Chapter 146: It Carries a Different Meaning

He struggled one last time, "Besides, I am not entirely good for nothing. The things I carve are actually quite decent; my sister even says I have a knack for it."

"What kind of 'knack' is that? Can it make your father look at you with respect? Can it stop the people of the capital from calling you a spendthrift? You can't do anything at all. Do you really think your sister is praising you? She is just like her mother; they both hope you remain useless your whole life so you won't outshine them," Concubine Meng scolded. "Don't think they truly care about you."

"In this entire Duke of Zhen’s estate, only your mother—I—genuinely want what is best for you. Do you understand?"

Shen Jinyu paused and cast a furtive glance at Concubine Meng. "But I feel... my sister is also very good to me."

Concubine Meng turned and glared at him, and Shen Jinyu dared not speak again. He followed silently behind her, listening to her continued lecturing, and after a moment, he let out a soft sigh.

—

In the blink of an eye, the New Year arrived.

This year’s New Year was much more desolate than the last. It wasn't just that Shen Yi was away; Xiao Yan and Shen Sinian were also absent. Standing in the courtyard, looking at the red lanterns hung all around, Shen Nanyuan suddenly felt a sense of melancholy in her heart.

Shen Sinian used to come to Shaohua Courtyard frequently to tell her interesting stories and chat with her. Although she always acted dismissive and retorted to him, she was actually happy each time. But since he left, this courtyard had become much colder. This was especially apparent on a day like the New Year.

Qingrui said, "Miss, it is almost time. You should head to the palace soon."

Because of the frequent reports of victory this year, the Emperor held a banquet in the palace. Only the Duke of Zhen’s estate and the Prime Minister’s residence were invited, a gesture to show the Emperor’s favor and joy, so that when the news reached Shen Yi and Shen Sinian, they could continue to fight on the front lines with peace of mind. The Prime Minister had been dedicated to the imperial court in recent years, a fact the Emperor was well aware of, so he invited him along with the Duke’s estate.

Shen Nanyuan sighed softly, stood up, and let Qingrui drape her cloak over her shoulders. Looking at her own dejected reflection in the bronze mirror, she said helplessly, "Even if the Emperor didn't hold a banquet, everyone would still know how highly he values the Duke of Zhen’s estate."

"Miss," Qingrui said, "some things must be done and clearly displayed for others to see so that they will truly know." She stepped back slightly and added, "Once you enter the palace, do not wear such an expression."

Shen Nanyuan nodded.

—

The Emperor's personal invitation left no room for negotiation. When Shen Nanyuan arrived at the gates of the Duke’s estate, Wu Miaofu smiled faintly and said, "Cousin, Aunt and Cousin have already boarded the carriage."

Shen Nanyuan nodded slightly. The Emperor knew that there was a cousin residing in the Duke’s estate, so when he sent the eunuch to deliver the message, he specifically added that the cousin could also be brought into the palace. This showed that the Emperor was indeed in a very good mood recently.

Seeing her, Shen Jinyu smiled and called out, "Sister."

Shen Nanyuan acknowledged him and sat beside Madam Shen. "I cannot dine with Grandmother tonight." The Old Madam should have gone as well, but the Emperor, considering her advanced age, told her to rest at the estate.

"We can dine with Grandmother tomorrow," Shen Jinyu said. "Let us go tomorrow, Sister."

Shen Nanyuan agreed. But tonight was New Year's Eve, and the significance was different.

Wu Miaofu lowered her eyes, feeling puzzled. Anyone would consider the Emperor’s invitation to a palace banquet as a supreme honor... but tonight, she should be able to see the Second Prince. The Second Prince was truly difficult to encounter; if he didn't come to look for Shen Nanyuan, she wouldn't see him at all. Since the day they saw the Third Prince and Shen Sinian off to war from the city walls, she hadn't seen him once. She was anxious inside but helpless; fortunately, she had another chance to see him today.

Shen Nanyuan had been to the palace several times. Her initial shock had turned into indifference. She lifted her gaze to Wu Miaofu, who was peeking through a small slit in the carriage curtain. Seeing the look of awe on her face, she couldn't help but recall that she must have had the same expression the first time she entered the palace.

Madam Shen cautioned them worriedly, "We are going to see the Emperor shortly. You must remember to be cautious in your words and actions. Do not look directly at the Emperor, and think thrice before doing anything. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Mother." Shen Jinyu nodded, unusually well-behaved. He knew that Madam Shen was actually most worried about him.

—

The banquet was held in the Taiji Palace. Shen Nanyuan remembered the last time she was here, it was to celebrate the Third Prince’s safe return. At that time, the entire hall was filled with royalty and nobility. Now, there were only the Duke’s estate, the Prime Minister’s residence, and the princes and princesses. After performing the courtesies, she sat quietly beside Madam Shen. Lifting her gaze slightly, she saw that Meng Chuyue was also acting in a well-behaved manner.

Wu Miaofu felt a wave of nervousness. The magnificent and resplendent appearance of the Taiji Palace made her feel unable to lift her head, and her palms were slick with nervous sweat. Yet, she couldn't help but steal a glance at the Emperor sitting at the head of the table, only to hurriedly lower her head again.

The Second Prince squinted his eyes with interest, then withdrew his gaze.

"Today is a family banquet, so there is no need for restraint," the Emperor said, his voice carrying an effortless authority. "Yong'an County Princess."

Shen Nanyuan’s heart skipped a beat. She stood up, lowered her head, and bowed composedly. "Your Majesty."

"When I occasionally chat with General Shen, I hear him mention what you like to eat. Therefore, today’s banquet was prepared entirely according to your preferences. Is it to your taste?"

Shen Nanyuan replied, "This subject is very pleased. Thank you, Your Majesty."

"That is good," the Emperor smiled. "Sit down."

Shen Nanyuan let out a sigh of relief. As she looked up, she felt as though someone was watching her. She didn't need to guess who it was; she pretended not to notice and ate the food before her quietly.

Gu Shengyu frowned and turned his gaze to Wu Miaofu, who was sitting next to Shen Nanyuan. Although she did not possess the noble birth of Shen Nanyuan, she was quite beautiful, and her personality was to his liking. She was not like Shen Nanyuan, who was so difficult to control and always defied him—which made him furious and unable to swallow his resentment, even though he held feelings for her. A woman should be virtuous and obedient.

Wu Miaofu looked as if she would be obedient. He withdrew his gaze and lowered his eyes indifferently.

The Emperor said, "There will be fireworks at midnight. The Wenhua Pavilion in the palace is the best place in the entire capital to view them. If you wish to see them, you may have someone lead you there."