Chapter 116 – The Imperial Feast

The Jingguo Duke’s Mansion was also hosting a family feast under the osmanthus trees in the garden for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Jingguo Duke and his two sons, Xu Chun and Xu Wei, along with Sheng Tongyu and his three sons, had set up a table in the garden. They enjoyed the scent of the osmanthus flowers while feasting on lake crabs and drinking chrysanthemum wine. On the side, separated by flowering trees, there was a pavilion with pearl curtains hanging down where a separate table had been arranged for the womenfolk. Sheng’s wife, along with her two daughters, Xu Fu and Xu Rong, and several concubines of the Jingguo Duke, were feasting inside the pavilion.

Xu Chun was enthusiastically discussing how to roast a squab with Changtian. Xu Wei looked timid beside him, but Changzhou was quite amiable, occasionally chatting with him. Changyun, on the other hand, was focused on cracking open a crab. After he had finished, he presented two pieces to Sheng Tongyu and the Jingguo Duke.

Sheng Tongyu and the Jingguo Duke, Xu Anlin, were toasting each other with wine. As they drank, Xu Anlin became tipsy. Seeing Sheng Tongyu’s three outstanding sons, he said with a hint of alcohol in his voice, “Uncle, your three sons… Changzhou married the daughter of a prominent clan, and now Changyun and Changtian aren’t young anymore… Back when my mother was still around…”

Xu Chun suddenly interrupted loudly, “Father! I sent wine, crabs, and festival gifts to Elder Sister today, but Brother-in-Law said he would come visit you soon to pay his respects.”

Xu Anlin, thrown off by the sudden change in topic, couldn’t remember what he was going to say. Irritated, he said, “That brat from the Han family? He hasn’t paid me any attention for years, but now that he sees me… sees our family… and…” His speech was slurred, and his face was flushed with anger, reeking of alcohol.

Sheng Tongyu smiled and said, “Brother-in-law, calm down. Those snobs will regret their actions eventually; there’s no need to bother with them…”

Underneath the pavilion, Sheng’s wife scoffed. Her eyes, sharp as knives, turned towards Xu Anlin’s two concubines, and she slammed her cup onto the table.

All the concubines and the two illegitimate daughters stood up, bowing their heads.

Sheng’s wife said coolly, “Sit down. Otherwise, the Duke might think I’m oppressing you all.”

“The Sheng family isn’t something you can scheme about. Now that Grandmother is gone, don’t count on the Duke to go against me and marry you into the Sheng family. Behave yourselves, and I might arrange good matches for you. But if you still think you can rely on the Duke to overpower me and get a share of the Sheng family’s wealth, then don’t blame me for being ruthless and doing some harsh things in the future.”

She glared at them, her face filled with fury. “I’ll just send you away with a dowry. It’ll save me the trouble of seeing you. Which noble lady in the capital talks as nicely as I do? Behave yourselves.”

None of the concubines dared to say a word, and the two illegitimate daughters were red-faced with shame.

Meanwhile, seeing that Xu Anlin was drunk, Sheng Tongyu knew that his brother-in-law was rather muddled. He coaxed him into drinking a few more cups before ordering a servant girl to escort him back to his room. With that, the feast was over.

Xu Chun noticed that it was still early. At this time, there should be an imperial feast in the palace. His Ninth Brother was probably still very busy. He wondered how things were going with Prince Yu. Wu Yinghou and Brother Fang were out on official business during the Mid-Autumn Festival… But when they returned, his Ninth Brother would likely promote them. He had heard that He Zhiquiu had been promoted twice and was now a sixth-rank official. After handling such a major case, he should also be promoted.

He himself held a fifth-rank position due to his father’s influence, but he hadn’t handled any significant official duties yet. No wonder Fan Mukun had been so jealous at the time, wanting to take a position outside the capital. Xu Chun now felt a bit anxious too. He was still far from his Ninth Brother and couldn’t help him with anything.

He followed Sheng Changzhou and the others on horseback to see the lantern market. However, he wasn’t a child anymore, and he merely went through the motions, buying a lantern and strolling around. When the moon rose high in the sky, he returned to the Duke’s mansion and claimed he wanted to rest early. However, he secretly slipped out of the corner gate and went to the palace.

As expected, the Emperor was still holding the feast in the front hall. Wufu Liushun hurried over to serve him and help him bathe. He had drunk some wine and was feeling pleasantly drowsy. After washing up, he originally intended to wait for his Ninth Brother, but his eyes felt heavy and stuck together. He lay down on the couch and fell asleep.

In the Hall of Heavenly Blessings, the Mid-Autumn Palace Feast was nearing its end. It was merely a formality. At this point, they were simply watching the music and dance performances from the Ministry of Music in the courtyard below. They would finish another cup of wine before dispersing. However, Su Huaibai came over and whispered to Xu Chun that he had entered the palace but seemed to have fallen asleep after drinking some wine.

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “Don’t wake him. Let him sleep soundly. Make sure he doesn’t catch a chill. Also, set up another table in the Huagai Hall. I’m going to hold a feast.”

