Chapter 42: Family Banquet Part 2

Taking advantage of a moment alone, Xun Changqing asked Wei Lingci, “Is the Wise Noble Consort the birth mother of the Third Prince? I remember she was only a consort—how did she become Wise Noble Consort?”

“After the Second Imperial Prince’s death, His Majesty elevated her position and allowed her to assist the Empress in managing the Rear Palace. Apart from the Empress, she holds the highest rank. This was His Majesty’s way of compensating her.”

A son’s life exchanged for a high position—heartache and helplessness could only be swallowed inwardly.

Though called a family banquet, aside from the Emperor, the table seated only a few high-ranking consorts. The Wise Noble Consort sat opposite, her dazzling gold hairpins and phoenix coronet unable to mask her aged features. Clear white strands were visible at her temples—perhaps her son had been her life’s hope.

Xun Changqing found it hard to tear her gaze away, propping her cheek as she watched. Suddenly, a piece of fish appeared in her bowl. She glanced sideways to see Wei Lingci still deboning fish, head lowered. Xun Changqing straightened up, shifted closer to her, and whispered, “At a family banquet, why aren’t the two princes here?”

“They might arrive late. Did you see your sister?” Wei Lingci kept her head down, her lips moving slightly. Only because Xun Changqing was close did she hear clearly.

Xun Changqing instinctively looked up and spotted a familiar-faced woman in the corner, seated beside a young man who must be her husband, Qin Mian. The woman kept her head down, her expression unclear. “Master, do you think those two don’t want anything to do with me?”

Their relationship wasn’t close, not to mention the divide between legitimate and illegitimate birth. Given the current situation, anyone would want to steer clear of her.

Wei Lingci spoke frankly. “With the Princess Consort missing, and you as her legitimate daughter, they naturally don’t want any connection to avoid bringing disaster upon themselves.”

“Then why are you so close to me?” Xun Changqing turned to gaze at her, propping her cheek again as if something fascinating had appeared on Wei Lingci’s face. Her eyes brimmed with tenderness, a smile playing on her lips. “Actually, I don’t care what they do. Those who kick people when they’re down are everywhere, and blood ties aren’t reliable.”

“Indeed, someone as cold-hearted as you wouldn’t even trust your own father—how could you trust these half-sisters from different mothers?” Wei Lingci smiled too. She had long investigated the two illegitimate daughters of Pingnan Prince’s Mansion. Once married, they focused on husband and children, neither striving nor seizing, but overly selfish—they wouldn’t lift a finger for anything not benefiting them. Just like Xun Changqing now, shunned by all, including those two.

Thus, keeping distance was for the best.

Suddenly, Xun Changqing reached out and pinched Wei Lingci’s wrist with some force, sneering. “I’m cold-hearted? How could I compare to even a fraction of you?”

Their movements were too obvious. Wei Lingci glanced at her and withdrew her wrist. Just then, Xun Yiran entered the hall, his almond eyes sweeping around before lowering slightly.

Xun Yiran was dressed in splendid brocade and strode in boldly. He knelt and kowtowed to the Emperor and Empress on the high seats. “This son pays respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress. I arrived late—please forgive me.”

The Emperor was displeased. Observing his expression, the Empress beside him hurriedly said, “Where were you? Princess Xiang’an has been here a while. You can be late to a family banquet, and no one below reminded you? Truly useless.”

Silence fell in the hall. Receiving the Empress’s signal, Xun Yiran kowtowed again and said to the Emperor, “Father Emperor doesn’t know—Little Fourth caught a cold. This son heard on the way and went to visit. It wasn’t that no one reminded this son; I’ll pay more attention next time.”

The scene of brotherly harmony had Xun Changqing, the protagonist, chiming in casually. “Second Brother, your caring nature hasn’t changed. Changqing should learn from you.”

The Emperor waved for Xun Yiran to rise, his expression easing slightly. How could he not know? Xun Yiran was merely putting on a show. Little Fourth hadn’t caught a cold—he hadn’t visited himself, but reports had already informed him of the condition.

The Wise Noble Consort had remained silent throughout, but at this moment, she lifted her eyes slightly, her gaze toward the Empress suddenly sharpening with severity. Xun Changqing caught it just as it happened, but before she could feel startled, the Wise Noble Consort had lowered her head to sip her wine.

A thought struck her—perhaps the Wise Noble Consort knew the murderer was the Empress and the Shao Family behind her, but was powerless to fight back.

After several rounds of drinks, Xun Yiran strolled over with his cup in hand. Xun Changqing cleverly stood, raising her own cup as well. Ignoring the dark emotions surging in his eyes, she smiled. “Second Brother, I heard you’re about to wed. Changqing must congratulate you in advance. Though I haven’t met the daughter from Duke Hengguo’s Residence, anyone Second Brother chooses must be a heavenly beauty and an excellent helpmate.”

Her words shocked the entire hall. Xun Yiran’s handsome face changed slightly. Disregarding Xun Changqing’s stare, he turned his gaze to Wei Lingci, as if explaining. “I am not engaged.”

Xun Changqing drained her cup and curved her lips. “Second Brother, you’re not engaged? Or is it not the daughter from Duke Hengguo’s Residence?”

Xun Yiran didn’t answer, but the Empress beside him couldn’t wait and interjected. “The engagement is naturally with the legitimate daughter of the Hengguo family, Cai Mengqing. This Palace and His Majesty have already discussed it. An imperial edict granting the marriage will be issued soon.”