Chapter 66: Riding on the Neck at the Palace Banquet
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Within the opulent surroundings of the palace banquet, the atmosphere was alive with laughter and engaging conversations, all set to the continuous, harmonious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments. Amidst this festive scene, some of the attendees creatively integrated the “Drinking Song” with a sword dance, their movements beautifully synchronizing with the poem’s lines, captivating the audience with their elegance and skill.
An official, impressed by the performance, remarked, “That Jing Huai is truly extraordinary. At the mere age of seventeen, he has already created such heavenly works, establishing himself as a genuine prodigy.”
Lu Yuan Ze, prominently seated at the front of the hall, subtly lifted his head, taking notice of the accolades being showered upon Lu Jing Huai.
“Do you recall the last person who showed such remarkable potential? It was Lord Yuan Ze’s eldest son, correct? Recognized as a child prodigy at eight and also the top scholar,” a minister commented, catching Lu Yuan Ze’s expression of pride and injecting his observation with a hint of sarcasm.
“It’s truly unfortunate about Lord Yuan Ze’s eldest son. Now, despite his physical challenges, he remains the heir. It’s a great pity, indeed,” the conversation continued, causing Lu Yuan Ze to feel a constriction in his throat as his sense of pride was suddenly dashed.
“Rumor has it he’s so severely incapacitated, he needs help for even the simplest of personal tasks,” another lamented, causing Lu Yuan Ze’s frustration to become evident.
Taking a moment to gather himself, Lu Yuan Ze replied, “Yan Shu’s luck was not as good.” His countenance grew somber. Despite the grand estate awaiting the heir, Yan Shu, weakened and incapacitated, was unfit to manage the Marquis House.
“The crown prince, who is now seven, is in need of a tutor, and His Majesty has been actively searching. Should Lu Jing Huai achieve the top ranks in all three royal examinations, I fear…” several officials quietly speculated among themselves.
Lu Yuan Ze clenched his fists. Securing the first place in all three exams and becoming the tutor to the crown prince would not only elevate someone to the position of a future royal tutor but also bestow upon them considerable power and influence.
“However, given Lu Jing Huai’s humble origins, there might be obstacles,” another voice added to the discussion.
“It’s a pity that despite achieving the highest honors, Lu Jing Huai might face obstacles due to his birth to a concubine. His exclusion from the family records, despite his exceptional talent, is truly regrettable,” they reflected with a tone of melancholy.
“Oh, I recall something noteworthy. The Jiang family exhibited remarkable judgment. They annulled the engagement with the disabled young man from the Marquis family early on and chose Lu Jing Huai instead. This marriage alliance has proven to be exceedingly beneficial for Miss Jiang!”
These conversations, unknown to those involved, seemed to push Lu Yuan Ze towards a firm decision.
“Is that roasted chestnuts I see at today’s palace banquet?” Court officials, spotting a simple plate adorned with roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and peanuts, expressed their surprise.
Who would have imagined that such common snacks would be featured at a palace feast? Yet, they were unaware that it was the king himself who had added these treats to the menu, charmed by Lu Chao Chao’s request.
Lu Yuan Ze, a relatively modest fourth-rank official, found his place near the entrance of the hall. In contrast, Madam Xu, who had developed a close relationship with the grand princess, was seated at the designated table for the ladies.
The grand princess looked at Chao Chao with affection and warmth. “I must thank you for your assistance to the dowager,” she began, her hand supportively placed on her waist, subtly acknowledging the significance of her current condition. “The dowager remembers your kindness. She insisted that this specific item be presented to you.”
At that moment, Lu Chao Chao experienced an involuntary twitch in her eyelid. Could it be another jade pendant? As this thought crossed her mind, she saw the grand princess discreetly take out a green jade pendant.
[Ahhh, it can’t be, not another jade pendant!] Lu Chao Chao’s internal reaction was one of sheer surprise, akin to a startled groundhog.
The crown prince, picking up on the intensity of her reaction, reflexively touched his ears, pondering the royal family’s apparent fascination with gifting jade pendants.
[It appears the entire family has this habit,] Lu Chao Chao internally remarked, eyes wide as she looked at the pendant being offered to her.
The crown prince, surprised after hearing that, mirrored her sentiment, “The entire family?”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Lu Chao Chao’s mood became somewhat despondent as she reflected on the practicality of such gifts. Understanding the situation, the grand princess reassured her, “Since your parent’s circumstances haven’t changed, we must show our affection discreetly. For now, our Chao Chao must bear this inconvenience.” This subtly hinted at the political and familial dynamics at play, suggesting that any favor shown to Lu Chao Chao would draw her closer to Lu Yuan Ze.
Madam Xu, moved by the gesture, had never intended for her children to remain confined within the Lu family’s dynamics. “You don’t yet understand the value of a jade pendant,” she explained. “It symbolizes both commitments and influence.”
Even the king, known for his cautious nature, had given Chao Chao a jade pendant, signifying his high regard for her. This act was a significant indicator of his affection.
Lu Chao Chao, showing little interest in the pendant, thought, [Jade pendants can’t satisfy hunger].
The grand princess, amused by her unique perspective, chuckled quietly. “If only her father were aware of her indifference, he might consider her an exception for her distinctive outlook.”
Despite her small stature, Chao Chao’s disinterest in the conventional value of jade pendants was clear.
As the evening unfolded, the palace prepared for the highlight of the banquet with a grand display of fireworks.
Lu Chao Chao found herself completely engrossed, sitting on the ground, captivated by the fireworks. Seizing the moment when everyone’s attention was on display, she made her way to the best viewing spot.
The chief eunuch, observing her determined climb, was momentarily startled. He watched, unable to intervene, as she approached the king.
With a sweet request, “Uncle… hug,” accompanied by an innocent smile, she won over the king, who was then enjoying the fireworks from an excellent vantage point.
The king, moved by her request, picked her up, allowing her a better view. Below, the crowd was fully absorbed in the fireworks, their attention captivated by the spectacle.
The fireworks filled the night sky, the platform obscured by smoke, leaving the silhouettes of those above to the imagination.
In her excitement, Lu Chao Chao reached for the king’s hair, a move that took the chief eunuch by surprise. “More! More!” she exclaimed, desiring an even better view.
Caught in a moment of joy, she kissed the king’s cheek, leaving a noticeable mark. “Higher!” she urged, aiming for a better vantage point.
Before the king could fully comprehend her request, she had begun climbing towards his neck. “Be careful, be careful not to fall,” he warned, his voice filled with concern as he carefully steadied her.
The chief eunuch, typically a figure of respect and authority, stood amazed at the scene before him. Lu Chao Chao, now perched on the king’s neck, presented a remarkable sight.
Even the crown prince, who had never experienced such freedom, looked on with frustration, “It’s all my fault, all my fault!! Because I’m short, Chao Chao won’t ride on my neck!!”
Lu Chao Chao’s excitement was evident. “This is Chao Chao’s first New Year, her first experience with fireworks,” the crown prince noted, his voice filled with a hint of envy.
The king, initially embarrassed about allowing her on his neck, realized the significance of the moment. This was her first experience with fireworks, and he was the one to provide it.
Lu Yuan Ze, glancing back, thought he saw the silhouette of a child atop the king’s neck. Could it be Lu Chao Chao? However, the smoky conditions made it difficult to confirm. Dismissing it as unlikely, he cynically thought, “Chao Chao on the king’s neck? I might as well be upside down eating dirt!”
It seemed too improbable, likely just his imagination.