Su Huaibai was taken aback. This hadn’t been planned in advance, seemingly a spur-of-the-moment decision by the Emperor. He asked, “Which prince or minister are we inviting? I need to make arrangements for the feast.”

Xie Yi replied, “Arrange it according to the protocol for the Empress’s maternal family. Also, send people to secretly summon Sheng Tongyu and his three sons, as well as the Duchess of the Jingguo Duke, to enter the palace through the Xuanwu Gate.”

Su Huaibai was astonished and cautiously confirmed, “We’re not summoning the Jingguo Duke?”

Xie Yi furrowed his brows. “What use is that fool? Why summon him? Let him remain as his muddled Duke.”

Su Huaibai understood and quickly complied.

Although Sheng Tongyu and Sheng Shan hadn’t gone to bed yet, they were startled when they received word from the palace eunuchs. They hastily changed into formal attire and got into the carriage bound for the palace, smoothly entering without any hindrances.

When the five of them arrived at the Huagai Hall, they could hear the distant sounds of music, indicating that the palace feast was still ongoing. However, the Huagai Hall itself was extremely quiet, with separate tables on either side. Eunuchs and palace maids led them to their seats. Sheng Tongyu and Sheng Shan were seated on two separate tables on the left, while Sheng Changzhou, Sheng Changyun, and Sheng Changtian occupied three tables on the right. This was their first time attending an imperial feast, and they were quite surprised. From the arrangement, it seemed like they were being treated to a private banquet, but why hadn’t the Jingguo Duke been invited? Was it because he was still in mourning?

But if that was the case, then Sheng Shan, as the Duchess of the Duke, was also in mourning, which was considered inauspicious.

For a moment, they all sat quietly, not waiting long before hearing the eunuch announce, “His Majesty the Emperor has arrived.”

All five of them hurriedly left their seats to kneel and pay their respects. However, Xie Yi had already walked in and said warmly, “Rise, there’s no need for formalities.”

He took a few steps to his main seat and sat down. Sheng Tongyu and Sheng Shan, among others, were guided back to their seats by the eunuchs.

Sheng Changzhou raised his eyes to look at the young emperor above. Today, he wore a magnificent red robe embroidered with golden dragons, and he wore a crown that added to his dignity compared to the day he had come to perform the capping ceremony for Xu Chun. Thinking back to how he had dared to stop him in the inn, Sheng Changzhou couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat for his past self.

Xie Yi said gently, “Today, I’ve invited the Sheng family here for two reasons. First, it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Sheng clan has traveled a long distance from Minzhou. I should hold a feast for you. Second, you are all elders of the Sheng family, and I wish to discuss the matter of the Empress with you.”

Sheng Shan suddenly lifted her head, ignoring etiquette, and looked at Xie Yi, confused. “Empress?”

Xie Yi smiled at her. “My imperial harem has been vacant for a long time. The Xu family of the Jingguo Duke is a family of distinguished military merit. Their lineage is adorned with honor and virtue, and they uphold the traditions of poetry and propriety. I intend to confer the title of Empress upon a son of the Xu family.”

Sheng Shan said blankly, “Your Majesty, there are two unmarried daughters in the Jingguo Duke’s household. Which one does Your Majesty wish to choose? But I fear they are still young and may not be able to bear the heavy responsibility of being the mother of the nation.”

Sheng Tongyu hurriedly signaled to her with his eyes, but Sheng Shan was stunned by the news. Xie Yi merely smiled at Lady Sheng. “Duchess, I said a son of the Xu family.”

Sheng Tongyu left his seat and knelt down, saying, “Reporting to Your Majesty, conferring the title of Empress on a man would shock the world and defy convention. Young Master Xu is still young and may not be able to withstand public scrutiny. Moreover, as a man, he should establish his career in the government and fight on the battlefield, not serve in the palace. What will he do in the future to stand among the ministers? Your Majesty is wise and sagacious; why leave a blemish in history? Please reconsider.”

The three brothers of the Sheng family also stepped forward and knelt down alongside their father.

Sheng Shan’s lips trembled slightly, and her face suddenly paled. “A son of the Xu family? Your Majesty is talking about… Xu Chun?” She swayed slightly and deeply bowed out of her seat. “Your Majesty! Please spare him! He’s still young, only seeking temporary pleasure. He doesn’t know the sharpness of the tongues of the world, nor the eternal condemnation of future generations. Please spare him! He’s innocent and pure, unable to withstand the scorn of the world. Your Majesty, you’re trying to force him to his death.”

Tears streamed down her face as she instantly understood the meaning of the Emperor personally performing the capping ceremony. Fear shook her body.

Xie Yi personally got up to support Lady Sheng and ordered Su Huaibai to help Sheng Tongyu and the others to rise. “All rise. You’ve frightened Lady Sheng. Do you think I’m someone who wouldn’t cherish him? I cherish him more than anyone else.”

