"Uh..." Prince Xiang's expression was stern, and he lowered his head honestly, "I know I was wrong."
Emperor Zhaoming frowned slightly, looking a little unhappy.
Concubine Shu saw that the situation was not good and hurriedly smoothed things over: "Your Majesty, King Xiang is ignorant and it is all his fault that I did not teach him well. Please calm down."
Emperor Zhaoming glanced at her and his expression softened slightly: "I don't blame you, it's all because of the old man's failure. I know that you always supervise him well."
Concubine Shu smiled coquettishly.
The Thirteenth Princess stood up holding the wine glass and said coquettishly: "Father, today is the birthday of my mother and concubine. Please happily drink a few more drinks with her. We will talk about the second brother's matters later. I would like to give you a drink."
"
The Ninth Prince opposite also stood up with a smile: "Father, my sons and ministers also respect you."
"Okay." Emperor Zhaoming smiled, picked up the wine glass, and drank it all in one gulp with his children.
The atmosphere finally relaxed.
Prince Xiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief before sitting down again.
Although he was accompanying Concubine Shu to celebrate her birthday, Emperor Zhaoming was busy with government affairs after all. In the middle of the banquet, a personal eunuch hurried over and whispered a few words. Emperor Zhaoming frowned.
Concubine Shu next to her put down her wine glass and asked considerately: "Your Majesty, do you have something important to deal with?"
Emperor Zhaoming nodded: "I'm going back to the imperial study first, and I'll see you again in the evening."
Concubine Shu blushed and looked at him with an angry look: "I know this, and will ask the kitchen to prepare His Majesty's favorite dinner in advance."
"Hahaha..." Emperor Zhaoming laughed and stood up immediately.
All the guests in the hall also stood up, and under the leadership of Concubine Shu, they bowed their knees and saluted: "Your Majesty -"
After Emperor Zhaoming left, the atmosphere at the banquet immediately became much more relaxed.
The palace attendants came forward and removed the dragon chair, leaving only a imperial concubine's chair on the main seat. Concubine Shu Shiran sat on it and waved her hands casually: "The banquet continues. Since your majesty is not here, you don't have to be so restrained. You can use it."
It’s good to be happy.”
"Yes, thank you, concubine."
Many female relatives expressed their gratitude in unison, and the atmosphere became more and more lively. Many ladies who had good friendships raised their glasses and toasted and laughed with the people around them.
Some young ladies even gathered together, chatting and laughing in low voices.
The young men from aristocratic families across the street were more relaxed, gathering in groups, drinking, joking, and occasionally glancing at the women's seats. Their red cheeks were not clear from drinking too much wine or from other reasons.
On the other hand, King Xiang and King Cheng still sat in their seats and did not move. They only occasionally clinked glasses and took a sip, with no intention of talking to anyone else.
The thirteenth princess suddenly picked up the wine glass and walked towards Prince Xiang.
Xiao Lingyue was watching when a voice suddenly sounded beside her: "The Lord of Anping County."
She turned her head and saw the second wife of the Meng family, whom she hadn't seen for a few days, standing next to her, looking at her anxiously.
Xiao Lingyue narrowed her eyes slightly, stood up, and asked politely: "Mrs. Meng, what's the matter?"
As she said that, she looked at him calmly.
After just two days of not seeing each other, Mrs. Meng's second wife looks much better. She is no longer as embarrassed and downcast as when she plead for her daughter Meng Wanqing. Her hair is combed dignifiedly and elegantly, she is wearing a full set of sapphire jewelry, and her face is also melted.
Light makeup.
But when you look carefully, you can still see the haggard dark blue color under her eyes.
Meng Wanqing is still imprisoned in Jingzhao Mansion.
As far as Xiao Lingyue knew, the second wife of the Meng family tried every means to save her daughter.