked with concern, “Ning’er, what’s wrong? You seem very unwell…”
Xue Ning’er burst into tears, hugging Chen Peipei, and sobbed, “I, I’m a bad woman. I don’t deserve him…”
…
In recent days, due to the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday, the Great Xia Dynasty was in celebration, and the capital’s curfew had been temporarily lifted.
Normally, the inner city became quiet at night. Anyone caught walking on the streets during curfew hours would be flogged.
But since three days ago, the capital truly came alive after nightfall. Shops remained open all night, and street vendors were everywhere. People rarely had the opportunity to be out at night. The streets were crowded, with barely any space to walk.
The area near the imperial palace in the eastern city was where high-ranking officials and nobles resided. Today, it was bustling with carriages and sedan chairs. One after another, they stopped at the palace gate, and dignified nobles and officials alighted, heading towards the entrance.
The palace maids and eunuchs of the Ministry of Rites were all stationed at the gate today. The gifts brought by officials and nobles were left here, registered and recorded. Except for a few top-ranking nobles with valuable gifts to present personally to the Grand Empress Dowager, no one else was allowed to bring gifts inside.
At the palace gate, Lin Xiu first presented the Ping’an Count’s invitation and the brocade box containing the Guanyin statue. After inspection and registration by the palace maids and eunuchs, a eunuch led the three of them inside.
Just as they entered the front palace, a figure emerged from a group of palace maids on the left, bowed to Countess Ping’an, and said respectfully, “Madam, please follow me. I will escort you to the rear palace…”
Many noblewomen were attending the banquet today. As per tradition, they would proceed to the rear palace for the banquet hosted by the Empress.
Lin Xiu and Count Ping’an were led to a magnificent palace in the central palace.
The palace was vast, specifically built for large banquets. Rows of low tables extended from within the hall, even onto the square in front.
Seating arrangements at imperial banquets were meticulously planned. There were strict protocols dictating who should sit where and who should be placed before whom.
Those of noble status, such as dukes, marquises, and their descendants, naturally sat closer to the front. Minor nobles and officials could only sit outside the hall. It was late autumn now, and the weather had turned cold. Sitting outside in the wind wasn’t pleasant.
Among the capital’s nobles, the most numerous were Third Rank Counts. Count Ping’an, having been promoted to Second Rank, was qualified to sit inside the hall, though his position was towards the back.
Lin Xiu’s seat was even further back. Two tables behind him, and it would have been outside. Fortunately, although close to the entrance, he was still inside.
They arrived neither early nor late. A little over half of the guests had arrived, both inside and outside the hall, most sitting obediently behind their low tables, waiting for the banquet to begin.
Those seated closer and acquainted with each other were whispering and chuckling softly.
Lin Xiu sat alone, somewhat bored. He didn’t recognize anyone around him. He wondered when the banquet would start and whether he should wait for Xue Ning’er at the palace gate afterward.
As he was pondering these thoughts, a figure approached him and patted his shoulder. “I’ve been looking for you. So you’re here.”
Needless to say, it was Li Bozhang.
He said to Lin Xiu, “I just returned from paying my respects to my mother. I ran into Lady Ning’er on the way. She’s lost so much weight in just a few days. Can you really bear to see her like this…?”
Lin Xiu sighed softly. “This matter started because of me. I will take responsibility.”
One could play with anything, but not with feelings, especially those of a girl who truly liked him. Even if he didn’t love her, he shouldn’t hurt her. Someone like Lin Xiu understood the preciousness of such pure affection.
The banquet hadn’t started yet, and Lin Xiu and Li Bozhang chatted idly.
All the prominent figures of the capital were present in the hall tonight. Naturally, Lin Xiu didn’t recognize many of them. He only glanced twice when Marquis Yongping appeared.
Led by a eunuch, Marquis Yongping entered the hall and took a seat at a prominent position near the front.
Li Bozhang noticed Lin Xiu’s gaze. “Have you met Marquis Yongping?”
Lin Xiu nodded. “Once. He said the matter between Yang Xuan and me is limited to us two, and has nothing to do with the Yang and Lin families.”
Li Bozhang said, “He’s a formidable man. Not yet forty years old, his martial arts cultivation is already close to the Earth Rank Upper Realm. The Yang family is bound to rise further in the future. It’s best not to make a mortal enemy of Marquis Yongping.”
A forty-year-old Earth Rank Lower Realm Aetherist was considered somewhat talented. The path of martial arts was even more arduous. For Marquis Yongping to possess strength approaching the Earth Rank Upper Realm at his age, it was no wonder he held such power in the capital.
Whether it was Aether Arts or martial arts, the higher the realm, the more difficult it was to break through. The Earth Rank Lower Realm and Earth Rank Upper Realm seemed only one realm apart, but even for those considered geniuses, it would normally take fifteen to twenty years to bridge that gap.
