23. The Dowager Consort’s Birthday Celebration

Morning at the Wenxuan Library

Early this morning, as Yue’er arrived at the Wenxuan Library, she noticed a group gathered in the courtyard, seemingly engrossed in conversation. Curious, she approached and asked, “What is everyone doing here? Has something happened?” She was completely unaware of the situation.

A tall, scholarly-looking young man glanced at Yue’er with excitement and said, “Just now, the steward announced that Prince Jun has invited everyone from Wenxuan Library to attend the Old Princess Dowager’s birthday banquet. The prince is truly a considerate leader!” Normally, such lavish banquets hosted by high-ranking officials or members of the imperial family would never include people without official rank. Yet, because Zhao Chengxian was in charge of the Wenxuan Library, they were granted the rare privilege of attending. Naturally, everyone was thrilled.

However, Yue’er did not share their enthusiasm. She was reluctant to appear before Hui Qinghui and the others in this capacity, fearing it would confuse her brother and his companions. Had she known this would happen, she would have feigned illness to avoid coming. But now that she was there, she couldn’t simply claim to be unwell and refuse to go to Prince Jun’s residence—it would seem as if she disliked Zhao Chengxian, which wouldn’t look good either. As Yue’er hesitated, the steward arrived.

The steward, responsible for daily affairs, was a man in his forties with a goatee and a slender build. Today, he wore a blue-gray robe and strolled over leisurely, smiling as he said, “For many here, this will be the first time attending a banquet hosted by imperial royalty. Remember, we must not disgrace Prince Jun. Let’s set off!” In the Kingdom of Jiaoyang, an unspoken rule dictated that a birthday celebration for an elder must last an entire day; if the festivities were not lively throughout, the elder would not be blessed with longevity.

Attending such a banquet could be a golden opportunity to rise in status, to meet venerable officials and nobles who might aid their advancement. Who would dare embarrass themselves? The steward’s worries were unnecessary. The crowd responded in unison, “Understood!”—all except Yue’er. If she knew Zhao Chengxian was fully aware of her true identity and still summoned everyone from the Wenxuan Library, she would never let him off the hook. For now, she could only take things step by step.

The steward smiled cheerfully, waving his hand, “Let’s go!” Hundreds marched grandly toward Prince Jun’s mansion.

Within the procession, Yue’er glanced mischievously around and thought, *Alright, bookworm, today I’ll drain this Prince Jun dry. Let’s see if he regrets it!* She wondered if Zhao Chengxian was out of his mind to invite so many subordinates. Another worry gnawed at her—two years ago, just before she fainted, she had overheard people mention that it was the order of the Jade Consort. Could it be the Jade Consort of Prince Jun’s residence? She had always harbored suspicions about the Jade Consort and had even asked the old servant Yang if there was a Jade Consort in the palace. Yang had confirmed there was not. Thus, the only Jade Consort who might wish her harm was the one at Prince Jun’s mansion. With a complex mixture of emotions, Yue’er followed the group.

Morning at Prince Jun’s Mansion

Upon arriving, the crowd dispersed, each seeking someone to converse with. Yue’er had no interest in mingling with officials, so she walked alone to the Listening Rain Pavilion. She recalled her days as a maid in Prince Jun’s household, a time when she truly resented Zhao Chengxian. Perhaps their relationship had blossomed from hatred into love, she mused with a knowing smile.

At that moment, the Old Princess Dowager, adorned in a robe embroidered with crimson chrysanthemums, was gently supported by Zhao Chengxian and Silken Rou as she approached the pavilion. Behind them followed Hui Qinghui and three consorts, all dressed in splendid attire, exuding nobility. Little Siyuan ran ahead of the Old Princess Dowager, who could not help but admonish, “Siyuan, Siyuan, slow down. Be careful not to fall...” Her gaze lingered on the small figure, revealing her fondness for the child.

Silken Rou smiled at Siyuan and said, “Mother, don’t worry. Siyuan just can’t sit still. As my brother says, it’s not a bad thing for boys to tumble about!” The Old Princess Dowager shot a sharp glance at Zhao Chengxian, who smiled quietly without responding.

Siyuan ran into the pavilion and saw Yue’er sitting there. He tugged at her sleeve, calling out, “Handsome uncle!” Soon, everyone gathered around Yue’er. Aside from Zhao Chengxian, the crowd was taken aback, and the Jade Consort’s face turned ghostly pale.

Yue’er was startled by the sudden attention but quickly composed herself. After a few seconds, she bowed politely to the Old Princess Dowager and the assembly, saying, “Your humble servant Yang Wentai respectfully wishes the Old Princess Dowager a longevity as eternal as the heavens!” Then, looking around, she greeted the others, “Greetings to all present!” Finally, her gaze settled on Hui Qinghui.

Hui Qinghui looked at the person before him and recognized her immediately as his sister, Hui Yue’er. She had often disguised herself as a boy in the past, so the moment he saw her, he knew without doubt. Hearing her claim to be an official, he realized there must be a reason she could not reveal her identity openly. Thus, he did not acknowledge her but merely looked at her intently. Silken Rou watched Hui Qinghui anxiously, unsure how to react.

Zhao Chengxian maintained a polite smile and asked, “Has everyone arrived?” He understood how shocking Yue’er’s appearance would be for the others, but his calm demeanor only deepened their confusion. Only Silken Rou knew the reason behind Zhao Chengxian’s reaction.

Yue’er stood and replied, “Yes, they’re just ahead!” Then, with a hint of sarcasm, she added, “As expected of Prince Jun’s mansion, surrounded by pavilions and gardens in full bloom—truly a breathtaking sight. Prince, it’s quite the refined interest you have. Occasionally reciting poetry here with the three consorts must surely be the envy of all!” She meant to dispel any suspicion about her identity.

Zhao Chengxian smiled politely, “Yang Zhuangyuan (top scholar), you flatter me. I simply follow my heart.” He resolved to cooperate with Yue’er as best as he could. Zhao Chengxian felt torn—eager yet fearful to see Yue’er, worried he might lose control of his emotions.

Silken Rou smiled at everyone and said, “We should hurry to the front hall. Otherwise, the guests will think we are neglectful!” She then turned to Yue’er, “Zhuangyuan, please come along as well!” Even she could easily mistake Yue’er for a man, no wonder her brother was troubled by this person.

Yue’er nodded and smiled, gesturing for them to proceed. The Old Princess Dowager and the others walked ahead, Hui Qinghui carried Siyuan as they moved in a line. The Jade Consort glanced nervously at Yue’er as they made their way to the main hall.