The Banquet
Carriages lined up in a neat pile in front of an enormous palace before the checkpoint. The palace of the Longxuan Empire was built like a fortress. Its walls were sturdy and huge, it looked like even a fly won't be able to go in.
Wherever you look, countless soldiers could be seen guarding, every nook and cranny was covered and protected, torches were lit up along the pathway going into the main function hall. Everything was just extravagant.
In a carriage, two girls sat enjoying their tea. One of the girls wore a white veil with a garb of that of a maid. When she looked up, only her golden amber eyes were seen. Yes, it was Ying Yue.
Earlier that day, the Bai household summoned all the young daughters but as per usual, she was the only one not included. Bai Xingmei pleaded to bring her along but the patriarch didn't allow it. It was simply absurd to bring a dumb seedling to humiliate their prestigious name.
On a regular day, Ying Yue might not have cared, but since this event was a trigger, she wanted to see for herself what would happen there. Hence she begged Xingmei to bring her along as a helper since the daughters were allowed to bring one to accompany and serve them.
So now here she was. Bai Xingmei had been worried that she might be found out but was surprised to see how Ying Yue was able to act so well, even successfully diminishing her presence like she was someone invisible.
"Yueyue, are you sure about this? Won't you get bored in there doing nothing?" Still worried, She asked.
"Mei'jie it's okay. I also want to see how the palace looks like. I might never have the chance in the future so treat this as opening your younger sister's eyes to the world."
"Alright then, but don't leave my side okay?" Ying Yue grunted her approval then turned to the window to look at the magnificent palace ahead.
"Say Mei'jie, I remember that there are 5 princes birthed from the emperor right?"
"Yes, and they will be here today, well except for the fourth prince."
Hearing that name, Ying Yue jolted. She wanted to smack herself for being influenced by a person that she didn't even know apart from their name and appearance.
"He is still at the border at this time. You should know that there are hostile kingdoms that wanted to see the Longxuan kingdom ruined. The prince was sent there to experience combat. But they said that the prince, even if he is still young, is very strong and very smart. He is well versed in warfare and was promoted as a general already."
Bai Xingmei explained as she was able to hear all the happenings in the capital from their father's mouth. Their father, as ambitious as he was, always kept tabs on the on-goings in the capital. Especially to those who would bring greater benefits if his daughters married in.
Ying Yue thought back on the day he saw the prince. They did mention something about a border so she believed that this information was credible. But what this news was for, she didn't know yet. But it was good to stockpile just in case she encountered something inevitable.
As she was musing, the carriage where they were at, already passed inspection and were on its way to the drop off point. From there they would have to walk to enter the main door of the palace.
Ying Yue helped Bai Xingmei to go down, playing her part to a T. Keeping her head down, she followed Bai Xingmei to enter.
"Yueyue, later on, we would be assigned to our table where the contestants will be at. Don't stray away from me alright?" Bai Xingmei whispered.
Ying Yue nodded her head while keeping her sights to the floor. When they reached their designated place, Bai Xingmei sat down and Ying Yue stood at the back. Luckily enough, the location, even though at the center, was still partly at the corner where a huge pillar was at. So it obscured Ying Yue from everyone but she was still able to observe everything without hindrance.
A lot of people were talking with their cliques and at this time Ying Yue was able to see the renowned Bai Xiang'er. She sat at the front with the other Di Daughters from the other estates.
She didn't have any impressions apart from the fact that the woman was bottomless. You can't easily read her. Truly, someone with a caliber of a daughter of fate.
Looking around, everything was decorated well. Befitting that of the banquet for the crown prince of this empire but Ying Yue lost interest a moment later as she can only see a bunch of superficial acts of people that truly nauseated her to the core.
As heaven help those in need, or her case bored, a eunuch announced the entry of the crown prince followed by the emperor and the empress.
The crown prince was very imposing but his temperament was more of that of a scholar. He looked neat and sharp like an arrow. His phoenix eyes looked like it can read the depths of your soul.
As the entourage made their way to the uplifted stage, all the people bowed in salute.
"All rise!" A grave tone reverberated through the place. The Emperor then sat down on his throne beside the empress, followed by the crown prince who was the hero of tonight's festivities.
"Today, as you all know, Our imperial son has reached the age where he can finally shoulder real responsibilities. Today marks his first step in helping Us lighten the burden this empire's citizens have." Raising his wine glass he continued. "Let this banquet commence."
As a cue, everyone raised their glasses to the air to send their well wishes and compliance to the royal household.