Five days later, the Imperial Palace, the Emperor's birthday.
A grand banquet was held in the palace, with all the officials celebrating together. The officials, along with the princesses and princes, presented various rare treasures as birthday gifts. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, Consort Xiao, who rarely left Yuan Chun Palace, saw You Rong arrive late and deliberately said, "Your Majesty, it is truly the case with Prince Rong and Princess Rong. Knowing today is your birthday, they have not yet entered the palace. It is one thing for Prince Rong to be ignorant of etiquette, but how can Princess Rong be so as well?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the Emperor's expression turned displeased. He indeed felt some dissatisfaction with a princess who did not know the rules.
The Empress Dowager sat to the side, her face instantly darkened upon hearing Consort Xiao's divisive words. Just as she was about to speak up in defense of You Rong and Lin Qinghe, a eunuch's sharp voice was heard from outside the hall.
"Prince Rong and Princess Rong have arrived."
Everyone turned their gaze towards the hall entrance. You Rong, clad in a crimson court robe, led Lin Qinghe, who wore a light-colored dress, and they slowly walked in. Upon reaching the Emperor, they bowed together.
"Your humble son pays his respects to Father Emperor. May Father Emperor live as long as the Southern Mountain, enjoy longevity, may the dynasty be eternal, and the people live in peace and prosperity."
After You Rong's words, the Emperor was clearly stunned. It was only when the Empress Dowager called out to him that he snapped back to his senses and quickly said, "Prince Rong and Princess Rong need not be so formal. Rise."
"Yes, your humble son thanks Father Emperor."
You Rong stood up, his gaze steady. The moment the Emperor met his eyes, his heart jolted. With a slightly trembling hand, he asked, "You Rong... you... have your senses returned?"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall, except for Lin Qinghe, was shocked. Consort Xiao and You Jing's faces both turned pale.
Under the Emperor's gaze, You Rong nodded slightly, "Replying to Father Emperor, yes, your humble son's senses have returned."
The Emperor suddenly stood up, exclaiming excitedly, "Really? You Rong, your senses have returned? When did they return?"
The Emperor was somewhat beside himself with excitement and strode towards You Rong, nearly falling as he descended the steps. Fortunately, the chief eunuch behind him caught him in time.
The Emperor paid it no mind and hurried to You Rong, gripping his shoulder firmly. His grip was strong, and with a look of joy, he scrutinized him, "You Rong, tell Father Emperor again, have your senses truly returned?"
You Rong's eyes held a hint of complexity as he cupped his hands and said, "Yes, Father Emperor, your humble son's senses have indeed returned."
The Emperor's face lit up with joy, repeatedly saying, "Good, excellent... truly excellent. It is so good that you have recovered your senses..."
The officials chimed in, "For Prince Rong to be cured is surely a sign that Heaven sees Your Majesty's diligent governance and love for the people. Unwilling to see Your Majesty worry about Prince Rong, Heaven has allowed Prince Rong to recover on Your Majesty's birthday!"
"Yes, that's right... It must be that Your Majesty has moved Heaven, which has led to this, it must be so..."
Consort Xiao clenched her fists, her guilt and resentment making her frantic. She glared at You Rong and said sharply, "That's not right! Your Majesty summoned renowned physicians from all over the land to treat Prince Rong, yet none were effective. How could Prince Rong suddenly be cured?" Consort Xiao turned her gaze to Lin Qinghe and questioned sternly, "Princess Rong! Ever since you married into Prince Rong's manor, Prince Rong has obeyed your every word. Were those words you just spoke instructed by Prince Rong? You are instigating Prince Rong to deceive His Majesty, truly with malicious intent!"
Just as Lin Qinghe was about to retort to Consort Xiao's accusations, You Rong stepped forward, shielding Lin Qinghe. He gazed coldly at Consort Xiao and said chillingly, "This King has recovered his senses, why is Consort Xiao so unwilling to believe it? Or are you afraid of something? Afraid this King will reveal who the attackers were who ambushed this King two years ago?"
"How dare you speak such nonsense!" Consort Xiao, her heart struck by the truth, became even more flustered. "Those attackers who ambushed you have nothing to do with this consort. You cannot slander me..."
Before Consort Xiao could finish her words, You Jing quickly stood up and interrupted her, "Third Imperial Brother, please do not misunderstand. Mother Consort means... your sudden recovery of senses is indeed an incredible matter. Father Emperor has been disappointed many times over this. She fears it might be a mistake, and Father Emperor will be disappointed again, so she spoke in haste." Su Dan novel network
You Jing paused and continued, "Prince Rong's recovery is a matter of great joy for Father Emperor, Mother Consort, and even for me..."
You Jing's interruption brought Consort Xiao back to her senses. She realized she had almost confessed by mistake. She quickly composed herself, put on a facade of benevolence, and smiled, "Yes, Jing'er is absolutely right. This consort was just too worried that His Majesty would be disappointed, and I spoke too hastily. I hope Prince Rong will not take offense."
You Rong's expression was icy as he looked at the mother and son with disdain.
If there was anyone who was most unhappy about his recovery, it would be these two.
The Emperor was not foolish and could clearly see the undercurrents between Consort Xiao, You Jing, and You Rong. His expression darkened. Given the presence of the officials, he could not say anything. He shot Consort Xiao a displeased glance and subtly changed the subject, "You Rong, tell me, when did your senses return? And why did they return?"
You Rong knew that Feng Jing Tian disliked being involved in court affairs, so he had already prepared a story. He said, "Replying to Father Emperor, your humble son does not know. This morning, upon waking, I had a splitting headache, and then I suddenly recalled many past events, and thus my senses returned."
The Emperor laughed heartily, "Excellent... this must be a birthday gift from Heaven to朕!"
The Empress Dowager slowly approached and lovingly took You Rong's hand. She said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I know you are very happy that You Rong has recovered his health. However, the banquet has not yet ended. Let them be seated, and let the banquet continue."
"Mother Empress reminds me,朕 almost forgot." The Emperor said happily, "Guards, arrange Prince Rong's seat next to朕. Let the banquet continue! Today,朕 is overjoyed and shall drink to my heart's content with all my beloved ministers!"
The banquet continued, with the Empress Dowager and the Emperor joyously conversing with You Rong. Lin Qinghe sat quietly by You Rong's side, accompanying him, and subtly observed Consort Xiao and You Jing's expressions.
Both of them were forcing smiles. When no one was looking, their gazes towards You Rong were filled with a desire to devour him alive.
According to the information provided by the system, after You Rong recovered his senses, these two tried every means to kill him but were unable to succeed. Soon, You Rong forced them onto the path of rebellion.
Lin Qinghe silently lit a candle for Consort Xiao and You Jing in her heart.
Lin Qinghe felt a little thirsty and reached for the fruit wine in front of her. Before the rim of the cup touched her lips, a fair hand took it away. Lin Qinghe blinked in surprise and looked up to meet You Rong's gentle eyes. He lowered his head and said to her, "Although it is fruit wine, it has a strong kick. You might get drunk if you drink it. If you are thirsty, shall this King peel an orange for you to quench your thirst?"
Lin Qinghe smiled slightly, "Yes, please."
And so, the Prince Rong, who was under the scrutiny of those in the inner hall, unhurriedly began peeling an orange for his princess, even feeding it to her mouth personally.
Someone witnessed this scene and, filled with resentment and jealousy, twisted their handkerchief. This person was Lin Yuyan.