After giving birth to twins, the princess became pregnant again, and the royal uncle took care of he

As the eunuch's shrill voice echoed through the banquet hall, all eyes were drawn to the entrance of the main hall.

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

Then,

"The Crown Prince has arrived, followed by the King of Chu, the King of Yan, the King of Han, and the King of Qin."

This series of announcements, like solemn commands, instantly made the atmosphere of the banquet more dignified.

Everyone knelt down in unison, shouting in loud and unified voices:

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Long live the Empress Dowager!

"The Queen is a thousand years old, a thousand years old, a thousand years old."

Immediately following was another round of respectful greetings:

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince"

"Your Highness, King Chu,"

"Your Highness, Prince Yan,"

"Your Highness, King Han,"

"His Royal Highness King Qin."

These sounds echoed within the hall, demonstrating the majesty and nobility of the royal family.

Emperor Changping arrived, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon, displaying his supreme status.

With a smile on his face and in a kind tone, he said, "Rise, my lords."

The crowd shouted their thanks to the Emperor before rising to their feet.

Chu Xingyao's eyes searched anxiously across the banquet hall, a strange unease rising in her heart.

Jun Jiuxiao, the figure who appeared at the banquet in his previous life, has yet to be seen.

A wave of emotion washed over her. What had made him late?

Could it be that, as she feared, something unexpected happened on the way?

The Emperor's voice broke her reverie:

"Where's Old Eleven? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

His words carried a hint of expectation and revealed the importance he placed on this War King.

The Empress Dowager's voice followed, calm yet tinged with tolerance: "Perhaps the eleventh prince was delayed by something."

Her words seemed to foreshadow Jun Jiuxiao's lateness and also showed the Empress Dowager's favor towards him.

Just then, the eunuch's voice rang out again, tinged with excitement: "His Highness the War King has arrived!" With this announcement, all eyes turned to the entrance of the main hall.

Jun Jiuxiao appeared in everyone's sight, wearing a dark red, narrow-sleeved python robe, a color that symbolized power and nobility.

The Buddhist prayer beads were worn on his wrist, exuding a faint woody fragrance that complemented his temperament, making him appear even more noble and otherworldly, unlike ordinary people.

The hairy sachet hanging from his waist contrasted sharply with his aloof demeanor, reminding one of his earlier statement that it was a gift from his beloved woman.

He stepped forward, his voice calm and indifferent: "Your subject greets the Empress Dowager and pays respects to the Emperor and his sister-in-law."

His words were concise, without any further explanation. He seemed indifferent to the reason for his lateness, and this detached attitude only added to his mystique.

There was not a trace of blame in the emperor's eyes, only a deep and boundless love. He said, "It's good that you've come. Please take your seat."

His voice was like a spring breeze across a lake, warm and inclusive, showing him boundless tolerance for his unruly younger brother.

"Thank you, Your Majesty"

He responded to the emperor's words indifferently, his voice devoid of much emotion, as if the world's troubles were none of his concern.

He walked with a leisurely pace to his seat and sat down gracefully.

He exudes an aura of aloofness that keeps strangers at bay, yet he is irresistibly drawn to people.

His gaze, unintentionally raised, pierced through the clamor of the main hall and landed on Chu Xingyao opposite him.

She was like a fairy under the moonlight, wearing the ring he had given her on her fair fingers. The ring shimmered softly in the candlelight, carrying the unspoken affection between them.

Adorning his jet-black hair was a "Jade Rabbit Embracing Fragrance Hairpin" he had made himself. The jade rabbit on the hairpin seemed to leap in the moonlight, lively and mysterious.

She gently raised her eyes and was surprised to find Jun Jiuxiao staring intently at her. In his slightly narrowed eyes, there seemed to be a faint smile and admiration for her.

She noticed the cat paw sachet hanging from his waist, which she had embroidered herself, and a bright, beautiful smile bloomed on her face.

Like the first flower blooming in spring, it quickly spread across her face.

Jun Jiuxiao's heart clenched suddenly, as if gripped tightly by an invisible force—his longing for Chu Xingyao, his yearning for her warmth and sweetness.

He felt a pang of regret; he shouldn't have agreed to her request to keep their relationship private for the time being.

Otherwise, he could have held her in his arms right now, made her smile bloom only for him, and felt her warmth, her fragrance, and everything about her.

Jun Xuanche sat upright below Jun Jiuxiao, his sharp gaze sweeping over Chu Xingyao's beautiful smile.

Every smile and every movement of hers seemed to be showing off her radiance to the world, forcing him to admit that her charm was indeed irresistible.

However, a complex mix of emotions was churning within me—a mixture of admiration and self-mockery.

Why hadn't he noticed her stunning beauty before? Was he really so oblivious that he didn't know her smile could illuminate the entire palace?

Coming to his senses, Jun Xuanche asked softly, "Sister Yao'er, what makes you so happy?"

However, a hint of displeasure appeared between Chu Xingyao's brows, and she replied:

“Your Highness, only my family and future husband may call me by my maiden name. Please do not call me by my maiden name from now on.”

This sudden rejection made Jun Xuanche feel slightly embarrassed.

He hurriedly apologized: "Miss Chu, I was being presumptuous."

"I will punish myself with a cup." Chu Xingyao did not speak.

Seeing this, Chu Xingchi quickly stood up to ease the tension:

"My younger sister is straightforward, please don't take offense, Your Highness. I'll have a drink with you."

This move not only gave the Prince of Yan a way out, but also saved Chu Xingyao's face.

The King of Yan, naturally understanding the situation, said "It's alright" and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.

The Empress parted her lips slightly, breaking the dullness of the banquet: "Alright, it's a joyous occasion for New Year's Eve banquet, it's really boring to just sit here eating and drinking."

Her gentle voice echoed in the hall, as if bringing a refreshing breeze and easing the somewhat heavy atmosphere.

She then proposed: "All of you ladies here can compete in your talents, in music, dance, calligraphy and painting, and there will be prizes for each of you."

These words immediately enlivened the atmosphere in the hall.

The women present, who had been sitting there demurely and quietly, could no longer contain their excitement and rushed to register with the chief eunuch.

Their eyes sparkled with anticipation; after all, this was not just a simple talent competition, but a golden opportunity to showcase themselves and gain recognition.

If one can stand out in this competition, even if one cannot marry into the royal family, one can still find a good family and change one's destiny.

However, amidst this fervor, Chu Xingyao remained remarkably calm.

She sat gracefully at the table, elegantly picking up the pastries in front of her and savoring them, seemingly oblivious to all the commotion.

She thought to herself:

"Since Jun Jiuxiao and I have already expressed our feelings for each other, and she has no intention of marrying any other prince, she naturally won't join in the fun."

"Right now, she just wants to have a quiet New Year's Eve, eat some snacks, and admire a handsome man like Jun Jiuxiao."