Chapter 18 - New Year Banquet (2)

Wei Xiao Hua's expression turned frostier when she saw her father's attitude.

Their journey was filled with silence as the three girls were sitting in the same carriage. No one spoke out as Wei Zilin was glaring at the two of them. Even though Wei Liuying didn't say anything, it was clear that she also disapproved of Wei Zilin wearing extravagant clothing.

It didn't take long for them to arrive in the palace. There were already a lot of people from various noble families coming.

"We've arrived. For the rest of the journey, you have to walk."

The three of them descended down the carriage. Before this, Wei Hong's carriage had headed to a different way because the location for the banquet for both men and women was different. When they reached the inner palace, carriages were not allowed to enter, so they had to walk on their own.

"It's a long road," Wei Zilin said when she saw the long road. Just how long would it take for them to reach the inner palace where the banquet was held?

Wei Xiao Hua smiled. "Isn't it normal for the palace to be huge?"

"You speak as if you have come here before?"

"I'm only saying logic." Afterwards, Wei Xiao Hua was too lazy to argue as she began to walk. As she had used a light dress, it was not too heavy for her to walk towards the inner palace.

Wei Liuying was watching Wei Xiao Hua, but she retracted her gaze and scanned her surroundings. Neither one of them have ever entered the palace before. Even though their father's status was high, it was not to the point where his children could roam around the palace at will.

'It's bigger than I thought.'

After half an incense stick time (half an hour), they finally arrived. By this time, Wei Zilin's back was already drenched in sweat. Her head accessories were heavy. In addition, she was a young lady who rarely exercised. This long walk clearly burdened her body.

"We've arrived," Wei Xiao Hua said lightly.

Wei Liuying nodded. She had gotten used to a long training with her brother, so it was nothing. However, she still slowed down her pace to not make her look strange. After all, it would be weird for a lady to have a lot of stamina. She didn't want to attract attention here.

The three of them entered the garden. There were already a lot of women there. The tables were already prepared for each of them, depending on their status. Because the three of them didn't have an adult with them, it was Wei Xiao Hua who led them.

"Our table is near the front."

"Yes."

Wei Liuying followed Wei Xiao Hua quietly and sat down on the designated table. Her eyes swept the room to scan the people there, but she didn't try to pick a conversation with anyone. There was no one whom she was close enough to engage in conversation here.

On the other hand, Wei Zilin had already swarmed to another table and chatted with her friends. She was truly a social butterfly.

"Are you not interested in having hearty talk?" Wei Xiao Hua asked politely.

"I don't think there would be anyone who wanted to talk with me."

"Is that so?"

Wei Liuying smiled while Wei Xiao Hua stood up, leaving the table. There was no rule that said they have to stay at their table. She headed to the table by the side, and Wei Liuying's eyes narrowed.

The two tables near the front were for Prime Minister of the Right and Prime Minister of the Left family. Because of some political reason, the two families were not in harmony with each other. It could be said that they couldn't stand on the same page together. However, Wei Xiao Hua was the one who stepped forward first to engage in a talk.

'What is she planning to do?'

Wei Liuying watched as Wei Xiao Hua started a conversation, but she didn't move from her own place. There was no need for her to put on so much appearance when her own image was not that high. Her hand lightly touched the cup of tea and brought it to her lips, sipping the warm tea calmly.

"Empress You and Princess Ji Xiaoli had arrived!"

At that moment, everyone quickly stood up and bowed in Empress and Princess Ji Xiaoli's direction. They all greeted the two of them politely according to the custom.

"You may rise."

"Many thanks to the Empress."

With that sentence, they all straightened their body. Wei Liuying could finally take a proper look at the Empress and Princess. With one look, she could see that Empress You had a pale expression. At the same time, there was a sign of tiredness on her eyes that was concealed with her smile.

Wei Liuying's heart shrunk when she saw that as she averted her eyes. She had heard that the Empress's health was not good for the past few months. Now that she saw the Empress directly, she could see that the rumor was true. It seemed that many things weighted down the Empress's heart.

On the other hand, Princess Ji Xiaoli was as beautiful as the rumor said. With her stunning red dress and decoration that suited her status, she fully showed her full beauty. She would be 16 years old this year, reaching the marriageable age. However, she was not engaged yet, and it was unknown who will be the lucky one.

"As you may know, I'm not too healthy today," Empress You said unhurriedly. "Because of that, I'll only wish you all Happy New Year and leave the banquet in Ji Xiaoli's hand."

With that, they all began to speak of how they wished Empress You to get healthy soon, wishing her a long life, and so on. When it came to flattery, the women in this room were clearly the best.

The Empress soon left after a glass of water while the others drank either wine or water. The ladies were not allowed to drink wine first, so they have to be satisfied with the water that was prepared. Princess Ji Xiaoli started the banquet and several people performed a play on the stage while she sat down quietly.

Wei Liuying cast her glance to the stage as she watched the performance. It was a simple performance of a woman who was waiting for her husband to return back from the war. Every day, she would pray in the Temple while taking care of her children. Even though her heart was filled with worry, she still kept a smile on her face. And finally, her husband returned along with the news of victory. They held a celebration at the end.

"It's a beautiful play, Your Highness," Wei Xiao Hua praised when the play was finished. Due to her status, her sitting position was not that far from Princess Ji Xiaoli.

"It's a very suitable play for this occasion," another young lady praised from the side.

Wei Liuying was a bit further on the back, but she could hear their conversation just fine. Her black eyes flickered when she saw the young lady. The young lady's name was Xie Feng. She's Prime Minister Xie's first daughter. Her beautiful countenance was known to be unmatched in the entire Han Shi Kingdom, with the exception of Princess Ji Xiaoli.

Ji Xiaoli smiled faintly. "Why do you think it's suitable?"

"Prince Ji Sheng had just returned from the frontline. Isn't it safe to assume that it's similar to this play where he brought news of victory just before New Year?" Xie Feng argued.

Wei Xiao Hua shook her head. "It's not possible. The only reason he came back is to honor his father because it marked 20 years after his reign."

"How can it be? If it's not completely safe, he won't leave the frontline," Xie Feng argued back."

"Wei Xiao Hua is correct," Ji Xiaoli said quietly. "The war is still ongoing, and it's not a topic that we should bring up. How about if we all listen to music now and have talked with others?"

"Yes, Princess."