As for breaking through from Earth Rank Upper Realm to Heaven Rank Lower Realm, even those exceptionally talented needed at least thirty years of arduous cultivation. If one’s ability awakened late, they might never reach the Heaven Rank threshold.
This highlighted how terrifying Zhao Lingjun’s talent was, having reached the Earth Rank at the age of eighteen.
Even more frightening, she hadn’t just broken through at eighteen; she had stepped into the Earth Rank years ago.
With such cultivation talent, she was destined to reach the Heaven Rank Upper Realm in her lifetime.
Throughout history, the number of people who reached this level could be counted on one hand, and each one had left their mark on history.
If Marquis Yongping could advance to the Earth Rank Upper Realm, his promotion to Duke was certain. An Earth Rank Upper Realm martial arts expert could even contend with a Heaven Rank Aetherist. Besides the imperial family, only four families in the capital had Heaven Rank experts.
They were one First Rank Duke family and three Second Rank Duke families.
Their current status and power weren’t bestowed by the imperial family but earned through their own strength. This was why the current Emperor was wary of them and refused to marry Zhao Lingjun to any of them.
The strongest members of these families were only at the Heaven Rank Lower Realm. Gaining the immensely promising Zhao Lingjun would be more than just adding wings to a tiger.
Compared to these behemoths, Lin Xiu was much more manageable: untalented, weak, and harmless. With Zhao Lingjun married to him, the Emperor could sleep soundly.
As the banquet approached, the more important figures began to arrive.
Gradually, Dukes, Princes of the Blood, and even Princes of the First Rank appeared. With Li Bozhang by his side to introduce them, Lin Xiu memorized the faces of these important figures.
After his third awakening, his Eye Aether Art gained a new skill:
Photographic memory.
His eyes were like a human camera, able to clearly record everything he saw, and his recall was exceptionally vivid.
Lin Xiu had another reason for remembering these people.
Although he didn’t know who was behind the two assassination attempts, they were definitely here tonight. Perhaps he could find some clues.
Lin Xiu wouldn’t give up on investigating the assassinations. There had to be a culprit. He had to find out who wanted him dead. The range of suspects was too wide, and he had no starting point.
At one point, two young men entered the hall one after another, causing a stir. Many stood up and bowed.
Lin Xiu naturally learned their identities from Li Bozhang.
The gentle and refined one was Prince Qi, the only son of the Emperor and Consort Xian.
The other, who appeared gloomy and effeminate, was Prince Zhao.
Lin Xiu was initially puzzled. According to custom, after the Emperor chose the Crown Prince, to avoid power struggles between princes, shouldn’t the other princes be sent to their fiefs and not allowed to return to the capital without permission…?
However, most of the current Emperor’s sons were in the capital. Not only that, but Prince Qi also held an important position in the court with numerous followers, even rivaling the Crown Prince…
As he became gradually involved in the power struggles, Lin Xiu realized things weren’t so simple.
Consort Xian’s surname was Song, the same as Song Yuzhi. She was the daughter of the Duke Ning’s household.
The Empress’s surname was Zhang, and her family was the Duke Ding’s household.
The only First Rank Duke in the Great Xia Dynasty was Duke Ding.
This seemingly rivalry between the Crown Prince and Prince Qi was actually a power struggle between two of the Great Xia’s most powerful families. Moreover, Lin Xiu noticed a small detail: many nobles had sent their daughters to the palace. Whether concubines or consorts, every woman in the harem came from a prominent family.
The imperial family and the nobility were deeply intertwined.
The influence of these powerful families wasn’t limited to the court; even the Emperor’s harem wasn’t immune.
Lin Xiu thought even further.
Duke Ding’s daughter was the Empress, Duke Ning’s daughter was Consort Xian. The hierarchy of the harem reflected the hierarchy of the noble families. What did this mean? It meant the list of concubines was predetermined. So, even the Emperor’s marriage wasn’t his own decision…
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Lin Xiu suddenly felt better.
As the Emperor, he couldn’t decide whom to marry, not even whom to appoint as Crown Prince. From a certain perspective, he was merely a tool, his sole purpose being to produce sons as pawns in the power struggles of these nobles.
This made Lin Xiu feel even better.
However, he had to admit, having so many young and beautiful women sent to him without having to do anything was the ultimate dream of every lecher. Why couldn’t such good fortune befall him…?
On second thought, perhaps not.
Fate’s gifts always came with a price. There was no such thing as a free lunch, or a free woman. Power was valuable, beauty was desirable, but compared to freedom, these were nothing…
True freedom was being able to do as one pleased with the person they loved. Even his bed partner was designated by others, what good fortune was that?
As Lin Xiu was lost in thought, another figure, accompanied by several people, entered the hall.
This person was ordinary in appearance, not tall, with a simple and honest face. But as he entered, everyone stood up, including Li Bozhang beside Lin Xiu.
