41 Chapter 41 Conviction (2/2)
Seeing the whispering couple in the front hall, the crowd began to believe that the empress has a significant place in the emperor's heart. Han Yimei wring her handkerchief fiercely almost tearing it apart under her sleeves. She can't believe that her big brother Yi didn't even spare her a glance. She made sure to sit on the very front relying on her identity as the Right Prime Minister's granddaughter. She woke up before sunrise to prepare for this event only to be neglected.
The fifth prince is no better. Even though the empress moved in an elegant and ladylike way, he is sure that she is the same valiant and confident woman she met in the restaurant. And seeing her so close and even whispering whatever stuff with his emperor brother, his hate and conviction to snatch the throne is fueled. He didn't care if she is already someone else's wife. As long as he has the power, he can get whatever he wants. Even the woman he loves. He also didn't care if she isn't pure anymore. As long as she couldn't bear the emperor's child it would be enough for him to buy time.
And from this day, Xulian could detect abortion medicine on some of her food and drink for the next five years. She didn't mind it though since she didn't do it with Feng Jun Yi at all. She just shrugs and thought it was a work of the concubines which she thought as a stupid move.
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The banquet started and the hall was filled with the sound of zither, qugin and flute while they enjoyed their food. After eating, the guests enjoyed their wine and tea while watching dance performances. Some officials voluntarily offered their daughters to give some performances to entertain the empress and emperor. Xulian just watched in amusement as the youthful and attractive young noble ladies performed one after another.
And as expected, Han Yimei didn't miss the chance to display herself in front of Feng Jun Yi. She played the zither, a talent she has the greatest pride of. While pulling the strings of the zither she would throw a flirtatious glance and bashful smiles at Feng Jun Yi from time to time. Seeing this, Xulian just smiled in amusement and would teasingly look at Feng Jun Yi's reaction. On the other hand, Feng Jun Yi's expression turned darker by the minute. He doesn't like women who blatantly flirt at him. And Xulian's teasing look doesn't help at all.
After her performance, she approached the couple bringing along her personal servant carrying a jar of wine. But instead of toasting to the emperor, she approached Lin Xulian first instead. She poured the wine in two cups and handed one to Lin Xulian.
”Congratulations your majesty, the empress, in your marriage. Please give Yimei the honor to have a toast to convey my well wishes.”
Xulian is curious about Han Yimei's trick this time so she chose to play along. Even though she is stupid, at least she is willing to give her some amusement. She received the cup and notice a powdery substance on the cup's inside surface. It looked so subtle but Xulian is adept with medicine and poison so she could notice this tiny detail. She raised her eyebrows and swirled the liquid making sure that the powder will mix thoroughly. ”Thank you Lady Han. In our family, whenever we had a gathering, we would clink our cups to express our bond as a family. Would Lady Han mind to clink our cups and treat each other as a family?”
Hearing this, Han Yimei's face turn bright. 'Is she saying she will accept me in as a concubine?' Han Yimei thought. ”Of course your majesty.”She said while giving Xulian a sweet smile.
When Xulian clinked their cups, she made sure to transfer some wine towards Han Yimei's cup and immediately downed the drink. Seeing Xulian drink the wine, Han Yimei also drank her wine while masking her cold smile with the cup. She didn't notice the even colder smile from Lin Xulian.