Cold-faced Empress

After throwing away the banana peel, Luo Qiansu slipped back to Fu Siying's side and covered her eyes, just like Fu Siying. Don't look at what you shouldn't see.

The awkward scene froze for a moment, ending with Xia Suxi's cries. Even the King was still unwilling to let go, but Xia Suxi struggled and cried, finally making the King reluctantly release his grip.

Hmm... why is my chest so flat? I can't feel anything at all.

Xia Suxi's standing in Lian Wang's eyes immediately dropped a few points.

In front of so many people, Xia Suxi was taken advantage of by Lian Wang, especially in front of Mu Wang, and Fu Siying even said that it was Lian Wang's good fortune. She covered her face, cried, and ran away, no longer showing any trace of her beautiful and aloof demeanor.

Hu Lingjing glared angrily at Fu Siying, then trembled and chased after her in a panic. Almost no one noticed the banana peel that Luo Qiansu had thrown; most people assumed that Xia Suxi had tripped and fallen because she hadn't been able to walk properly.

As soon as the person left, Luo Qiansu stared at the banana peel on the ground, feeling somewhat panicked and frightened, unsure of what to do.

Fu Siying patted her hand and generously ordered the palace servants to clean up.

"Huh? No wonder Miss Xia slipped. Who threw that banana peel?"

Lian Wang smacked his lips with a lingering satisfaction: "Well done, brilliantly thrown!" His chest was a little flatter, but his lips were still quite delicious. After all, she was the one he had longed for for so long; finally getting her was a truly blissful experience.

After this incident, even Wang stopped making things difficult for Fu Siying and instead smiled and thanked her for congratulating him on his newfound good fortune.

Soon, the heroic story of the eldest daughter of the Xia family slipping and delivering good fortune to Prince Lian became known to everyone, overshadowing even the story of the second daughter and young master of the Prime Minister showing off their skills in lantern riddle guessing.

Fu Siying didn't care. After all, the main purpose of her ordering Yunzhi and Rongchen to try their best to solve the riddle was not for fame, but for the rewards from the Empress Dowager and the Emperor!

Yes, a reward.

When the palace banquet was held, the main hall was packed with people, a scene of great prosperity. The sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, palace servants moved about, and dancers were enchanting.

The seating in the hall was now strictly divided. Fu Siying could no longer sit with Mo Canglan, but instead joined her family and father in a small seat.

The second and third uncles of the main family held lower official positions, and their seats were even further away than those of Fu Siying's family. It was the family of the Imperial Academy Chancellor, Lord Xia, who sat closer to Fu Siying. Glancing over, one couldn't see Xia Suxi's face clearly; Xia Suxi sat quietly with her head down, constantly wiping away tears.

"The Emperor has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Immediately, officials and ministers kowtowed, and countless family members knelt down in a tense and excited atmosphere.

Fu Siying wasn't curious about the Emperor's face, so she obediently knelt down and bowed. However, Yunzhi beside her was so excited that she couldn't control herself. Her eyes kept sneaking glances upwards, eager to see the Emperor and Empress Dowager's faces.

He held Yunzhi down and warned in a low voice, "Behave yourself!"

Yunzhi quickly became obedient.

A moment later, after the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and all the concubines in the harem took their seats in the high places, everyone was exempted from the formalities and stood up.

"Today is the Qixi Festival. I was reminded by the Empress Dowager that I am willing to act as matchmaker for the unmarried young ladies and gentlemen of your households. If two people are in love, they may boldly step forward and ask me for permission to marry."

"Thank you Lord for your grace!"

No one expected the Emperor to be so lenient and generous, promising to grant marriage as long as the two people were in love. This was a great joy for countless people.

However, there are naturally some people who have concerns, such as elders who do not approve of their children's chosen partners, fearing that their children might cause trouble in front of the emperor.

The Qixi Festival is a joyous occasion, and the Emperor was in high spirits amidst the flattery of his ministers: "Before the banquet begins, the Empress Dowager and I will reward the winners of the riddle-solving contest on the banks of the Xiangzhi River, a man and a woman. Who are these talented young women? Why don't you step forward and let the Empress Dowager and I see you?"