Everyone bowed and said in unison, “Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”
Lin Xiu had met the Empress and the Emperor. The Empress, though not as beautiful as the Imperial Noble Consort, was still a beauty. The Emperor was handsome. Yet, their son, the Crown Prince, didn’t inherit their good looks.
Although not ugly, compared to Princess Minghe, Li Bozhang, Prince Qi, and Prince Zhao, he lowered the royal family’s average attractiveness.
Although the Crown Prince was unremarkable in appearance, he possessed a very amiable aura, mixed with a hint of majesty and nobility, making people instinctively want to lower their heads.
Lin Xiu not only had no desire to lower his head, he even felt like putting his hands on his hips.
He didn’t know why, but upon seeing the Crown Prince, Lin Xiu had a strange feeling. How should he describe it…?
While being in Princess Minghe’s presence made him uncomfortable, feeling suppressed, the feeling he got from the Crown Prince was the opposite – a sense of pleasurable dominance…
This feeling wasn’t without reason. Lin Xiu seemed to realize something. He turned to Li Bozhang and whispered, “The Crown Prince’s ability… isn’t it Water Control…?”
Li Bozhang was surprised. “This hasn’t been publicly revealed. How did you know?”
Lin Xiu looked back at the Crown Prince. Only the Water ability could give him this feeling of dominance.
This ability was also a Heaven Rank ability, extremely powerful, and highly effective against the Fire Aether Art.
However, this ability was countered by the Ice Aether Art.
A hard counter.
At this moment, the Crown Prince, who had just entered the hall, seemed to sense something. He frowned slightly, slowly turned his head, and looked in a certain direction. Their gazes met. Lin Xiu’s expression was calm, but the Crown Prince swayed and instinctively took a step back.
The people around him quickly asked, “Your Highness, are you alright?”
The Crown Prince looked away from Lin Xiu, smiled faintly, and said, “I’m fine. Let’s go. The banquet is about to begin. Please take your seats…”
As the Crown Prince and his entourage left, Li Bozhang also bid farewell to Lin Xiu and returned to his seat at the front of the hall, befitting his status as a Prince of the Blood.
Soon, a bell rang outside. The officials, nobles, and their descendants inside the hall fell silent, sitting upright, their gazes fixed forward.
Zhu Jin emerged from the back of the hall and announced in a high-pitched voice, “His Majesty, the Emperor!”
The Emperor and Empress, supporting an elderly woman, slowly walked out. Everyone inside and outside the hall rose and bowed. “Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress! We wish the Grand Empress Dowager ten thousand blessings and good health!”
The etiquette at palace banquets was meticulous, even the greetings were pre-arranged for synchronized delivery.
The banquet began with the presentation of gifts.
Several Princes of the Blood, Princes of the Second Rank, and heads of Duke households personally presented their gifts to the Grand Empress Dowager. She didn’t stay long before being escorted away by the Empress and several matrons.
She had only made a brief appearance; many noblewomen were waiting in the rear palace.
Then, Zhu Jin, on behalf of the Emperor, announced the start of the banquet. Palace servants served dishes, and a dozen graceful palace maids danced in the hall, their flowing sleeves swirling. The guests raised their glasses and chatted, the atmosphere lively and harmonious.
The palace maids were scantily clad, their dances graceful, but Lin Xiu wasn’t in the mood to appreciate them.
He still remembered the look the Crown Prince had given him.
It was a look filled with disgust, resentment, hostility, and many other emotions Lin Xiu couldn’t quite decipher. Although their gazes had only met for a moment, some things couldn’t be hidden.
Like loving someone.
And hating someone.
Xue Ning’er’s gaze had been full of love; the Crown Prince’s was filled with hatred.
Lin Xiu hadn’t even seen such a look from Yang Xuan, Zhao Lingjun’s obsessed admirer.
Although this was his first time meeting the Crown Prince, their enmity had been established long ago.
The Crown Prince had also been one of Zhao Lingjun’s suitors. As the heir apparent, marrying Zhao Lingjun would have secured his throne, leaving no room for rivals.
Lin Xiu’s existence had shattered his dream. He had reason to hate Lin Xiu.
It could even be said that the Emperor’s sons were the most likely suspects behind the two assassination attempts, followed by the powerful families of the capital.
After seeing the Crown Prince today, his suspicion in Lin Xiu’s mind grew stronger.
Princess Minghe’s ability was Fire, a direct counter to Lin Xiu’s apparent ability. She couldn’t resist provoking him. The Crown Prince’s ability was Water, completely countered by Lin Xiu. Would he harbor any goodwill towards him?
Probably not.
Lin Xiu looked towards the front of the hall. The Crown Prince’s seat was second only to the Emperor. He was currently watching the dancers with a smile, his face simple and honest, with no trace of the resentment from their earlier eye contact.
Although there was no direct or indirect evidence, Lin Xiu couldn’t be certain that the Crown Prince was behind the assassinations. But he was undoubtedly the prime suspect.
In that case, he would start his investigation from him.
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