The eunuchs helped the Sheng family members return to their seats. Sheng Shan’s face was ashen, tears continuously falling, and her eyes were red as she looked at Xie Yi. Xie Yi said warmly, “Precisely because I value him dearly, I will confer upon him the imperial seal and jade tablet, present him to the temple, unite him with me in matrimony, report to heaven and earth, and sacrifice to our ancestors. In the imperial records, my child, the future Empress, will be from the Xu family of the Jingguo Duke. One day, she will be properly interred with me in the same mausoleum.”

Sheng Shan said softly, “Your Majesty possesses all four seas and rules alone. No one dares to criticize Your Majesty, but he will have to bear the ridicule of the entire world. Such immense fortune, my son cannot bear.” There was a hint of anger in her voice.

Sheng Tongyu only worried for his sister, merely nodding slightly in response. If it really didn’t work out, they could immediately take Xu Chun out to sea. Why provoke the Emperor? He hurriedly said, “Lady Sheng loves her son and was overly shocked, losing her composure momentarily. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

Xie Yi wasn’t angry. Instead, he smiled and said, “I guessed that Uncle Sheng might have thought of first appeasing Me on the surface, planning to escape to sea later.”

Sheng Tongyu was at a loss for words. Xie Yi slowly continued, “I and Xu Chun love each other deeply, and I have given Xu Chun the opportunity to leave. But he refused. The love of an emperor is indeed not a blessing, but since he is not afraid, neither should I abandon him. But since I love him, how can I let him suffer the ridicule of the world? Xu Chun has natural beauty and virtue, and I also want to nurture him into a fine talent, a pillar of the state, and will not confine him within the inner palace. Rest assured.”

Sheng Tongyu said, “Your Majesty is wise. I assume Your Majesty must have a comprehensive plan?”

Xie Yi replied, “Twenty years ago, Xu Anlin, the Duke of Zhen, gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. Due to the daughter’s poor health, he sought medical treatment to no avail. Therefore, he entrusted her to the care of the Sheng family, her mother’s natal family, to seek treatment from a divine doctor overseas. After twenty years, she finally recovered. This time, she accompanied her uncle to the capital and returned home, also to celebrate her elder brother’s capping ceremony. I, along with Lord Wu Yinghou, visited their residence to congratulate them, and coincidentally met her. Seeing her virtue, talent, extraordinary appearance, and noble character, considering that the imperial harem has been vacant for a long time, I decided to confer upon her the title of Empress.”

Sheng Tongyu’s expression softened slightly, but Sheng Shan asked, “Since she’s been conferred the title of Empress, once she enters the palace, she’ll have to manage the inner palace. How will she meet the ladies of the court?”

Xie Yi answered, “The Empress Dowager is gravely ill, and the Empress is exceptionally filial. Upon entering the palace, she devoted herself to serving by the Empress Dowager’s sickbed, praying day and night, leaving her no time to attend to palace affairs. All palace rituals will be handled through female officials. My inner palace has been empty for a long time, and it has not hindered state affairs. The ceremonies and sacrifices for the imperial silkworms and other festivals have been presided over by princesses and consorts of the imperial clan. There’s no need to worry.”

Sheng Shan still hesitated. “What about heirs?”

Xie Yi replied, “Select the most worthy from the imperial clan and record them under the Empress’s name as her legitimate children.”

Sheng Shan continued to press, “What about Xu Chun’s career?”

Without hesitation, Xie Yi said, “The title of Co-equal Prince. I await the day he achieves great accomplishments.”

Sheng Shan looked at the Emperor. The Emperor was so young, his bearing dignified and majestic, surpassing all the noble sons she had seen in the capital.

So that was it. That inexplicable imperial decree, the grace bestowed upon the Sheng family as imperial merchants, the resolution of the disputes between the two branches of the Jingguo Duke’s household by a secret edict, the personal performance of the capping ceremony—it was all for this day.

Her son… The man he liked was someone so extraordinary.

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “I’ve already said that today is merely a discussion, not an imperial decree. Xu Anlin won’t be out of mourning for another year. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xu Chun will also assume his post. Even if everything is settled, it will take another year to complete the six rites—asking for the name, setting the date, etc. Lady Sheng, there’s no need to worry.”

“But, the Jingguo Duke is foolish. There’s no need to tell him about this. As for Xu Chun, please don’t mention it to him for now. He’s still quite shy, and if he finds out that you all know, he might blame Me for not telling him first. Now that he’s assuming his post, I only hope he focuses on that. Don’t bother him with trivial matters like this.”

“If you really don’t wish to proceed, I can also compromise. Whenever you come to an agreement, we can proceed then.”

Sheng Shan looked up at the Emperor. The Emperor was so young, his appearance dignified and majestic, surpassing all the noble sons she had seen in the capital.

It was as she had suspected. That inexplicable imperial decree, the grace bestowed upon the Sheng family as imperial merchants, the resolution of the disputes between the two branches of the Jingguo Duke’s household by a secret edict, and the personal performance of the capping ceremony—it was all for this day.

Her son… The man he liked was someone so extraordinary.