Chapter 66: The Palace Banquet and Riding on Shoulders
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The palace banquet buzzed with merriment. Laughter and conversation mingled seamlessly with the ceaseless melody of stringed instruments and flutes. Someone even transformed the classic “Raise the Goblet” into a breathtaking sword dance, each movement ebbing and flowing with poetic rhythm, leaving the audience awestruck.
“That Young Master Lu is truly gifted,” one remarked.
“To achieve such mastery at merely seventeen—a true prodigy,” agreed another.
At the forefront of the hall, Lu Yuan Ze subtly lifted his chin as he soaked in the praises directed at Lu Jing Huai.
“Speaking of brilliance, wasn’t the Marquis’s eldest son equally remarkable? A scholar by eight, and ranked first no less,” an official observed, eyes gleaming with mischief as he added a taunting remark, “But alas, such extraordinary talent often comes with tragedy.”
“What a pity indeed,” another chimed in with mock sympathy. “Disabled as he is, yet still holding the title of heir. Truly, a waste.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s momentary pride shattered, his earlier elation crushed underfoot.
“I’ve heard he cannot even care for himself,” the same speaker sighed, “dependent on others for the simplest tasks.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s temples throbbed with suppressed anger as he inhaled deeply to steady himself. “Yan Shu simply lacks the fortune,” he muttered darkly, his expression shadowed.
The vast Marquis household needed a capable heir, but Yan Shu, now crippled, could no longer shoulder that burden.
“The Crown Prince is already seven years old,” an official murmured. “His Majesty has been scouting candidates for his tutor. Should Lu Jing Huai achieve the Triple Crown of Excellence…” The men exchanged knowing glances.
Lu Yuan Ze clenched his fists tightly.
The position of the Crown Prince’s tutor, a stepping stone to the future role of Grand Tutor, shone as a beacon of power and prestige. Lu Jing Huai’s star was undeniably on the rise.
“But his lowly birth could be an obstacle,” another voice interjected. “A son born to a mistress, no matter how gifted, might not qualify for such an esteemed position. Such a talent would be wasted if not brought into the household and recorded in the family registry.”
“Ah, but the Jiang family showed foresight,” someone else noted. “Breaking off their engagement with the disabled heir to secure a union with Lu Jing Huai. A wise match indeed.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s expression hardened as an internal decision crystallized in his mind.
…
“Oh? Chestnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, and peanuts at a palace banquet?” The officials gawked at the humble snacks placed before them, exchanging baffled looks.
Little did they know, these treats had been added under the Emperor’s command, a result of Lu Chao Chao’s relentless craving!
As a fourth-ranked official, Lu Yuan Ze sat near the banquet hall’s entrance. Madam Xu, however, was seated among the noblewomen, chatting with the Eldest Princess, who affectionately held Chao Chao close.
“I must thank you,” the Princess began, her eyes brimming with warmth, “for saving the Empress Dowager.” Gently cradling her rounded belly, the Princess bore the burden of her pregnancy with a sweet smile. “Mother’s illness has kept her bedridden, but she’s ever grateful for your kindness. She asked me to gift you this.”
Lu Chao Chao’s eyes twitched. [No, no, not another jade pendant!]
No sooner had she finished the thought than the Princess pulled out a jade pendant of the deepest green.
[Aaaahhhh!]
Her inner scream resembled that of a groundhog, so intense it seemed to ripple through the air. Even the Crown Prince on the high platform instinctively rubbed his ear.
[What illness does the royal family have? Why are they obsessed with jade pendants?!]
The Crown Prince blinked, puzzled. [The whole family?]
[The Eldest Princess gave one, Emperor Uncle gave one, Crown Prince Brother gave one, even the Empress Dowager gave one! There’s no room left to hang them!]
The Crown Prince’s jaw slackened slightly. [Everyone in my family already sent one?]
[No money, no food, just jade pendants! I’ve got a whole set now,] Chao Chao lamented, staring at the gift with a mournful expression.
The Princess pinched her chubby cheek. “Your parents haven’t divorced yet, so we cannot openly display our favor for you. For now, endure this injustice, little Chao Chao.” Should Chao Chao become favored, Lu Yuan Ze would surely cling to her like a lifeline.
Madam Xu’s eyes welled with tears. From the start, she’d planned to take her children away from the Lu family.
“You don’t yet understand the significance of these pendants,” the Princess continued softly. Each symbolized a promise and authority. Even the Emperor, cautious and suspicious as he was, had gifted Chao Chao the jade pendant carrying the weight of his own presence.
[But jade pendants aren’t edible,] Chao Chao pouted, shaking her head in disdain.
The Princess couldn’t help but laugh. “If your father knew, he’d probably worship you.”
After the banquet, the palace prepared a fireworks display. Splendid bursts of light painted the night sky. Chao Chao tilted her head back to watch, leaning farther and farther until she toppled onto the ground.
She blinked in confusion, then, seeing everyone focused on the fireworks, began climbing the stairs unnoticed. At the highest point, she’d have the best view.
Eunuch Wang, stationed at the observation platform, gawked as she crawled toward the Emperor. Before he could react, Chao Chao tugged on the Emperor’s robes. Sitting on the ground, she raised her arms.
“Uncle… carry me!” Her soft, sugary voice paired with her innocent smile left the Emperor momentarily stunned.
From the platform, the view was unparalleled. The Emperor bent down and lifted her. Below, officials and nobles craned their necks to admire the fireworks, their gazes far from the platform. Through the haze of smoke and light, the figures on the platform were barely visible.
Chao Chao grabbed the Emperor’s hair, eliciting alarmed glances from Eunuch Wang.
“Higher, higher!” she giggled, planting a sloppy kiss on the Emperor’s cheek, leaving a trail of saliva behind.
“Higher!” she demanded, pointing to his shoulders.
Before the Emperor could fully process her intent, she clambered up, settling on his shoulders.
“Careful, careful! Don’t fall,” the Emperor cautioned, steadying her. Should she tumble, the ancestral tombs of the royal family might not contain their indignation.
Eunuch Wang, typically a figure of great influence, gaped in stunned silence. Even the Crown Prince had never been afforded such treatment!
Glancing at the Crown Prince, Eunuch Wang noted his blackened expression.
The Crown Prince seethed inwardly. [It’s all my fault! All my fault for being short! That’s why Chao Chao won’t climb on my shoulders!]
“Wow… amazing, amazing,” Chao Chao exclaimed in delight. “This is my first New Year and my first fireworks show!”
The Crown Prince grumbled sourly, but the Emperor, originally regretting his indulgence, suddenly felt pride. [Her first New Year and first ride on shoulders. I’m the first! It’s not shameful at all!]
Below, Lu Yuan Ze rubbed his eyes, stunned by the sight of a child seemingly perched atop the Emperor’s shoulders.
Was that… Lu Chao Chao?
He squinted, but the smoke obscured his vision.
Ridiculous, he thought. Lu Chao Chao riding on the Emperor? If that were true, he’d eat dung standing on his head!
Surely, he was imagining things.
Yes please, eat all the dirt, LYZ.