Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

At this moment, the atmosphere at the banquet seemed to be shrouded in frost, extremely stagnant.

The laughter and chatter of the crowd abruptly ceased, leaving only silence.

Seeing this, Lingyan stood up gently, a faint smile on her face.

That smile, like the warm spring sun, instantly dispelled the gloom at the banquet.

She cleared her throat and said in a clear and gentle voice, "What happened today was not my intention. It was supposed to be a joyous time for family reunion, but I did not expect to have such a dispute with Consort Hui."

She paused slightly, her eyes revealing sincerity and apology, "But this was just a momentary verbal clash. I hope you will not take it to heart and will not let this little incident spoil our joyful New Year's Eve atmosphere."

At this moment, a cheerful old prince reacted very quickly.

He immediately stood up and laughed heartily, "The Crown Princess is absolutely right! This is a family banquet, and we should all be happy. Come, everyone, raise your glasses and forget about the unpleasantness we just had."

His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the hall.

Upon hearing his words, everyone snapped out of their daze and their smiles returned.

They all raised their glasses and clinked them together.

The crisp clinking of glasses echoed throughout the hall, like a cheerful melody.

The court musicians immediately understood what was going on when they saw this.

The instruments in their hands played even more joyfully, like a series of lively notes dancing gracefully, enthusiastic and cheerful.

As the music started, the atmosphere at the banquet became lively again.

After several rounds of drinks, the mellow wine gradually warmed everyone's stomachs.

So everyone stood up and toasted each other, making the atmosphere of the banquet even more lively and harmonious.

Many people, with smiles on their faces and wine glasses in hand, first walked towards where Ling Yan and Xiao Muyao were.

Both men accepted the invitations without hesitation, and every gesture and every response they made demonstrated their grace and refinement.

Then everyone went to toast and socialize with the other people.

Lingyan also stood up at this moment and went to greet the Fourth Prince and Zeng Qi first.

The fourth prince looked somewhat listless, and his whole being exuded a deathly aura.

But she only gets angry when she's facing Zeng Qi and the child in her arms.

Zeng Qi seemed used to this and didn't seem to care.

When they saw her arrive, they both smiled and nodded in greeting.

Lingyan was at a loss for words when facing the Fourth Prince.

She understood why he acted that way.

After exchanging greetings, she simply chatted and exchanged pleasantries with Zeng Qi, while also playing with the child in her arms.

After a brief stay there, she went to the seats of the Ninth Prince and Xie Zhiyi.

The two expressed their welcome and happiness at her arrival.

The atmosphere was much more relaxed than before.

Lingyan looked at Xie Zhiyi and teased, "Looks like you're having a great time on your wedding night. Congratulations!"

Xie Zhiyi smiled generously and replied, "It is very good, but it can't compare to your inseparable bond with His Highness the Crown Prince."

Ling Yan simply smiled and remained silent.

Then she went to the seats where the three princesses were and chatted and laughed with them, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

The custom of staying up all night on New Year's Eve has a long history.

Records show that as early as the Western Jin Dynasty, people would gather together as a family on New Year's Eve, light candles or oil lamps, sit around the stove chatting, and stay up all night.

This tradition of staying up all night on New Year's Eve carries a profound meaning. On one hand, it symbolizes driving away all evil spirits and diseases to protect the peace and safety of the whole family.

On the other hand, it also symbolizes cherishing time, seizing the last moments of the old year at the turn of the new year, and hoping for good fortune, longevity, and prosperity in the new year.

Therefore, the hall was brightly lit at this time, and the tables were filled with exquisite snacks and fruits.

Everyone knows that we must stay up all night to celebrate the New Year, a custom passed down from our ancestors.

So they patiently waited for the moment of staying up all night to receive good fortune and health in the coming year.

Finally, the faint sound of bells drifted from afar, their melodious tones echoing through the night sky.

Everyone's faces showed a mixture of relief and anticipation.

They slowly stood up, straightened their clothes, and prepared to step into the new year.

At this moment of transition between the old and the new year, all weariness is left behind, and they silently make wishes for the new year.

Whether it's the prosperity of a family, personal peace and happiness, or the favorable weather for the nation, the new year is full of endless possibilities.

It leads them into a new year full of hope and vitality.

Emperor Jingzhao then slowly rose from his dragon throne and walked out of the palace.

Everyone naturally stood up and followed Emperor Jingzhao out of the hall in single file.

The moment they stepped out of the palace gates, it was as if they had entered a dreamlike world.

In the night sky, fireworks, like awakened spirits, began their dazzling and colorful performance.

Firecrackers announce the passing of the old year, time flies by like a fleeting horse.

The colors of the fireworks were so numerous that it was overwhelming.

There is a fiery red color, like clusters of burning flames, leaping and dancing in the darkness, as if to release the passion of the new year ahead of time.

It has a dazzling gold color, like gold dust sprinkled from the heavens, and every ray of light shines with a noble aura, symbolizing the royal dignity and glory.

There's also a delicate blue, like tranquil lake water splashed onto the sky, adding a touch of serenity and depth to this vibrant atmosphere.

Fireworks come in all shapes and sizes.

Some resemble a blooming peony, with layers of petals stretching freely in the night sky.

Each petal shimmers with a unique brilliance, its exquisite appearance as if meticulously sculpted by a master craftsman.

Some resemble a soaring dragon, its body winding and coiling in the night sky.

The dragon head is raised high, as if proclaiming the majesty of the royal family to the heavens and earth. Its lifelike appearance is truly amazing.

Others resembled a flock of joyful butterflies, fluttering and dancing in the light and shadow of fireworks.

Its light wings flapped back and forth, as if to carry this beautiful scene to every corner of the world.

At this moment, the children excitedly weaved through the crowd, their heads tilted back, their eyes sparkling with joy.

Pointing to the fireworks bursting in the sky, the little finger let out bursts of joyful laughter.

The third prince's three-year-old son skipped and hopped to Emperor Jingzhao's side.

Then, tugging at his sleeve, she exclaimed excitedly, "Grandpa, look how beautiful those fireworks are!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingzhao revealed a rare gentle smile on his face. He gently stroked the boy's head, his eyes filled with affection.

An elderly prince stroked his beard, gazing at the various colors of the sky, and remarked with emotion, "Such a beautiful sight is truly a sign of a prosperous era."

The others who heard this also nodded in agreement.

As they watched the fireworks in the night sky, their hearts were filled with anticipation and hope for the new year.

Then the booming sounds of various fireworks rang in my ears, the loud noises seeming to be playing a celebratory symphony for the new year.

Each burst of fireworks was accompanied by gasps and cheers that echoed through the night sky for a long time.

As the fireworks display continued, the sky became more and more beautiful.

The colorful light illuminated the entire night sky and the faces of everyone.

Under the dazzling fireworks, everyone seemed to forget all their worries and fatigue.

They were immersed in this wonderful moment, enjoying the hope and joy that the new year brought.