Chapter 12 (2/2)

Chu Ting'er's face turned red as she took a step forward, wanting to s.n.a.t.c.h the fragrance bag from Ling Tian. But she never expected Ling Tian to hold onto it so tightly that she wasn't able to s.n.a.t.c.h it over! Seeing how his wife and son was fighting over a fragrance bag, Ling Xiao could not help but laugh despite his anger, ”Forget it, if it wants it, then let him hold onto it.” As he said that, he took a deep breath, feeling extremely ashamed.

Although the ”one-year-old catch” ceremony was not enough to determine one's future, there were many people who believed in it. They all broke out into a hearty laughter with an extremely bright smile on their faces, particularly those officials who had been teased by Ling Zhan and his son.

Ling Zhan took a deep sigh of exasperation as he pointed at Ling Ran with his trembling hands. After he trembled for a moment, he did not say anything and walked out of the room. It seemed that this was no small blow to this old man and he would probably not attend the banquet being held later. Ling Xiao could not help but lament bitterly in his heart, If my father is not going to appear, then don't tell me I will have to bear all of these on my own? His face darkened at that thought.

The emperor, Long Xiang, coughed once he managed to reign in his laughter with much difficulty and asked seriously, ”It is getting late already and we are getting a little hungry.” As he said that, he was hinting that the banquet of the Ling family cannot be avoided. All of the officials then celebrated excitedly.

As Ling Ran saw the situation unfold, she knew that she had just gotten herself into a lot of trouble. Thinking about how black her father's face was when he left, her heart began to beat rapidly. Originally, she wanted to escape from her father and run back into the palace. However, Ling Tian clung onto her body like he was a koala bear and grabbed on tightly to her fragrance bag without letting go. Not able to make him let go of her anytime soon, she could only helplessly hug Ling Tian in her arms. With a bitter laughter, she complained in her heart: Little fellow, little fellow. You have gotten your aunt into deep trouble.

On the banquet, Ling Ran sat beside the emperor, Long Xiang. Although she had a high status at the head of the table, she could not sit down properly as though there were pins and needles beneath her. She hated the fact that she could not turn into a gust of wind and disappear from the banquet.

All of the officials present felt that they did not make a wasted trip at all! Not only were they able to witness the war of words between the two heads of the Ling and Yang family, but also watch the exciting act by the empress. Finally, they were finally able to see Ling Zhan suffer from his own medicine after laughing at all the children who grabbed the fragrance bags. In the end, his own grandson grabbed the fragrance bag; the one and only fragrance bag!

With an excited mood, the officials had faces full of smiles. Their conversations were full of joy as their appet.i.te and alcohol tolerance were particularly good. In the hall, all the officials exchanged toasts with each other as some of them began to drink heartily despite the fact that they were in the presence of the emperor and consort. As for Ling Tian who was the mastermind of all these, he was already caught back into the room to be taught a lesson by his mother, Chu Ting'er.

After a few gla.s.ses of wine, Ling Ran's mood gradually became composed and she managed to force herself to eat something. Seeing that the emperor, Long Xiang, was about to be done with his meal, she began to whine and pester him to return back to the palace. Long Xiang had always doted on this consort of his a lot and naturally knew what she was worried about. Thus, he agreed without delay.

Before announcing that he was leaving, there was a young servant maid who exited from the bedroom. She then knelt on the ground and said, ”Old madam said she has not seen consort for a long time already and misses her greatly. She hopes that the emperor will permit the consort to stay in the mansion for a few days.”

Ling Ran was startled as her face became dull, with tears almost streaming down. Long Xiang also laughed bitterly, looking at her helplessly, ”Since old madam has such a request, Xiao Ran, stay here for a few days then. We will send someone to fetch you back to the palace a few days later.” He then instructed Ling Xiao who was already red from the alcohol, ”Ling Xiao, I will allow the consort to stay in the mansion. We will be returning back to the palace first. Uncle Ling's mood isn't too good. Please help me to say goodbye to him.” Following which, he laughed and walked out.

Looking at the emperor leave, Ling Ran's mood was completely ruined. She had no choice but to follow the servant maid, walking in like a zombie.

Not too long later, a thunderous roar sounded. Everyone in the hall then looked at each other, bursting out into an amused laughter.

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